Just got 3 new baitcast reels. Can I hear what yall think would be some good rods to buy and what size. Not looking to break the bank. I live a hour away so I don’t get down much but wanting to have something good for when I do go. Thanks
Blake mixson
Any ugly stick that will match up to the reels.
Stonoman
Assuming you’re going to be mostly throwing single-hook baits, I recommend that you get a physically light (as light in the hand as possible for the pound class that matches the reel), high-density graphite rod with a “fast” tip, preferably with at least 9 guides. I like “medium-heavy” to “heavy” action in 8-17# class (8-17# should cover most baitcasters for general-purpose use, but the pound class will depend on your reel and intended use). Don’t be concerned over the words “medium-heavy” and “heavy”, as they don’t really mean what some might think, and are a major overstatement. It will still be a very light rod, but nible and quick with the “fast” tip. You want a stiff rod for a baitcaster, not a “whippy”, flexy one. It will feel stiff in the store, but on a fish, it will flex plenty, while giving you the control you need. Whippy rods serve little purpose unless you’re tossing trebble hooks a lot or fishing for something that “spits” a hook easily. If you plan to throw a lot of crank baits, you might want to get a little slower tip, but I use the fast-tip rods for everything, and they work very well for me. Don’t go for anything fancy on the guides or handle. You want simple guides that don’t add much weight; the same goes for the handle. A handle that cuts through to expose the blank is something I like, too. To make Christmas and birthday buying simple, I sometimes tell my wife and family to just buy me another rod and reel when they ask me what I want; to make sure they got me the right one last time, I had Dee Oliver write down the model I liked in the Shimano line over at Hadrell’s. So, if you want an example of what I’m talking about, he can help you out. The same specs (stated above) in a less expensive Shimano (or any other brand) will work very well, too. You can find a great rod in various brands, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it; just pick each rod up, look for the right (light/fast) feel, and look for the specs I listed above, and you’ll have a rod that does a good job f
quote:
Originally posted by fishinfool90Just got 3 new baitcast reels. Can I hear what yall think would be some good rods to buy and what size. Not looking to break the bank. I live a hour away so I don’t get down much but wanting to have something good for when I do go. Thanks
Blake mixson
them baitcasts aint gonna hold no 40lb mahi 
2 more weeks and its time to rock and roll! you ready?
~LiVe LiFe On ThE EdGe~
180 GRADYWHITE
150 YAMI
Haha they’ll hold moby dick lol. HELL YEAH I’m ready big country!!!