Worming rig

[BassFeverJohn]

Hey guys. While I am not ready to go right out and buy something I wanted to ask this question to aid in my research.

I am not happy with using my biatcaster or my UL rig for worming. In fact I am wanting to step my UL down to using 2-4 pound line for panfish, and use my caster for mainly spinners, jigs, jerkbaits, and cranking. A lot to ask of one caster, I know, but I am living on a budget... And it seems to handle all these things well enough.

The one thing I can get happy with is worming. So here is the question. Not asking for specific models here, just what length rod, how fast/slow for the tip, what action to look for? Also, what would be a good gear ratio on the reel?

Whatever I get will be budget more than likely, though I already have a reel I wouldn't mind using if it is ideal enough, so I can put more into a rod.

The reel is a Shimano FX 2500FB.

Thanks!

[BigBassin144]

Personally, I like a casting rig for my worm fishing.

Here's a part of an article I wrote pertaining to selecting technique specific rods.

"Texas Rig – 6’6”-7’4”; M-MH; F-XF – When it comes to length, there is a large selection when it comes to t-rig rods. Some prefer a 6’6”, some prefer a long 7’ or even 7’2”-7’4”. This is mainly personal preference here. A M power is good for lighter t-rig, and a MH is good for heavier ones. Always use a F or XF action for t-rigs. I may go with the F for lighter t-rigs and the XF for heavier ones."

Now that being said, I prefer rods on the longer end of that range. I like a 7' rod, and I love the 7'3" rod I recently got. I use a Medium Heavy power rod for most all of my t-rigging, and I almost always use a Fast Action.

BB

[BassFeverJohn]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Personally, I like a casting rig for my worm fishing.

Here's a part of an article I wrote pertaining to selecting technique specific rods.

"Texas Rig – 6’6”-7’4”; M-MH; F-XF – When it comes to length, there is a large selection when it comes to t-rig rods. Some prefer a 6’6”, some prefer a long 7’ or even 7’2”-7’4”. This is mainly personal preference here. A M power is good for lighter t-rig, and a MH is good for heavier ones. Always use a F or XF action for t-rigs. I may go with the F for lighter t-rigs and the XF for heavier ones."

Now that being said, I prefer rods on the longer end of that range. I like a 7' rod, and I love the 7'3" rod I recently got. I use a Medium Heavy power rod for most all of my t-rigging, and I almost always use a Fast Action.

BB

I just did some garage diving and found a rod I had completely forgot about. It is a 6'6 M action with a fast tip. I may give it a try it is a Shakespeare Cirrus. I will also look into some casting choices. Might be a good thing for when I am ready to upgrade my reel. The older reel can go on the worm rig.

It sure would be nice to just be able to go buy whatever was best... sigh.

[geezer1]

John, if you're looking for a budget rod, my vote is for the Berkley Lightning Rod (about $40). It's hard to beat for the money. Next time you're in BPS or Walmart, pick one up & see how you like the feel of it. If you're going to seriously worm fish, then like BB said, you really need to get a true bait caster. Look around for something used, there's plenty around. Although we all have our favorites, & we bust each others chops over them, most of the big manufacturers make excellent reels. Try to stay away from the Chinese stuff & you should do fine.

[BassFeverJohn]

Thanks guys. I am going to focus my research on baitcasters, as I like them better anyway. I am going to give this Cirrus a try and if I like it I will use it until I can get a better rig.

[BassFeverJohn]

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

Personally, I like a casting rig for my worm fishing.

Here's a part of an article I wrote pertaining to selecting technique specific rods.

"Texas Rig – 6’6”-7’4”; M-MH; F-XF – When it comes to length, there is a large selection when it comes to t-rig rods. Some prefer a 6’6”, some prefer a long 7’ or even 7’2”-7’4”. This is mainly personal preference here. A M power is good for lighter t-rig, and a MH is good for heavier ones. Always use a F or XF action for t-rigs. I may go with the F for lighter t-rigs and the XF for heavier ones."

Now that being said, I prefer rods on the longer end of that range. I like a 7' rod, and I love the 7'3" rod I recently got. I use a Medium Heavy power rod for most all of my t-rigging, and I almost always use a Fast Action.

BB

On a side note. Thank you for your articles BB. Your one on setting a casting reel was awesome. I have been meaning to thank you for pointing me toward it!

[Jrob78]

I agree with what the other have said so far. I would look for a MH F casting rod in the 6'6" - 7' range to start with. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg but you do need to make sure you get a graphite rod with a fast action. Sensitivity is critical in a worming rod.

[CamG]

Just saw this combo today. I actually think this would make a darn nice entry level setup. It's even on sale!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/st...SELL_THUMBNAIL

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by BassFeverJohn

On a side note. Thank you for your articles BB. Your one on setting a casting reel was awesome. I have been meaning to thank you for pointing me toward it!

No problem man. I help when I can.

BB

[walkeraviator]

I just spent a week fishing with an Abu Garcia Conolon Premier 7ft MH/F bought from Wal-Mart for $41.... worth every penny... lots f sensitivity, good backbone, comfortable, although a smidgen heavy, but no heavier than anything else in that price range... this will be my next budget rod buy...

