Hit Wallys and experiment with any Shakespeare micro-series. Under $20 and the best lite rods for the money that I know of. Great starting point and upgrade from their if needed.
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Just a random question, if I’m gonna buy new UL spinning rod, IF JUST IF lol. What length should I get 5’ or 6’? Applications for this rod will be for float tube, fish around trees as well as open water from shore. Will I loose a lot of distance coming down from 6’ to 5’? I’ve never fish a rod this shot so I’m not sure what to expect.
Hit Wallys and experiment with any Shakespeare micro-series. Under $20 and the best lite rods for the money that I know of. Great starting point and upgrade from their if needed.
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I'm guessing your thinking is based on being able to get in and around tight (restricted) fishing areas. I do a considerable amount of shore fishing and wading (when I'm not in my boat), so I know what you have in mind. However, I've given up on my really short rods as of late, due to the considerable advantages of the longer ones. Your casting distance and control of the fish (especially if you tie into a large one) will increase with the longer rods. And I haven't experienced a problem with the longer ones either.
The shortest I have now is 6' and to honest with you, I actually prefer the 7' and 9' rods. That may just be me. What it all boils down to is what gives you the greatest confidence and fun. The suggestion above is an excellent one. Try a less expensive short rod and see how it fits into your style of fishing.
"A voyage in search of knowledge need never abandon the spirit of adventure."DRFISHDUCK, skeetbum LIKED above postJust_Bass thanked you for this post
I like the 6'2"-7'. Anything shorter seems as if you are pitching rather than casting . Most likely the fast tip with backbone are not easily found . Most have no backbone or a very stiff tip . JMO.
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YES on Crestliners opinion, I mainly use 5' rods for docks - vertical jigging with tiny jigs. I usually have a few rods in my boat 7 to 9' and the same when shore fishing.
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I'd stick with the 6' rod, especially if you're also going to be using it from shore.
You might look at these : ESP™ High-Performance Ultra Light Rods – Norsemen Outdoors .... but consider buying them from Grizzly Jigs, as their price is lower. I'd go with the 6' Powerlite for your "float tube" application, as the 6'6" Powerlite rod has the extended handle (which can get in the way in a confined situation). They are essentially the same rod, and the 6" extension is the only difference between them (other than price).
The only reason I would not get (or recommend) a ESP rod ... is if it were to be used with slip floats. The tip and last several guides before the tip are all "micro guides" and don't play well with most of the "bobber stops" on the market.
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I usually have a 5 to 5.5 foot ultra light ugly stick with me in the boat at all times. Virtually indestructible, cast jigs well, and about 39.00.
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I have several ul rods, and have had most or all of the micro series rods up to 7’. Length depends on where you will be using it, tight quarters or open water. The longer rods, 6’6” or 7’, do better in open water. I have settled down to 2 rods in 5’6” and one 6’. Also a micro series in 6’6” for jig and float or slip float. The 6’ and I spend a lot of time together. I can cast, skip, shoot and control a surprise fish when they come along. If I had to choose one, it would be a one piece 6’ lightweight rod with a fast action and a tip thT loads with a light jig, say a 1/32 or less. Good luck.
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I much prefer a longer rod from a float tube. As crestliner08 mentions, control with the longer rod is higher. Also I get considerable more casting distance. However I don't fish under a lot of overhanging trees. The limiting factor for me in the float tube or kayak/canoe is the ability to restring. For the float tube it is around 7', kayak goes up to 9'. However, with the longer rod comes a longer butt length, which is annoying too long in a float tube or kayak. I usually cut off about 4 inches.
Another consideration, I find most UL rods too slow in action (where it bends), for me. If you are using 1/16 oz or heavier lures, I would look at mag-light power (Gloomis, power is amount of weight to cast well) or other companies light power, just make sure they have fast or extra fast action.
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I own one rod under six feet and the only time I use it is when fishing marina's with a overhead canopy. I sometimes use it when the water is high and I am fishing under a bridge. Again this is only because I have structure overhead. I like a light to med light action rod for crappie. I leave the UL outfit for bluegill or white bass fishing.
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