Rods: How Strong is Strong?

Don

Don

Well-known member
Since joining this group I’ve done nothing but improve my fishing game. Thank you all for patiently trying to answer my questions no matter how many times I ask the same thing a different way.
My next big thing to do is update many of my rods. I’m glad I held off this year as I’ve now had the time to figure out what I’m really after. I’ll work on it one step at a time, ie top water rod, crank bait rod, panfish rod and lastly a punching rod.
I did buy a couple rods and it is amazing how different they can be. I purchased a Picifun Serpent and broke the tip off 3” on the first outing. On the next outing I broke another 2-3” off. Then while transporting it the upper piece broke in half. I didn’t want a replacement….sent the whole thing back and they refunded my card no questions asked. I also bought a Shimano medium/fast 6’6” and am thrilled. It’s my primary and favorite.
So how do you know wether a rod will be junk and brittle or resilient and reliable. Many of my rods are 30-40 yrs old and are solid performers ( dated looking but reliable).
I feel inclined to build my own. I enjoy it and feel I can better get what I’m after.
How do you approach the choices in new or kit rods?
 
MB3

MB3

Well-known member
Trout and panfish, I use ultra lights. Currently a 7ft Fenwick and Lew's Custom Speed Spin. I shortened the butt, by far my favorite set up of them all.

I use a M action 6ft Falcon rod, 6lb test, and a Quantum Smoke S3 for Smallies.

I use mostly 7ft ML/M action rods, Favorite rods are a favorite. I use Lews Speed Spins or Quantum Accurist/Smoke for basically everything we fish for.

I have a heavy Favorite Defender set up for the few times we target Musky or catfish. I'm looking to upgrade the reel for this at some point given enough OT.

I try to keep everything stupid simple. I'll never have a plastic, crank, finesse and so on set up for each. All spinning gear, no bait casters and a handful of fly set ups.
 
Don

Don

Well-known member
I see three styles needed for me :

1)I doubt that I’ll continue to persue punching. I didn’t care for it. That being said I will continue to fish in weeds.

I think I'll continue to maintain a stiff medium power 7’ pitching sized rod, a position currently served with two Ugly Sticks that are a bit too heavy. 😫

2) my primary rods will be scaled to long-handle, Baitcasting rods, light or medium light soft tip

3) panfish will be pistol grip 5.5’ and or long-handle baitcaster style 6.5’.

Summary:
three types.
One or two of each.
Two piece handles fore and aft.
No punching rods.
 
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MB3

MB3

Well-known member
Come Spring time we will have to show you how simple we fish in person.
 
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Solitario Lupo

Solitario Lupo

Moderator
First off if you want a good rod don’t buy a cheap brand name like piscifun.
If your punching bass then a heavy rod is needed.
Now talking about rods. Your action is one thing but power is another thing for what your going to be throwing. Also how long is it.
As for what your catching you don’t need nothing special maybe for bigger stripers.
 
A-5

A-5

Moderator
Well my six gill broke after 14 months. $140 so it is what it is. Some of the cheapest rods are the toughest. It’s all in name.
 
Don

Don

Well-known member
With the above three comments I believe MB3 and Sheila have all new gear for each outing. Solitario Carries a Flag Pole. A-5 is humble with the Snoopy rod he uses.
I've built two rods from scratch and have re-wrapped two completely. We'll see what winter brings.
 
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MB3

MB3

Well-known member
I wish! lol I score deals on everything. I never pay full price, I hate it fact. Upgrade when I can, where I can, sell what I don't need to recoup. That Lews reel is $110 ish new. Got it shipped for $57 and you get a hoody from Lews. I will never pass that up.

I don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs (although the Giants make me want to). Fishing is my addiction, which is why I'll be doing 12.5 to 14 hour shifts all week to pay for it, fight off Inflation and get ready for Xmas.

I'll be combing through excess gear shortly. I'll post stuff up before it hits market place.
 
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Solitario Lupo

Solitario Lupo

Moderator
Don said:
With the above three comments I believe MB3 and Sheila have all new gear for each outing. Solitario Carries a Flag Pole. A-5 is humble with the Snoopy rod he uses.
I've built two rods from scratch and have re-wrapped two completely. We'll see what winter brings.
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Haha yes to the flag pole but I also carry around a 9ft light action and a medium 7ft for carp and most catfish. Also light is for casting some plastics when I get board of sitting and want to move around.
 
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Don

Don

Well-known member
What initially got me back into fishing was the collecting of Pflueger Medalist fly reels. Then Mitchels and Johnsons and now Daiwa, Abu and Zebcos. While I love to fish them all most of the rods from that ere were heavy, poorly rated and had bad hardware on them. I’ll have enough to keep me going for a while and am replacing them one at a time with modern components or models. image.jpg
 
Don

Don

Well-known member
$39 shimano sojourn. Been a good rod for chucking heavier baits.
image.jpg
 
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Melvinp

Melvinp

Well-known member
I was going to make a big point on how different materials make different rods but just go im7
 
Melvinp

Melvinp

Well-known member
Don said:
E-Glass would suit me better I think.

Yes it is a collection of oldies but I enjoy them.
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Really goes off what you like I’ll like faster action rod for most lure’s and jigs now the flyrod I like the faster action rods when swinging streamer but a slower action for dead drifting and bottom bouncing
 
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Don

Don

Well-known member
I've not liked the faster action fly rod I had. it was a 8' Daiwa. It was pretty, brand new, and broken by a fellow fisherman. Then I bought an old Wright McGill which was a light action and light power and it was awesome for light flies but does not have it for big bass flies. Except for Topwater and also spoons I like them faster but still medium power.
 
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