Hey Suthern Transplant,

I understand your concerns. I used to buy the cheaper rods such as
Ugly Stick etc. They worked well, but like you, I felt they weren't
sensitive enough. I looked around and tested rods like you did (in
the store) and finally settled on a 6'6" St. Croix Premiere series
rod. I liked the way it felt in my hand and also I liked the amount
of "whip". I took it on my fishing trip and now I must say, You'd
have to pry it out of my cold dead hands before I'd give it up! I
really do feel you get what you pay for.

Also, I can cast my baitcaster about 10-15 yards father with it!!!

Are you missing any fish? Only you can answer that one. Maybe you'd
catch more if you changed your bait, or if you changed your location
depth ect. No one really knows!

I hope this response helped at least somewhat!!

Scott

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"Suthern Transplant" wrote in message ink.net...
Greetings all,

Question: (I know we have at least a couple of rod makers in this group, but
would value all suggestions)

I have trouble with the premium rods that are offered for sale today. My
trouble is the feel they have, particularly the stifness at the tip. I have
not had the opportunity to fish with them and quite frankly the only
criteria I have to judge with is how they react to a simulated cast in the
store and I know this is not enough to truly judge their performance. (I
know rods are designed for specific fishing situations, lure weight, line
size, etc.)

Years ago, I purchased a few graphite rods when they were first offered and
hated all of them. Yes they were light, but all felt as though I was fishing
with a light broom stick in terms of lack of casting action, i.e. tip speed.

Am I missing fish because of my decision towards casting ease vs.
sensitivity? (Telegraphing exactly what the lure is doing and subtle bites)
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that there is a shift in rod design
towards making a rod which is all about feeling what's going on at the
business end vs. anything else. Am I right or wrong?

I cannot afford to purchase a rod and reel for each type of lure
presentation either. I am willing to purchase one or two, (For baitcasting,
spinnerbait and crankbait as lures of choice) but I hate experimenting with
my skepticism index so high. (I currently use fiberglass/composite rods
because of the more limber tip action.)

Can anyone steer me towards rods which have a balance between these various
elements, and is a solid compromise for all-around bass fishing using a bait
casting reel?

Thanks in advance,

Suthern

"Winter in the Midwest REALLY makes me wish I was in Dixie"