Ken B

I see these descriptions of rods and reels for specific kinds of fish and was wondering if the fish really know the kind of rod or reel you are using. Maybe that is why I have a problem catching fish, I am not using the right kind of rod or reel for the kind of fish I am fishing for because they ignore the bait if it isn’t attached to a rod made especially for them. Like a crappie won’t bite If you are using a rod advertised as a bass rod.

Yes I know it sounds stupid but no more so than actually buying a rod or reel advertised as a rod or reel for bass or other species of fish. Rods and reels are made to catch any kind of fish so let’s be realistic, the fish honestly do not know what kind of rod or reel you are using. They are only interested in what you are trying to feed them be it real or artificial.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

And so opens an esoteric discussion of Zen and the art of angling. Let us all return to the days of tying a bone hook to a vine attached to a willow branch. You are correct sir. I'll say no more as I slink away with my St. Croix trout rod. Mighty nice rod.

finschasers69 Loc: taylor co. w.v.

if you are fishing super clear pressured waters, pond # test line could be a factor .really all thats needed right bait, right presention . Keep it simple

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

On the other hand I think I will take the Tuna rod down to the old pond and catch a few Crappie for dinner.

GlennMc928 Loc: Tualatin OR

I only catch frogs on a frog rod and I only catch fish on a fishing rod and I never throw a spinnerbait on a casting rod only if it is call a spinnerbait rod?

Ken B

And another can of worms opened and I ain’t talking about fishing worms. It is fun though watching everyone squirm trying to explain why a bass rod is only good for catching bass. As it is I have 6 Ugly Sticks I now wonder what they are good for. So far over the last month they haven’t caught anything so maybe considering they are not classified for a certain fish I will never catch anything. Sadly it may come to the point where it’s back to my recliner watching TV to pass my time away.

flybynight Loc: Brookline, MA

The fish are probably running on instinic alone, anyway the right setup will result in more bites = more caught fish. The line you are using is more important than the rod and reel. The best line presents your bait better, esp. lures of all kinds. What are the best lures ? The ones you have the most faith in, for me Plastic and short armed Falling Star spinner baits with the right trailer and plastic jerk baits. BUT it"s all in the Presentation. I could spend an hour on spinner bait presentation and not get 1/2 way through.

Raw Dawg Ron Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Lots of cross over uses, but generally designed for specific uses! Huh? Complicated now a days with so many specific use rods and reels! Braid users have new guides just for wind knots! Seen the Roberts wrap on some offshore rods, interesting but have not bought one yet! Old cane pole still works?

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

The intresting thing is that your gonna get many completely different answers here. Personally I like to have many low cost combos on my boat rather than a few high dollar ones. Often I'll have guests that are not avid fishermen and things get damaged. With the low cost combos, I can just smile and grab another without grabbing them by the throat first!! With that said, I personally get pleasure from the look on a fishes face when the last thing it sees before it goes on ice is the cheap rod that nailed it.. Its all presentation folks, flashy lures with flashy names catch more fishermen than fish.. You can tie a beer can onto a St Croix rod with baler twine and I'd bet you'll get skunked. Tie a lure you trust onto a stick with fluorocarbon line and have a ball. Y'all use what your wallets can handle and just have fun. The fish can't read price tags or labels, and good fishing buddies don't have to try to impress each other. I'll step down from my soap box now and let someone else jump in to tell you something different.

fchips65 Loc: Sin City

Thank You Mr. Lemmon...
You said it!