Whats the best 4'6" to 5' rod.

[alabass]

I just bought a couple of 4'8" Shakespeare Ugly Sticks for around $30 for the pair on ebay. I got them specifically for shooting docks. They may be a little light in the tip action but after getting used to them, I can shoot pretty good with them.

My all-time favorite dock shooting rod is an old BPS Pro Comp II 5' spinning rod that I got over 25yrs. ago. It has the perfect action for me for shooting a 1/32 - 1/16 oz. jig.

[CrappiePappy]

Best one I've got is a 5' Microlite ESP Series (model E50MLS) by Norsemen Outdoors Inc. .... it can be seen on pg 32 of the 2010 Grizzly Jigs Catalog.

And just some advice : If you're in danger of smacking your rod tip against a dock, when trying to shoot the dock ... you're too close. You need to practice shooting from a greater distance

If you HAVE to get so close to a dock, to shoot your jig under it, that you're in danger of smacking the tip against the dock .... try shooting "sidearm" By that I mean, turn your rod sideways & hold the jig out to the side ... as opposed to holding the rod in the normal position & holding the jig underneath the reel. It'll still shoot the jig under the dock .... you just won't have to worry about the tip coming up & striking the dock (though you will still have to avoid smacking the rod against the dock support poles )

... cp

[Gamblinman]

Grab as many of these as you can afford. It's a really well built rod with the perfect blank for shooting. IM6 rod blanks are old tech but this particular blank is sensative and tougher than higher modulus blanks. Perfect for dock shooting or any other crappie fishing, and at $50 bucks off it's an awesome deal. An $80 rod for $30 bucks.

Cabela's: Cabela's Fish Eagle® II Spinning Rods - '08

Either a bad link, or, Cabela's has taken them off sale...they're $80.00 now.

[jusanothajoe]

I want a rod that will shoot the jig, doesnt have to be the most sensitive rod out there because I feel about 1 out of 10 bites when dock shooting, most of the time you just see the line jump. most of the loomis rods I see have a fast action and these are not the best for shooting.I have owned 3 loomis and currently dont own any. not worth the money to me just my opinion,but they are the most sensitive rods out there, but a good ole B&M sharpshooter will shoot a 1/32 jig farther than any loomis I ever owned.and at $24.99 I can buy about 9 of these for what 1 loomis costs.best shooting rod I own is a shimano aero magnumlite 5' 6" no longer in production
if ya do find one you really like buy a bunch they may not make em 4 yrs from now

[Hanr3]

Point being; try a bunch of different rods and don't fuss over a couple of bucks. You'll have a good rod for a long time. There's a lot to choose from.

I have about 3-4 dozen rods I no longer use. Most of em cheap, some with busted tips, and a few I inherited over the years. I got tired of trying to find the right rod for each application. Decided I'd pick a rod line and then pick out rods of variing lengths, sensitivity to get exactly what I want for each fishing situation. I have a Crappie rod set-up specifically for slip bobber fishing with 4pound mono- and the ability to swap spools to 6 pound mono if Ill be in thick cover.. Id rather straighten the hook than retie.
I also have a Crappie rod set-up specifically for cast/retrieve lure presentations.
Plus I have a backup of each rod in long lengths, just case I break off while they are biting. I cna grap it and go, retie later. Or try the longer rod and cast out further and use the shorter rod as a backup.

Starting to collect rods for Walleye fishing.

[GRIZZ]

I did say grab em quick. I guess it was a 1 day sale.

[cub48]

We are not anchored down and sometimes we will drift in to close when the wind is blowing. The other rod my friend broke it pulling the jig loose. Both were accidents it is strange both happen same day. I have had these rods for a year or so. The one I broke did not hit that hard. Oh well if you don't break something your not fishing. As for the price of the rods 25.00 when you break 2 a day thats 50.00 and if it had been a gloomis that would of been 400.00 + I have some higher price Bass rods but when i am crappie fishing I am more likely to tap a dock so I want a good rod at a good price. So I ask for your replys on the best rod for the buck if there are better i will try it if not i will buy me another cherrywood. Thanks everyone for replying Cub48 PS I do shoot side arm at times.

[Papa Dawg]

I use a Microlite 5 1/2 ft to shoot docks. My partner uses a 6 ft Microlite.

[Countryboy N.C.]

Get you a 4.6 ugly stick, they will hold up, heck you can beat the dock with it. I got 2 of them, been using them a few years now with out any problem.

[Don G]

Best one I've got is a 5' Microlite ESP Series (model E50MLS) by Norsemen Outdoors Inc. .... it can be seen on pg 32 of the 2010 Grizzly Jigs Catalog.

And just some advice : If you're in danger of smacking your rod tip against a dock, when trying to shoot the dock ... you're too close. You need to practice shooting from a greater distance

If you HAVE to get so close to a dock, to shoot your jig under it, that you're in danger of smacking the tip against the dock .... try shooting "sidearm" By that I mean, turn your rod sideways & hold the jig out to the side ... as opposed to holding the rod in the normal position & holding the jig underneath the reel. It'll still shoot the jig under the dock .... you just won't have to worry about the tip coming up & striking the dock (though you will still have to avoid smacking the rod against the dock support poles )

... cp

cp, please pass this on to Blackie.....:rolleyes: