Bassin' USA - Bass Fishing Forum Archives

Hi, I shop around for rods that I like, and they are not what you would say top-o-the- line, except maybe one. I use Quantum reels, I have about 4 or 5 different models, again not the most expensive ones. I am not complaining, I like my equipment, but it's been difficult with trial and error, while trying to catch fish, to know what rod to use for different size/weight lures. Without having model numbers to go by, can you give a kinda guideline for length,stiffness,line lb. test for different weight lures. The most difficult to cast any distance of course is the light top waters.

i'm not on the pro-staff, but i hope this will help cause i was you about a 1 1/2yrs ago.
i don't know if you are talking about spinning or baitcasting rods. i use both and they are 6'6 med/hvy action with a fast or med/fast tip. i use them for everything from 1/16th to 1oz wieght size. for the liter wieghts i go with the spinning rods and lines 8-10lbs text. the action of the rods are fine with me so i like that and the rods are BPS(bass pro shops)extreme rods. they go for $99 and right now you can buy 2 and get the 3rd one free. not bad 3 rods great rods for under $200. i hope i helped a little.

sorry, I am talking about baitcasters.

I'll back Ray up on the BPS rods. I only throw Extremes and Bionic Blades. No problems! I have been using BPS rods for about 15yrs. I'm going to the Missouri catalog showroom this year.

Interesting that you are talking about BPS Bionic Blades. I just came from the BPS Website and Bionic Blades are now selling for
$49.99 instead of the normal $79.99.

For those who would jump on this offer, go gettum! JoeMo

Boats,Through several different pro staffs in my career I've worked with a lot of different rods.
There have been Berkley, Skyline, Ryobi, Shimano and South Bend. All of these
companies have had some great products. The later, South Bend, has not been thought of
as a top quality manufacturer, but they have some very nice products. The pro staff was
eliminated a couple of years ago, but I'm still using their rods.
Perhaps you can use what I'm using in casting rods as somewhat of a guideline from
which to build. My list is as follows:
3 - 6' South Bend Intrigue, Medium/Heavy for casting and pitching jig, tube and plastic worms.
1 - 6'6” South Bend Intrigue, Medium for crankbait
1 - 7'6” Berkley Lightning Rod , Flippin' (my old one from the 1980's) for jig, tube, and plastic worms - anything that I flip.
2 - 5'6” Berkley Classic Lightning Rod, Medium (Virgil Ward's favorite) for spinnerbaits
1 - 5'6” Berkley Safari, Medium (no longer manufactured) for small crankbaits and finesse worms.

The Intrigue series of rods are telescopic, and very storage friendly. My 6' rods collapse to 5', which is great for quickly getting in and out of a rod locker - not to mention placing in the back of a vehicle.

A couple of other South Bend series, which are well worth a look are the Intruder and
Spence Petros. The Intruder has a 6' trigger stick model (IR35), which is a great all around rod. For awhile I used 5 of these, but once the IM7 Intrigue series came along they sort of took over my use. That isn't saying I would get them back out to use, and I do carry them for spares when on a trip in case of damage to one of the others.

I've seen some very good deals on all of the rods I've mentioned, many of which have
been under $50, and some under $40. Normally the Intrigue sells for around $80, but there was a super sale price advertised in the Midwest Outdoors magazine by some tackle store for $40. In many places I've seen the Intruder selling for about $35 to $45.

Hope this answers your question, or at least points you in the right direction.
Dan

this is a really tough question, what feels good and works well for one angler will not work for another angler, i hate to say this but you have to go through the trial and error process, i think all anglers go through this. As for the light topwaters use a medium action spinning rod 6'6'' with 8 pound test line.

Dan- Great post. Mentioning the Intruder rods for the purpose you mentioned is good advice. My son gave me one of the spinning rods and I've never had it disappoint me. I had a tip knocked off a Browning rod and the Intruder kept me fishing. My Browning may not return to the first team.

Jeff- Good to see you posting a lot. That is great! And you are right about the individual selecting a rod using his own criteria. Of course, that could get him into trouble if he selects the wrong action, etc.

Thanks to both of you. Much obliged. JoeMo

Well Boats, as Jeff mentioned, we all have went through the trail & error dilemma, but sometimes it can get a little expensive. Just to buy a rod to see if it will work for you.
Personally I like to stick with one brand of rod and especially the same reels.
That way when you grab for a different rod it still feels and cast the same. The least amount of adjustment you have to do on your part will make for a better day on the water.

As for a guide I'll lay it out like this.
6'6" Heavy or Med-Heavy for jig and worm fishing
6'6" Medium for spinnerbaits and shallow crankbaits.
And I like a 6' Medium for jerkbaits and some topwater plugs.
The 7' Medium when using deeper crankbaits.

There are several different style and actions of rods, but I personally stick with the basics and what I am comfortable with.
You should do the same.

The Bass Pro rods are excellent choices and I promise will stand up to the test.
I have used them for some time with no remorse.
Since obtaining sponsorship from All Pro Rods I have used their rods exclusively and I'll put them up against any out there.

By the way I've got some Bionic Blades for sale, a few are used and 1 was won in a tournament. Just e-mail me if you are interested.
River Rat

Brian- Well put. Your answers are right on.
It does get expensive if you try to go it alone selecting things like rods & reels. That is why these Boards are so valuable. Especially when the advice comes from Pro Staff Team Members with many years of experience.

I'd like to thank the Pro Staff for all their excellent tips; week in and week out. Your
candid suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Much obliged. JoeMo