WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

[RICHIE PR]

Just wondering what is the proper way to balance a rod. And, does it really mean so much to an angler if he does or doesn't balance them.

 

[JB]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

As I underestand it, TT, balancing tackle is a matter of having a reel and line and using lures that fit the action of the rod.<br /><br />My Favorite rig, for example, is a GLoomis MUR B43C Med-Hvy action carbon fiber musky rod, 7" long. It calls for 12-25# line and 1/4 to 2oz. lures. I use a Garcia Morrum 6500 reel loaded with 20# Cabelas Ripcord SI. I toss mainly 5/8 to 7/8oz. lures with it. That is my Esox rod.<br /><br />For smallies, walleyes and the like I use a 6' Fenwick HMG Graphite light action rod and an Ambassaduer Pro-Max 1600 loaded with 8# Iron Thread. Lures from 1/4 to 3/8oz.<br /><br />I use a 5.5" Fenwick cue stick and an Ambassaduer 7000 loaded with 50# Power Pro to toss heavy (over 1.5oz.) lumber for big esox. Don't use that one much anymore. The fisherman has to fit the rest of the gear, too. <br /><br />My other rigs are similarly matched.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Dman]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

Here's what I do...<br />Spinning rods/reels. It all has to do with finding the fulcrum..I believe it's called. I simply put my finger on the rod. Usually just ahead of the reel and see if it will remain equally balanced from that point. Which end is heavier? I would prefer the reel end be heavier than there is less strain hold the rod all day long. You will notice a balanced rod very easily. It will acutally feel much lighter than an unbalanced combo of the same weight. Bass Pro/Cabelas sell weights to attach to the butt end of the rod for proper balance.<br />Baitcaster-pretty much the same thing. flip rod upsidedown and repeat the balancing act. The rod/reel IMHO should be balanced at the reel or slightly up the rod. <br />Hope this helps.<br />Dman

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

Ok. Which is it? <br />JB says it's matching the rod / reel. Dman says it's actually balancing the weight. <br /><br />I always thought a "balanced" combo is like what JB said. Match the rod to the reel.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

You can buy "balanced" combos. When you buy a rod and reel that weren't made for each other you should balance them (I don't know why, that's what I've always done). I do the fulcrum method that Dman offered. I use quarters in the butt cap to achieve balance.

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

go with JB on this one tarpon...<br />(pole, reel, line and lure weight)<br />a pole should ALWAYS be balanced on it's own.

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

This may offer some answers...<br /><br /> http://walleyeguys.com/tb99xps.html

 

[gonfishn]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

Say What you will...You can have the finest tuned rod or reel but its got alot to do with who and how its being used..I agree with JB..Can't imagine trying to pull ia a 40" gator on a perch rod..Oh I would try but would never get it in..

 

[dingbat]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

I can tell none of you guys do much jigging. The jigging motion centers around your wrist and it willn’t take much jigging with as 3-4 oz. jig before an unbalanced rod starts to put hurtin on your wrist. Most people use the method mentioned by Dman up above to balance their equipment. Force fishing <br /><br />This link will give you a little insight into a style of fishing where balance is a key to success.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

I agree with JB and MY. A well matched rod and reel is key. As far as the balance on the finger thing,, wont that change with different weight lures and such?? Some of the jigs I throw feel like I am throwing the kitchen sink, while some of the crankbaits are like a feather.

 

[dingbat]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

I don't know about freshwater, but " balanced” combos are out of style in SW fishing at the moment. The current trend is to select a rod to the weight class desired and then use the smallest/lightest reel you can get away with. It's very common to see a #20-25 class rod used with a #10-12 class reel. For instance my heavy casting combo is a #40 class Lami rod with 6500 Abu Mag on it and my jigging combo is a #25 rod with a Capricorn 3500 on it. Both are balanced and can be thrown all day long with little to not fatigue.

 

[RICHIE PR]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

GUY'S <br />I think i gotta get a few beers and sit down again and read all your feedback once more. Right now i'm sober and just got confused with the different opinions.The 2 sites recommended buy dingbat and gaugeguy are great.

 

[gonfishn]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

isn't it great to be in the USA..We are all right...

 

[Dman]

Re: WHY AND HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR RODS?

All in the inpretation of 'balanced' it seems. I think there is a difference between the words balanced and matched.<br /> Matching the line, rod, reel and lure are important also. Use the proper equipment set up to the fishing that you are doing. A balanced combo--in all aspects, makes the fishing experience much more enjoyable.<br />Dman