Why Technique Specific? 2025
roadwarrior reply :
The topic comes up occasionally or is often referred to. Some say it's just a marketing ploy,
but I would disagree. Lots of guys ask for help selecting rods. My suggestion is to first build
a base: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/
Then over time we build on those fundamental tools.
My recommendation for the next rod is something specific for your favorite presentation. Mine would be
a dedicated jerkbait rod or swim jig rod. It's not that one of the basic three would not work just fine,
now I'm looking for the "perfect" rod for something else.
BassWhole! reply :
#confusethenewbiessomemore
#sellmorerods
#techniquesexistonlyinthemindsofLMBanglers
jbsoonerfan reply :
I suppose technique specific is good in theory, but I'm not sold on it. For example a MH-F rod will vary from one company to another so it may or may not be what one would prefer for whatever application that manufacturer says it should be used for. Also, what I like to throw spinnerbaits on, someone else may not. So if every company is selling a 7' MH-xf as a spinnerbait rod and I prefer a 6'9" MH-f then I may be forced to buy a "lipless or squarebill" rod if that is all I can find. And heavan forbid I am seen throwing a spinnerbait on a rod that was made for a squarebill.
Also, it is hard to tell the actual action of a rod without getting it out on the water. I am guilty of doing the ol whip the horse technique in the store, but that doesn't really tell you much about the rod.
WRB reply :
Today the generic bass rod is defined as 7' MH fast action. This rod is high modulus lightweight graphite.
You can cast a deep diving crank bait using the generic MH rod with difficulty because the fast action doesn't cast very good.
Application specific crank bait rod; 7' MH moderate fast, slower action to cast crankbaits with ease.
7'6" heavy fast action flipping rod works good to present jigs or punch rigs into heavy cover, however makes a poor choice for 7'6" heavy swimbait rod, both application specific rods.
These are obvious, there are others and there are marketing ploys that use the exact same rod blank labeled for specific applications.
Tom
Brian Needham reply :
techniuqe specific to me is having a favorite rod for each bait type you throw.
I like it, because all I have to do is pick up another rod, instead of retieing.
that, and I cant throw a 2oz swimbait on my shakyhead rod.
rawjuice reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 11:48 PM, Brian Needham said:techniuqe specific to me is having a favorite rod for each bait type you throw.
I like it, because all I have to do is pick up another rod, instead of retieing.
that, and I cant throw a 2oz swimbait on my shakyhead rod.
agreed
To me, I understand the specific actions and powers for different techniques, I dont base my decision on what the rod says because every company is different. I love having multiple rods for the purpose of just grabbing a different bait and start casting with out waisting time on retieing a different lure every time!
Bankbeater reply :
I agree to a point. Example, you are not going to use a UL to punch through a weed mat, and I am not going to use a heavy rig to catch bluegill. I have certain baits tied on to certain rigs, but that is just because I like to use them for that certain bait.
lmoore reply :
I agree with being technique specific, but it has nothing to do with whatever a company reccomends their rods be used for. I have certain actions in mind for each technique and look for a rod with those qualities. Some campanies are very in line with their reccomendations vs. my desires, some are not.
On 3/28/2014 at 10:15 PM, jbsoonerfan said:I suppose technique specific is good in theory, but I'm not sold on it. For example a MH-F rod will vary from one company to another so it may or may not be what one would prefer for whatever application that manufacturer says it should be used for. Also, what I like to throw spinnerbaits on, someone else may not. So if every company is selling a 7' MH-xf as a spinnerbait rod and I prefer a 6'9" MH-f then I may be forced to buy a "lipless or squarebill" rod if that is all I can find. And heavan forbid I am seen throwing a spinnerbait on a rod that was made for a squarebill.
Also, it is hard to tell the actual action of a rod without getting it out on the water. I am guilty of doing the ol whip the horse technique in the store, but that doesn't really tell you much about the rod.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 10:13 PM, reason said:#confusethenewbiessomemore
#sellmorerods
#techniquesexistonlyinthemindsofLMBanglers
Right on !
