Help me a casting rod for light techniques

[Grayson Everett]

Hi all, so I have some rods for spinning reels that I use for lighter finesse techniques, but there are times when I would like to use my preferred baitcasting reel for finesse techniques. The current rods I have are medium power, and although they do work okay, I feel like the reel outperforms the rod when it comes to casting. Not much flex in the tips. Also, they aren't the most sensitive so it is hard for me to feel subtleties in terrain or bumps from shy fish. I know I miss some things due to this lack of sensitivity. I've done a lot of research and have seen plenty of rods that I think I would like, but they are all pretty expensive (for me) and I would hate to buy one to find that it doesn't quite work for my needs.

I like a 7' length, although I could go a little longer, maybe up to 7'4" or so... I don't think any longer would benefit me very much and I couldn't fit it in my car if it's a 1-piece. I do think I would like a medium-light power with a moderate-fast or fast action based on research. The usually type of finessing I do will be weightless/lightly weighted plastics and rubber lures, like senkos, power worms, and other creature baits, but I wouldn't mind being able to also work the occasional crank/jerk bait and spoons if the situation arises. Maybe even allow me to work a jig or use small live baits like minnows as well.

If I am wanting to go say $150 or less, what would you all recommend for me? I couldn't get it now, but with fishing season coming closer by the day, I'll be ready to shop soon.

Thanks!

 

[fromthelogo]

I have a Quantum KVD medium light rod and Quantum KVD casting reel. They are around 10 year old technology. They cast 3/8 oz baits well. I can cast 1/4 oz baits but at that weight and lighter, a spinning rig works much better. Newer tech may now work better with lighter baits. I use casting reels for faster presentations. I feel spinning reels work better for slower, finesse presentations. Switching to fluorocarbon line definitely improves sensitivity.

 

[nikita_pdx]

Most of the finnesse techniques you stated, mainly the plastics, would be more effectivley fished with faster action rods. The softer tip would allow for better castability of lighter baits, but the backbone would still drive single point hooks home. However, for small cranks and spoons, you need a more parabolic rod, Moderate-fast to moderate action. To achieve this, and still have a softer tip and the backbone, add length to the rod and reduce power. This gives better shock absorption throughout the rod and your trebles wont come ripping out.
There is a lot of confusion about the proper rod for jerkbaits, but a fast action rod is better to achieve good action, and for shock absorption some companies keep the power around M-MH, and add length to the rod, and some companies keep the rod shorter but reduce power to M-ML.

In your case, a rod that is ML/M power, and 7'-7'6" in length with a fast action would be proper. The fast action will give you good sensitivity, and good lure control for your plastics and jerks. The longer and lighter blank will help absorb shock on your small cranks, and other treble hook lures.

Finding a rod like this is difficult for casting, but there are a lot more finesse technique rods in spinning. I would go for spinning with braid 100%. You get better distance and castability, and I find that with light rod and baits, its more comfortable to hold a spinning rod. I guess its just preference.

For being a more "modern rod", you will be looking for the material, and nowadays, how its constructed. Higher mod graphite will give you that light, sensitive, and crisp feel. I suggest looking at Daiwa rods with X45 and either HVF or SVF. The Tatula rods are incredibly light and sensitive at a good price. They are slightly above $150, but you get quality components and a quality blank, and comfort. The TTU711MLFS model will be a good bet for your needs, but a TTU761MLMFS would probably be best (slightly longer, slightly heavier). They are aimed more for dropshot and float'n'nfly, but I never look at what a rod is labeled with-I look for the power action length (PAL) combo that I need. I currently have 3 Tatula rods and so far this PAL selection method has not disappointed. All my rods are perfectly suited for my needs.

If you want something more budget, Lamiglas offers a rod around $90, the XP Bass Series. The XP702S is a general purpose light duty spinning rod that should cover the techniques well. A slightly heavier XP703C is a casting rod as you are looking for, and instead of being a bit longer to increase shock absorption since its a heavier blank, they made it a mod-fast. This should work well for weighted plastics, but not too confident in weightless. Again, more choices in spinning rods.

Good luck in your search!

 

[Grayson Everett]

Thanks @fromthelogo and @nikita_pdx

 

[DonF]

I have to kastkig low profile reels filled with 6# line on shakespere 6' med action rods I'd set up just for bull heads and small mouth bass. Started with 4# line but found 6# more to my liking. Easily cast's 1/4oz jigs and seem I even did some 3/16oz jigs with them.