So I recently acquired a MH Lews SL rod, great rod! I used it as my all purpose, always-in-the-car rod. I fish primarily spinnerbaits and jigs, and they both work well on the rod. But I always see "jig rods" and "spinnerbait rods". Is there any difference in these rods? And should there be?

 

Thanks

Generally, spinnerbait rods will have a softer tip (correct me if i am wrong), for making very accurate casts. Jig rods are a bit stiffer and heavier duty to get fish out of heavier cover. You could fish spinnerbaits on a jig rod, or jigs on a spinnerbait rod, but if you were to do this, you would hook and land more fish by compensating for the action of the rod by tightening or loosening the drag, or by using a line with more or less stretch, depending on what you are using that rod for.

So I'd just loosen the drag for spinnerbaits and crank it for jigs?

The drag should be set at 2/3 of the pound test of the line (or mono equiv if using braid). Some "spinner bait" rods use a slower action to supposedly keep you from pulling the bait away. I prefer a fast action similar to a jig rod. If I get short strikes I'll change blades or add a trailer hook.

Spinnerbait rods have Extra Fast tips, the rod bends very little at the tip for a faster hookset ( the fish practically hooks itself )

Xtra fast equates lesser accuracy. Spinnerbaits are typically used when casting at targets. Jigs can be but are often pitched.

Xtra fast for jigs helps you transition quickly into the back bone of the rod allowing you to horse a bass out of cover. That isn't always necessary for spinnerbaits as you usually have the spinnerbait on the edges of docks and brush....not deep inside it.