6 replies to this topic

[Bigfisherman]

Would using a 7ft rod instead of a 6.6ft set a better hook for bass fishing?

[PainInTheBass]

Well, there isn't a really simple yes or no answer. You have to factor in the action of the rods in question, the fishing technique employed as well as the type of line. Some combinations work together to time the hookset properly, while others serve to yank the hook outta the bass' mouth.

Basically, long rods will move more line with a hookset from 9 o'clock position to 12 o'clock position than shorter rods. For some techniques such as carolina rigging, where you have to take up some "slack" line before the hook even begins moving for a hookset, this is ideal. The action of the rod and line type can also affect the response at the hook. Lighter action rods will bend more and easily than stiffer action rods, resulting in a delay between the hookset motion, and teh actual hookset, giving the fish more time to actually take the bait. Similarly, monofilament has stretch, which causes a delay in the hookset motion and the actual hookset. Braid, on the other hand, has no stretch, resulting in very little to no delay from line stretch. This can effectively yank bait away before the fish really takes it.

Comparing rods with the same lines, same action, but different lengths, it will all end up coming down to the technique you plan on fishing. I probably prefer the 6'6" rod myself for an all around rod.

TIM

[Sike-1]

Would using a 7ft rod instead of a 6.6ft set a better hook for bass fishing?

You could really just use a heavier 6.6 rod to get a better hookset, or bump to braid. I never have issues with setting too fast and taking baits away from fish with braid like teninch said... but everyone is different. If you like the feel of a 6.6, just bump rod weights and line, and you should be ok

[Bigfisherman]

Thanks, I'll try a new combo this week, I was getting lots of hits last week but didn't hook into as many as I could of, so I'm second guessing my setup but I'll use braid on both my rods this time and see if it makes a difference.

[Sike-1]

Sounds good to me! Just remember, if the water is moderately clear to clear, and you can see 5 ft into the water... fluorocarbon leaders are needed for braids. Braid is really visible.

[Garry2rs]

I have casting rods of 6, 6.5 and 7 feet. All things being equal, the longer rod will cast a little farther but not as accurately as the shorter ones. Longer rods can be useful to hold some extra line off the water, to prevent or reduce drag, and to provide more reach when flipping etc. But, an extra 6 inches won't change the hook-set much, in my opinion.

Don't believe the story that you need a leader with braid. It is an old-wives tale put out my mono manufactures, to sell plastic line. It is pure "Hog Wash" in my opinion.
If you are using spinners, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jerk baits, etc. the fish is attacking the moving bait. If it had brains enough to know that the line was a danger sign, it would know that metal blades on a piece of wire aren't eatable...hahaha.
If you are using live bait, weightless Senko's, drop-shotting, or other so-called finesse techniques, you still don't need a leader. Fish aren't afraid of the line, so long as the bait falls free and natural. Fifty years ago we fished with black cotton, nylon and rainbow Dacron line and caught as many fish as you can catch today with Fluorocarbon which is supposed to be invisible. Fish will avoid all baits, regardless of the line type, that are moving unnaturally. This happens when the line is pulled by the wind, waves or currents. Fly-fishermen call this effect "drag."
Garry2rs

[GB2pair]

I think you could go two different ways. I take my 5' 6'' ugly stick to the cottage to fish bass, it's great because it's very portable, accurate casts and if you want to walk through the bush to get to you're fishing hole it's great to carry. But if you are doing "serious" fishing you may want something longer. I used a 7ft. Gloomis "bronzeback" to fish smallies and it was the nicest rod I have ever used, nice and sensitive if you jigging or drop shot. But for pure joy I prefer the smaller rod, it's a lot of fun when you hook into a 3-4lbs small mouth and fight it for 10+mins.

Cheers,