Technique Specific Bass Rods

The “Key” to choosing the most suitable actions in Technique Specific Rods is based solely on each specific method of presentation and the required power level necessary for the hook-set as well as the delivery of consistent pressure and optimum control during the angling efforts.

During a recent rod presentation at a Bass Club in the Toronto area I discovered that many of the questions directed to active Professional Bass Anglers were unanswered! Primarily because generally, most anglers choose their rods by the feel and the price!
Much to their disappointment, they will find out only after they purchased it and they can’t return it! Even though it was priced right, it did not even come close to their personal expectations!

I’d like to offer some general guidelines to follow during your next buying spree for both Casting and Spinning Bass Rods.
Some familiar Tournament Casting methods are:
Flippin & Pitchin, Rat N’ Froggin, Crankin, Twitchin, Jerkin Finesse/Wormin.

Flippin’ & Pitchin’:

When using this method of presentation, anglers insist on a longer (7’2”-7’6”) heavier rated rod with ample backbone and a fast tip action to ensure consistent accuracy in every cast. Super Lines are the choice of a higher percentage of Tournament Anglers. Therefore, the line rating should range from 15-30 # test. The lure weight should be ¼ -1½ oz.

Rat N’ Frog:

Although some popular rod lengths are 7’-7’6” my preferred length is 7’10” in a one piece. This is still a Tournament legal length. Again the line weight should exceed 20 # test and a lure weight should be in the range of 3/8 -2 oz. to provide adequate strengths as this rod will suffer consistent abuse. Once again a fast tip will assist you in launching your baits further. The backbone is crucial in lifting hogs up and out of the matte and weed covered areas.

Crankin:

A Crankin rod is a little more popular because is versatile enough to be used for Crankbait, Spinnerbaits and various Top-water presentations. Look for a 7’ rod with a faster tip action and a powerful mid section. This will prove to be a High Performance Rod when setting the hook and angling with dominating control during every fight. The faster tip adds to the realism of your bait presentations as well the impact of the hook set.

Finesse/Wormin:

The tip action on this specific presentation rod should be moderately fast to produce a more subtle action during the presentations. The preferred rod length is 7’ and the line rate should be over 20 #. You will be using bullet slip weight or twist top fixed weights, football and jig heads in various weights and colors. As you are aware, bait choices are endless. If you also prefer to pitch occasionally, this style of a rod will exceed your expectations.

Twitchin:

This method of presentation is consistently one that is commonly referred to as a, go-to-confidence bait presentation by Tournament Anglers. This rod must have specialized features to perform as required. Look for a Magnum Heavy action which means it will be fairly stiff through the midsection as well as added tip strength will be desired when hoisting the big hawgs.
Again, choose a 7’ rod with a line weight no less than 20 # and the higher lure weight, in the 3/8-2 oz. range.

If you’re including a selection of spinning rods in tournament endeavors, we can prescribe several specific presentation rods to consider when Skipping or casting Tube/Senko, Drop Shottin’, or Dead Sticking heavy jigs!

Wishing we were Fishing!

Daniel Sturges

If a friend were to ask you several

questions about a fishing rod you

had bought recently, would you feel

confident in your reply without

having to go and look at it to be sure

of your answer?

Then you have just proved that buying a fishing rod is not as easy as some of us may think. Here are some interesting points to look for in a rod that will assist you during your next shopping spree.

In today’s faster market, many anglers realize the value of quality leisure time. With this as a consideration, there aren’t too many anglers who fish with less than two rods in their boat. This allows an angler to enjoy more time fishing and less time changing baits.

When venturing out to purchase a rod, the key word is “versatility”!

If your preference is spinning, my first choice would be a six foot six inch, high modulus graphite one-piece rod in a medium action, fast tip with high frame, Hialoy guides and a hooded graphite reel seat.

What does all this mean?  Why should we be concerned about the length, action, guides or the reel seat?

The tip action of your rod influences your ability to cast accurately, farther as well as being the primary strike indicator.

The length of the rod determines the level of control as well as the
shock absorption capabilities. A longer rod will have a greater shock
tolerance and will allow the use of lighter line tests. If you should consider using Micro braided lines, be sure to  use caution as many
of them have close to zero stretch. You are strongly advised to reduce
your reel drag setting.

Wishin we were Fishin!