What is the "real life" importance of the manufacture's Lure Weight rating on a rod?

Thanks!

This is important, I think. If you use a bait that weighs in under the lower rating on the rod, the rod will not load properly, resulting in poor casting performance. You'll flat wear yourself out using a rod rated for heavier lures than the one you're throwing. Throwing a bait that is heavier than the upper limit of the rod can damage the blank, besides being difficult to control.

Balance is the key to it. By using line and lure weights within the limits of the rod's design, you'll get the best performance and experience the least fatigue. That's my opinion, anyway. I may not be 100% right on this one. I've been wrong before.

Cheers,

GK

ghoti,

100% Right On!!!!!

I often use hair raisers for stripers that are 1/2 oz heavier than the rod rating.  I feel it actually allows me to cast further due to the rod loading -

I figured it had to do with the loading. Thanks for confirming my thoughts

I also noticed that some of the more expensive rods have smaller ranges. Is that because the blanks are stiffer or because their design is more specific to a certain style of fishing?

Leon

LAO162,

I also noticed that some of the more expensive rods have smaller ranges.  Is that because the blanks are stiffer or because their design is more specific to a certain style of fishing?

Higher end (high modules) rod blanks are less forgiving, (more brittle, thin walled, and prone to brakeage with over lining, and over loading of the rod, high sticking etc.). Therefore the MFG's place a tighter ratings on them, and it is best on those blanks to not try and stretch the ratings.

Tight Lines!!!

Thanks ReelMech,

You might be helping my budget  Since I have not develped a favorite style yet and I'm just looking for one general purpose rod (for this year), maybe I should stay will more reasonable priced rods that are more forgiving.  i.e. stick with a St. Croix Premium rather than the Avid.  Or, even something in the Fenwick Eagle GT/HMX or Shimano Clarus range.

Next year I can always go high tech  ;D

LAO162,

Don't know if your getting into competition or not.

When I build for tourney anglers (who are IMPO the worst on rods), I suggest either the Avid or Premier blanks. So if having a little higher end rod helps, the Avid will serve you well.

Just my .02¢

Tight Lines!!!

ReelMech, the only tournament action I will see are competitions against my 9yo daughter as we sit by the town pond with slip bobbers ;D

Most of the areas I will fish are faily open. However, my in-laws have new cabin by a small lake, but I don't know what the conditions are for shore fishing there. We may occassioanly use a canoe.

However, my excuse for buying a new combo is that my other setups don't have enough backbone for a bass... I've had trouble setting the hook when using my trout poles.

I'm hoping that I have the opportunity to fish some T-rigs and experient with other techniques like Crankbaits, C-Rigs and Spinner baits.

While I expect to catch mostly panfish, I'd like to think that I'm taking a lazy casual approach to finesse bass fishing

If I can get the family hooked on fishing, then I hope we will get more serious next year.