Proper rod action/weight question

[john from md]

I have numerous rods and reels but am still not sure I am using the right combo for light spinning from the yak. If I am throwing to shore and piers from the yak, am I correct in using a 7' Fast/Light rod with a 1000 size reel and 10# braid for 1/8 to 3/8 beetle spins and small bucktails?

Thanks in advance,

John

[mweber02]

I've never used a light weight rod and don't usually use small lures but that sounds about right. A medium weight rod is comfortable for me with 1/4-3/8 jigs with tubes though. I definitely prefer the fast tip.

[J.A. Veil]

I use 6' light and ultralight rods with 1000 series reels and 10-lb braid. If you prefer a longer rod, 7' is fine.

[Frogsauce]

I use a 6' and a 7' medium and medium heavy rod in the yak. Call me cheap but I like the Ugly Stick rods for the yak.

[Mark]

John,

I think your tackle is fine for the fishing style you cited.

I use 6.5 and 7 ft. spinning rods for the lures you mentioned but my line is 8 pound mono to which I add 3 feet of 15 pound fluorocarbon leader for those times I hook a striper when targeting white perch. My spinning rods have medium actions which I like for tossing light lures. I think the softer tip gives me a little more casting accuracy than a faster tip.

For lures 1/2 oz. and up I use bait casters with 12 pound mono and the same fluorocarbon leader as above.

[yakPHISHn]

Mark,

Do you use a swivel for your leader or do you tie line to line?

TR

[Snakehead Hunter]

It's better to catch fish on a cheap rod then get skunk on an expensive rod. I usually use cheap rods as well and still bringing in those monster SH. And for the reel, I like those 2500 reel. I don't need a lot of lines for SH/bass, just need to hold at least 100 yards of 30 lbs braided. I think it will depend on what you want to target, you might need different reels.

I use a 6' and a 7' medium and medium heavy rod in the yak. Call me cheap but I like the Ugly Stick rods for the yak.

[john from md]

I use 6' light and ultralight rods with 1000 series reels and 10-lb braid. If you prefer a longer rod, 7' is fine.

John,

I actually like a 6 ft but find with the seven foot I can work the fish around the bow if necessary. My arms are too short to do that with a 6 footer.

John

[sparky1423]

All my rods are 6'6"...all are ugly sticks ranging from ultra lites to heavy trolling rods. The new Gx2's are very sensitive!

[Snakehead Hunter]

I have both 6'6" and 7'. I prefer 7' more because I can cast further and work the frog better unless it's jigging rod then I prefer shorter rod especially when I do vertical jigging

All my rods are 6'6"...all are ugly sticks ranging from ultra lites to heavy trolling rods. The new Gx2's are very sensitive!

[Mark]

TR,

I tie line to line with a surgeon's knot.

It's fast and has never failed me.

I use the same knot to tie the tippet to my leader when fly fishing.