10-08-2002, 11:40 AM
Without knowing where you fish, for what species and with what kind of bait or lures it is tough to make specific recommendations. It's like trying to answer the question "How high is up?"
I'm probably the wrong guy to respond, anyway. I have built all my own rods for longer than you have had your old favorite. I probably have over fifty rods...and like most fishermen, I still don't have enough.
I fish from a kick boat most of the time. I have a rod rack that holds four rods, plus a tube for the rod I'm actively using. That's five rods I take out on every trip. Sometimes it's overkill, but I often use them all. Not bragging here. Just making the point that rods are like a golfer's clubs or a carpenters tools. There are different ones for different jobs.
That being said, I can make a few recommendations. If you want maximum feel and enjoyment, get a light to medium-light stick. Get a fast action for throwing light lures and baits on four to six pound line...on a light reel. You can fish all day with a rig like this, with good feel and without wearing yourself out. Small fish are fun and big fish are a blast.
For using line heavier than six or eight pound test, you should look at a medium action rod, with a softer tip and a beefier butt section. You need to let fish take the lure...especially crankbaits...before setting the hook, but you need enough starch to sink the hooks in hard mouths of bigger fish. Medium actions are good for bass, walleye and casting for wipers.
For trolling big lures, for big fish...or for casting big cranks or jerkbaits...or for fishing heavy jigs...get a medium heavy to heavy action. Spool with ten to fifteen pound line...or one of the new small diameter super braids.
What brand? The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to find a serviceable rod. You can get a decent graphite composition rod for under fifty dollars. You can also spend a couple hundred on a top of the line rod that will last the rest of your fishing career. If you fish a lot, and want the best feel and performance, get the best you can afford.
Rod length is another issue. It's a matter of personal preference. Shorter rods make more accurate casts. Longer rods allow you to keep your line up off the water better and give you a longer stroke on the hookset. They also act as a better cushion when playing a strong active fish, to relieve some of the strain on the line...or offset a sticky drag. I'm a big guy and I fish low in the water in a kick boat. I use mostly seven foot spinning sticks, but I do have a few six or six and a halfs...for heavier stuff.
Like yourself, I have acquired a couple of Ugly Sticks. I like them for trolling or bank fishing, but find them heavy and cumbersome compared to my lighter 100% graphites for casting lighter lures and maintaining maximum "touch" in finesse presentations. Some people love them and swear by them. It is a personal thing.
Oh yeah, if you already have a reel or two that you will be fishing on your new stick, take it with you and attach it to any rod you are considering. It should balance right and feel good. If you can't make it fit the type of rod you want, then beg the spouse for a small dispensation, and make the extra investment in the right reel to go with it. Reels are a whole nother question.
That's my download. I'm outta here.
[signature]
I'm probably the wrong guy to respond, anyway. I have built all my own rods for longer than you have had your old favorite. I probably have over fifty rods...and like most fishermen, I still don't have enough.
I fish from a kick boat most of the time. I have a rod rack that holds four rods, plus a tube for the rod I'm actively using. That's five rods I take out on every trip. Sometimes it's overkill, but I often use them all. Not bragging here. Just making the point that rods are like a golfer's clubs or a carpenters tools. There are different ones for different jobs.
That being said, I can make a few recommendations. If you want maximum feel and enjoyment, get a light to medium-light stick. Get a fast action for throwing light lures and baits on four to six pound line...on a light reel. You can fish all day with a rig like this, with good feel and without wearing yourself out. Small fish are fun and big fish are a blast.
For using line heavier than six or eight pound test, you should look at a medium action rod, with a softer tip and a beefier butt section. You need to let fish take the lure...especially crankbaits...before setting the hook, but you need enough starch to sink the hooks in hard mouths of bigger fish. Medium actions are good for bass, walleye and casting for wipers.
For trolling big lures, for big fish...or for casting big cranks or jerkbaits...or for fishing heavy jigs...get a medium heavy to heavy action. Spool with ten to fifteen pound line...or one of the new small diameter super braids.
What brand? The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to find a serviceable rod. You can get a decent graphite composition rod for under fifty dollars. You can also spend a couple hundred on a top of the line rod that will last the rest of your fishing career. If you fish a lot, and want the best feel and performance, get the best you can afford.
Rod length is another issue. It's a matter of personal preference. Shorter rods make more accurate casts. Longer rods allow you to keep your line up off the water better and give you a longer stroke on the hookset. They also act as a better cushion when playing a strong active fish, to relieve some of the strain on the line...or offset a sticky drag. I'm a big guy and I fish low in the water in a kick boat. I use mostly seven foot spinning sticks, but I do have a few six or six and a halfs...for heavier stuff.
Like yourself, I have acquired a couple of Ugly Sticks. I like them for trolling or bank fishing, but find them heavy and cumbersome compared to my lighter 100% graphites for casting lighter lures and maintaining maximum "touch" in finesse presentations. Some people love them and swear by them. It is a personal thing.
Oh yeah, if you already have a reel or two that you will be fishing on your new stick, take it with you and attach it to any rod you are considering. It should balance right and feel good. If you can't make it fit the type of rod you want, then beg the spouse for a small dispensation, and make the extra investment in the right reel to go with it. Reels are a whole nother question.
That's my download. I'm outta here.
[signature]