spinning rod for wading question...............

[rapman]

good morning again. i have waded for walleyes in the spring and fall for almost 30 years and have used many different rods throughout the years. currently i use a medium action, 6 ft., cabela's fish eagleII. time for a new one now. thinking about going back to a 6.5 foot rod. would i lose much in the way of sensitivity if i went to a two piece rod? i throw mostly rapalas, alternating ocassionaly to a jig, but not too often. i think a one piece rod in this length would be too hard to transport in my small truck. would like to get another cabela's rod, but my older ones were made in the u.s. and the new ones are imported (although the price never dropped?). thanks for any imput.

[Dodge1]

We’re both old enough to remember the metal to metal ferules on 2 piece rods but technology has come a long way in the last 30 years. So to answer one of your questions; you’d be extremely hard put to detect any difference is sensitivity between a one piece and a two piece rod from any reputable manufacturer.

Due to labor costs made in the U.S. is becoming a thing of the past with rods and as to a price drop; you’re kidding right.

BTW, I much prefer a 8’ 6” rod for casting while wading or fishing from shore. You’re able to cast a country mile, provided you don’t have anything behind you and the increased length affords a heck of a lot more leverage for hook sets and playing larger fish. The only really drawback I’ve found is it can get a bit awkward balancing a longer pole while trying to net a really frisky fish but provided your footings firm and you are not an absolute klutz, it just takes a couple of extra seconds and some forethought helps.

[Mattman]

Today's advancements in graphite and ferrule technology have all but eliminated "dead" multi-piece rods.

I'm sure some sensitivity is lost due to the extra mass but I doubt the average hand could tell the difference between a 1-piece and a 2-piece rod of the same model.

For wading most prefer longer rods. 7' and up.



Matt Davis

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

[KLN2]

IMO,the 6.5' rod would be perfect for casting. A good way to compare the sensitivity of two fishing poles is to have someone hold the rod tip to their vocal chords and talk, while you hold the handle at the reel-seat. It's interesting, comparing the $300 rods to the less expensive rods. You'll find, not much sensitivity is lost between the one and two piece rods.

[rapman]

dodge, seems that most of us have used 5.5 to 7.0 rods over the years, but i never have heard of using a rod that long. gives casting a different perspective. one of my steelhead rods is an 8.5 medium action fish eagle. do you think this may fit the bill? as far as prices coming down, even though production costs did.....well, i too am to old to be deluded. wished that companies today were as much about integrity as they do profits. to all who answered, i would like to thank you.......rap

[Dodge1]

I use a 2 piece 8’ 6” St. Croix Wild River Salmon/Steelhead spinning rod that carries the exact same rating as your Fish Eagle II GS864, so I can’t see why yours shouldn’t work like a charm.

The consumer calls the shots and they want low prices. Wal-mart comes to mind as a prime example of that philosophy but at what cost?

Please let me know how the rod works out.

[rapman]

personal preference, medium or medium-light?

[rapman]

hey, i am confused. looking at st croix premiers in 7 foot lengths. will be throwing floating rapalas and at times jigs. med-lite tips seem a bit to whippy to drive a hook home and the medium action seems stiff. think i have been flexing too many rod tips. any advice will be paid for when i hit the lottery.......and thanks.

[iball]

For what its worth, if you can figure out a way to go with a 6'6" rod go for it, two piece rods have made quite an advancement over the years but still far behing the advancements of the solid blank.

[Mattman]

I would typically steer most Walleye guys towards the medium light. That seems to be about the right power for most Walleye applications. Don't worry about the tip, you power doesn't come from there.




Matt Davis

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

[rapman]

matt, is there enough tip power to start the hook home? seemed a little wimpy. i know the butt end has muscle, just worried about getting a sharp hook started. hey, than`ks

[Mattman]

I don't feel its lacking. Especially with sharp hooks.

I know plenty that Bass fish with that power of rod and can set a 2/0 hook through plastic into a Bass.

The tip doesn't set your hook, your mid section does. Your butt section handles the fish.



Matt Davis

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

[rapman]

matt, i will run with this. i appreciate you getting back also. i have been here for years, and i am sure everyone appreciates how you share your knowledge. hope the new year brings you peace and happiness. thanks again to all...........rap