FS Digest

How do fiberglass fishing rods compare to graphite? Are they suitable for bigger bass?

--
by badatbassfishing

FS Digest

Cheaper and stronger.

You pay for more sensitivity and in return they break more often.

I can feel a tiny bluegill nibble on my bait with a fiberglass rod so why do I need to spend more?

Just make sure your fiberglass rod has good eyelets.

--
by bigfatfloppyjolopy

FS Digest

In terms of bass fishing specifically, fiberglass rods are typically used for fast moving baits with treble hooks on them. Fiberglass has a lot more give to it, so when a bass hits your fast moving lure (think crankbaits, lipless cranks) you less likely to rip that bait out if the bass's mouth on the hook set.

Glass rods typically don't have as much backbone to them, so when you get a really nice bass to hit you have a bit less control over the fish, however they're more than suitable to fight fish. I accidentally snagged a 70lb grass carp with my lipless crank and glass rod combo, was able to get it in after about a 45 minute fight and taking me half way across the lake.

Another added bonus of a glass rod is they load up really nicely when casting, so you can really cast some of the lighter weight lures a lot farther.

--
by stopmakinsense

FS Digest

Glass is more flexible but less sensitive. Glass is usually great for treble hooked baits but when you’re throwing bigger baits such as big glides or Swimbaits it’s harder to bury a hook. They don’t have as much backbone.

--
by TheBaitmanTV

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

The work great.

Egghead

That about sums it up. Tried to think of an argument but I'm stumped.lol

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

The biggest difference is in the weight. Glass is heavier. When you walk 5 or 6 miles casting a beach for flounder etc it matters.

6106b

I will take a fiberglass rod over graphite anytime.Graphite is brittle and I have seen many high dollar graphite rods with the tip broke off.I owned fiberglass rods for 50 yrs and they never broke.

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

If you are casting all day you might appreciate Graphite, but you need to take good care of them. If you do they will LAASST a long time. They won't take a set like glass. For my heavier rods for boat fishing, I like Composite or glass rods. All those sharp corners on a boat are not good for a light weight Graphite rod. You have to protect them from it.