"Technique Specific" Rods

[Backdraft]

I’m getting back in to Walleye and Muskie fishing after concentrating on Great Lakes Salmon and Trout for the last 15 years.

Needless to say much has changed over that period of time. I’m going get a few rod reel set-ups over the winter. I’d love to have all the “specialty” rods – one for jigging, one for rigging, etc. but it isn’t in the budget to start.

I’ll get a “slip-bobber” rod for sure, but what about the others. Is it OK to have a multi-purpose rod or is that just a waste. Can a “jigging” rod be used for lindy rigging and tossing crankbaits?

Bass Pro Shops sells a series of technique specific rods that were designed by Kavajecz and Parsons. Are they any good or is it just marketing hype.


Thanks in advance for all your advice. Sorry if these “born again walleye angler” questions seem too simple. I realize a lot of the experts think “oh, no – not again I’m tired of these newbie questions”.

It’s great to be back. Walleye Central is a GREAT site.

[Johnnie Candle]

There are ways around the specific rod thing. No way to narrow it down to one do it all rod, no matter how hard you try.

The most versatile rod by far is a 6'6" spinning rod. It can be used for Verticle jiggin, pitching jigs, casting smaller cranks, live bait riggin, and slip bobber fishing.

In my mind it is a ittle long for verticle jigging and a little short for live bait rigging, but it is a good comprimise.

If you live close to a Scheels store, check them out. They also have a line of technique/species specific rods that work very well. If you don't like those, try the Berkley Lighnin' Rod Pro Series, they work good too.

Bests of luck,

[jigman 2003]

The BPS walleye technique specific rods are good quality rods for the money. I own several of them and am very happy with them. For jiggin the 5'9" rod is by far my favorite rod for walleye fishing. Good butt strength but sensitive enough for light bites. I love them for ripping jigs through cabbage.

[jeff woodruff]

Check out the line of rods at www.figrigrods.com I think you will like them. Priced real good

[Mattman]

You can use any rod to catch any fish. Even a broomstick and a piece of twine. Not nearly as enjoyable in my opinion.

I'm not at all familiar with Bass Pro's rods, or most any factory rod for that matter. I've got no reason, or desire, to handle them.

A lot depends on how quickly you plan to stock up on rods.

In my opinion, a jig rod is quite a bit different than the other rods. A good Lindy rod can double as a slip bobber rod. And can even be good for smaller cranks. For instance a HS9000 or a P84000. They're rated for 1/4 to 1/2 ounce baits and has the length and taper for all three applications. It's probably best as a Lindy rod, but can triple duty with bobbers and cranks. And is ok for tossing jigs quite a distance.

The jig rod is typically a shorter stick with a quicker taper. 6' is a good vertical jig rod. 6'6" is a bit better for 45 degree jig fishing, and can double as a Lindy rod.

I'd steer you towards a 7' - 7'6" rod for Lindy/bobber/crank fishing and a 6' - 6'6" rod for jig fishing. The Lindy rod ratings somewhere in the 1/8 to 5/8 ounce range and the jig rod somewhere between the 1/16 and the 3/8 ounce range. If only one rod is in the budget, I'd get a 6'6" - 7' rod rated right in the middle of all of that.


Matt Davis

Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

[Tacklemaster]

I use a 7ft fast action 1 piece St. Croix rod for everthing. Bass , steelhead, walleye, salmon, I use it for jigging, casting, bobbers and crankbaits. I think if you spend the money get a good general purpose rod and it will go a long way.