Light Spinning Rod Question

[kyled]

Can some of you more experienced anglers help clear up some confusion for me? I have fished my entire life but never really paid that much attention to equipment and some of the minor (or major) details. Recently I have been thinking about upgrading a few of my rods, and with spring approaching I would like to get a good quality rod primarily to throw 1/16 oz jigs at crappie, sunfish, and the occasional finicky white bass but could be used to throw 1/32 and 1/8 as well. I already have a couple of medium light rods made by falcon and shimano and they seem to be great for 1/8oz but loose some feel with 1/16. I know everyone has an opinion on rod companies but the two that I have been looking at are the St. Croix Premier 6ft ultra light or the 6ft light. I thought the ultra was the way to go but read an article in a magazine that stated a light action would almost always get more casting distance than an ultralight??? which confused me (I mean they tell right on the rod blank UL cast lighter jigs) .... My specific questions are:

All things being equal (line, rod length, jig weight, rod maker)

1. which would give the best casting distance UL or L?

2. would one be more sensitive (bite detection) than the other?

3. Is there a rod I missed in that $100 range that is an absurdly better option?

I want to thank you for your help in advance as well say thanks for the awesome information that helps me make the most of my time on TRock.

[Champ188]

Hopefully, Mr. Babler will weigh in. He knows tackle as well as anyone, including the light stuff. If he doesn't post a reply soon, you might try PM-ing him or emailing him at the link he puts at the bottom of his signature on each post.

[dwiebenga]

I really like my 6'6 Falcon Original ML for grubs, shakey heads, and ned rig.

[Terrierman]

I would get the light/fast action rod. I too like the St. Croix premier rods, can't go wrong there if you ask me. Two others in that same price range I can recommend from personal experience are Temple Fork Outfitter's rods and if you can find one (they're now out of production but some are still around) a Shimano Clarus. I found one of those at the Branson Bass Pro Shop on sale for $72.00.

[Terrierman]

I really like my 6'6 Falcon Original ML for grubs, shakey heads, and ned rig.

Me too!

[dtrs5kprs]

The suggestions on the light over the ultra are solid, as well as the suggestions about something like an original Falcon. You might include the St Croix Triumph as well. Both of those blanks are more of the old IM6 feel. If you go with a more expensive higher modulus stick it may feel too stiff with the little baits and light line.

Example being the 1/16oz Ned, or a similarly weighted swimming minnow/small grub, which I tend to throw on lower modulus stuff.

Ultras whip around too much.

[dtrs5kprs]

FYI...the Triumphs are the same SCII blanks as the Premiers, just made outside the US instead of in Wisconsin. Usually about $20 less. Feel is about the same. I have had four of them since 2006-7, all are still in use.

[Chief Grey Bear]

How far are you wanting to cast?

I use a 5ft UL and can get 60ft. If I try, I probably could get 80 or so. But prefer staying in the 25ft range. Remember, the further out you cast, the more chances your fish has to get off before you get him in.

And line makes a huge difference in casting too. Braids are far superior in casting ease and distance to any petroleum based lines.

I see that Dave stated UL's are too whippy. I won't discount what he states but I will say I have fished UL's for well over 40 years and have never experienced them being whippy. Unless you are trying make a cast that is really farther then what they are really designed for.

If you are wanting to make longer cast consistently, a UL may not be what you want.

[Terrierman]

As long as we are talking about casting distance, the line and reel you use make a lot of difference there too. Balancing rod length, weight (UL, L, ML etc) and action (slow, medium, medium fast, fast, extra fast) right sizing the reel, and line you choose is the trick. I like 2000 or 2500 size reels on 6'6" LF or MLF rods and tend to use lighter line than a lot of others. 4 or 6 lb mono (big fan of Maxima and have been for years) and recently due to Ham's influence, 8 lb nanofil with 4 or 6 lb leader work really well for me. A decent reel with a good drag is a must. and so is a properly filled spool. I've used Shimano Sahara's, Daiwa Exceller, Lew's Speed Spin and Pflueger President lately and like them all. The Shimano's get a little picky if you get them wet so I don't buy them personally anymore. Recently bought an Okuma Trio and a closeout Daiwa Ballistic but haven't got to fish with either of those. With the stuff I have used it's no problem to cast a 1/8 Marabou Jig 60 feet or so. 1/16 naturally is going to be a little less distance.

[kjackson]

I would look hard at Berkley's E-Motion rod that is 6'6" in a light action. I haven't fished one yet, but did get to give it a shelf shake at the ICAST show. It reminds me a lot of the old Series One with the same specs, and it was perfect for what you want. The MSRP is less than $80.