There are so many fishing rods on the market today it is hard to have a rod for every style that you can fish. However, most companies are making specialty rods that are specific for each technique. Whether you are fishing for bass or panfish, dock fishing can be very productive and dependable pattern. Personally, I have had great success on our local river systems, and at most lakes in New York fish docks. The rod I prefer is a 5′-9″ to 6′-6″ one piece spinning rod. A medium heavy rod with a fast tip is a must when bass fishing. The smaller rod makes it easier to cast and fight fish in tight to the docks. Take a look at the specialty rod that Fenwick makes for skipping docks. It is a true winner.
Best Dock Fishing Rods?
do you own a 6’8 or so MH rod? if so what is its uses? or what would you use it for.. i am thinkin about getting a rod after christmas and was thinkin either a 6’8 MH powell casting rod or a 7′ H powell casting rod.. any suggestions on which one is more essential?
I own and have owned many rods in many different lengths. The question is really, what kind of fishing do you like to do. I am assuming that you are bass fishing. The 6’8″ rod is a great length for spinnerbait and chatterbait fishing. This rod length is a great open water rods as well. Fishing roadbeds and brush piles with jigs or texas. You will want to make sure that the tip has a fast action and the MH rod rating is perfect. A 7’0″ H is more for heavy cover. If you like to flip and pitch wood, lilly pads, or heavy weeds this is the rod for you. The only other technique I would use for this rod length is a frog. It will let you cast a long way and still have the power to rip the fish from cover.
I personally have a bunch of both MH and H action casting and each one plays a role in how I fish. Most of my rods are Cabela’s Fish Eagle XML or a Fenwick of some sort, so really can’t speak much about the Powell rods.
The more essential rod is going to be determined by how you fish. What you looking to do with the rod?
Personally when I’m flipping or pitching cover, thick wood or weeds, I will go with a H action casting rod. This fish is going to bite very close to the boat so I want the ability to get hit and pull that fish straight out the cover before she has time to get wrapped up in something. My lure of choice is normally a jig or soft plastic between 3/8 oz and 1 ½ oz, depending on how thick the cover is.
On the other hand when I’m making long casts on a hump, roadbed, or just power fishing down the bank I normally use a MH. I like the fact that a MH rod will give me more flex and help keep the fish hooked up when they start jumping. I also like the extra sensitivity I get using lighter rod. It really helps when the fish are biting light.
This is just my two cents but if you let us know what you looking do with the rod I’m sure we can help you out even more. Thanks