What size fishing pole for bass

[Greenjello]

I have a nitro boat with no rod locker or deck space for any pole bigger than a 6fter. I am wanting to get another spinning rod and was going to get a 6ft rod. Does anyone fish with a 5 1/2 rod? I am wanting to but 8lb line on but just wanted to see what people fished with.

Thanks

 

[rndn]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

I recently went to 7 foot rods after fishing for years with 5.5 and 6 footers. You can cast it farther or the same distance with less stress on your arms and wrist, but you should still have no issues at all.
As far as what pound test line to use, it all depends on where you will be fishing. When I fish Lake Erie for the monster 6 pound smallmouth, I always use 6-8 pound test mono or fluoro because the water is so clear. When I fish in the weeds of a stained lake I use 14 pound braid so I'll be able to pull the fish thru the weeds. If you're fishing clear water with northern pike in there along with the bass, I'd go with a good 14# mono or fluoro.
One thing to mention about fluorocarbon is that it absorbs water and degrades quickly in the sunlight. It is good for 1 season at most.
You may also decide to spool up with 14# braid and use various leaders to adjust for the body of water. Use a double uni know for the splice. Here's a website with all of the various fishing knots.
http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

 

[gonefishie]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

Nothing less then 6' and it's only use when you need extreme casting accuracy and don't need much casting distance. Otherwise, I don't think they even make bass rod that short. I guess you can have it custom made but you really wouldn't want it.

 

[Greenjello]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

my bait caster is 6.5ft and is just to long to stoe anywhere on my boat I have to just keep it next to me when driving the boat. I like the 6ft length I was thinking about 5 1/2 because I saw some at bass pro but I think you are right about casting them.

I had been using 10lb because of all the brush but I may try to move down to 8. I have only been using mono fill unless I trout fish.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

Personaly i use nothing over a 6' & really use my 5 1/2' rods just as much
They are accurate & easy to use with two people on my boat-
I have a 16' bassboat & i can store them easy to
I've never had a need to cast any farther than i can cast them (figure thats why i have a trolling motor)
As far as what pound test line to use i pretty much agree with rndn - Thats why i carry no less than 4 different setups with me & wish i had the room for more

 

[j_martin]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

If I didn't have room for a 6 1/2 foot rod (or a dozen) in my bass bote, I think I'd go after it with a chain saw.

Seriously, my storage was quite limited till I got some rod-slick rod socks. Now I can poke them up into a narrow space with impunity, and still pick them out one at a time.

tight lines to ya
John

 

[Greenjello]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

I do have to admit I was caught off guard when I tried to put the rods in the bow storage and they didn't fit. You would think bass boats would be designed around bass fishing. That will teach me to listen to the seller

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

If I didn't have room for a 6 1/2 foot rod (or a dozen) in my bass bote, I think I'd go after it with a chain saw.

Seriously, my storage was quite limited till I got some rod-slick rod socks. Now I can poke them up into a narrow space with impunity, and still pick them out one at a time.

tight lines to ya
John

Just looked at those online at Gander Mtn - Think i'll try a few

 

[gonefishie]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

Personaly i use nothing over a 6' & really use my 5 1/2' rods just as much
They are accurate & easy to use with two people on my boat-
I have a 16' bassboat & i can store them easy to
I've never had a need to cast any farther than i can cast them (figure thats why i have a trolling motor)

I can only wonder what type of water you fish, what lures you use and what's your success rate.

 

[cwilt]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

i ave a small nitro also and my 6 1/2 fot rods fit great. my fishin buddy uses 7 footers and they still fit. check to see if a life jacket is stuck up front. i use 17 lb mono and 50 lb braid.................

 

[j_martin]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

If the water's pretty murky, you can get away with a short cast. I fish some lakes with crystal clear water, and pretty heavy fishing pressure. If I can't flang something unusual a long ways away from the boat, I might as well stay home.

I mostly use 6 1/2' casting rods and spiderwire. If they're finicky I'll go to medium light spinning gear.

my 02
John

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: What size fishing pole for bass

I can only wonder what type of water you fish, what lures you use and what's your success rate.

Your right- You can