[geezer1]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

I just spent a week fishing with an Abu Garcia Conolon Premier 7ft MH/F bought from Wal-Mart for $41.... worth every penny... lots f sensitivity, good backbone, comfortable, although a smidgen heavy, but no heavier than anything else in that price range... this will be my next budget rod buy...

That's not a bad price, at all.

[BassFeverJohn]

Originally Posted by geezer1

John, if you're looking for a budget rod, my vote is for the Berkley Lightning Rod (about $40). It's hard to beat for the money. Next time you're in BPS or Walmart, pick one up & see how you like the feel of it. If you're going to seriously worm fish, then like BB said, you really need to get a true bait caster. Look around for something used, there's plenty around. Although we all have our favorites, & we bust each others chops over them, most of the big manufacturers make excellent reels. Try to stay away from the Chinese stuff & you should do fine.

I checked it out today. It has a real nice feel to it. I forgot to look at the price, but I am sure you are on target.

Thanks

[BigBassin144]

John, I'd give the Shimano Clarus rods a look if you can find them locally. They're great, less expensive rods.

BB

[Rebbasser]

John, if it has a single hook-worm, jig, spinnerbait, etc. I don't throw it on less than a MH action rod. For most a 6-6 or 7' rod will work fine. I want a rod with more backbone so I can get a good hookset. A M action or lighter rod just does not have enough backbone for a good hookset.

[Bassboss]

John, take my word for it, and I don't mean to complicate things, but save your money on a worming rod!!

I went ahead and got a lightning rod and it was a bad move IMO. The rod had didiley squat sensitivity, even when with braid! On the other hand. It did have good back bone and hook setting power!

But DEFINITELY save up John, save your self the trouble, and money! I say go with a vendetta over the Clarus. All though I have not used either of them. If you read the tackle tour review if it, it said that the sensitivity is on par with some 150$ he's fished. However am sure you'll like either one, the Clarus does have a much more classy look to it though!

As for length and action, I agree with Biggins, 6'6" - 7'4", MH F action.

[bcklash]

Originally Posted by Bassboss

I say go with a vendetta over the Clarus. All though I have not used either .

Bassboss if you havn't used either why is the Vendetta better? I bought a Vendetta and a Bucoo at the same time, The Bucoo gets used the Vendetta just lays there. I got the Vendetta in a MH and its like a broom stick-terrible. I would recommend the Bucoo over Vendetta 10-1. Has for the Clarus, I couldn't tell anything about it.

I love my Bucoo. Its light, sensitive, good hook setting power and paired with my Diawa Terria (sp) its well balaned.

[Jim80]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

I just spent a week fishing with an Abu Garcia Conolon Premier 7ft MH/F bought from Wal-Mart for $41.... worth every penny... lots f sensitivity, good backbone, comfortable, although a smidgen heavy, but no heavier than anything else in that price range... this will be my next budget rod buy...

got one of those last year and have beat the piss out of it and it is still a solid rod , I would def buy another one .



Jim

[Ebbetsguy]

Originally Posted by walkeraviator

I just spent a week fishing with an Abu Garcia Conolon Premier 7ft MH/F bought from Wal-Mart for $41.... worth every penny... lots f sensitivity, good backbone, comfortable, although a smidgen heavy, but no heavier than anything else in that price range... this will be my next budget rod buy...

That’s is the only rod I own, I have 8 of them, in case one breaks. I have 5 rigs, with various bait-casting reels and it does the job with ease. I have the 6'6"(MH/Fast) models, great rods, cover every way I fish. I am not a fan of technique specific rods. I have gone through Daiwas, All Stars and Fenwick’s HMX's and when they stopped making the HMX in 6'6" MH/Fast I found this rod, seems to be wrapped on a comparable blank, and same guides. I would think this has something to do with Pure Fishing owning both labels now.

[walkeraviator]

Do they make the Conolon Premier in 7' Medium with a moderate tip???

[Ebbetsguy]

They are a discontinued rod, search out Wal Mart as they are the only retailer who has them to the best of my knowledge.

[geezer1]

Originally Posted by Bassboss

I went ahead and got a lightning rod and it was a bad move IMO. The rod had didiley squat sensitivity, even when with braid! On the other hand. It did have good back bone and hook setting power!

Wow. The sensitivity was, for me, the strong point of that casting rod!

[Adamseye]

I got two rods to mention, both budget/semi-budget rods.

1. Berkley's AMP. $30 rod with good sensitivity for the price.
2. Bass Pro Bionic Blade, $80 rod with top level sensitivity, for the price it's a hard one to beat.

Either way it's all about tight lines, Happy catching!

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by Adamseye

I got two rods to mention, both budget/semi-budget rods.

1. Berkley's AMP. $30 rod with good sensitivity for the price.
2. Bass Pro Bionic Blade, $80 rod with top level sensitivity, for the price it's a hard one to beat.

Either way it's all about tight lines, Happy catching!

Welcome to the site Adamseye.

First off, I can't believe the Bionic Blades are up to $80. Second, I've used a couple BPS rods, including the Pro Qualifier and Johnny Morris Signature. Both rods had fairly good sensitivity for their price ranges, but definitely not top level. Lastly, I'd give serious consideration to a Shimano Compre, Abu Garcia Vendetta, or Falcon Bucoo in that price range before I'd buy another BPS rod.

BB