I have had this question for quite a while. Looking through a BPS catalog, I see rods that are labelled for different specialties, like Jerkbait, live bait, spinner bait, etc. but other than that, their specs are the same (i.e. same line rating). What is the difference between a rod built for the different kind of fishing types? I mean is there really a difference between a rod that is meant to be used for spinner bait fishing vs. one built for crankbait fishing vs. one meant for live bait fishing, assuming all things being equal? Is the difference typically in the blank or where else would the difference be (the guide placement, reel seat, what?).

Paul

Paul,
A blank is a blank. You can find examples of blanks all over the species/technique spectrum that will fit the criteria for just about anything. It's just a sales ploy and it does help the weekend fisherman in many ways as the good old neighborhood tackle store with knowledgable personnel is a thing of the past. The only problem I see is that now someone is telling your what works for you.
What if you fish from a jonboat instead of say a decked bassboat, will the rod now be to long now that your closer to the water? What if you fish from a multispecies hull like I do and can now use a little longer rod as your rod tip is now further from the water? What if your 5 ft tall and the guy who decided this was the rod of choice is 6 ft 4 in?
That's why we're here. That's why we build custom rods.

The difference can be in the action and power of the blank.The line ratings can all be the same but the action will make the lure perform differently and cast differently.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

I think that the manufacturers are usually trying to match action to technique, and some times action & length combinations. For example, most blanks tagged for finesse baits (worms, jig & pigs) will be fast to x-fast and reaction blanks (cranks, spinners) will be mod to slow action. Or, live bait blanks will have a soft tip and blanks for throwing plastics fast action. While this is a marketing strategy, I think is typically a good one and helpful for an angler/builder new to the technique. The suggestions are usually from the pro or field tester staff and based on experience on the water. I think it is also true that you will see some blanks in multiple categories, because there is obvious cross over where an action can be appropriate for more than one technique. As far as setting it up as either casting or spinning or even sometimes fly, the blank doesn't know where the reel is sitting.

TAPER=ACTION, IMO, is Numero Uno,
maybe then MODULUS, POWER & LENGTH.
Since line & lure ratings are about the only way to gauge power from a catalog, what else do we have to go by until you make the $50++ experiment. ...
Word of mouth, and an educated analyzer (your brain and your hand, calibrated at a retail rod rack near you), until you have a wide enough inventory of rod-building experience and / or rods on hand to reduce the guesswork in selecting the right rod for the next job. ... -Cliff Hall+++

Once a blank is designed, the people who handle sales and marketing will have some idea of the uses they'll suggest for it. They may decide to include it as a spinning and casting model,or as a "walleye" model or a "spin bass" model. But the blank is just a blank and has no idea what it's going to be listed as. It's just a tubular shaft.

Pay closer attention to the action, power and casting lure weight range and make your selection based on those rather than on the heading at the top of the catalog page.

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