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How to pick the right rod #13463623 03/07/20 04:44 PM
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Andrew Upshaw Offline OP
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Picking the right rod can be so hard and is easily the most asked question I get. I hope this helps break down my train of thought when it comes to picking the perfect rod.

https://youtu.be/dhosCUrFV5A

So, what’s your favorite rod and rod action? I don’t care if it’s not a Lew’s either. I’m just curious! Thanks TFF

Moritz Chevrolet - 9101 Camp Bowie W Blvd, Fort Worth, TX - Monte Coon (817) 696-2003
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13463691 03/07/20 06:59 PM
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Danceswitholdsmobile Offline
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I like whatever's on sale. I've been lucky the past couple trips to Academy, I've come across some rods on clearance. They started out as combos but now the reel is missing. Get like 80% off or something. I have 10. 8 MH/Fast Length 6'10-7'4, 1 Medium 7', One MH Moderate 7'. Medium 7' Spinner and a medium lite spinner. Lews, 13Fishing, Daiwa, Piscifun. I usually just adapt to the condition I'm fishing along with the lure. Too much thinkin when it comes to the perfect rod for the lure I'm\ using. I just adapt and fish. Just my opinion

Last edited by Danceswitholdsmobile; 03/07/20 07:08 PM.

Nothing earned is nothing gained
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13463761 03/07/20 10:11 PM
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SteezMacQueen Online Happy
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I gotta match. So, I just buy two of everything in a particular brand and line.

I wish.


Eat. Sleep. Fish.
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13463784 03/07/20 10:49 PM
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Thad Rains Offline
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That depends on what kind of rod you are looking for. A GERERAL ALL AROUN ROD FOR EVERYTHING, or technique specific? THAT is the first question I would ask myself. Next, would be price range, because that can limit what you are looking for. Some other things to consider rod length, action, handle, power ofr rod. This can be all techinuqe specific or general. ON a general rod, you are looking for a rod that can handle a LOT of different presentations Generally, for an all around rod, I start at a 7'0" inch rod and look for a medium or medium heavy rod. II CAN throw shaky heads on it, or even a ned rig (Texas sized). You can fish soft plastics, spinerbaits, traps, CBs, T/C rigs, drop shot, topwater, and several other presentations. A MEDIUM weight rod might not handle the T/C rig, jig style of fishing, but you CAN do it, just be lighter on drag, hook sets and casting. My all around rod is a 7'0, MH, fast tip rod. Goes from 3/16 to 1 oz. Found it over 20 years ago, so do not know if it is made anymore. Haven't looked for one recently. Before I bought ANY rod, I would do like you did and ask some questions of some fishing friends. Some people might not steer you in the right direction, but most will. HANDLE the rods if possible to make sure iit is the FEEL you are looking for. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Last edited by Thad Rains; 03/08/20 07:46 PM.

Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Danceswitholdsmobile] #13464258 03/08/20 04:49 PM
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Andrew Upshaw Offline OP
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Not a bad way to think about it!

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Thad Rains] #13464259 03/08/20 04:49 PM
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Andrew Upshaw Offline OP
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Thad, great points buddy!

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13464384 03/08/20 07:43 PM
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Thad Rains Offline
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THANKS, that is the way I have picked rods before and it has worked for me, HOpe it helps someone. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains


Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Thad Rains] #13464622 03/08/20 11:51 PM
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ezbassin Offline
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Originally Posted by Thad Rains
That depends on what kind of rod you are looking for. A GERERAL ALL AROUN ROD FOR EVERYTHING, or technique specific? THAT is the first question I would ask myself. Next, would be price range, because that can limit what you are looking for. Some other things to consider rod length, action, handle, power ofr rod. This can be all techinuqe specific or general. ON a general rod, you are looking for a rod that can handle a LOT of different presentations Generally, for an all around rod, I start at a 7'0" inch rod and look for a medium or medium heavy rod. II CAN throw shaky heads on it, or even a ned rig (Texas sized). You can fish soft plastics, spinerbaits, traps, CBs, T/C rigs, drop shot, topwater, and several other presentations. A MEDIUM weight rod might not handle the T/C rig, jig style of fishing, but you CAN do it, just be lighter on drag, hook sets and casting. My all around rod is a 7'0, MH, fast tip rod. Goes from 3/16 to 1 oz. Found it over 20 years ago, so do not know if it is made anymore. Haven't looked for one recently. Before I bought ANY rod, I would do like you did and ask some questions of some fishing friends. Some people might not steer you in the right direction, but most will. HANDLE the rods if possible to make sure iit is the FEEL you are looking for. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains



Good advice Thad.

