Rod Sensitivity - Part II

[Otter]

Last week I posted a question about how to test rod sensitivity before buying. I got a lot of responses, unfortunately after the first few which addressed the question, it developed into the standard high priced rod vs low priced rod debate. Question: Regardless of what price rod you choose to buy, how do you test the sensitivity in the store? I have no problem telling whether I like the rod once I'm on the water, it's when I'm in the store that I'm looking for ways to ensure I make the right purchase.

[Homer]

I haven't found a good way to pin it down in the store. Action, yes; sensitivity, no. The best bet is to borrow one from a fishing partner, if you're fortunate enough to have one who owns the rod you're interested in. Second choice would be to rely on the opinion of someone you trust.

[Eyecrosser]

Here is a good test. Tie a piece of 8lb mono to the end of the rod you are looking at. Turn your head away, and have someone flick the line with there finger. You should be able to feel when they are flicking the line. It's not very scientific, but it seems to work. Good luck.

[WAeyes]

This topic has been beaten up so bad I still have bruises from years past. My suggestion is to find a retailer that stands behind their products for complete customer satisfaction. Buy a couple different rods that are equal in ratings and compare them out on the water for a few days. Figure out which one you like and return the other...clean if you want your money back. The lighter the rod, the more stiffer the blank and the more sensitive in my opinion. Go to the G-Loomis and St. Croix websites and they will show you the weights for each one of their rods. If you are looking at something else you can compare that to the big 2 and go from there. As others have stated, type of line plays a critical role in sensitivity.

[Jack G]

I am not asking to get my chops busted for this but:

1. Put the rod tip against someones throat, along side the adams
apple, and see if you can feel it in the rod handle when they
speak.

2. Slowly drag the rod tip along the tiled floor and see if you
can feel the seam where the tiles meet.

I think rod and reel weight and balance is every bit as important.

Jack

[REW]

I have found an even better way.

Lay a magazine on the floor.
With your eyes closed, lightly drag the tip across the printed page.
If you can feel the difference between the print and no print on the page, you have an excellent rod. Don't laugh until you try it. If you have a great rod, you will easily be able to fee the ink deposit difference on the printed page.

Take care

REW

[SUPERTROLLER]

REW, are you a blind man? lol. Brail might stick up like that but I have a hard time believing we can feel ink on a printed magazine page. It must be that you have a superior feeling in your finger tips. I know from your postings and reputation you must believe this is true. I just don't see it with my capabilities. (G.Loomis MBR 782 GLX 6'6" MF )

[colorado jim]

putting a rod against someones throat and touching your liplips/nose is hoooey!
put the butt on end of your nose and have some one drag the tip across their whiskers is the same thing...hoooey!
it is an old carney trick...
try either one with an old broom handle or mop handle;you can feel anything.
if you don't have faith in yourself or the rod you aren't going to do any thing with the very best...what ever that might be.
sorry ,just telling you what a professional rod builder told and showed me.may he rest in peace.

[colorado jim]

oops forgot. you got the best advice that you can be offered when homer made his statement.

[REW]

I just read your post, and I thought again about the previous statement.
I happened to have a soft drink on the desk, and used the straw from the soft drink container, and it was easily able to descern the difference between the ink off the laser printer and the bare lazer jet paper in front of me.

With a high quality rod - it is no stretch at all - to be able to feel with the rod - what can be felt with a 1penny straw.

Try it, you might be suprised.

In any event - I do have to agree - with many of the other posts that state - have a belief in what you are doing and how you are doing it and you will catch fish. As the suggestion goes - work 3 foot waves in 15-20 mph wind - and what difference is it going to make if you can feel the print on a printed page or not. My goodness, you aren't even going to be able to feel if there is a 3 foot rock - with the rocking and rolling that is going on on top of the waves.

Have faith, trust your instincts, and catch a bunch.

Take care
REW

[youngeye]

Most reputable dealers will have "demo" rods that they will either let you take out and try for a day or two (of course you will need to provide your credit card information) or some dealers will rent these demo rods out for the day. Either way you should get a good feel and know if the rod that you purchase is the right rod for you.

Youngeye
Iowa