Dee,
Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel with a wazoo rod, start with the simplest possible solution, in this case simply changing your bait. Bottom fish are basically stupid compared to the activly swimming / feeding fish above them (boy, I just opened the flood gate of opposition). Nonetheless, do you really want a <3oz rod when that 10lb SH takes hold?

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Do you use circle hooks? They greatly decrease the need for extra-sensitive bait-fishing rods and constantly staring at rod tips.

Mark, I tried it all- shrimp, mud crabs, sand fleas. My hook up ratio significantly increased with lighter rod (megabass destroyer F2- 3.17oz). Recently hooked 30 inch Snook on it, that was fun. I would like to see how light I can go before I do some damage.

Phil. Yes I do use circlehooks. If I loose 2-3 bites, I change hook size.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/02/2022 12:03PM by Dee Rama.

1/2 of a fresh medium shrimp, #1 short shank heavy hook,1/4 oz slip sinker, 8 or 10 lb fluorocarbon line. Wait until the rod goes down to set.

Dee,
It seems that you have been-there-done-that and convinced that the lightest rod will solve your SH hook-up woes. While you have received good advice from a number of other members as well, follow Norman’s set-up suggestions TO A TEE!!!. He is the Fuji KR Guru!!! I build all of my UL trout spin rods with a KLAG 16-H based guide train for use with a 1000, rarely 2000 size reel. If there is a possibility that you might ever use a reel larger than your present 2500, a KL 20 based guide train may prove more versatile. I am confident that Norman would agree. Enjoy building and fishing your rod; let us know how it turns-out. And enjoy eating your mushy, flavorless SH lol.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

It has been my experience that the lightest rod is not always the easiest rod to detect a bite with. How a rod and reel balances can and does go a long way in detecting a bite. It's not just about the rod's ability to transmit vibrations ..... there is more to it than that.