I'm really surprised to hear you say this...
So am I LOL ..back a couple months ago if Gangly invited me to fish with him..I'd want to know about the rod lenghths..not anymore .I can make due and it will not effect my hooking up with fish..I would prefer to fish a Horny Toad with a 7' MH but I can make due with a 6 ' ....This is not the case with reels..and I did only mention the rods..{ -; Reel ratio is very important to me...and I do like skinny rods..I hate fat rods and heavy reels..
The main thing I have learned this year is that the power of knowledge and good equipment is irreplacable. I always thought that mediocre equipment can suffice, and it can. But when you get equipment (most of which I don't have), you can really get on fish.
well..yes and no..I've handled alot of different rods and I think for the price..you can not beat the Lightning Rod..40.00 now..I still have my old 6' Lightning Rod rods ..back in the day they were all 6 '.19.95which I'm sure I'll touch on it as I continue to read your post. { Also, thanks for the reply[ -;} I've handled Gloomis ,Carrot Stixz, St.Croix.etc..they are nice and I think made in USA and name brand is also part of that price..I'll stick with Lightning Rods and catch a ton of fish.
Examples is such like trying to use a 6'6'' medium action rod as a topwater rod in thick cover. You can't get a good enough hookset, keep the rod tip up, and retrieve a fish in most circumstances.
and yes Buck..my favorite rod is also a 6' 6" MH rod..However the other day I was forced to fish a couple old 6' Lightning rods { 27 years old..still same eyelets} because I had a guest and wanted to bring plenty of rods where I wasn't continually changing lures..My body and mind adjusted to the 6' and I set the hook on them all. I can't explain it but my forearms , chest and mentality automatically adjusted..just like it does when I set the worm with a 7' MH or 7' Medium..I can feel it..I do agree ..my rathers would be a MH 6' 6" but if someone is on a tight buget..I can easily adjust to the 6 footer..also the reels..my best casters are not my 100.00 plus..they are my 49.95 reels.
Another example is just simply knowing information. Knowing someone who fished a lake previous to me fishing it, or retrieving a lakes topo map so I have a mental picture of where fish hold, its put you ahead of the rest.
Also, prefishing for a tournament is a must.
Amen ..I agree to this wholeheartedly..when ever I fish a new spot.Goggle Earth is my first stop..then I check out the lake,Topo maps are great is one is available and depth finders are a must on a new lake.
Two months ago my thoughts were as yours Buck..I had 2 old Lightning Rods with no reels in the closet.I couldn't give them to Matt after selling him on the 7' philosophy. Lately , I've changed my mind..six footers can catch any fish and be used with any lure..They are practically unbreakable and have solid control..All my rods have thier place.. Some fish Horny Toad the best, Rooster Tail the best, Spinnerbaits , Crankbaits etc. I have a rod for every lure situation. ..and now my 2 old 6 ' rods are back in the line-up.