Tried a medium action rod with light lures did well

Light action rods with braid has been a preference this year when using 1/24 oz and 1/16 oz jigs and soft plastics. I figured why not try a medium action 6' rod with larger reel and see if casting distance was the same as well as long distance strike sensitivity and solid hook sets. I wasn't disappointed.

My partner who only use 1/24 oz jigs, one color Crappie Magnet (boring if you ask me) and a 5'6" light action rod did as well as me and we totaled 106 fish, ending the trip at 12:30pm when the sun got too bright. At times I was hitting fish more often but we also had at least 10 doubles. I also has along the 5'6" light action rod with a spincast reel for comparison and did as well.

So what it comes down to are the basics: right lure, right areas, right presentation, right depth. Nothing will change my opinion as this isn't the first time I've used a medium action rod with small lures.

Note: fish caught: mostly crappie from 10-11", many sunfish (what fighters), a few small bass and 6 YP. Of course you couldn't ask for a better morning with clouds and intermittent light rain. Once we find fish in an area, we beat it until we have to move.

I think those basics pretty much covers it. That said, if you had your druthers which weight rod would be your choice?
Bob

Hi Bob, the juries still out. Guess I'll have to continue with the comparison and report back. As long as the hand and wrist don't suffer fatigue using a bit heavier and longer rod (like I used to with carpal tunnel and trigger finger before surgery), it shouldn't be a problem. But one thing that won't change is the use of 8# test/2# diameter braid line. Casting light lures long distance and then setting hooks with zero stretch is one of the greatest inventions known to anglers - at least for this one.
Frank

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Originally Posted by Spoonminnow

Hi Bob, the juries still out. Guess I'll have to continue with the comparison and report back. As long as the hand and wrist don't suffer fatigue using a bit heavier and longer rod (like I used to with carpal tunnel and trigger finger before surgery), it shouldn't be a problem. But one thing that won't change is the use of 8# test/2# diameter braid line. Casting light lures long distance and then setting hooks with zero stretch is one of the greatest inventions known to anglers - at least for this one.
Frank

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I hear you. That is why I have switched over entirely to U/L, but I primarily fish on small water where that works out well. I have not been tested to see if carpal or pinched nerves, but wrist braces just at night get me through the day just fine. I programmed for over 20 years so I’m sure there is wear and tear! LOL
Bob

I agree with the braid line usage. I have used 4# solar fireline for crappie and bluegill fishing for many years. Crappie no leader and gills is use a fluorocarbon leader. I have found that new braid needs a breaking in period to limber it up some. Line conditioner helps a lot.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Power Pro I found needs a breaking in period; Kastking not.

Nice report. One thing's for sure, the fish don't know what rod you're using. I have a few medium spinners I use for bass. String them up with 10# Diawa J8 braid and 7# FC Sniper flouro leaders. I wouldn't have any problem using them for crappie or gills. They are on the light side.

I think the right med/light rod with a 2000 sized reel and two spools could cover 90% of my fishing requirements.