Light Rods for Bigger Fish

[canuckelkhunter]

Me and my boys spent one more day out on the lake before hunting season. We had one of our good rods break before we started fishing and ended up catching almost all of our fish with a terrible small rod I bought for my daughter 10 years ago when she was 5 years old. It actually made for some pretty good fights with average fish and I may keep using it in the future until it snaps I'm interested if anyone else uses lighter rods for bigger fish on purpose for a greater challenge?

We also had ourselves a friendly competition that ended up going into overtime if anyone is interested in seeing who won.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2WAvKVZSyk&t=6s

[WayneChristie]

I wont use light gear if Im targeting sturgeon, but everything else is fair game, especially ice fishing! nothing like a 12 pound walter on a tiny perch rod!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_agVjjdM_s

[canuckelkhunter]

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

I wont use light gear if Im targeting sturgeon, but everything else is fair game, especially ice fishing! nothing like a 12 pound walter on a tiny perch rod!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_agVjjdM_s

Now that's a light rod for a 12 pounder. Ha.

[Quigley2000]

No doubt everyone enjoys fish that fight well, but going especially light can cause higher angling mortality rates since the fish needs to be more played out in order to be landed. Just something to think about.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by Quigley2000

No doubt everyone enjoys fish that fight well, but going especially light can cause higher angling mortality rates since the fish needs to be more played out in order to be landed. Just something to think about.

I was thinking the same thing.

Yes it's fun, and it's challenging, but it does present those risks.

[canuckelkhunter]

Originally Posted by Quigley2000

No doubt everyone enjoys fish that fight well, but going especially light can cause higher angling mortality rates since the fish needs to be more played out in order to be landed. Just something to think about.

I wondered about this if going too light. Good to think about. Thanks for sharing.

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[Gbuss]

I am one for matching the rod to the tackle being used more so then the type of fish targeting. Line weight/ hook weight. Now when it gets into line and stuff. you can always use heaver braided line compared to thicker monofilament/fluorocarbon line.

At the end of the day it all depends on do you want to bring them in like the guys do bass fishing or would you rather match the rods capabilities by reading the specs for that rod and real.

gbuss

[WayneChristie]

Originally Posted by Quigley2000

No doubt everyone enjoys fish that fight well, but going especially light can cause higher angling mortality rates since the fish needs to be more played out in order to be landed. Just something to think about.

I agree, I think those light fly rods and tiny flies should be outlawed anywhere there are trout over a pound of so, especially streams with big bulls that have to be carefully released . think of all the countless dead girlyfish belly up

[pikergolf]

We owe it to the fish we are going to release to be in the best shape possible when we release them. Use equipment that subdues them quickly.