Need new rod(s)

[Ken K]

I got a slightly used baitcasting reel off ebay this weekend to match one I already had. I'm not real happy with the rod that is on the old one so I think I'm going to get a pair of new rods.

I've read all the internet debates about brands and whose is best. My problem is I have a hard time judging the action of a rod in the store. I've had just about as much luck buying them sight unseen from BPS.

What I would like to know is this, what specific make and model rod do you use with a baitcasting reel spooled with 10-12 pound line and what baits does it work well and which ones not so well.

Ideally I want a rod sensitive enough to feel a subtle bite on a jig or plastic worm, that will also work a top water bait. Too much to ask for?

I know you guys can help me out, I've seen a picture your collection, Tin Can, you must have at least one of every rod ever made.

[tin can]

Ken, do you want these rods for salt or fresh water?

For saltwater, I would reccommend the Shakespear axium. It's a light action inshore rod. I prefer the 71/2 foot rod, but they're hard to find. Wal- Mart has the axium for less than $30. But most of what they have are the 7 foot model.

If you're looking for fresh water rods, I would recomend 2 different rods, one for worms, and one for topwater.

[Ken K]

Thanks, Tin Can, coincidentally I looked at some All Star rods this weekend, I'm kicking myself now for not grabbing them up.

[tin can]

They're good rods, Ken. You'll enjoy them.

[Cranfield]

Ken, have you thought of having a rod made for you ?

It gives you the chance to discuss the specification with the rod builder, take their advice and own something unique.

I have had most of my freshwater, sea and trout rods tailor made.
The cost won,t beat a $30 rod from WalMart, but the quality, feel and longevity will.
I have rods, that my great,great granchildren won,t be able to wear out.

Go on, treat yourself.

[Ken K]

I have thought about it Cranfield, it seems that a lot of the draw to custom rods is the fancy wraps and what not. That stuff does nothing for me. I tend to like plain things the best.

Maybe Billy will weigh in with his thoughts.

[Cranfield]

I don,t go for fancy wraps etc.

But, I do get the best blank and fittings available for the money.
I also get a rod that will do exactly what I want it to.
It will feel well balanced when in use and just adds an extra buzz, to the fishing experience.

I,ve used all sorts of equipment to catch fish , but I know what I prefer.

[Ken K]

Post up some pics Cranfield, I never saw an English fishing rod before, are the guides on the wrong side?

[Cranfield]

All of my (32) rods (apart from one split cane trout rod), are made from carbon fibre.
On the next fine day, I will get some out on the lawn and take a few photographs.
I have my name on some of them, but thats as "flashy" as I get.

You must remember that my freshwater rods are all 12ft - 13ft long, apart from the spinning and fly rods.
The sea rods are much the same as your offshore rods, but mine aren,t glass.
Do you "rate" your sea rods by line strength ?

[Ken K]

Are those what you call "mooching rods"
Carbon Fiber = Graphite???

Most all rods in the US have a line rating and lure weight rating, printed in tiny print right on the rod. Usually it is a range, 8-17 pound line, 1/8-1/2 oz lure for example.

My wife got me a fishing book for Christmas one year. You would think a librarian would have noticed it was published in England....it talked about all kinds of widgets and doohickeys I had never heard of.

[Cranfield]

I don,t think carbon fibre and graphite are exactly the same.
Something for me to check in the morning (its 11.45pm here)

Because we fish "bait" a lot, some of our end tackle and accessories, are nothing like you would use there.

My freshwater rods have a line rating 4-8lb ,for example.

Fly rods by line weight.

Spinning rods by lure weight range.

My sea rods are 10lb, 15 lb, 20lb, 30lb and 50lb.

My Beach rods are by casting weight 6 - 8oz.

Next we must talk "reels".

[Ken K]

You make a distinction between "freshwater" rods and "spinning" rods. Do the long freshwater rods have conventional reels? Are the spinning rods shorter?

Do you wear a suit for all fishing or just Salmon fishing?

I'm going to have to get over there one of these days. Didn't you say summer was July 16&17?

[Blue Dolphin]

cranfield.......how long does it take to pick out the rod you want having all them rods does it ever get confusing.......

[Cranfield]

I never wear a suit fishing (apart from a thermal waterproof one) .
The summer here has been classified as "an illusion". Officially, its when it doesn,t rain for three consecutive days and the temperature gets above 70 degrees F.

My freshwater rods consist of;

Float rods....fishing bait under a float, typical line bs 1lb to 4lb, using a closed face, spinning or centre pin reel.Length 12 and 13ft.

Ledgering rods....fishing bait on the bottom direct (no float) with either an audible bite alarm, a quiver tip, or bobbin system.
These rods vary from light=1lb to 4lb bs line, up to rods capable of casting 6oz dead baits, for pike. Length 11-13ft.
Use various size spinning reels, up to Shimano Baitrunner 5010.

Spinning Rods... various casting weights, up to 9ft and use spinning, closed face or multiplier reels.

Jere, I have rods for each type of fishing I do, it makes the "job" easier and more sporting.
Also, being truthful, we fishermen are great collectors of "stuff".
I have enough "stuff", to open a few supermarkets.

[dstockwell]

Dang CF, why them rods got to be so long...