I am learning to hate graphite rods

[Campcountry]

Thanks, I will keep that in mind when using my remaining graphite rods.

[itsagr8day4fishing]

Another suggestion would be to go with the Ugly Stik Lite line of rods ...they are a glass/graphite hybrid and usually about $30-$40.They are made to be tough and have better feel.. I would agree that they are. A little more than their standard rod.

[Campcountry]

I bought an Ugly Stick yesterday

[ohiojmj]

I've found that my careless handling works only for uglysticks, not graphite. That little knick leads to a crack long before the expected service life. I've trying to be more careful, but wrewtling grear from boat the garage and back takes it's toll. That's the cost of fishing, oh well.

[REW]

In addition, you get many years more service from a pole if you NEVER use the rod to swing the rod into the boat. Rather, when the time is right to lift the fish into the boat, grab the LINE with your hand, and use your hand to lift the fish into your boat. That way, you never break a pole due to high sticking.

REW

[Campcountry]

Yeah, I almost always grab the line or leader to hoist the fish in but I didn't with this latest broken rod. I assumed that a rod could handle a 1 lb fish but was wrong.

[Campcountry]

Hey! I was just watching a fishing video and the guy can snap his rod just like me! Setting the hook on a 1 lb walleye - watch at the 4:41 mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFbJyElZhWw

[jmiko]

I can't remember ever breaking a rod fighting a fish on glass or graphite and I have caught some big fish on little rods with light line. It seems to me that if your line is matched to your rod the line should break before the rod does. I would have to believe it is how your fight your fish. I could suggest keeping an eye on your drag as well as the angle of your dangle. For what its worth.

[REW]

Camp,
The market place is a wonderful thing.
If you don't like a product, buy a different product.
Different rods have different characteristics.
If you don't like graphite rods, very simple to avoid your issue.
DON't BUY GRAPHITE RODS.

You can buy a rod that is made from a bamboo pole, you can buy a rod make from a willow stick, you can buy a rod made from a 2X4.

Don't be unhappy, throw away all of the rods that you don't like and throw them into a friends boat who happens to like that sort of rod, then go buy the rods that you want to have in your hand.

Be happy.

REW

[northernbite]

Originally Posted by Campcountry

Bought an Ugly Stick yesterday and will try it out. 1/3 the price of the graphite I was breaking.

You will love it. You can derrick fish all day and they won't break. I use one up in NW Ontario and just bring those walleyes right in. You can high stick them and they won't break.

Paul