I don't over complicate it. I have rods that cover 3 techniques, conventional for live or cut bait, spinning for casting lures and fly rod for flies. Pretty much covers it all for me. I'm using a fast action spinner (different powers of course) for every lure type and every kind of fish.
K_Mac reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 11:48 PM, Brian Needham said:techniuqe specific to me is having a favorite rod for each bait type you throw.
I like it, because all I have to do is pick up another rod, instead of retieing.
that, and I cant throw a 2oz swimbait on my shakyhead rod.
I completely agree. That favorite rod may or may not be one designed and marketed for that specific bait. I don't own one rod that is marketed as technique specific, because most of them start at a price above my budget. Having the "perfect" rod for a favorite technique does makes the experience more enjoyable IMO. Sure you can get by with the 3 rods RW always recommends or maybe you can do it all with only one combo, but why would you? 
Some seem to be offended that tackle companies market rods that don't appeal to them for a variety of reasons, including a technique specific designation or price. Does not make sense to me. I buy what I like that fits my budget. The market is what determines what the manufacturers will offer. I'm good with that.
fishindad reply :
This has been a great question and topic for debate these days. Having bought more than my share of rods over the past 40+ years, these are two things I feel are absolutely true:
1. A rod specifically designed for a certain technique (dropshot, flippin, shakyhead, etc) will perform better than a "general purpose" rod, i.e. 6'6" MH, 7' ML spin.
2. This is definitely a 'marketing ploy' to sell more rods and get consumers to spend more money.
Is it fun buying new gear? Of course!! But does having 15 rods on deck and 20 in the locker make one a better more efficient angler? Possibly better but no way more efficient. And let's be honest, searching for that one rod to throw a Pop-R vs. a fluke makes no sense. Nor does untangling rods or stepping on them. In my non-expert opinion, having 20 different rod and reel combos rigged and ready each with a different lure only leads to confusion - do I throw the squarebill, the spinnerbait, the swimbait, or the wacky worm, etc here? By not making a commitment to an area and presentation, this only leads to inefficiency.
I myself have decided this season to reduce the number of combos I carry in the boat down to no more than 8, with only 4 on deck. Two for searching (hard baits) and two for triggering (soft plastics). I predict I will catch at least as many if not more fish than ever. For example, in cover I'll throw a spinnerbait and fluke, and Senko and jig and pig. In open water I'll throw a jerkbait and crankbait, and grub and tube. These baits probably account for the majority of bass everywhere. That said, this is only an example and, where I fish, there are local hot baits and presentations which will alter what I use but you get my drift. Thus I have two dropshot rods, one of which I will always have on deck because I fish smallies on the Great Lakes.
So to Roadwarrior's post, I say build the base of 3-4 rods and then get duplicates of these with varying line tests (or type; fluoro, braid). We often make fishing too complex and cloud our decision-making with things that aren't important. As much as I would love to try every new rod and reel that comes on the market, I know it won't catch me more bass and I just need to resist the temptation... 
gripnrip reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 11:48 PM, Brian Needham said:techniuqe specific to me is having a favorite rod for each bait type you throw.
I like it, because all I have to do is pick up another rod, instead of retieing.
that, and I cant throw a 2oz swimbait on my shakyhead rod.
x2 I start out buying something specific. Just because a rod I have states "Carolina Lizard Dragger" doesn't mean that I'll only use it that way. I have used this rod for jigs and heavy T-rigging. I look more at the line and weight recommendations than anything.
flyfisher reply :
I think people are confusing technique specific with waht hte company sees as the right technique for a given rod. My favorite rod for weightless plastics initially was labeled as a tube rod and then ironically enough, the one i prefer now is labeled as a weightless palstics rod. It is nothing more than a guideline to get people started.
If i am a newbie who used a buddy's gear and enjoyed throwing spinnerbaits i can start to narrow my search by looking at spinnerbait rods. Once yo uget some time fishing you look for power and action and get the rod, no matter what is printed on the blank.
BassWhole! reply :
On 3/29/2014 at 2:27 AM, fishindad said:This has been a great question and topic for debate these days. Having bought more than my share of rods over the past 40+ years, these are two things I feel are absolutely true:
1. A rod specifically designed for a certain technique (dropshot, flippin, shakyhead, etc) will perform better than a "general purpose" rod, i.e. 6'6" MH, 7' ML spin.
