I say 7’2 as obviously rod length comes into play .. so let’s stick to 7’2 rod length in reference to incoming opinion .

Lets use a frog rod as a example.. throwing a hollow body frog.

Does power /action or line weight make more of the difference when it comes to casting distance. They both play a part but which has more effect?

 All other things being equal:

   On a casting reel, line weight (test) makes little difference .... up to a point. Before the line diameter makes a difference, you'll notice line flexure (limpness or softness) making a difference.

 

All other things NOT being equal:

   Aerodynamic lures (traps and spoons) cast either a long distance, or a shorter distance more easily. On these, finding a rod action that stores the right amount of energy for the way you cast (which will be different than some other person) will yield benefits. So .... for these, action makes a big difference.

   But for lures that are NOT aerodynamic, (spinnerbaits and balsa cranks) you'll find out that action doesn't really gain you distance. In fact, pretty much nothing does. To make the point obvious; how far can you throw a piece of tissue paper? No matter how hard you try, the distance is limited.

   So ..... how aerodynamic is that hollow frog?

 

   Good luck!     jj

15 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

 All other things being equal:

   On a casting reel, line weight (test) makes little difference .... up to a point. Before the line diameter makes a difference, you'll notice line flexure (limpness or softness) making a difference.

 

All other things NOT being equal:

   Aerodynamic lures (traps and spoons) cast either a long distance, or a shorter distance more easily. On these, finding a rod action that stores the right amount of energy for the way you cast (which will be different than some other person) will yield benefits. So .... for these, action makes a big difference.

   But for lures that are NOT aerodynamic, (spinnerbaits and balsa cranks) you'll find out that action doesn't really gain you distance. In fact, pretty much nothing does. To make the point obvious; how far can you throw a piece of tissue paper? No matter how hard you try, the distance is limited.

   So ..... how aerodynamic is that hollow frog?

 

   Good luck!     jj

But what about Power? Heavy vs medium heavy in general.. I know the characteristics.. so I'm sure its seems odd asking for opinion but basically what happens when I start re-evaluating my rigs and how I use them and start shopping for another rod my mind goes full "What chew Talking about Willis"(showing my age there ,80's sitcoms)lol.

 

 

3 hours ago, TcRoc said:

But what about Power? Heavy vs medium heavy in general.. I know the characteristics.. so I'm sure its seems odd asking for opinion but basically what happens when I start re-evaluating my rigs and how I use them and start shopping for another rod my mind goes full "What chew Talking about Willis"(showing my age there ,80's sitcoms)lol.

 

 

 

   Because you had arbitrarily specified a frog, I was assuming that you already had a certain power in mind. Because I frog so little (only at one lake) I can't really say what your best options might be. I myself use a H/M fiberglass rod, and I think it's OK, but other people think I'm nuts. No matter the construction material, I would choose Heavy power for a frog setup. But you have to understand; that's just me. YMMV

   There are some other people here who are froggin' experts, and I'm sure they will chime in.   ?  jj

  

The answer is power/action over line weight all day with a baitcaster.  As long as you aren't using 80lb mono or a ridiculously thick line. Not counting wind the main variables are Length (leverage) Speed (torque) and weight (mass) of the lure. Barring fishing in or next to heavy cover, rod power is realative to lure weight, your not going to throw a 1/4oz spinner bait very far with a heavy power rod, but the right ML or M power will launch it.  A mod.fast speed that loads further into the blank will cast farther then a fast action with the same lure.  However, distance is relative to weight.  If your trying to throw a 1/32oz jighead with a 2" grub on it IDC how long the rod is and even if the tip loads perfectly into the blank your not going to cast very far.     

I guess without knowing your end goal, there are way too many variables to consider to answer your question. I don't know if you are just looking for casting distance or what. For me, the power of the rod I choose is determined on where I am throwing any particular lure. Let's use your frog as an example. If I am throwing a hollow body frog over thick grass, I am going to use a 7'2 H rod with 65 lb braid to try to get them up and out as soon as I can. If I am going to be throwing a hollow body frog over open water, I am going to throw it on a 7'2 MH rod with 50 lb braid. I use the same approach with bottom contact baits and even crankbaits in certain situations. 

42 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said:

I guess without knowing your end goal, there are way too many variables to consider to answer your question. I don't know if you are just looking for casting distance or what. For me, the power of the rod I choose is determined on where I am throwing any particular lure. Let's use your frog as an example. If I am throwing a hollow body frog over thick grass, I am going to use a 7'2 H rod with 65 lb braid to try to get them up and out as soon as I can. If I am going to be throwing a hollow body frog over open water, I am going to throw it on a 7'2 MH rod with 50 lb braid. I use the same approach with bottom contact baits and even crankbaits in certain situations. 

Yeah I think I'm trying to kill to many birds with one stone. The 2 rods I have been bouncing back and forth between for frogging is a 7'2 Medium Heavy Favorite Big Sexy(paired with a Daiwa HLC) which I love and a 7'2 Heavy Favorite White Bird (paired with a Daiwa Elite)which is my problem as its a $69 rod.. Wifey got it for me so in dire need of new Heavy rod to pair with the Daiwa Elite.. The choices is what kills me and I go batty looking at specs as there really isn't anyplace to get my hands on them.. 

What's wrong with the White Bird?    Just looking to upgrade?

4 minutes ago, Heartland said:

What's wrong with the White Bird?    Just looking to upgrade?

Where do I start?It's not a quality rod..  You get what you pay for, although we all know there is over priced units out there. 

Guess I'll be looking at St.Croix, Dobyns or maybe something else in the Favorite line up. $200-250 range give or take...

maybe go up in length 7'4 ,, 7'6 max

 

10 minutes ago, TcRoc said:

Where do I start?It's not a quality rod..  You get what you pay for, although we all know there is over priced units out there. 

Guess I'll be looking at St.Croix, Dobyns or maybe something else in the Favorite line up. $200-250 range give or take...

maybe go up in length 7'4 ,, 7'6 max

 

Have you fished other St.Croix and Dobyns rods?

12 minutes ago, Heartland said:

Have you fished other St.Croix and Dobyns rods?

St.Croix Mojo Bass in a 6'8

1 minute ago, TcRoc said:

St.Croix Mojo Bass in a 6'8

Lots of difference in the Power/Action ratings between Dobyns and St. Croix. I own few of both, my thoughts are that the Dobyns run a little soft for their Power and Action ratings, but at any rate you might find the Action to be faster and powers to be heavier with the St. Croix.    Neither is wrong or better they just rate their respective rods much different than one another in my opinion.  St Croix has had some of the best customer service I have experienced they are easy to work with.   Dobyns is a great rod also, and you call Dobyn's rods on the phone and will most likely get to speak to Gary or his Son with questions, they will help pick a rod that works for you for the technique and conditions you are fishing.    Tough Choice.

38 minutes ago, Heartland said:

Lots of difference in the Power/Action ratings between Dobyns and St. Croix. I own few of both, my thoughts are that the Dobyns run a little soft for their Power and Action ratings, but at any rate you might find the Action to be faster and powers to be heavier with the St. Croix.    Neither is wrong or better they just rate their respective rods much different than one another in my opinion.  St Croix has had some of the best customer service I have experienced they are easy to work with.   Dobyns is a great rod also, and you call Dobyn's rods on the phone and will most likely get to speak to Gary or his Son with questions, they will help pick a rod that works for you for the technique and conditions you are fishing.    Tough Choice.

Thanks for the insight