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What Action Rod For Soft Plastics?

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What action rods do you guys recommend for soft plastics?

  • Super User

Depends on what and how you are fishing. Worm rod M power Fast action, sometimes MH with a F, senkos, flukes same. Topwater Rage Shad or anything around slop MH/XF, as I don't want the fish burying itself and gettin away. Anything fat soft plastic i.e. big senkos, Rage tail shad, eeliminator, fat ika MH/XF if I have to use an EWG hook I use XF action.

  • Super User

Xf action, power dependend on lure weight and cover.

  • Author

I'm interested in something more sensitive. So is the fast action the way to go? I have a pretty good understanding on power guess where I need more understanding is in the action. Fast, med fast, moderate etc

  • Super User

You will want a fast or extra fast action rod. Moderate action rods are primarily used for reaction baits only. Setting hooks with soft plastics is much more easier to do with this type of rod. Ideally I would prefer a 7 foot or better rod in MH with a fast or extra fast tip.

The above factors will help a little with sensitivity but the quality of the rod components and graphite will play another part.

Add in some quality floro or braid and tungsten weights and you will be feeling more bites.

Getting the right rod, line and a tungsten weight and it will really help along with a high speed reel preferably a 7:1.

When people are talking action, this is a basic idea of what they are saying.

rod_action_w640.jpeg

M/XF for my weightless to lightly weighted plastics

Sensitivity is about how much vibration the rod transmits to your hand, not about the action. A balanced rod/reel combo with a high end graphite rod and fluorocarbon or braided line is the most sensitive. There is no industry measure about rod sensitivity so you can only compare rod to rod in your hand. Generally speaking, higher strain graphite is more sensitive but rod design also enters into the equation. IMO, if you're going to splurge on one rod, it should be your worm/plastics/jig rod because the costly high strain graphite will cost more but pay dividends in sensitivity.

As you can see, everyone has their preference. I have simplified it by using a 6'6", or 7' MH, fast tip for all plastics and it works fine.

  • Super User

As you can see, everyone has their preference. I have simplified it by using a 6'6", or 7' MH, fast tip for all plastics and it works fine.

Likewise.

Hootie

  • Global Moderator

As you can see, everyone has their preference. I have simplified it by using a 6'6", or 7' MH, fast tip for all plastics and it works fine.

Ditto...

I've never owned and don't see the need for an extra fast action with a high quality rod.

But that's just me.'

Mike

  • Author

I use Berkley Trilene 100% Florocarbon tungsten weights, Gamakatsu hooks, and just upgraded a couple of my reels with Shimano Curados.

  • Super User

I fish a LES 70MF/ Stella 2500FE/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6

My general recommendation is spinning gear, Medium Power/ Shimano Symetre or Stradic

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