Opinion on rods

[RiverSlabber]

So I went to Gander this afternoon intent on buying a rod. After I found the Gander Guide Series I walked past a rack that had about a dozen BnM Classic Jig poles, shortest was 8ft. After looking them over I went and found the Guide Series 8ft ultra light to compare. A few things I noticed

The BnM pole was considerably lighter in weight.

The Guide Series poles seemed to be a lot stiffer (more backbone)

Is an 8ft pole too hard to cast jigs with (assuming no overhead obstructions)? I would think the longer pole may be better for vertical jigging around structure. Would I want more backbone when bank fishing?

The BnM was a little cheaper too, so now im leaning that way.

[wicklundrh]

In steelhead fishing, we cast 10 to 12 foot rods all the time with litte issue. In fact, in my opinion, when bank fishing, I would prefer a longer rod. Reason being is you can cast a float set to a deeper depth (not a slip float) and you can have more slack line out. Shorter rod equals less leverage.

Just a little background on rods. I build them all the time. A light weight fast action rod from one company can and will be different than a light weight fast action rod from another. Several factors make this up but the biggest is the composition of materials used to build the blank. Everything from fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, and everything in between. Not to mention the resin used to put it all together. And don't get me started on blends.

You did the right thing. Go and find one that feels the best in "your" hand. I build rods for people all the time and personally, I would never fish with it (don't like the feel) but they love them. We are not all alike! I would purchase the 8 footer. Worst case scenario is you find a flaw with it and are forced to go and "add" to your arsenal!

[deathb4disco]

In steelhead fishing, we cast 10 to 12 foot rods all the time with litte issue. In fact, in my opinion, when bank fishing, I would prefer a longer rod. Reason being is you can cast a float set to a deeper depth (not a slip float) and you can have more slack line out. Shorter rod equals less leverage....

You did the right thing. Go and find one that feels the best in "your" hand.

My feelings exactly.

[RiverSlabber]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I went back to Gander today and tried both rods again. They both (Gander Guide Series and BnM) has he same action when I bent the rod tips over. In he end the BnM just felt better, I think it has a little less backbone than the other rod, but I liked that it felt lighter in my hand in the end, especially when I put the reel on it. I paired it with a Pfuleger President Series (6925) reel with Suffix 6pound yellow high visibility is mono line.

Hope next week it catches me some fish when I hit the lake.

[Cane Pole]

I cast wit what is on hand (10ft to 4 ft). I am comfortable casting with any of my personal poles that have mono line. I usta be pretty accurate at casting, but here lately I find myself unable to hit a bull in the butt with a base fiddle.

PS

Meant to mention I use mostly BnM, but have a few Wally Black Widows which I like and I just purchased some fiberglass trolling rods made by HT.

[PIGINTHEPIGPEN]

It is just hard to go wrong with a BnM rod.