jigging rod lengths
A question to all you jiggers out there, What are advantages and disadvantages to having a jigging rod longer than the traditional 5- 5'3 length ????
I'm getting a rod built up shortly {450g based} but the blank only comes in one length 5'8 which is not a problem as these blanks can be cut from the butt to suit without effecting the action .....
Other than mechanical leverage are there any other disadvantages to a longer rod. It also seems that the longer rods are suited to the lighter gram jig weights that require a longer slower action ????
Also one other thing, is the grip placement and reel seat placement personal choice ie longer or shorter arms / body height ??? Or does the rod action play a part in the design ie fulcrum points ????
Cheers fishfish .....
barneyboy
Posts: 1392
Date Joined: 08/01/09
Okay I will try and explain
with a longer rod you will be able to work more action into the jig with less action. A faster actioned rod will also increase the amount of action to the lure( a rod that only really bends in the top third of the rod). This creates a problem with leverage though and heavier line weights as the rod is locking up further away from the angler. A parabolic action bends right the way through the blank and locks up closer to the angler so more pressure can be applied with less effort. A shorter rod is easier to fish with out of a smaller boat in many aspects including having the fish boat side and not having to leader a fish to the side of the boat, which is what would have to be done with the longer rod!! When getting a custom built get grip lengths and reel seat height to suit yourself and the reel and gimbal belt you intend to use.
In saying all this though when jigging first started in the early 70,s in australia for kingfish the accepted rod length was 7 foot for 30 and 50lb mono. The longer rod to put a better action in the jig, and the more erratic action the more fish were caught. Hope this helps
FEEEISH ONNN!!!
fishfish
Posts: 303
Date Joined: 01/09/09
re jigging rods
Thanks BarneyBoy it all makes sence , I dont need the longer rod to clear obsticals { outboards etc } as theres usually only two of us fishing and I like the idea of the shorter rod for leadering fish { mental note must check the length of my other rods for this reason } so I'm leaning towards cutting the blank down..
As a side note the blank is parabolic and I was thinking of getting it spiral wrapped, just because i've never had one and there seems no disadvantages so it cant hurt...
Anyone else with personal preferences for shorter or longer rods ????
cheers fishfish...
till
Posts: 9358
Date Joined: 21/02/08
No doubt you NEEDED a longer
No doubt you NEEDED a longer rod to get any action in mono ...