When fishing soft plastics either weightless and weighted 3/8 to 1/2 ounce I would choose a rod that is 6ft 8inch to 7ft in length in M/H with one rod ending with a 3/4 oz lure weight rating and the other slightly stiffer M/H rod ending in a 1 oz lure weight rating. For heavier baits like a 3/4 oz jig I choose a 7ft 6inch rod with a lure rating ending in 1.5 oz. Cranking rods length and lure rating depends on the crank bait you choose to throw. I use a 7ft medium to 8ft heavier action depending on the crank bait I am going to throw. A 7ft to 7ft 6in is a good starting point for small cranks and up to bigger baits like the Strike King 6XD. For the 8 and 10 XD size I go up to the 8 ft rod that is designed to handle larger baits.
For a drop shot rod I like using a bait caster better than a spinning rod so I chose one designed specifically for drop shotting.

Some rods have a power rating. A 3 power rating is a lighter M/H rod similar to one that has a lure rating up to 3/4 oz and a 4 power rating is like a rod that is rated up to a 1 oz bait.

Last edited by ezbassin; 03/10/20 01:09 AM.
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13472763 03/15/20 07:18 PM
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RZ520 Offline
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Pick a brand and stick with it. Most quality rods list a power factor and/or specific technique.

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13472780 03/15/20 07:36 PM
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Lee Finlay Offline
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The problem for newbies is no two rods are made the same, and we can't tell how it's going to feel until after we buy it and put some time on it.

I have Shimano Curado, 13 Fate Chrome, Dobyns Fury, and a Shimano Convergence.... All MH Fast.
Not a single one feels the same.

The Curados are stiff as heck, with no tip flex. I think it's more like an extra extra fast.
The Fate Chrome is more like a moderate.
The Fury is more like a medium than a medium heavy.
The Convergence, even being the cheapest, feels just about right.

I'd love to hear how y'all choose a rod based on feel, not just the specs printed on the rod.

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Andrew Upshaw] #13480482 03/20/20 08:15 PM
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Thad Rains Offline
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Lee,

I try to handle all rods before I purchase them, if at ALL possible. THAT WAY, you have at least an idea of what it feels like. If I cannot do that, I try to read as much as I can to get an idea of what the rod is SUPPOSED to do. But, as mentioned, they are all different and many people do like you did, rate them on their own scale. Not as easy, until you have done it awhile, but you get better ideas of what each rod company is doing with their brand of rod. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains


Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains
Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: RZ520] #13480617 03/20/20 09:49 PM
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Captain Chunk Offline
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Originally Posted by RZ520
Pick a brand and stick with it. Most quality rods list a power factor and/or specific technique.


Agree with this. I made the switch to Power Tackle several years back. While I can use the 104 for most applications, there are some other rods I used for specifics.

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Lee Finlay] #13481014 03/21/20 02:20 AM
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Greg W Offline
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Originally Posted by Lee Finlay
The problem for newbies is no two rods are made the same, and we can't tell how it's going to feel until after we buy it and put some time on it.

I have Shimano Curado, 13 Fate Chrome, Dobyns Fury, and a Shimano Convergence.... All MH Fast.
Not a single one feels the same.

The Curados are stiff as heck, with no tip flex. I think it's more like an extra extra fast.
The Fate Chrome is more like a moderate.
The Fury is more like a medium than a medium heavy.
The Convergence, even being the cheapest, feels just about right.

I'd love to hear how y'all choose a rod based on feel, not just the specs printed on the rod.


Yea, the Fury M/H feels much more like a medium. Good rod for drop shot or lighter cranks. Curado M/H feels like a H. I like the Curado for throwing swim baits. I have a Champ Extreme M/H that is right in the middle of the 2. Can throw almost anything on it.

Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: RZ520] #13481102 03/21/20 03:22 AM
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Originally Posted by RZ520
Pick a brand and stick with it. Most quality rods list a power factor and/or specific technique.

True. I like Falcon because they have McClelland go over certain rods, and discuss how certain rods can be utilized. Think they call it "Falcon Rod Fridays" if I remember right.


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Re: How to pick the right rod [Re: Thad Rains] #13481243 03/21/20 10:39 AM
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Lee Finlay Offline
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Originally Posted by Thad Rains
Lee,

I try to handle all rods before I purchase them, if at ALL possible. THAT WAY, you have at least an idea of what it feels like. If I cannot do that, I try to read as much as I can to get an idea of what the rod is SUPPOSED to do. But, as mentioned, they are all different and many people do like you did, rate them on their own scale. Not as easy, until you have done it awhile, but you get better ideas of what each rod company is doing with their brand of rod. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains


Thad (and anyone else),

What do you look for when handling the rod in the store? How do you determine the power, action, and sensitivity?

Thanks

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