2. This is definitely a 'marketing ploy' to sell more rods and get consumers to spend more money.
Is it fun buying new gear? Of course!! But does having 15 rods on deck and 20 in the locker make one a better more efficient angler? Possibly better but no way more efficient. And let's be honest, searching for that one rod to throw a Pop-R vs. a fluke makes no sense. Nor does untangling rods or stepping on them. In my non-expert opinion, having 20 different rod and reel combos rigged and ready each with a different lure only leads to confusion - do I throw the squarebill, the spinnerbait, the swimbait, or the wacky worm, etc here? By not making a commitment to an area and presentation, this only leads to inefficiency.
I myself have decided this season to reduce the number of combos I carry in the boat down to no more than 8, with only 4 on deck. Two for searching (hard baits) and two for triggering (soft plastics). I predict I will catch at least as many if not more fish than ever. For example, in cover I'll throw a spinnerbait and fluke, and Senko and jig and pig. In open water I'll throw a jerkbait and crankbait, and grub and tube. These baits probably account for the majority of bass everywhere. That said, this is only an example and, where I fish, there are local hot baits and presentations which will alter what I use but you get my drift. Thus I have two dropshot rods, one of which I will always have on deck because I fish smallies on the Great Lakes.
So to Roadwarrior's post, I say build the base of 3-4 rods and then get duplicates of these with varying line tests (or type; fluoro, braid). We often make fishing too complex and cloud our decision-making with things that aren't important. As much as I would love to try every new rod and reel that comes on the market, I know it won't catch me more bass and I just need to resist the temptation...
I agree, kinda, I think a rod is specific (well suited for actually) to certain baits, wether those baits all reside in a particular "technique" or not. For example I use 4 rods for spinnerbaits, and one would be terrible for larger ones, and vise versa, same with jerkbaits, I throw everything from a #8 Husky Jerk, to a Bomber long 16A. It would be ridiculous to even attempt to fish those baits with the same rod. I think once you fish enough, you just know what you like, and what works best, I know I do, and the label can say whatever.
RippinLips4 reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 10:02 PM, roadwarrior said:The topic comes up occasionally or is often referred to. Some say it's just a marketing ploy,
but I would disagree. Lots of guys ask for help selecting rods. My suggestion is to first build
a base: http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/
Then over time we build on those fundamental tools.
My recommendation for the next rod is something specific for your favorite presentation. Mine would be
a dedicated jerkbait rod or swim jig rod. It's not that one of the basic three would not work just fine,
now I'm looking for the "perfect" rod for something else.
What would be a good 5 base rod arsenal.
S Hovanec reply :
I don't care what the rod is supposed to be 'for', if it does what I want, then its 'for' that technique in my book. I have 4 different dropshot rods for various baits. One is marketed as shakeyhead. It also doubles my tube rod. The others are sold as DS rods. One is too light in power to be a good Great Lakes rod, but its good on the rivers and reservoirs. The other ones are perfect to me for the application.
Raul reply :
My rods are UL, ML, M, MH, H. The only technique specific I consider to add is a MH crankbait, however I have considered it for a few years and still haven't purchased it.
S Hovanec reply :
The thing that some people fail to realize is these actions and powers have been around for a LONG time. They are nothing new. What's 'new' is the branding or labeling for certain techniques. I had m/m and ml/xf rods in my locker LONG before they were labeled crankbait and dropshot. before the labeling, you found a rod that worked for your application and used it for that.
roadwarrior reply :
On 3/29/2014 at 8:00 AM, PigSlayer said:What would be a good 5 base rod arsenal.
It might be a dedicated jerkbait rod and one soley for the Alabama Rig.
I start most of my days this time of year with a specific topwater rig,
G. Loomis PR844C/ Core 100Mg, Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000
for jerkbaits and keep a spinning rod rigged with a Fat Ika for follow-up.
St. Croix LES70MF/ Stella 2500FE.
Round two might be G.Loomis MBR842C/ Core 50Mg for swim jigs or small
swimbaits, Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5-701 CAMCB/ Optimus XLT for crankbaits
and maybe the Perfecta DHC5-761 CAMHFS/ Optimus XiHS for The Rig.
