You can't build a car with only one wrench and you can't fish (at least not
seriously) with one rod. I am close to having everything I need now but my
rod inventory is over 60 rods. Not counting the sal****er stuff.
2 general guidelines:
Stiffer rods have more sensitivity and are better for lures that require a
deft touch. Worming, jigs, and for some, spinner baits come to mind.
Softer rods are frequently better to fish lures with treble hooks. Crank
baits are often fished on a soft rod as they provide additional give to keep
fish hooked up on treble hooks. Ya I know they look like they can hold
anything, but treble hooks are actually less efficient hooking hooks.
For my soft action crank rods I used to use a fiberglass/graphite composite,
but the feel was horrible. Very dead. I switched to a 7' light action all
graphite rod which had a soft action yet still had sensitivity of all
graphite. Much better. Anyone interested in 7' glass/graphite cranking
rods???


--
Dan W.

host, Bazz Clazz Videos

www.bazzclazz.com

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"Suthern Transplant" wrote in message
nk.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"