Rod sensitivity

[Fisherfool]

What is the best way to test rod sensitivity when purchasing a new rod. I would like to be able to find out how sensitive a rod is before buying one.

Thanks in advance.

[ETT]

Put a reel with line on it. tie on a light jig, and play around dragging the jig over carpet, smooth floor, parking lot, etc. Only way I know to check sensativeity, and it isn't anything like fishin, but it's kinda hard to talk em into letting you take it fishin before you buy it.

[scottcny]

here's a oldie but goodie. take a rod your interested in and have a friend/wife ( sometimes their not the same people!!) put the tip to there adams apple and speak in a normal tone while you hold the rod at the handle. you should be able to feel the vibrations as they come through the rod to your hand.

give it a try.

[Mike]

Check the price tag...

[John N]

If it's a Loomis, take a demo fishing. Many Loomis dealers have demo sticks....John.

[steve(IL)]

IMHO - Here's some of what I've learned from my experimentation(read: learning the hard way :-))
1) For me, there isn't really a do all rod. There are some good compromises if you're on a tight budget - but I'm kind of talking about splitting hairs here. For example the qualities and sensitivity you want from a light/finesse shallow water vertical jigging/jig casting/live bait rod will be different than what you'd want in a deeper water/ heavier jigging rod. Use too heavy a jig on a light rod and it loses some of its magic. It's different again when you're talking about a rigging rod or deep water thumping rod. The rod that works great in one application can leave a lot to be desired in another. Can you use one rod to do it all? Of course - but you will be compromising somewhere. Another reason I buy multiple rigs is that my fishing time is limited and if I had to re-tie every time I switched techniques it'd eat up too much time. You can't catch fish if your line isn't in the water!
2)Test for sensitivity by selecting several rods - regardless of price range - which meet the criteria for the application you have in mind. Say we're talking about a light jigging rod. I like a soft tip flex down to the about the second or third guide - the rest of the rod should be stiff for the hook set - this is often described as "fast action". Hold each rod with your index finger pointed so it touches the rod blank and lightly brush it across an uneven surface - my favorites; the nylon on soft sided tackle boxes, the orange rind surface on some hard sided tackle boxes, carpet, across wood grain, any uneven surface. If you're like me, you'll be amazed at the difference from one rod to the next - somewhat regardless of price or brand. I've found inexpensive rods (like Cabela's Tourney Trail) w/ great performance and more expensive rods that feel dead. Narrow it down to 2-3 rods you like - regardless of price - and do side by side comparisons. The $200 - $300 Loomis generally, but not always, has the best sensitivity. That said, the others are not far behind - at least not enough for me to justify paying two to five times more for a Loomis. Some rods I like; older Pinnacle's, certain Bass Pro Signature series/ Extreme/Pro Qualifier, certain Cabela's, some Redbone, Berkeley MicroTouch, Team Diawa & Heartland, Quantum IM7's, and plenty others - if you're willing to pay the premium - Fenwick & Loomis. In most cases, I can find a $40 - $100 rod that comes close to Loomis in weight, flex, and sensitivity for a fraction of the price. Think about it.... you can buy several very nice application specific rod and reel combo's for what one Loomis rod would cost.

Walleyes might be deep,shallow, or suspended. I want to be rigged to switch from one technique to the next as quickly as possible to search for them
Just my $.02.

I have the good fortune of be surrounded by tackle retailers and getting to travel to others. Do as much comparison shopping as you can and you will become wiser in your rod selection. More $$$ does not necessarily mean better.

Sorry for being long winded & hope this helps.

p.s. I've never stuck a rod in someone's voice box. No need to !!