To accompany my reel question, (and thank you to all who have chimed in). I was wondering what you look for when choosing a rod? 

 

How much does length impact it's performance?  My current rod is 6', is there an advantage to going 6.5 - 7?

 

I've read a medium to medium heavy action rod is best when Bass fishing.  Is this correct?

 

And as always, and product recommendations would really be appreciated. 

 

Thanks!

 

 

Rich

 

I should add.....This would be coupled with a spinning reel, if that matters.  (does it?)

for shore fishing a shorter rod is better unless you are fishing from a treeless shoreline. for boat fishing a longer rod is nice.medium to a light medium heavy is best for most spinning apps.i suggest a falcon bucoo or falcon cara.

One more note, I almost gagged when I saw the price of the Falcon Cara.....I can't go that pricey. Don't be shy with suggestions, but that's out of my league.  Looking for a setup that I can put together for maybe $150 if possible.

I fish a 6'6'' spinning rod from the shore with out a problem with trees. If you can go up $10 more I would go with a Shimano Sedona and a Falcon Bucoo, if not the Shimano Sonora is pretty good but I would opt for the Sedona.

In spinning I'd go with a medium power fast action rod and spool up with 20# braid. As for length, a longer rod 7-71/2' will cast further which can help from the banks but if you're bushwhacking a 6 or 6 1/2 may be better. You'll have to weight the trade offs and decide based on your areas.

In spinning I'd go with a medium power fast action rod and spool up with 20# braid. As for length, a longer rod 7-71/2' will cast further which can help from the banks but if you're bushwhacking a 6 or 6 1/2 may be better. You'll have to weight the trade offs and decide based on your areas.

 

+1

 

Not sure how many rods you are planning on carrying with you, but from shore, I say go with longer 7 1/2 rod by default, except if you have bush that you have to worry about. In addition to the casting distance, longer rods can cast lighter bait better if the power is the same.

From shore a longer rod is very advantageous. Longer casts and you can move more line on the hook set. If I was to purchase just ONE spinning setup, I would get a 7'3-7'6 Medium action spinning rod.  

All really good info.  Thanks for replying with why one is better or more advantageous.  I'm learning a ton, and I really appreciate all the information.

I use a 13' centrepin rod when fishing creeks and streams for trout.  Those conditions are much more "wild" and snaggy than any shore fishing for bass I've done.  As already mentioned, a longer rod helps with a lot of things, like hooksets at distance, longer casts, etc.  If you can get away with it, try a longer rod - you'll always have that six footer for the jungle zones.

$150 for the whole setup?  If you also have to buy line, that doesn't leave much wiggle room.  I would probably buy a $100 rod, and get a cheap reel as a placeholder.  Something like a *** + Pfleuger Trion, or St. Croix Premier + Shimano Sedona.  That way you'd have a nice, sensitive rod that should last.

I've been using this Fenwick stealhead rod for bank fishing and in the surf - it's really fun. You can cast a LONG way. I've got an old Shimano 1990s model Citica mounted on it.

 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360711842292?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_309wt_1142

 

 

 

 

x2,3,4,5 on the longer rod.. when shorefishing the longer rods I have are MUCH appreciated.. 7'6 and 8'0

Casting is a problem from shore unless you are clear of trees.

I usually have waders on so I can get clearance from shore in order to swing those long rods.

Trust me nothing more frustrating when shorefishing when you see prime real estate for BASS you cant reach with a short stick!

$150 for the whole setup?  If you also have to buy line, that doesn't leave much wiggle room.  I would probably buy a $100 rod, and get a cheap reel as a placeholder.  Something like a *** + Pfleuger Trion, or St. Croix Premier + Shimano Sedona.  That way you'd have a nice, sensitive rod that should last.

Well, I should backtrack a bit.  That's not a hard cap......  As i'm learning more about the gear, what's realistic is changing my expectations. Which is fine!   When I sit back and think about it, it's something i've done quite often this year (this is my first season fishing) and want to invest in something quality that will last.  I by no means want to cheap out, but i'm far from pro, if that makes any sense. 

