Carabelle 8/23

CoachDitka · Post by **CoachDitka** » August 24th, 2005, 9:12 am

Sounds like a good day, other than the rods biting the dust. I am curious how many people use graphite rods for bottom fishing? I was given 2 by my step-dad, and I also bought 2 Penn Senators (glass) to round out the set. My feeling has always been that I prefer graphite rods for spinning/inshore stuff, but they would be too potentially fragile for trying to muscle anything large. I have never broken one of my graphite rods, but my fishing "buddies" have broken 2, both at the Cut, overstressing them trying to free up a snag. The graphite rods I got from my step-dad are certainly much lighter than the Penns, and make it a bit easier fishing, but I have zero confidence in them if I was to hook something large and had to really muscle it at some point.

Post by **Old Dog** » August 27th, 2005, 12:33 pm

Good report, probably needed new rods anyway.
d

Big Bend Brian · Post by **Big Bend Brian** » August 28th, 2005, 6:32 am

Nice post Tinster. SUmmer time grouper fishing is TOUGH!
Briau

EddieJoe · Post by **EddieJoe** » August 28th, 2005, 6:58 am

CoachDitka wrote:Sounds like a good day, other than the rods biting the dust. I am curious how many people use graphite rods for bottom fishing? I was given 2 by my step-dad, and I also bought 2 Penn Senators (glass) to round out the set. My feeling has always been that I prefer graphite rods for spinning/inshore stuff, but they would be too potentially fragile for trying to muscle anything large. I have never broken one of my graphite rods, but my fishing "buddies" have broken 2, both at the Cut, overstressing them trying to free up a snag. The graphite rods I got from my step-dad are certainly much lighter than the Penns, and make it a bit easier fishing, but I have zero confidence in them if I was to hook something large and had to really muscle it at some point.

I use graphite composite rods offshore, and they work very well. Never broken one, yet. I also have all glass rods, and, while strong, they are much heavier and less sensitive. I like the graphite/glass composite rods.

EJ

Post by **tin can** » August 28th, 2005, 7:59 am

EddieJoe wrote: I use graphite composite rods offshore, and they work very well. Never broken one, yet. I also have all glass rods, and, while strong, they are much heavier and less sensitive. I like the graphite/glass composite rods.

EJ

EJ, I replaced the Redbone's with Shimano Saragosa's. They are Graphite composite. The sensativity is important to me, but, as I get older, the weight is more important.

I still think the Redbone is a fine rod, just not built to handle the pressure of a 7' nurse shark. They are excellant trolling rods. The problem is, you don't get to pick what bites your bait when it's on the bottom. Hopefully the Shimanos will hold up a little better.