Fishing Rod Advice

[NavanFisher]

Hi,

I was hoping to get some advice on the type of rod to buy. I'm looking for something that would be good for walleye especially when bottom bouncing ?

Thanks
Tom

[kreighoff]

It all depends on the type of bottom boucing you are doing. If you are drifting a Lindy rig with a 1/4 or 3/8 oz sinker you could use a medium to medium light action spinning rod.

If you are fishing deeper and are dragging a 1 to 2 oz bottom walker then you might want to go with a medium to medium heavy baitcaster rod.

Look carefully at the rating on the rod just above the handle, it will state both line weight and lure weight.

[bigpikemike]

fishin is like golfing and u dont see golfers playin with one club

[DropShotr]

Might I suggest you take a road trip to some of Fish-Hawk's retail partners, it is worth the drive.
You will get an opportunity to see quality rods in various price ranges as well as expert advice & service.


DropShot'r

[GR8-Scott]

I agree with DropShot'r.

Give them a call, or better yet, go and visit them as suggested.
Tell them what you are planning to use the rod for and the price range you are willing to spend, and they will be able to set you up !

Good luck.

[Tomcat]

Here is an excerpt from Phil Rolfe's "Bottom Bouncing as I know it". The complete article is available at http://www.justfishontario.net/bottom_b ... a_to_z.htm


"From my experience in fishing Canada professionally for over a decade, there is one rod and reel set up that works better than any of the others-- -- -------hands down. Now, there are people who use some other types and use them well. But to my way of thinking, they have to work harder to accomplish the same thing. The best setup is a baitcasting rod and reel, far and away the best. Not just any baitcasting setup, either. First the reel, I prefer a reel with a flipping switch. For those of you who are not familiar with this type, a flipping switch will allow you to meter out line by engaging the thumb bar and thumbing out the line, when bottom contact has been made, release the thumb bar and the reel automatically engages in the static position----or simply put the spool is locked up. This allows for one hand operation, a plus when bouncing all day. It helps alleviate the fatigue factor. The drag should be set at medium strong tension, you can pull out line, but not easily. Close enough. For rods, I used a St. Croix PC 66M. This rod is 6’6” with medium action and a fast tip. Most of the summer I am pulling two ounces of lead because the depths worked are in the 20' range. That is the home of summer walleye. Sure you may find them deeper, or shallower, but they spend most of their time in that range. Remember not all medium rod actions are created equal. This rod has fast tip and plenty of backbone. If you are going to try another rod, hang a two ounce bouncer off the tip and shake the rod up and down. It will be obvious if the rod is two whippy--------the biggest danger. You want to see a little bit of bend, not a bow in the rod. The drag of the spinner and the line will add further weight to the tip. For line, I used ten pound Trilene XT. It was tough and it stood up under abrasive conditions. I tried but quickly abandoned the no stretch hi tech lines. With those lines, there is no give, so the rod has to handle all the shock."

[NavanFisher]

Hello,

I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to provide feedback with respect to my question. I'll let everyone know what I choose.

Thanks
Tom