Rod Suggestions ?

[Robert11]

Hi all,

Tried to Append this as a "Quick Reply" to my previous message of asking for rod selection help,
but site wouldn't take it for some reason.

So, will start another thread.

Thanks for help; much appreciated.
Am a Sr. (very) Citizen now, and not too sure what would be the smartest choice for me
for a new Spinning Rod. Don't want the handle with the cut-a-way cork; like the old classic look much better.

Do Pond fishing for the most part; Crappies and Smallmouth mainly.
Occasionally, very, something worth talking about like a few pound
decent Largemouth or Chain Pickerel (last one broke my rod !)

Anyway, at my age, getting distance is my major concern now.
Last season, went from a 6'6" to a 7 footer, and that helped a lot.
Thinking of a Light, or perhaps an Ultra-Light 7'6" for the new season.

a. Should I go to an 8 footer, or is this (probably) too much ?

b. Would an Ultra Light (7'6" or an 8') be "very" prone to breaking
with the occasional few-pounder ?

c. The suggested Bass Pro Micro Lite looks good.
I see that they also have a Micro Lite Graphite Float 'n' Fly model for a few bucks more. Worth it ? What are the differences ?

d. Cabela also has their Pro Guide and Classic series ones.
Thoughts on vs. the Bass pro models ?

Quality pretty much the same between Bass Pro and Cabelas, or is one thought of as being higher, usually ? What about Okuma ?

Much thanks for the help, and your time.
It's fun deciding, but hard to know which way to go.


Regards,
Bob (Boston area)

[deathb4disco]

As you can probably tell from the name, the BPS Microlite Float n Fly, is designed to cast a fly (or jig) underneath a float. It does a good job at that. If you were NOT planning on using a float much, I’d go with the 7-7.5’ Microlite.

[deathb4disco]

Regarding Bass Pro vs Cabela’s, I tend to buy more BP stuff, mainly because the Atlanta store is twenty minutes away. Cabela’s has good stuff, though, so that might change when they open their Atlanta store later this year.

[deathb4disco]

Another option in your price range: Daiwa Spinmatic. I have the 7-footer, and it's a good rod for the money.

[deathb4disco]

[FONT="]b. Would an Ultra Light (7'6" or an 8') be "very" prone to breaking with the occasional few-pounder ?

As long as your drag is set correctly, you should be fine. I’ve landed 7# bass and 10# channel cats on my little ultralights.

[MonteSS]

I fust orderd an Ugly stick Gx2 7' UL from FishUSA. $40 and Free shipping. I am hard on poles and thought an UL graphite would be easy to break.

I have a feeling that it will be too whippy. Casting acuracy might be a prob too. I want it mostly for casting 1/32 to 1/16 jigs.

I currently have a 5'6" Light action Ugly Stick that I love.

I will let you know.....Bill

[clfarms1]

I like the shimano's they have a life time guarntee on the better models.

[Iuka22]

If you need more distance spool up some Berkley nanofil.

[feelay]

I cast float and jigs with a 9' Micro lite float n fly rod. I love it for this!