weight ratings for rods

[WAeyes]

When picking out a quality jigging rod, is it better to have a rod rated for slightly heavier jigs than you normally use or slightly lighter than you normally use? Example would be this. Most of the time I throw 1/8 to 1/4 oz jigs. One rod is rated for 1/16 to 1/4 oz weight. The other rod is rated for 1/8 to 3/8 oz weights. Which one is better for sensitivity, feel, casting ability, all around performance? Thanks for all opinions.

[REW]

My vote goes for lighter.
With a rod that is rated for 1/16-1/4 -- you can pitch jigs from 1/32 to 3/8 or even 1/2.

However, if you have a rod that is rated for 1/4-1/2 oz, it is tough to throw 1/16 or 1/8th oz jigs.

However, if you are going to be jigging fairly deep water - often the stiffer rod is better for hook sets.

If you are lobbing jigs and dragging jigs, then my vote goes for the lighter rod.

If in doubt - get one of each.

I generally find that the lighter weight rod - is a much more universal rod. You can use this rod for virtually all of your walleye fishing, including pulling cranks - and it doesn't make a bad pan fish or even bass rod.

Take care

REW

p.s.
Note: if you do have a higher quality rod -- don't overdo the line test. i.e. if you have a rod that is rated for 4-10 lb test - don't put 12 lb test on this rod. Better to break the line than break a nice rod.

Take care

[WAeyes]

Thanks REW. So if I chose the lighter rated rod and had to throw a 3/8 oz. jig, it won't give me that "too heavy feels like I'm carrying weeds" feeling? Anyone else have any opinion on this?

[RIVERRUNNER]

I think it depends on how and when and what your fishing for.Say for casting jigs at nite for eyes,generally they hit hard,I prefer to sacrifice distance on the cast ,rather than power on the hook set.I use med-hev. rods for jigs from 1/8-1oz,I use stiff rods w/fast tips for vertical jigging and stiff rods w/xtra fast tips for casting.The only time I prefer lighter action rods is for bouncing, longlining and rigging. hope this helps good luck P.S. the most critical thing I've found with almost all fish is that, the shorter the time between the hook being in their mouth and, actual penatration, the less time they have to spit.

[WAeyes]

Thanks Riverrunner. Yes, I will be casting jigs, not vertical jigging. Sounds like one vote for a heavier rod and one vote for a lighter rod...hmmm?

[GORD]

The lighter rod would probably have more spring to it, which would throw a jig farther. The stiffer rod should have more backbone for hooksets. If you are vertically jigging from a boat the stiffer one would be my choice. Keep in mind tho... it's personal preference and the numbers that are put on rods don't always tell the full story. you have to try them to be sure. Try them both then take one back if you can work a deal like that.

[fishless]

Since there is absolutely no industry standard for rating the suggested lure weights for rods there is no way to have a meaningful discussion on this topic.
I have suggested to several manufacturers that we adopt an industry standard based on deflection with a given series of weights so anglers can compare one rod against the other but most designers feel this would be too complicated for the consumer to understand.
At this time, the rating are all arbitrary, so the only real way to know is to actually try each rod.

[Fin Addict]

You need to actually fish them to determine the proper weight for your needs. I bought a St. Croix Legend Elite ES60MLFTG last spring that was rated for 1/8-3/8 oz. While it was wonderful under 1/4 oz., it felt like a limp noodle on anything heavier. Since I was loking for a rod to handle the heavier end of the range, I fished it for less than 20 min and packed it up to be replaced w/ a Loomis IMX 722 which to me was just right for the heavier jigs. I guess the answer is try them, the ratings are a good starting point but your preferences may be different than the guy that assigned the rating.

[WAeyes]

Thanks for everyones input, you all make very, very good points. I guess it is up to me now to go with what feels the most right in my fishing situations. Hey Fin Addict, how did that grip feel on the St. Croix you had? It looks very comfortable for the hand.