Hello,

 

What a great Forum.  I've learned so much.

 

Have a 7 foot Gander Mountain Spinning Rod.

Great rod, really like it a lot.

 

But, being a (very) Sr. Citizen now, was looking for getting a few more feet in my casting.

So, I bought an 8 foot Daiwa Spinmantic Ultra Light.

 

Wow; can now cast a mile.

Great rod for the small Crappies, etc. that I usually get.

 

Both of these rods are pretty cheap; $ 30 range.

Quality, Finish, Cork, Guides, etc. really nice.

Amazing that they can still make a profit selling at this price.

 

But, the 8 foot Daiwa UL is next to useless for the occasional (very) "large" Largemouth I get.

Tip is way too soft, not enough backbone, etc. 

 

Seems to be on the verge of breaking with a 2-3 pound Largemouth on, but maybe that is just a false impression ?

Likely ?  What do you think ?  Tip is very soft, and rod just about bends back on itself, it appears.

 

So, am thinking of another 8 footer, but not an UL.

Anyone suggest any, also in the $ 30 range ?

 

What do I want; what's called a Light, or Med.-Light, or...

 

Love the UL for what I usually catch, so don't want to go too much heavier.

What would be the designation for "just a bit" heavier ?

 

Suggestions ?  (Brand, Model, and why, etc.)

 

Much thanks,

Bob

10# + steel head are landed regularly with light power noodle rods. It will be more of a fight but with proper drag settings you can land the occasional bass in open water with that rod. Just watch the tip and point it down to keep the tip from bending beyond 90* to the butt. If you want a bass specific setup for long casting I need to know what lure weight and type you're using.

Hi,     (From OP:)

 

Thanks for your time and help.

 

The Dock at the Pond where I usually fish from has about a 3 foot railing.

Hoisting the "large" Bass out of the water and thru the 3 ft of air is the situation where it looks like the rod is about to break.

 

I've started using the Wacky Worm rig with a 3 or 4 inch Senko.

 

Other than that, most of my fishing is with the smaller Mepps Aglia in-line Spinners (0 to #3).

These have just about always proven to be the most productive item in my tackle box

 

Best regards,

Bob

how about getting a net with a 4 foot handle to get the fish out of the water and over the dock railing?