View Full Version : Bobber/Jig Rod.
spin33
11-07-2002, 10:30 AM
I am going to try Bobber/Jig fishing this winter. I have heard that you need a 9-10 ft. rod to keep mending to a minimum. I have only 81/2 ft. rod. Is this going to be a major problem, or can I make do with it? graemlins/1zhelp.gif
The Fishing Geek
11-07-2002, 10:35 AM
Contrary to popular belief, you can bobber fish with a standard 8½' rod. A longer rod does make line mending easier, but you can still be very effective in your offering with that shorter rod. Plus, you don't have to invest as much money into a method of fishing that you may not take to.
First Bite
11-07-2002, 10:37 AM
When I first started fishing bobber and jigs I used a 8 1/2 ' rod and it worked okay. A 9 1/2' rod or longer makes mending line so much easier and the difference on hook sets in tremendous too.
If you're going to be fishing smaller coastal rivers a 9 1/2 ft rod would be an excellent choice. On the other hand if you spend most of your time on larger rivers then a 10-10 1/2' rod would be better.
Mark
AnglersRental
11-07-2002, 10:43 AM
Give the 8.5' rod a try. Then, when you hook that first fish - you will be hooked and HAVE to buy that use specific bobber and jig rod. You will go into a store and it will call your name....
"hey, hey, over here, spin 33, come over here, yeah here I am, over here, this rack, take me home, I need a home, no the wife wont care..."
I always hear voices like that in my head inside the tackle store.
It seems like, even with good line control, you still have to a lot of slack out (compared to drift fishing) when you set the hook. A longer rod helps with that (longer swing).
UG
[ 11-07-2002, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: Uglygreen ]
spin33
11-07-2002, 01:20 PM
Thank's for the input, I will try what I have, then no doubt I will give in to the sweet sounds of the siren's calling my name from across the great divide. Oh, I hear it already!
But, I am calling out to my wallet, and I can't hear it answer me, just some sort of mutted gurgle groaning sounds. graemlins/icon_argue.gif graemlins/applause.gif graemlins/icon_argue.gif graemlins/applause.gif :whazzup:
Drachir
11-07-2002, 04:04 PM
Spin33,
The longer rods do work better in my opinion. I use a 9 1/2' Lamiglas Certified Pro 6-15#, and it is awesome!!. There is a real benefit to making your own rod, which I did. It cost a total of $76 for all the needed components. Compare that to a new rod from Lamiglas at $240, it's worth checking into. Not sure if you've ever built a rod or not, maybe you have a friend to help you. Good Luck. :wink:
cosmo
11-07-2002, 04:33 PM
Whateever rod you use--it is a dead drift that will make the difference. To make that easier with any rod, use this rule--the longer the cast, the more the downstream angle. That way you have less belly in the line to worry about.
I use to pound the banks a lot with jigs--couldn't stand waving a 10'6' rod around. The new 9' rods I have are much more fun to deal with-but in the end, I have one 8'6" rod that has hundreds of jig fish to its credit.
What's worse is now out of the drift boat I'm down to 7'6" rods beacuse I can position the boat to make the right drift and the short rods are much better in the boat. Oh my god! I'm regressing! Soon I'll be fishing for bass!
cosmo
11-07-2002, 04:35 PM
Whateever rod you use--it is a dead drift that will make the difference. To make that easier with any rod, use this rule--the longer the cast, the more the downstream angle. That way you have less belly in the line to worry about.
I use to pound the banks a lot with jigs--couldn't stand waving a 10'6' rod around. The new 9' rods I have are much more fun to deal with-but in the end, I have one 8'6" rod that has hundreds of jig fish to its credit.
What's worse is now out of the drift boat I'm down to 7'6" rods beacuse I can position the boat to make the right drift and the short rods are much better in the boat. Oh my god! I'm regressing! Soon I'll be fishing for bass!
The Fishing Geek
11-07-2002, 04:41 PM
Just don't start lipping your fish. You'll come back with much less flesh on your thumb.
monoman
11-07-2002, 05:36 PM
Cosmo
repeat after me "I don't do green"
If you write this on the blackboard 100 times, any thought of bass will be gone!
You can fish a float very well with a 8'6" rod..
I had done it for years.
I built a few 1263 rods last year and found that they were a bit difficult to swing if you dont have the room, but once the float hit the water they sure are nice.
Out local rivers here on the SC doubt require the longer rods.. so I actually prefer the 1143 or the 1084. But f you are going to fish the bigger rivers up north I would look at the 1263 (10'6" 6-12#)
I also would use anything longer than a 9'6" rod a a drift rod.. if you want a dula purpose rod go with the 1143
If not than look at the 1143.
I usually two different float rods in the boat with me on a steelie trip usually one 1084 and one 1143... it really doesnt metter which on eI granb they both fish really well.
Flatfish
11-07-2002, 09:03 PM
I fished for quite a while with a 8'6 rod.The ad dept at Loomis is suprised it didn't kill me.The fish had no complaints.Last weekend we caught steelies on a ZEBCO(ok Quantum,but whats the diff anyway)that is 6'6" and says "Popping rod" on the blank.The fish didnt complain.The 10 year old holding the rod thought it was great.The ad dept at Loomis is not happy.Waddaya gonna do?
Mark and the duckingest dog this side of the Pecos....at least this side of the food dish.
If you have the funds start off right and get a good 91/2 ft. rod with a quality spinning reel. I also have the Lamiglass Certified Pro 6-15# and love it. Fire line with mono backing and flurocarbon leader is the way to go.
You can't go wrong with a 9'6" rod! The 1143 in either Loomis or Rainshadow blanks is an excellent choice. Okuma spinning reels compliment these rods quite nicely and are less expensive than Shimanos.
[ 11-07-2002, 11:04 PM: Message edited by: Shane S ]