Keep your browser peeled to the Flea Market section.  You can find some outstanding deals there.

The St. Croix Premier 7'MF with a Shimano Sedona could be had right around your $150.00 budget, and itno way is a cheapo outfit, quite good quality for that matter, and would be hard to beat without spending 250 bucks or more, that is a great setup for a ridiculously low price!

Keep your browser peeled to the Flea Market section.  You can find some outstanding deals there.

 

X2  This is absolutely the best way to go for quality gear when on a tight budget.  Another option is to keep an eye out for closeouts.  Unfortunately closeouts don't happen often, but can result in some great deals.  I got an older model Daiwa Cielo (the one with a Titanium tip) MH spinning rod (new on closeout) for $75 shipped to my door.  These rods sold for $300.  Needless to say it is a beautiful rod.

 

Fishusa is selling Fenwick Elite Tech Spinning rods for $99.95.  Regular price is $129.95 and a bargain at that price.  Occasionally they come up for sale at even less.  Try the 7'4" MF if you have room to swing it.  If you have to go short, try the 6'3" MF.

 

Tackle Warehouse still has the Daiwa Ballisics on sale for $64.88 (reg. $99.95).  The 7'MF looks like a good all-around rod.

 

Otherwise keep an eye on the classifieds here and on a couple other forums.  Like JF said, you can sometimes find really great deals.

Get a $100 rod and look for a used Shimano Symetre for around $50. Great setup.

Unless I'm fishing with brushes and trees behind me but I like longer rod since it cast further. Mine bank spinning setup is 7'2.

I just went with the lews SG spinning rods that are 6'6" & 7'0" for shore fishing. I also use 5'6" & 6' spinning rods too as well as bait casters in all lengths too.

Just get something that has great reviews and not alot of falling apart issues, in this world if a product has a problem people say something about it... shop around. 100 buck mojo bass look sweet

One other aspect that has not been covered yet is determining a preference for one piece or two piece rods.  I was in your shoes at the end of July, looking to significantly upgrade my pole but wanted knowledge base and reviews behind my decision.  I knew I wanted a 2 piece as I don't always want the rod fully extended in my car for transporting, especially if we're packing it full for a day on the pontoon and need seating for a bunch of people in my SUV.  This ruled out brands like ***, that had incredible reviews on here, simply because they didn't make any.

 

I was going for 6'6"-7' range as I do most of my fishing from shore and quite a lot of my locations (still looking for SUCCESSFUL ones) are narrowed between trees or brush behind and to the sides, and also wanted a similar cost range to you.

 

I went in to look at Mojo Bass, ***, St. Croix and Shimano mainly, though wasn't going to rule something along the lines of Abu Garcia Vendetta or others that I'd read about.  All seemed quite appropriate for my needs...but the store only had the Shimano Compre in stock at that time in the models I had narrowed down to (6'6" MH) in a spinning, 2 piece setup.  It doesn't take too long to identify which poles are setup for baitcaster (reel slot on front/top side of pole) versus spinning (bottom side) but also a mental note to make.

 

As I just posted in another thread, I'm now to researching reels which was on my to-do's for the offseason anyway...my cheap-o broke on me today so my Compre is out of commission until I either find a suitable cheap-o replacement as a backup or research/pick a more expensive one for the family to get me for upcoming birthday/xmas list.  I will look for your thread on this and see what's there, though there are some good suggestions in this thread as well.

Buy the best product you can with your budget. I'd spend more on the rod then the reel as it's what let's you feel and catch the fish. The Abu Veritas has gotten good reviews by members and also the *** black. Both can be had for the $100 price tag. Reels you have tons of choices. Shimano okuma pflueger ect ect. Pflueger president and the *** black would make a nice quality combo in my opinion.

Right now there are sales and clearances going on.

Thank you all for the very insightful responses.  I have a lot to check out but have definitely learned a ton....thank you!  (and if anyone else wants to chime in, feel free, obviously, i'll continue to watch the thread)