Rod balance

[steve(IL)]

I was reading some posts that talk about adding weight to the rod butt to balance out a rig. For myself, I'd rather not add weight if I can avoid it. First, I'd go smaller on the reel if that is the problem. Another way I fine tune is that I'm not locked in to having the reel stem between my index and middle finger. If the rod balances better with the stem between my middle and ring finger or ring and little finger - terrific. I also use a crappie type rod in some applications where I hold the grip forward of the reel. It balances perfectly w/o adding weight. Just my $.02.
I generally only buy the 1500 class in Diawa or UL/1000 series of whatever reel I'm looking at. You don't need heavier than that for walleyes. If you bought a bigger reel than you need, chalk it up to experience and buy something smaller. I'm partial to Penn 4200SS($60) also. Bullet proof and trouble free for years. No instant anti reverse though. When I set my depth for jigging, I just tug the line to set the anti reverse. It's a habit and requires no thought.

[Backwater Eddy]

Weight balancing systems not only balance the blank but help greatly to reduce wrist, forearm, neck and back fatigue.

I have several baitcasters and a pair of spinning rods that are weighted more for that reason then balance. After 8-12 hours of casting a wrist can be shot from a rod that has too much forward weight dispersal. Even for rip-jigging and trolling this rear weight system has a positive effect on reducing wear and tear on the whole body.

The great thing is you can remove the weights as needed, so if you feel no weight is best spin what is not needed off and your light again.

If you do a lot of casting this is a great ergonomic aid that will make life better at the end of the day .

Backwater Eddy

[Dutchman]

I agree with B.E., If you have a well thought out rod/reel match, the weight to balance the combo is minimal, and the gains are greatly appreciated after several hours of casting...

[Big Fish]

Eddy, what do you use to balance your rods?? cw

[Fin Addict]

Just went to a seminar last weekend where this topic was addressed. The torque generated by a poorly balanced rod and reel, esp a long one, will put significantly more stress on your wrist than the small amount of weight needed at the butt to balance the rig. Not a bad idea to balance out the rig w/ the jig in the water for perfect balance. Increases your feel and the extra weight actually makes the rod feel much lighter. Try it and you will be shocked by the difference.

[BF]

back up

[buzzer IA]

Hey,
I know this is aimed at BE, but I'll be happy to throw in my 2 cents worth..LOL..I use, QUARTERS!!works out nice for weight balance, and if I forget to grab burger money for on the way home, BOOM, peel open one of my rod butts and pass the pickles please..Told you it was my 2 cents worth..
Tight Lines,
buzzer IA

[WAeyes]

Eddy, you bring up a good point about back pain and fishing. Over the last few years I have developed a nagging back pain that hits me right between the shoulder blades while I am fishing. It seems to be worse when casting and reeling crankbaits because of the constant reeling. Jig fishing is not as bad due to the slower reeling and more rod movement. I know I am getting older and parts wear out, but pain while fishing just sucks. I have never used any balancing system because I always thought my rod and reels were balanced good enough on their own. I wonder if this little extra balance would help eliminate some of the pain?

[Backwater Eddy]

The baitcast rod & reels I use most often are Pete Maina signature series rods with the adjustable weights that work much the same as a real good pool cue.

I have added balance systems to a couple of 6'6" spinning rods, and a 7' spinning rod that I use most often for walleye. Big difference in bite detection too as you don't need to fight the torque generated by the long blanks on your wrist.

Bass Pro handles the line of Pete Maina rods I mentioned and the add on weight systems.

Backwater Eddy

[Backwater Eddy]

Fin I totally agree.

I can feel the bite much better, and even with the added weight is feels lighter overall & with less unnecessary use of muscles to do the job you can fish more comfortably longer.

Backwater Eddy

[ddt]

Where or how do you hold the rod to tell
where the balance point is?? I use a
croix with a tennesee handle,can I just
move the reel. thanks

ddt

[Backwater Eddy]

Yup you can, just set the balance with the spinning reel in the rings or lightly taped on so that the rod is just above horizontal with the average jig weight or lure you use on that stick. I balance the reel with my center finger just in front of the spinning reel and then tape the reel down on a Tennessee grip when I am happy with the balance.

Some reel seats for baitcasters alow for double front and rear rings and you also can get close by moving the reel forward and back depending on the reel weight and lure choice.

Backwater Eddy.....><,,>