0119 reply :
On 3/28/2014 at 10:13 PM, reason said:#confusethenewbiessomemore
#sellmorerods
#techniquesexistonlyinthemindsofLMBanglers
That's got to be the funniest and truest post ever typed on any bass fishing site!
flippin4it. reply :
On 3/29/2014 at 9:04 PM, roadwarrior said:It might be a dedicated jerkbait rod and one soley for the Alabama Rig.
I start most of my days this time of year with a specific topwater rig,
G. Loomis PR844C/ Core 100Mg, Avid AVC66MF/ Scorpion 1000
for jerkbaits and keep a spinning rod rigged with a Fat Ika for follow-up.
St. Croix LES70MF/ Stella 2500FE.
Round two might be G.Loomis MBR842C/ Core 50Mg for swim jigs or small
swimbaits, Pinnacle Perfecta DHC5-701 CAMCB/ Optimus XLT for crankbaits
and maybe the Perfecta DHC5-761 CAMHFS/ Optimus XiHS for The Rig.
Good lord, I like your train of thought Roadwarrior.
I own 25+ setups, from dropshot to C-rig, spinnerbait, wacky, ect.
I find it hard to dedicate a rod to a certain bait without getting it out on the water and putting it thought its paces. Being a power fisherman that had to learn to "slow down and lighten up" so to speak and adapt to finnese fishing and I have had to try many combos to find the correct fit for me. I tend to lean towards a longer rod when fishing spinning gear. I have a 7' ML Steez for drop shot and a 7'3 M Fuego for 90% of my other spinning needs, both being paired with Ci4 reels. I don't believe it's a marketing ploy, it's the option for balance, rod length/power and just plain how it feels in the hand while casting, reeling, hookset, playing the fish, ect. We all have different tastes. You wouldn't buy a Mini Cooper to haul mulch now would you?
*Hootie reply :
On 3/29/2014 at 10:38 PM, flippin4it. said:You wouldn't buy a Mini Cooper to haul mulch now would you?
You mean I'm not supposed to haul mulch in my mini?...AW MAN!!!
Hootie
Brian Needham reply :
On 3/29/2014 at 2:20 AM, SirSnookalot said:Right on !
I don't over complicate it. I have rods that cover 3 techniques, conventional for live or cut bait, spinning for casting lures and fly rod for flies. Pretty much covers it all for me. I'm using a fast action spinner (different powers of course) for every lure type and every kind of fish.
"different powers of course" ??????
Snook, having different powers is what makes it technique specific, no?????
take my Dobyns dx 742...... I can throw a weightless senko, shakyhead, or dropshot on it...... but I call it my shakyhead rod..... I don't understand yall's beef with a rod like that.
RoLo reply :
When an angler purchases a new rod, he usually has a job in mind for that rod, so in a sense every rod is technique-specific.
But the customer has a choice: He can allow the rodmaker select his rod, or he can select his own rod based on the features he desires.
Before purchasing any rod I make a list of desired options: such as length, power, action, blank modulus, guide material, butt length & so on
Most of the time I won't find what I'm looking for, but will have to settle. For example, my first swimbait rod was marketed as a musky rod.
Roger
WRB reply :
Bass anglers are just getting started with application specific rod thinking and Gary Dobyn's may have stared that ball rolling.
Trout anglers ( fly fishers) have been on this for a few decades and the salt water crowd even longer. Fishing salt water for several decades you can gather up dozens of rods specific for various fish, lures and live bait from inshore to off shore and specific reels go with all the various rods.
Bass fishing we tend to use about half dozen different rods, usually several of the same type with the same reels which is a good thing! Having 20 different rods, reels and lines isn't where we should be going with application specific.
Tom
PS, good custom rod builders on this site and elsewhere that will make you exactly what you want at a decent price.
