[Meanderer]

Am trying to better understand optimal rod lengths with 8 lb test line and a spinning reel:

1. When spinning for bass from shore with a texas rig worm, what is your preferred rod length?

2. When spinning with a float/roe bag for steelhead in a western tributary, what is your preferred rod length?

3. When casting an Rapala J13 into the lake for salmon, what is your preferred rod length?

[J'snest]

Meanderer, on 14 January 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

Am trying to better understand optimal rod lengths with 8 lb test line and a spinning reel:

1. When spinning for bass from shore with a texas rig worm, what is your preferred rod length?

2. When spinning with a float/roe bag for steelhead in a western tributary, what is your preferred rod length?

3. When casting an Rapala J13 into the lake for salmon, what is your preferred rod length?

I'm not sure what woudl be optimum, but here is what I use in those situations. It's just not the length but the action of a rod as well that you need to consider. For Bass with a texas rig, I have a 6' graphite with a medium-heavy action with flex in the top 2 ' of the rod. I also use about 15lb test. Line capacity is not as important as strength in this application you want to be able to set the hook and also pull yourself through the weeds and junk. On the steelhead application I have a 10' rod light-medium action that flexes almost through the entire rod. This takes care of absorbibg the quick runs of the fish and also keeps a constant pressure to help tire it out. I would have a 3-4 lb 4' leader attached to my 8lb test. Finally I use a 9' heavy action rod that flexes about 1/2 way through the rod for salmon. You need some backbone for these guys. I also use a bigger real with more line capacity but it also has a larger drag system which I find smoother. These all work for me, but I'm sure there are other options.

[SteelieHunter]

Can't really help you with bass, as I dont really do it much, but when I do I use a 6'6 Medium power rod. For floating for steelies, I would go with something in the 10'6" - 12' range, or if you can find a really light 13' do that. If it isnt ight it will be hard on the arm since you are using a light spinning reel and not a centerpin. For Salmon, 9-10' will do MH or H

[Spinninreel]

Meanderer, on 14 January 2012 - 08:26 AM, said:

Am trying to better understand optimal rod lengths with 8 lb test line and a spinning reel:

1. When spinning for bass from shore with a texas rig worm, what is your preferred rod length?

2. When spinning with a float/roe bag for steelhead in a western tributary, what is your preferred rod length?

3. When casting an Rapala J13 into the lake for salmon, what is your preferred rod length?

Here are my choices: 1 - 7ft for the texas rig, 2- 12 to 13ft for the steel head, and 3- 10-11 ft for the salmon rod.

Hope that helps.

[NADO]

1- 6ft
2- 13ft
3- 10ft