Heavy or light?
50inchGrinch
Posted 5/10/2010 11:38 AM (#440067)
Subject: Heavy or light?





Posts: 221


Thought I would start a discussion on this since there seems to be a few different opinions.

For 10's do you prefer a heavy tip like the Okuma XXH, which allows less flex going through figure 8's making them easier?

Or do you prefer a softer tip like a Tica XH or Hulbert rod that, in my opinion holds fish better once hooked? I could care less about the ease of my figure 8, it really doesn't tire me out at all. I also find a softer tip a bit more accurate for casting...

Obviously I like the softer tipped rods, but what are some other positives for for the heavier tips besides ease of the 8?

Darcy Cox
jackson
Posted 5/10/2010 12:07 PM (#440073 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?




Posts: 582


I prefer a softer tip as well for casting but for dragging large blades it seems to tire me our more. I have both kinds of action. I usually end up with the stiffer action for large blades.
PSYS
Posted 5/10/2010 12:15 PM (#440075 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Posts: 1030


Location: APPLETON, WI
I've never used any of the rods you mentioned in your post... but my Tackle Industries XH does a good job throwing 10's and 13's. It's not a pool cue... but it's not exactly a noodle rod either. There's a bit of flex in the tip which I like better for both casting as well as going into the figure-8.
raftman
Posted 5/10/2010 4:03 PM (#440119 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?




Posts: 554


Location: WI
I don't mind using something on light side if I'm not burning them in. When I'm burning them is when the rod loading too much on the 8 wears on me and I'll switch to something heavier.
Dave T.
Posted 5/10/2010 7:56 PM (#440139 - in reply to #440119)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Posts: 512


I have an 8'6" xh pete maina rod, and i have yet to keep a fish pinned with it. It seems like it pulls the hooks out. i will fight em for 10-20-30 seconds before they come unglued..

Ive lost all confidence with this rod, and wonder if it is because it is so stiff????

so i may be changing to one with more tip...

your thoughts????

Dave
PSYS
Posted 5/10/2010 8:01 PM (#440141 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Posts: 1030


Location: APPLETON, WI
Lot'sa variables...

What were you fishing with...? What kind of lure? Were you doing a steady retrieve? Were you doing a jerk / pause presentation? Did you hook 'em on the 8? It's definitely a possibility that the rod may be too stiff but it's hard to say without knowing the full details...
Dave T.
Posted 5/10/2010 9:04 PM (#440151 - in reply to #440141)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Posts: 512


actually i was fishing swimbaits, pretty steady retrieve..

what bothers me the most, was the fact these fish were on for awhile before they pulled off..

Just seems like with a stiff rod, and braided, no stretch line, you need something to give a little, and that would be the rod..

i dont know, but its been frustrating.. never had this problem until i started using this fishing pole..

Dave
ebenezer
Posted 5/10/2010 11:59 PM (#440164 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: RE: Heavy or light?


Stiffer = easier boatside maneuvers. Lighter = easier launching. I have yet to find a perfect compromise for my tastes. But, a St. Croix Slingblade comes colse to a compromise.
BNelson
Posted 5/11/2010 11:36 AM (#440214 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Location: Contrarian Island
I prefer both.....
stiffer tip for daytime burning = 8'9" Diamondback w/ Trinidad 16N
and softer tip for slow rolling/ night time/avg speed = 9' Sling Blade w/ Daiwa 975
I can get equal length casts from both combo's...tip doesn't matter much to me really for casting


Edited by BNelson 5/11/2010 11:38 AM
Guest
Posted 5/11/2010 2:26 PM (#440263 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: RE: Heavy or light?


I prefer a softer tip. I think it really helps with casting accuracy. It may help keep fish pinned as well. I can't stand heavy action tips.
Red Lab
Posted 5/11/2010 8:55 PM (#440347 - in reply to #440263)
Subject: RE: Heavy or light?




Posts: 14


I like my Tica. Loads up nice with bucktails for casting and the fish I caught on the 8 stayed buttoned.
muskie_man
Posted 5/11/2010 9:32 PM (#440364 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: Re: Heavy or light?





Posts: 1237


Location: South Portsmouth, KY
The Hulbert rod is the cats meow when it comes to casting and 8s with the big blades. also no worries about fighting a fish on them
cast10K
Posted 5/11/2010 11:31 PM (#440394 - in reply to #440067)
Subject: RE: Heavy or light?




Posts: 432


Location: Eagan, MN
This will be my 2nd year w/ a loomis steel 20, if anything it might be a wee bit soft, but that's some serious nitpicking. My steel 25 seems a little too stiff, and I'd rather be too soft than too stiff. The Thorne H predator supposedly falls in between the 20 and 25 and I might give it a try next year.