Calling Bass Experts - Finding A Sensitive Rod

[mic]

How does one go about figuring out, in a store, if a casting rod (in my case for a bait caster) has a sensitive tip for worm fishing?

[MoSportsmen]

I would think the sensitivity you want for worm fishing would be more about the whole rod rather than just the tip. Your line choice and graphite content will play more toward sensitivity. I like a pretty stiff rod for worm fishing for setting the hook especially since I am usually fishing a weightless seko worm these days.

Tom

[mic]

Second question... what action for worm fishing: extra fast or moderate.

[Stoneroller]

fast. I only like extra fast on my drop shot rig and that's because it might be 30-40 feet deep when i'm fishing it. otherwise fast is what you want. Moderate is for crankbaits and essential for good hookups with them if you are using braid due to the low stretch of the line. Sensitivity isn't a real key to choosing crankbait/spinnerbait/topwater (essentially reaction baits) rods as the fish is slamming the lure anyway, hard not to feel a fish with any rod. I use ugly sticks for my crankbait/topwater rods and a cabelas mag touch for my spinnerbaits (safetypin style). I don't like spending more than $50 on a rod and won't spend more than $100.

You also have to take into consideration the amount of weight and style of 'worm' fishing you might do. that might cover 1/8 to 2oz in weight, hooks from #1 to 8/0 (or bigger) and baits from 2 inches to 12 or more.

I have a rod for texas/carolina rigging and a rod for wacky/dropshotting. Both are BPS Carbonlite series and I've found them to be perfect for the type of fishing I do. You are dead on to want a sensitive rod for any kind of bottom contact fishing.

[rps]

Sensitivity is dependent on graphite content, but not entirely. Other factors include total weight of the rod (lighter rods feel more sensitive), where the rod balance point falls ( a tip heavy rod feel feel less sensitive) and the handle build (if your fingers rest on the blank, the feel is greater) Go to tackle tour and read their archived articles that compare rods to a base line (usually a well known Loomis). They have done a series for swim bait rods, finesse rods, and regular rods.

[mic]

Cool... I think I'm on point. This is the one I'm currently looking at. I'm thinking the seven foot Med, Fast tip. Looks like Stoneroller approves.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-CarbonLite-Trigger-Rods/product/10205012/76662#description

[rps]

That appears to have all the features for $80.

[ozarkgunner]

I like the falcon rods. I saw a microguide baitcaster Bucoo (sp?) at Walmart for $120. Very nice rod for the price. Walmart in Springfield on South Campbell.

[mixermarkb]

Second on the falcon bucco. I built up my collection of Loomis GLX sticks before I got married, so I'm more than set on rods, but the bucco is a nice stick, by any measure. Made in the USA as well-

[LarrySTL]

I havent used a Carbonlite but I do have a couple BPS rods in that medium price range and overall have been very happy with them. I'll second the comment about figuring out what amount of weight (worm, hook, sinker) you want to throw and finding a rod suitable for that. The lure weight descriptions on BPS rods has generally seemed accurate to me.

If you took a reel and a couple of weights and a worm or to to the BPS in St Charles, asked nicely and offered to leave your credit card at the register, they might let you take a rod outside, put your reel on it and throw it for a couple minutes to know first hand.