Gary Northrop Loc: Richland WA

I've been a serious fisherman all of my life, constantly studying
and trying new things, fished the first bass tournament in WA
state, etc, etc. My local fishing partner is late on the spiny ray scene,
although an expert fly fisherman. Lately, we've been fishing blade baits
for walleye holed up around 80 feet deep. If you've ever done this, you
know it can be hard to feel the lure vibrations at that depth, and that's
important because it can be foul-hooked and you can't feel it.

I use my sensitive $120 Dobyns Fury rods, while my buddy has stuck
with a couple of old, cheap, short trout rods that lack the backbone to
set the hook; consequently, he has caught few fish. After several trips, he
finally showed up on our last outing proudly displaying a new, heavier rod.
I had to chuckle to myself because it looked like one of those Zebco rods
from the bargain bin at Wal Mart: was about as heavy as a broomstick, and
the eyes were made of the 1950's thick, heavy agate-like material.

BUT . . . at 83 feet with a 1/2 oz blade bait his rod tip buzzed like a rattlesnake,
while I couldn't feel a thing on my "fancy" rods! At the end of the day he had
caught half the fish, almost claiming bragging rights.

We're going fishing again tomorrow. I have added a new Shimano Aeroglass
spinning rod to my arsenal of St Croix Legends, Dobyns, Lamiglas, etc. It
cost me $17.25. No kidding.

Have you had a similar experience?

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

No in fact I keep trying to get more sensitive rods for tjis very reason
Tell your partner to keep an eye on that one.
It’s liable to go missing!!!

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Just goes to show ya. Doesn't matter how much it costs - does it get the job done? I have St. Croix Triumph that I've had for years and it's certainly not the most expensive rod in my collection - but it's the perfect rod to fish power bait with. If I'm just gonna sit on the bank and soak bait or a worm, it's coming with me.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

I always used to tease my brother in law about one of his older rods that had porcelain guides. Told him they looked like the toilet bowl. He often outfishes me with those rods

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven