Hey guys.

After about 7 years away from angling I finally got back in the game.

 

Over the years all my good rods were broken, stolen, etc.  So after I got my fishing license I picked out a rod.

A few things to keep in mind:

-I have a limited budget,

-am a multi-species "light tackle" angler,

-and I still have my old (but good) reels, lures, tackle, etc.  All I lacked was a rod.

 

So after examining some of the rods at the local Walmart, I ended up buying a Shimano "Sojourn" 6ft spinning rod.  Graphite composite, and a really nice feel in my hand.  Cork grips, hook keeper, etc.

It is rated as: 6-12 lb mono line.  Medium power, fast action.  Lure wt of 1/8oz - 1/2oz.

 

I chose this particular rod because it seems that it will allow me to target all my favorite fish until I can upgrade to a few more specialized rods.

But, when I was a die-hard angler I would normally use 2-6lb mono line on long graphite rods that were rated as handling those lines.

My new rod lists 6lb as it's "lowest". 

 

Now here's the question to those of you who are still reading this

Do you see any problem with scaling down to 4lb test on this rod?  I guess it's called "underlining" the rod?

Could I drop down to even 2lb test for panfish?  My reels are quite nice as far as drag goes. 

I've never had to "underline" or "overline" a rod before, so any and all input would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks my friends!

-Chris

Sorry for such a long question, I tend to be detail oriented and provide too much background info  

Basically I was wondering how much, if at all, I can underline a spinning rod below it's rating.

I'm going to go ahead and try out my UL reel on the med. rod with 4lb test tomorrow morning.  Then I'll try the 2lb spool and see what happens

Those ratings are suggestions only, lower lb test line will not be an issue. However, the lure weight is a little important. Need enough weight for the rod to load properly in order to cast. It won't hurt the rod put may hurt casting to go to low.

Those ratings are suggestions only, lower lb test line will not be an issue. However, the lure weight is a little important. Need enough weight for the rod to load properly in order to cast. It won't hurt the rod put may hurt casting to go to low.

 

Thanks.

I'll make sure to add some weight to the lures.

I go the other way. I have 17# braid on a med spinning combo. The braid has the diameter of 8# mono, no stretch and high break strength. No downside.

I would be a bit weary of 2-4lb test on a medium rod. A stiffer rod puts more tension on your line. I'm thinking a medium-light rod would have fit your applications a bit better.

Thanks a lot guys.

I'll be ordering a UL as well as a ML rod within a few weeks.

I really like this Shimano, but I'll be careful not to get too carried away underlining it. 

2 lb might be pushing it(but I've never used two). I've used 4 lb before with no problems just as long as you don't set hook hard. Flick the wrist rod set. Drag set a little lighter.

2 lb might be pushing it(but I've never used two). I've used 4 lb before with no problems just as long as you don't set hook hard. Flick the wrist rod set. Drag set a little lighter.

 

Thanks.

Yeah I'll have to kind of train myself not to set the hook too hard when using 4lb, that's a good point.