Howdy- I'm questioning whether I am getting the most out of my rods and the applications / techniques I am using them for. I mostly like to Texas rig plastics (Brush Hogs, etc), Jig & pig (typically 3/8-1/2 oz), senkos, small Arkie jigs, spinnerbaits, and I'd like to learn to fish flukes this spring. I'm fishing in the northern part of the country, Minnesota.

 

Given this arsenal, which application / technique would you use for each? I currently have braid on every rod I own, and I'm open to using other types or going to fluoro leaders:

 

Spinning Rods:

Phenix M-1 7’8 M X-Fast                (Shimano Miravel 2500)                1/8-3/4 oz           6-12lb

Kistler KLX 7’ ML                               (Shimano NASCI 2500)                1/16-3/8 oz        6-10lb

St. Croix Avid 6’3 M X-Fast            (Shimano Symetre 2500)                 1/8-1/2 oz          6-10lb

 

Casting Rods:

Falcon Cara Weightless Worm 6’7 MH (Shimano Scorpion 100)         1/4-3/4 oz          12-20lb

Kistler Helium 6’9 Lite MH            (Kistler Reel)                                   3/16-5/8 oz        12-14lb

Phenix Feather 7’7 MH                   (Tatula CT)                                     1/4-3/4 oz          8-17lb

Falcon LowRider 6’6                        (Shimano Scorpion 100)               1/4-5/8 oz          10-17lb

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

I think your arsenal looks good.  I wouldn't worry to much about "technique specific" rods...I think manufacturers coined that phrase to get us to purchase more rods. 

 

Here are my fishing rods...all were purchased between 1991 and 2003. I can fish everything from crappie/bluegill, to smallies, largemouth, Pike and Musky. They work.

 

I run braid on all my castings rods...and a few years back, switched out all my spinning rods to braid-to-leader.

 

My CDH 602 pretty much always has a spinner bait tied on.  The XML Ti is my Senko rod.

 

 

 

8 minutes ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I think your arsenal looks good.  I wouldn't worry to much about "technique specific" rods...I think manufacturers coined that phrase to get us to purchase more rods. 

This i can certainly agree with.

The only reason I carry 12 rods and reels on the boat is I don't like to retie while fishing.

1 hour ago, Doubles said:

 

Spinning Rods:

Phenix M-1 7’8 M X-Fast                (Shimano Miravel 2500)                 #6 Seaguar InviZ

Kistler KLX 7’ ML                               (Shimano NASCI 2500)                                 "

St. Croix Avid 6’3 M X-Fast            (Shimano Symetre 2500)                              "

 

Casting Rods:

Falcon Cara Weightless Worm 6’7 MH (Shimano Scorpion 100)         #12 AbrazX

Kistler Helium 6’9 Lite MH            (Kistler Reel)                                                          "

Phenix Feather 7’7 MH                   (Tatula CT)                                                             "

Falcon LowRider 6’6                        (Shimano Scorpion 100)                                    "       

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

20 hours ago, Doubles said:

Howdy- I'm questioning whether I am getting the most out of my rods and the applications / techniques I am using them for. I mostly like to Texas rig plastics (Brush Hogs, etc), Jig & pig (typically 3/8-1/2 oz), senkos, small Arkie jigs, spinnerbaits, and I'd like to learn to fish flukes this spring. I'm fishing in the northern part of the country, Minnesota.

 

Given this arsenal, which application / technique would you use for each? I currently have braid on every rod I own, and I'm open to using other types or going to fluoro leaders:

 

Spinning Rods:

Phenix M-1 7’8 M X-Fast                (Shimano Miravel 2500)                1/8-3/4 oz           6-12lb

Kistler KLX 7’ ML                               (Shimano NASCI 2500)                1/16-3/8 oz        6-10lb

St. Croix Avid 6’3 M X-Fast            (Shimano Symetre 2500)                 1/8-1/2 oz          6-10lb

 

Casting Rods:

Falcon Cara Weightless Worm 6’7 MH (Shimano Scorpion 100)         1/4-3/4 oz          12-20lb

Kistler Helium 6’9 Lite MH            (Kistler Reel)                                   3/16-5/8 oz        12-14lb

Phenix Feather 7’7 MH                   (Tatula CT)                                     1/4-3/4 oz          8-17lb

Falcon LowRider 6’6                        (Shimano Scorpion 100)               1/4-5/8 oz          10-17lb

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

I think you're set up really well.  For flukes, I prefer casting and 7'2 and under.  I don't know enough about Kistler and Falcon but would be interested in trying them on any of your rods.  The Kistler 6'9 LMH looks like a similar rod to what I throw and would be what I try first.  

 

If you really like 1/2oz jigs, and your MN water gets as weedy as my MI water, I think you could eventually get a 6'10-7'3ish H/XH.  This rod could also give you a frogging/weedless swimbait option if you're interested, might open up some fun summertime power fishing.

 

scott

21 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

I wouldn't worry to much about "technique specific" rods...I think manufacturers coined that phrase to get us to purchase more rods. 

I agree that most rods are much more versatile than most fishermen seem to think, based on the almost obsessive attention the subject gets on this and other forums.

I agree with Mick regarding the over emphasis on technique specific rods. The way to look at them is that they are exceptionally good for the suggested technique, as a matter of opinion by the builder/seller/ designer etc. ymmv. As for your arsenal you should be good unless you want to punch mats etc. Just match them to baits that load and cast well taking note of the cover you’re fishing. With that in mind, I’ll throw a fluke on  casting tackle in cover but prefer spinning tackle in shallow, clear open water. Exposed hook and long casts. Also for skipping docks

On 5/1/2023 at 11:23 AM, Bird said:

This i can certainly agree with.

The only reason I carry 12 rods and reels on the boat is I don't like to retie while fishing.

This.

It's like golf clubs. I prefer to roll up into my spot and just reach down and grab what I need for what I think works. Tying in the boat is not my favorite.