What Rod Length Do You Use For Wading

[timinmo]

If there is a "take away" from this discussion it seems obvious that you can use whatever you are comfortable with. I fish some streams that are very small with long rods and/or short ones. It just depends on what I am fishing and what I feel like using. I think longer rods give me a little more reach and sometimes this is an advantage on small streams where fish can be spooky. I think shorter rods are an advantage for topwater baits, especially when wading. One of the disadvantages of short rods at this time is the shortage of quality rods and/or blanks in shorter lengths. It seems that most manufactures are making rods longer and longer and I think this is a result of the tournament fishing market. There is nothing wrong with long rods but fishing off the deck of a bass boat on a large reservoir is way different than being knee deep in a creek and if you try to store a 7' 6" rod in a tandem canoe breakage is a real issue.

[Smallieguy87]

I have considered going to shorter and lighter rods( recently was looking at a mag light 6'3 spinning rod) but i most soft plastic and jig fish and i have a good hook ups and control over fish with my current set ups so i figured its not broke so don't fix it. Seeing as this is the first season that ill be doing fishing from a kayak some new things may come into perspective and my selections may change.

[MOsmallies]

In my opinion, you don't need to downsize for smallies. They're not trout or panfish.... I never go lighter than 8 lb line and Medium action rods even in the clearest, smallest water I fish. Last time I was out with Mitch, I had 10 lb on my jig rod. I had the mindset that the winter water would be cold and clear. It was cold, but the water had nice color. Needless to say I broke off my two best bites of the day. Mitch threw 15 lb line all day and didn't have any issues getting bites in 38 degree water. I'm sold on the fact that you don't need to downsize to much to catch Ozark river smallies.

[Alex Heitman]

I've got some looks from some trout fisherman when I take a 6' 10" with 10 lb line to the river with a Jerkbait tied on. When you go after the big Browns you have to be prepared or they will eat your lunch and work you over. It all depends on what you are throwing and what you are specifically targeting.

[joeD]

Joan Jett is diminutive and doesn't give a darn about her reputation, so , she would probably choose a (ahem) shorter rod (though it would be a female rod).

Charlize, on the other hand, being somewhat on the statuesque side, might be more comfortable with a longer rod, to get the job done, as it were.

Regardless, we have absolutely no chance with either of them.

[Smallieguy87]

In my opinion, you don't need to downsize for smallies. They're not trout or panfish.... I never go lighter than 8 lb line and Medium action rods even in the clearest, smallest water I fish. Last time I was out with Mitch, I had 10 lb on my jig rod. I had the mindset that the winter water would be cold and clear. It was cold, but the water had nice color. Needless to say I broke off my two best bites of the day. Mitch threw 15 lb line all day and didn't have any issues getting bites in 38 degree water. I'm sold on the fact that you don't need to downsize to much to catch Ozark river smallies.

I agree. The lightest rod I've used for my river fishing so far has been a medium light and most all my spinning setups are #8 with the exception of 1 that i have spooled with #6 yozuri hybrid. I've yet to loose a fish due to cover or simply weak line so i guess i'm doing something right.

[KCRIVERRAT]

In my opinion, you don't need to downsize for smallies. They're not trout or panfish.... I never go lighter than 8 lb line and Medium action rods even in the clearest, smallest water I fish. Last time I was out with Mitch, I had 10 lb on my jig rod. I had the mindset that the winter water would be cold and clear. It was cold, but the water had nice color. Needless to say I broke off my two best bites of the day. Mitch threw 15 lb line all day and didn't have any issues getting bites in 38 degree water. I'm sold on the fact that you don't need to downsize to much to catch Ozark river smallies.

Fine... you use medium action rods that come in many lengths. This is about rods. Not line.

[KCRIVERRAT]

joan-jett-2007.jpgcharlize_theron1_300_400.jpg

Joan Jett is diminutive and doesn't give a darn about her reputation, so , she would probably choose a (ahem) shorter rod (though it would be a female rod).

Charlize, on the other hand, being somewhat on the statuesque side, might be more comfortable with a longer rod, to get the job done, as it were.

Regardless, we have absolutely no chance with either of them.

Don't know about that Joe. I'd like to get Charlize around a campfire and work her up. I bet I'm better looking than you. If not, I know I'm better lookin' than Sean.

[MOsmallies]

I agree. The lightest rod I've used for my river fishing so far has been a medium light and most all my spinning setups are #8 with the exception of 1 that i have spooled with #6 yozuri hybrid. I've yet to loose a fish due to cover or simply weak line so i guess i'm doing something right.

That Yozuri Hybrid is strong as hell...Their 6 lb is probably as strong as most brand's 10 lb

[Smallieguy87]

Yes it is! Even the hybrid soft is pretty strong and works great on spinning setups. I found 600 yard spools on sale for around 8 bucks and bought several.