I have always been interested in the relationship between action and the ability of a rod to get a decent distance with a certain lure. Right now, I fish with some rapala j-9s and j-11s, and am wondering what is a good rod for casting them? I generally like longer rods 7'6" and up. What about actions? Is fast or slow best for such light, low density lures?

Tim

I'd think matching the power of the rod to the lure weight is the most important thing. Action would be secondary and probably lies in what you prefer. Fast action rods generally are able to cast a bit wider range of lure weights than medium action rods. Personally, I'd go with a very fast action light tipped rod for what you're doing. But that's just me.

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Wow, ... For low-density, high air-resistance lures, that need to be cast a fairly long distance… I'd go "Whippy", IMO, ... Overload the rod power a bit, or at least work at the upper end of the rod blank's lure range, and use a softer tip / action-taper. I'd also use a longer rod blank (7-ft), and hang out up to 2+ feet of line between the rod tip and lure when casting. (Like a fly rod's logic. More linear velocity [lure] per degree of angular momentum [rod].) That seems to give the lure more time in a longer arc to turn right into the cast before the line is released. Less flubbing and fluttering, it seems. ...

This may not work for you (others), but it seems to work for me. Not in all situations, but those where the luxury of a wide-open casting field, and a clear over-head or side-arm swing (like in the surf or on an open lake) is available, and where casting accuracy is not critical. ...

If you are fishing in tight quarters, and have a small target area, and need landing control, ask the bass pros - that ain't me. A short 6' rod (stiff) with a fast action, well within the rod's lure range, like TK said, sounds like it would work better than a whip. -Cliff Hall, FL-USA.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/05/2007 07:44PM by Cliff Hall.

well i agree with the slower action rod. If you look at manufactured rods specially designed for crankbaits they have a medium fast action at best. Some are even slower, But for casting larger cranks i would go with a 7' or a 7'6'' depending on where you're fishing em. if its just for bass i wouldn't go for more than 7' seems to get in the way and cause more problems that they're worth for the added length.

But use a low profile reel slightly bigger guides and really try to load the rod on the back cast and you'll do fine. I built a crankin rod on a a Graphite USA blank and used the AMTAK holographic guides and put an abu REVO STX on it...casts like a dream.