Originally Posted by
skeetbum
What Don just spoke of is key to choosing a good rod. My early experience with ultralight rods were small in length and soft in action. I’ve heard the term “parabolic” used to describe some rods, and my understanding of that is that it begins to bend right in front of the handle. I have learned that I like a soft tip that will load during the cast of a light jig, but have enough middle and butt stiffness to handle a surprise fish. A fast action or medium fast action seems to suit me most times. As DBD said earlier, all are not the same. Medium in one maker is completely different with another, so handle before you buy or be ready to be disappointed. An inexpensive rod that I like a lot is the Shakespeare micro series. They come from 4’6” to 7’ in most of the places I have seen carry them. The 6’6” is a nice rod that behaves well for everything from jigs to slip floats that I have tried on it. At$18 it doesn’t hurt your feelings at the register. I have 3 of the President 20’s and like them fine. Always remember to loosen the drag when you’re done and you won’t compress the drag washers. That goes for all of your reels, especially the smaller ones. 4lb line is what I’ve used for years, bass pros offshore angler tight lines, and always hi vis. Something like 4000 yards for under $10. Variations on these items have kept me fishing and teaching others for years now. If you like a higher end rod, look up the St Croix 66lf with the blue label. I prefer the one piece version, but both are nice. Good luck in you r search, and keep us posted, you’re teaching us along the way.
Those Shakespeare micro series rods are tough as nails. Affordable, sensitive, can be found up to 7 foot long. I have several
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