0119 reply :
Ive lived on the coast for 53 years and fished the salt at least 50 of them and I cant think of any technique or species specific rods ever......until maybe shimano crapped the idea that they could consume more of our $ and invented butterfly jigging. Nearly every salt rod on the gulfcoast is the same.....a walmart special, white in color, hyperlon grips, 40oz spinner still wearing security zip ties, attached with the 80lb. God's gift to fishing powerpro.
mjseverson24 reply :
Technique specific rods in my boat just means one rod for one technique, like a jerkbait rod, it has a rod, reel and line that will allow me to fish the bait most effectively... same thing for jigs/t-rigs, and spinnerbaits/swimjigs, or punching etc... I honestly dont have an all purpose rod left in my boat. i believe this helps increase efficiency on the water...
Mitch
jbsoonerfan reply :
For me, technique specific goes no further than a 6'8" MH, 6'10" M, 7' MH. and a 7'3" H. I can pretty much throw everything that "I" prefer to throw on any of these rods. Not necessarily "technique specific" but more a preference.
That being said, I can throw a lipless CB on the 6'8" MH or the 6'10" M and really see no difference. Same thing with a 3/16 oz T-rigged worm. The 7' MH or 7'3" H will both do the job. Maybe I am just an agile, mobile, versatile fish catching machine that doesn't need 32 different rods. I was "told" I did and I believed it, but now I digress.
Brian Needham reply :
Jb- I don't want you to think this is directed at you because I agree with what you just posted.
It is your post brings up an excellent point and I question that I have.
all the ardent technique specific non believers all say:
"I don't have to fall prey to marketing, all I need is X'x M, X'x mh, X'x H, and a spinning rod"
well..... by using four different rods, you ARE using technique specific gear!!!
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 3/30/2014 at 9:52 AM, Brian Needham said:Jb- I don't want you to think this is directed at you because I agree with what you just posted.
It is your post brings up an excellent point and I question that I have.
all the ardent technique specific non believers all say:
"I don't have to fall prey to marketing, all I need is X'x M, X'x mh, X'x H, and a spinning rod"
well..... by using four different rods, you ARE using technique specific gear!!!
I certainly agree that I use certain rods based on what I want to do. Sometimes though, I'm just not smart enough to figure out what rod to use with what bait so I just tie it on and throw it. 
RippinLips4 reply :
what are rods? i use a beer can and line...
Raul reply :
I caught a 30 lb carp with a beer can ( Modelo brand ), line, hook and tortilla for bait.On 3/30/2014 at 10:18 AM, PigSlayer said:what are rods? i use a beer can and line...
RippinLips4 reply :
On 3/30/2014 at 11:32 AM, Raul said:I caught a 30 lb carp with a beer can ( Modelo brand ), line, hook and tortilla for bait.
Really haha, never tried using a beer can but seems like a fun thing to try out haha.
FlipnLimits reply :
On 3/30/2014 at 11:32 AM, Raul said:I caught a 30 lb carp with a beer can ( Modelo brand ), line, hook and tortilla for bait.
You'll catch bigger carp with Tecate, it's specific for carp!
My issue with TS rods is that I feel they are of lesser quality than the series they replaced. Shimano's Crucial line in particular. Also the fact that a rod may say "Flipping" on it while I may use it for dropshot.
To the manufacturers: DON'T PUT NAMES ON THEM!!!!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 3/30/2014 at 4:36 AM, Brian Needham said:"different powers of course" ??????
Snook, having different powers is what makes it technique specific, no?????
take my Dobyns dx 742...... I can throw a weightless senko, shakyhead, or dropshot on it...... but I call it my shakyhead rod..... I don't understand yall's beef with a rod like that.
I don't think it does. I may cast a med fast action spinning rod (which most of mine are fast action) for fish up to 10#, I then may take a mh rod with the same specs for targeting fish a bit larger using the same exact lures. I'm not fishing any different technique just using a rod with more power to handle a bigger fish. Bass fishing for example I will use a ml for pond action but in a canal I'll take the same rod in the med version to handle the increased vegetation, I could jump it up to mh if it's really thick. Good chance I'm fishing the same lures in the same manner just changing the power of the rod to handle the conditions.
I keep things as simply as I can, I'm fishing the same rod style using a senko, jig, spinner bait, jerkbait, spoons or whatever, only thing that changes is the rod power and length to match the conditions or the species.
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