Hey guys, just like the title says..would you buy a heavy action rod for this spot?
It is the pond right behind my house in florida. Right now the water level is low but i usually go down there when the water is higher up and the brush near shore is covered:
Is a medium-heavy rod with 30lb braid enough?
What is your plan? Frogs? Jigs in heavy cover? If so then yes!
Yeah I'm probably planning to pitch some big worms and frogs into that stuff, I was hoping the medium heavy rod would be heavy enough!
In Florida? Heavy? Oh my... Yes, yes, yes...
Yes
Get yourself some 60-70 pound braid for that stuff
No, mh, should be sufficient
I'd just wear my waders and get away from the weeds. It also allows you to cast parallel. You'd only need a heavy action rod if you're throwing weights that justify needing a heavy rod.
So I looked at you're pic... If that's the only water you fish... You don't go to lily pad/ hydrilla infested waters.... You certainly can use a medium heavy.. My first answer is based on the premise you would fish all over Florida in that case a heavy with out doubt... Trying flipping a 8 pound fish straight out with hydrilla all over her and you will understand....
I'd use MH and 50lb+ braid.
Oh yes, please wear waders and get into the Floridan waters where there are GATORS and SNAPPING TURTLES.On 6/2/2014 at 7:34 AM, Tywithay said:I'd just wear my waders and get away from the weeds. It also allows you to cast parallel. You'd only need a heavy action rod if you're throwing weights that justify needing a heavy rod.
I waded in the St. John's and in Ocala forest pits!
I wouldn't now.... Not with the pythons taking over!!
You might end up as Gator bait if you put on your waders and get into the water in Fl.On 6/2/2014 at 7:34 AM, Tywithay said:I'd just wear my waders and get away from the weeds. It also allows you to cast parallel. You'd only need a heavy action rod if you're throwing weights that justify needing a heavy rod.
On 6/2/2014 at 8:29 AM, Raul said:Oh yes, please wear waders and get into the Floridan waters where there are GATORS and SNAPPING TURTLES.
I wade around huge snapping turtles all the time. They don't go near humans. I've waded Florida ponds before, never gave much thought about gators. I didn't see any while I was there though.
That's the Canyon Lakes area, fished it maybe 50 times, my kids live in the first community built there in 2005 I think. The newer communities at most are about 5 or 6 years old, the ponds are fairly new. Water levels will not significantly rise unless there is a tropical storm dumping 8-10", daily rains evaporate quickly, we are entering rain season.
There are gators, but there water mocs too, I'd be real cautious there. You rod and reel selection is your choice, I don't ever fish for bass with anything heavier than a med spinning rod with 15# braid, I'm no help in that department.
I live only a few miles away, my community has 6 ponds, I don't fish them too much in the summer. Between the heat, humidity, gnats, slow summer bass bite, there are many other fishing options. Peacocks are red hot now, but you have to travel east to get them. In the winter Canyon has some pretty good bass fishing.
Heavy is a power not an action. Not all heavy powered rods are created equal, different companies rate their rods differently. Only you can really answer your question, we don't know what rods you're using or how you're using them. If you feel like your mh is getting the job done, stick with it. If it isn't, get a heavier rod. Pretty simple really.
Look at a Dobyns 765flip or 766flip heck call Gary and tell him. What your fishing and he will tell you what to get.. I went with a 766 lots of hydrila cat tails Lilly pads. GL..
I saw your pic. I am assuming your bank fishing. Ask yourself this question. If you catch yourself 7+lb bass do you think a mh will help you haul the fish from the water across the grass to you? If your answer is yes, then your good with a mh. If you really had to think about it then H is your answer. If a pig makes a mad dash into that grass which it will. Better have strong gear and/or heavy line.
I've pulled 5 lb'ders out of heavy stuff with braid and medium rods.. so its not like its impossible
I work MH and count on the heavy braid to pull them out
Thanks guys, another question I have which I guess will ultimately help me decide is... In Florida do the bass still bury under matted grass and vegetation in the winter? Is punching an effective technique that time of year?
You bet on both those questions... Just get a heavy.. You will be glad you did
On 6/2/2014 at 10:46 PM, MIbassin said:Thanks guys, another question I have which I guess will ultimately help me decide is... In Florida do the bass still bury under matted grass and vegetation in the winter? Is punching an effective technique that time of year?
If you punching through any time of the year down here, I would recommend a H rod. I am telling you... when the pig decides to bite and your in the slop, you better have tough gear to battle with, or your heart will be broken.
Hi MIbassin,
That is a nice pond you are fishing. The grass around the edge is not a problem like it would be with Hydrilla. I don't think you need a heavy rod for that style of fishing. If you have a true MH rod and 30lb braid you will have no problem landing fish there. Now if your rod is rated for 5/8oz baits and you are using 1 1/2 oz weights then you have a problem and need a heavier rated rod to cast your baits but not necessarily to land fish. That grass will never be very tall due to the water level.
Also remember that if there are fish in the grass with higher water they are also in the lake during low water. So fishing other times of the year will also work but not in the edges. I am going to guess you are visiting relatives in the Winter.
Frank
On 6/2/2014 at 11:50 PM, BassinLou said:If you punching through any time of the year down here, I would recommend a H rod. I am telling you... when the pig decides to bite and your in the slop, you better have tough gear to battle with, or your heart will be broken.
Is punching effective during the winter months?
On 6/3/2014 at 12:45 AM, MIbassin said:Is punching effective during the winter months?
Yes, punching is an effective technique down here during the winter. I forget what part of Fl you reside in during the winter, but some parts for example, South FL, winters can be shortlived. This year it was cold probably 10 days or so.
Well, it looks like I'll be adding one to my arsenal! I think it will be good for big worms, frogs and punching. I can then use my MH for smaller worms, spinnerbaits and swimbaits like the big ez
On 6/3/2014 at 3:01 AM, MIbassin said:Well, it looks like I'll be adding one to my arsenal! I think it will be good for big worms, frogs and punching. I can then use my MH for smaller worms, spinnerbaits and swimbaits like the big ez
If your building an arsenal. A heavy power rod is always good to have if the situation calls for one. Good luck, and enjoy what ever you decide to get.
On 6/3/2014 at 3:01 AM, MIbassin said:Well, it looks like I'll be adding one to my arsenal! I think it will be good for big worms, frogs and punching. I can then use my MH for smaller worms, spinnerbaits and swimbaits like the big ez
I think that is a very good decision ... But it's not just the size of you're baits it's also the size of fish/vegetation .. Pulling/ dragging a 5 pd. fish out of/ over through all types of cover! Smart choice!