How long of a rod - keep it clean please!

[MoMuskies]

I'll be investing in a new spinning rod soon. Trying to maximize casting distance while throwing small lures, ie. roster tails and small jigs. I'm thinking 6' fast action rod blank but too many folks are telling me that small, ultra-lite rod is the way to go. I've got an old Cardinal ultra-lite reel for the rod..

Figure you folks here can help me out.

Thanks

Frank

[Leonard]

Im looking into a few new spinning rods my self...

I think im going to go with a Micro-lite (from)bass pro... a 7'

Im going to using 6lb line.. and it is heavy enough to put up to 10lb line and able to hold a bigger reel..

I also believe I will be able to go down on my line size to a 4lbs...

I have like the micro-lite since I had my first one (about 6 years ago)

they are great little rods... and for the price.. there are GREAT!!

I think they come in sizes from 5' up to 7-7 1/2...

although Phil carries a brand of spinning rods (with in the same range as a Micro-lite)... Im may talk to him and see if he will let me "field test" one...LOL

The ones he has are Very nice looking rods, I think these rods would be great for cloes, jigs, fly & floats, small rapalas or just lite tackle (2-4lb line). I think this would be good for wade fishing or fishing from a boat. Fishing in around trees and overhangs, crappie fishing up close to dock. Although he does has some longer rod.. I beleive up to 6 1/2 foot.

The only reason Im choosing the longer rod is for distance with lighter line (6lbs) and dont have to worry about how it would handle with heavier line

[Dave Cook]

I like those micro-lite rods too. For close-in or sight fishing a short (5 1/2 - 6') spinning rod is what I use. For long drifts I have a custom made 7' ultra lite that I had made just for Taneycomo. The long spinning outfits that Phil has are the closest thing to it. If I were shopping for a rod now, Phil's rods would win - hands down.

[WebFreeman]

I have a 7 1/2 micro-lite and I love it. I've seen some crappie rods 9 or ten feet, I think, and I've been curious about them. I believe Bill Babler uses the rod Phil sells when he guides on Taney and he speaks highly of them.

[Phil Lilley]

I'll tell ya, I'm in love the Templefork's 3 piece spinning rods. I love how they feel, cast and fight fish. We had several in AK and they were the first one's picked off the rack.

[Bill Babler]

Boy's if you are not looking for a multi-piece outfit, the White River Outfitter signature rod from the Rod Shop is by far the best I have ever used.

Although it has my name I recieve no money from any purchase, or for promotion, I just love these rods.

These are made on 7'Plus Loomis Blanks and tied by the Rod Shop: Both ceramic and Sic Pro guides are available on the rod. Very fast tip, medium middle section, strong butt, Long handle. I believe $79.00 to $119.00, depending on handle and guides. Rods will handle line from 1 to 6 pound.

I guided with the micro lite for years, and thought they were ok, but I missed fish on long casts, due to lack of backbone, I also thought the rod to have too much reverb after the cast as with light line the tip would quake for several seconds after the cast.

When using a rod to guide with it also has to be firm enough thru the catching process that marginal fisherman can maintain prussure on the fish. The micro lite is very poor in this catagory. You need to hold the rod and the tip very still when reeling in fish or the vibration will cause them to come off. I also hate it that Bass Pro is to cheap, to put a hook keeper in front of the handle.

The White River Outfitters Special or the Lilleys' Rod will really increase not only your casting and control distance, over the micro lite but will also put more bites in the boat.

These are available at Lilleys", or the Rod Shop Phil has other house rods in stock, but ask and look for the Rod Shop Spinning Rods.

The guides that offer these to their clients for use are;

Myslf

Buster Loving

Bill Beck

Tim Paige

Bob Klien

[MoMuskies]

Bill, thanks for the feedback. This is the insight I was looking for..

Frank

[brownieman]

All have their personal preference...I'll tell you what I use and have landed darn near everything I have stuck good enouph to land.

It's a BPS rod, designed for muskie...signature Pete R. Munie?? hard to read...little lack of "famous fishermen too", lol...figure he is a muskie meister...

On the rod--- PM 70 MHT 7' Med. - Heavy Action 1/2 oz. - 2 oz. 15 - 30 lb. test IM6 graphite 9g

Has a 22" cork handle and is a one piece rod of which I like both...good for lengthy fights and have never had it come apart (big baits have to be slung hard).

I have a Shimano Catala Baitcaster that I have removed 2 brakes out of...lets it free spool a little better but still avoids blowups...most of the time, lol.

I've used this rod and reel for 10 yrs. or so and it's been a good one...that's about it.

bm

[BrowningFisherman]

Don't overlook the stand-bys, ST. Croix makes two rods that I recommend, 1st the Triumph is a newer rod, it uses the same blank as the premier but is made over seas which allows the price to be considerably lower the smallest rod starts at $50. However I would suggest the Avid, it is more sensitive and has a lifetime warranty to the Triumphs 5 years. The only thing I wish is the avid came in a 6' Light however it is only a 6'6" L or a 6' UL. Another rod I like is the Loomis GL3 6' Mag Light. Its hard to say but while browsing at Walmart I saw a Abu Cardinal on a Fenwick Rod, Bass Pro doesn't even sell Fenwick its hard to believe Wal Mart has them.

Go Tigers!

[perchjerker]

After you upgrade that rod you are a fisherman, and will want a new reel.I have 3 Pflueger Presidents that are about as good as I have ever had.(gome thru about 30 reels and 10 types) I use them for trout,crappie,bass,bluegill,and have caught large catfish and strippers on them so I give them very high marks. When you get your rod take it to the store and try the reels on and go with the smallest, lightest one that will fit your needs.Take in mind as to the amount of the line you want. If you make a long cast and those bulked up Taney Browns make a long run, you can get to the end of the spool pretty quick on tiny reels.Good luck on whatever you get.See you on the Water.