There will be some disagreement on this, so I will just preface this article by saying I’m going to explain what works for me. Having the “right” rod and reel combination for a specific technique in your hands makes all the difference in the world. I wouldn’t use a flipping stick/casting reel combo filled with 20lb test line to throw a small # 5 Shallow Shad Rap. Nor on the other hand would I use a 5 ½ foot ultra light rod/micro spinning reel with 4lb test to fish a 3/8oz spinnerbait.

Once again having the right rod/reel set up for fishing a spinnerbait makes a big difference. The “One Rod Fits All Techniques” just doesn’t work. Over the next few paragraphs my goal is to explain why I use what I use. I hope this will help you.

I guess I need to go all the way back to my friend from Monroe Louisiana to help explain why I use what I use. Rods have come a long way over the past 30 years. I can remember getting into Everett’s 14 foot Jon boat and he would have 5 or 6 fiberglass rods rigged with different baits. He swore by those fiberglass rods, and I must admit he sure could put the hurt on largemouth every time he went. Graphite rods were just becoming somewhat popular-but he was dead set against these new rods. More than once I heard him say “Why change something that isn’t broke?” To some degree back 30 years ago he was right. But as time and technology has raced by those new rods have become much more sensitive. Now I use two different AllPro APX Series rods for fishing spinnerbaits.

First is the AllPro APX7MSTN which is a 7 foot Medium action spinning rods for lighter baits and the AllPro APX610MHCA which is a 6 foot 10 inch medium heavy casting rod for my heavier baits. Both of these rods have soft tips and the sensitivity is amazing. One real point of difference that sets these APX rods apart from all other graphite rods no matter the brand or cost is the “Graphite Rings” on the handle. (See picture to the left) Other graphite rods are made where the graphite blank runs through a cork handle. The cork inadvertently acts as a buffer or insulator which diminishes some of the “Feel” or sensitivity. But the APX is designed where the strike is transmitted from the tip of the rod through the blank and into these graphite rings and then into the palm of your hand. Absolutely maximizing sensitivity. No buffer-no insulator just “Direct Feel”!!!

I have been fortunate to own some very nice rods in my life time. But these new AllPro APX series rods are the best I have ever had in my hands. The APX rod is 100% American made (which is unusual these days) is a light as a feather but extremely powerful and once again very sensitive. They are made of the finest 100% graphite with Fuji ECS Reel Seats and Titanium guides. When you throw a spinnerbait on these rods you can feel the “Thump” of the blade all the way through the rod handle. Even the slightest bite is magnified. It is so much more sensitive than fiberglass rods which have a very slow response when you set the hook. I like the longer handles which helps with two handed long casts. I also like the longer rods because they give you an extra advantage fighting a fish right at the boat.

Back about 3 years ago I bought a 7 foot fiberglass cranking rod that I thought I just had to have. I used it 4 times and was so disappointed in the “FEEL” that I “WASN’T GETTING” that I hung it up on the wall, and it hasn’t been used since. Another $100.00 that could have been put to better use. I have become so accustomed to the quick hook sets and feel that I get with my graphite rods that the fiberglass rod was just plain disappointing.

I guess for me it just plain comes down to feel. I want to be able to detect those subtle hit’s when a big fish engulfs the bait and all you can “Feel” is something different. Have you been there before? Not a slashing-bone jarring strike; just a subtle difference. If you can’t feel that subtle difference you are going to miss out on a lot of fish. I can hear some boooo’s from the fiberglass fans that are reading this right now;that’s why I prefaced in the beginning I just want to explain what works for me. If you can put a bunch of bass in the boat on a regular basis using fiberglass “Don’t change what’s not broke” But if your having trouble detecting those subtle hit’s you might just want to think about buying a good (let me say it again) good-graphite rod.

All graphite rods are not created equal. If you buy a cheap rod-expect cheap results. I always urge new bass fishermen to buy the best they can afford. Use it until you can afford something even better then move up. Everyone’s disposable income isn’t the same. But we all have the same ability to use what we have wisely.

Now to the reel department. As I have said before, I settled in with Shimano reels and just stayed right there. I use a Shimano Stradic ST4000FH on my spinning rod. This reel retrieves 35 inches of line per crank-has 5 bearings-a 5.7:1 gear ratio and weighs 13.4 oz. I fill the reel with 200 yards of 10lb test P-line. The 5.7:1 ratio gives me enough speed when I need it but also works extremely well at a slower presentation.

On my casting rod I use the Shimano Calcutta reel which retrieves line at 23 inches per crank-has 3 bearings-a 5.0:1 gear ratio and weighs 11.1 ounces. I fill this reel with 200 yards of 12 pound test P-Line. This reel combined with my APX rod gives me a very powerful combination with medium to larger baits. I guess it’s like a guy that will only buy a Ford or a Chevy…you just like what you like and stay with it.