Fast or xFast for shakey head on spinning rod?

[akaslyguy]

I'm leaning towards a Carbonlite rod for a new shakey head rod. The two I am considering are a 6'8" M - XF .... or a 7' M - F. I know its not a huge difference between those rods... but what is some opinions on fast vs. extra fast on the tips for shakey head? I know these aren't the best rods in the world, but I have a couple of them in 6'9" ML -F that I use for dropshot and ned rig that I have been really happy with. Thanks for any ideas.

Joe

[jc2bg]

For me, that decision would depend upon the typical lure weight and line size. I lean toward fast action rather than extra fast. Typical head weight of 1/8 ounce and line size of 8 pound test. If I didn’t drop below 1/4, I might go extra fast.

[akaslyguy]

Yeah... I should have added that info. 90% of the time I'm using 1/8 oz head with either a finesse worm or trick worm. I like 15lb braid with 6-8 lb fluoro leader.

[Snickers89]

with the braid, I'd go fast. straight flouro go extra fast. That said, I like extra fast so that's what I would use regardless.

[akaslyguy]

Since I'm using braid... would I be better off going down in power to a ML-F?

[Snickers89]

I dont think so. I use a MF all the time

[basscat tyler]

I'd opt for the 7'mf

[Bassbme]

Fast action is going to cast for distance a little better, extra fast is going to skip or make short pitches a little better.

With braid, if anything I'd go slower in action versus going down in power. A rod with a slower action keeps fish buttoned up better when using braid.

[akaslyguy]

Thanks everyone for you information.

[puhlw]

I’d agree with a few post above. Depends if you fish braid or not. Braid makes any rod very sensitive. I would say most people fish too fast of a tip with braid.

Fast = braid
ef=mono or floro

[adam lancia]

Don't go ML, you still need to drive the hook home and most shakeyheads don't have light wire hooks.

[basscat tyler]

Don't go ML, you still need to drive the hook home and most shakeyheads don't have light wire hooks.

I agree with this. I use my ml rods for open hook drop shot, hair jigs and Ned rigs

[akaslyguy]

Thanks so much.... going to go with 7' M-F.

[1Cast 1Fish]

Good choice, I prefer the M-F as well for most setups with a shaky head.

[akaslyguy]

I picked up a couple of new Carbonlite 2.0 spinning rods tonight. I am surprised at how small they have changed the guides to. Makes me a little concerned that my alberto knot on my braid/flouro connection will take a beating and/or effect distance. I would have bought last year's model (with a little larger guides) if they would have had what I wanted. Only saw one leftover from last years style. I'll give these new ones a shot soon, or just go cast in the back yard and see what it feels like.

Edit** No problems at all with the smaller guides. Going to be good.

[BassVoodoo]

I picked up a couple of new Carbonlite 2.0 spinning rods tonight. I am surprised at how small they have changed the guides to. Makes me a little concerned that my alberto knot on my braid/flouro connection will take a beating and/or effect distance. I would have bought last year's model (with a little larger guides) if they would have had what I wanted. Only saw one leftover from last years style. I'll give these new ones a shot soon, or just go cast in the back yard and see what it feels like.

Edit** No problems at all with the smaller guides. Going to be good.

Drop the 15# braid....and opt for the 10# braid with 6/8 flouro leader. Glad you went with the 7' it gives you more options to use the rod for other techniques. the shorter rods tend to pidgeon hole themselves to dedicated techniques.