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Need to buy a new rod, opinions please.


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#1 usernamehere

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Posted 07 July 2013 - 08:35 PM

So i finally broke my Zebco horizon rod, after a year of use. It was a medium power, fast action rod from canadian tire for $10.

 

So this week there are a lot of rods on sale, and I went to my local CT to pick some rods.

 

I found some Total Tackle fishing rod combos that came with the rod, reel and some baits/lures. These are 6'6" fiberglass rods that are meant for walleye and salmon (according to the label). Im guessing its a medium action rod, since the tips are pretty flexible, and it bends down about 1/3 of the way from the tip.

 

I heard fiberglass rods are way stronger than graphite, and are less brittle so it can take more abuse. They tire out fish faster too apparently.

My first concern with these rods is the tip. Its so flexible that Im having doubts about its hook-setting power. Can I really get a good hookset with such flexible tip?

The 2nd concern is that the rods (all of them at the store) have a slight bend at the tip, at the 2nd guide from the tip, and it bends about 1-2 mm to the left. I havnt seen any sort of bend in graphite rods, and im wondering if this is just how fiberglass rods are, or is it suppose to be perfectly straight? It is a very very slight bend, but its bugging me.

 

I do all sorts of fishing, from bottom fishing for carps to cranking for bass and trout. Im guessing fiberglass rods can be better for lure fishing, but im not sure if its a good choice, since I never used a fiberglass rod before. I dont mind the extra weight or the fatter look of fiberglass rods.

 

 


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#2 Clab

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 09:56 AM

Not trying to plug any retailers here but you should get too bass pro shops. For the money your going to spend, they are without a doubt your best bet. Staff are very helpful, much more knowledgeable than Canadian tire. Not to mention the extreme selection options they have instock.
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#3 staffman

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 10:49 AM

It sounds like the CT rods would be a waste of money. I agree with Clab go to BPS or LeBarons for a better selection of rods and a more knowledgeable sales staff. A Shakesphere ugly stick may suit your needs.


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#4 FrequentFlyer

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 11:06 AM

yes bass pro has a good selection, helpful staff, hardly, go to sail for better customer service


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#5 usernamehere

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 11:10 AM

so, what about my 2 questions regarding the hook set and the bend?


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#6 alwayscatching

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 04:06 PM

Hey usernamehere. I work at bass pro and can definitely give you some help. Inbox me and we can go over some options for you!


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#7 apz245

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Posted 08 July 2013 - 11:43 PM

I would highly recommend graphite, I have lots of fibreglass rods and started buying graphite last year, it's lighter and much more sensitive, you can get graphite rods for the same price as fibreglass so in my mind its a no brainer, fibreglass is however impossible to break, and I've never had problems with hook sets
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#8 DavidASmith57

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 08:34 PM

So i finally broke my Zebco horizon rod, after a year of use. It was a medium power, fast action rod from canadian tire for $10.

 

So this week there are a lot of rods on sale, and I went to my local CT to pick some rods.

 

I found some Total Tackle fishing rod combos that came with the rod, reel and some baits/lures. These are 6'6" fiberglass rods that are meant for walleye and salmon (according to the label). Im guessing its a medium action rod, since the tips are pretty flexible, and it bends down about 1/3 of the way from the tip.

 

I heard fiberglass rods are way stronger than graphite, and are less brittle so it can take more abuse. They tire out fish faster too apparently.

My first concern with these rods is the tip. Its so flexible that Im having doubts about its hook-setting power. Can I really get a good hookset with such flexible tip?

The 2nd concern is that the rods (all of them at the store) have a slight bend at the tip, at the 2nd guide from the tip, and it bends about 1-2 mm to the left. I havnt seen any sort of bend in graphite rods, and im wondering if this is just how fiberglass rods are, or is it suppose to be perfectly straight? It is a very very slight bend, but its bugging me.

 

I do all sorts of fishing, from bottom fishing for carps to cranking for bass and trout. Im guessing fiberglass rods can be better for lure fishing, but im not sure if its a good choice, since I never used a fiberglass rod before. I dont mind the extra weight or the fatter look of fiberglass rods.


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#9 DavidASmith57

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 08:50 PM

About 5 years ago I purchased my first of 7 Fenwick rods. After years of continuous use several of my rod guides broke off.  I can hardly tell you how nice it was to hear the words "I'm sorry our rod let you down. We will be pleased to send you a replacement rod". Since they no longer made the rod I had they sent me the new Aetos and I am thrilled. I have had several rods replaced for various reasons and have always found their warranty service to be exemplary. http://www.fenwickfi...om/warranty.php  That's my opinion for what it's worth.

 

Dave


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#10 alwayscatching

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 09:33 PM

Dave brings up fenwick and I do own a fenwick smallmouth elite tech rod. great for what i paid for it.


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#11 hamiltonangler94

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Posted 09 July 2013 - 10:39 PM

ya fenwicks are great I own the eagle gt and its a great rod, especially when it only costs 50 bucks
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