Best Rods for Braided Line

[Seanstone]

I have been looking for a new pole that I can use braided line with. I mentioned in the line thread that i use 30lb silverthread copolymer line. After seeing that alot of you guys are using much larger line, maybe you know something I don't. I have never lost a big fish and I definitely don't want to. So I am in need of some advice. I like the properties of Dacron braided line and this is probably what i will be spooling my 6500 ambassadeur with. I'll probably use 50lb test if that helps. Currently I am looking at a Berkly 9' glow stick and a Ugly stick tiger 7'. I really don't like the length of the Ugly stick tiger and thats my reason for this dilemma. Any advice?

[jason454ci]

When using braided line especially I like a rod with stainless steel guides. I have seen braided line cut right through guide inserts on brand new rods. Once the insert is cut it will break the line very easily. I prefer stainless on any rod as this eliminates problems with guide inserts falling out.

[Seanstone]

Yea both the Ugly Stick Tiger and the Berkly Glow have stainless steel/oxide eyes. I'm also aware that ceramic guides work well with braid.

[Catfishrollo]

Very good point Jason. I learned this the hard way also. I prefer stainless guides for braid. Actually, its getting to the point, I prefer them even for mono. Tired of replacing inserts myself! rollo

[papaw714]

Sean,
I sure am no expert but I do think that there are alot of variables such as method of fishing ( bank,boat,clicker,tightlining etc.) Type of catfish(flats,blues,channels) type of hook being used(circle,octopus,kahle etc.) For example someone bank fishing using circle hooks may want to use a 9' rod with a med. or med.heavy action that allows the rod to load up,but someone fishing from a boat using a clicker and an octopus hook may prefer to use a 6' or 7' heavy action rod (broomstick) to allow for a solid hookset, this (may?) allow big fish to be more easily pulled clear of snags also.
I hope this helps. Stainless guides are a very valid consideration as Jason stated.

[Seanstone]

Thanks, for the advice Papaw714. I spoke with kip earlier about such rods, and its just to far for me to travel for a rod. If it helps I am looking for a multi purpose rod, I fish from a boat and from the bank. However I rarely use circle hooks, therefore I need a pole to set the hook. I do not want a broom stick rod, there too heavy and sometimes I like to "Bass Fish" for flats. For most of the situations I use a 7/0 octopus hook. Hope this helps. I really appreciate the help.

[papaw714]

Sean I also bank and boat fish. I recently puchased a qautum big cat 7'10" mh, and plan to purchase an American Spirit 7'6" mh or heavy. Good luck Sean. Sorry about all the modified post this smartphone is whoppin' this oldman's butt. LOL

[Smoothkip]

The 7'10" surge rods are a great all around rod. Good for the boat and bank. There eyes are designed for braided lines.

[Seanstone]

Man Kip those are some nice rods. It has 11 stainless steel guides in just 7'10". Its not priced to bad either, $69.99. Thanks.

[catfishhunter]

check out them Grandt Rods Sean. www.grandtrods.com

All American pro series.

[Skyline1506]

I have 2 of the Surge Elite Rods with 100lb power pro and could not ask for a smoother set-up. I am yet to put a monster on the rod yet, but I have no doubt they are up to the challenge.

[jason454ci]

I have had a Surge Elite for 3 years now and I love it. Biggest I have got on it was a 45# flat and had no problems getting it in.

[katfish]

I like the properties of Dacron braided line and this is probably what i will be spooling my 6500 ambassadeur with

Sean

I use braided dacron but I only recommend it for people fishing in lakes like I do. If you are fishing current areas a superbraid would be superior.Dacron is a high maintenance line that can rot and it is very hard to detect nicks in dacron braid.

For most fishing mono is superior but I fish at long range and dacron braid helps reduce stretch on long range hooksets. Short stiff rods also aid in solid hooksets.

My 6500s have 25 0r 30 lb Big Game and I once landed a 52# flat on 20 lb Big Game line.

Flathead fishing gives folks lots of time to think and discuss their tackle options. As you gain experience with areas you fish you will have disappointments that often lead to experiments with tackle and baits.
You have to analyze your needs and find the best equipment to fulfil those needs. After that it is just a choice of which equipment you are most confident using.

[loanwizard]

I have used Ugly Sticks for years and love them. Cheap comparatively, rugged, yet replaceable. I love power pro 100lb test and haven't had problems with guides. Currently using Big Game 40 but plan to go back to the braid.

[Seanstone]

My 6500s have 25 0r 30 lb Big Game and I once landed a 52# flat on 20 lb Big Game line.

I have never lost a fish on big game 20lb test. Its darn near impossible to break that stuff when your knots are tied well and you keep your line in good shape. I have put my rigs into trees several times and had to cut my line. However the consensus on this forum and of many fisherman whom target flatheads is to use heavier line. I don't want to lose the fish of a lifetime when he comes swimming by.

I have used Ugly Sticks for years and love them. Cheap comparatively, rugged, yet replaceable. I love power pro 100lb test and haven't had problems with guides. Currently using Big Game 40 but plan to go back to the braid.

I have also used ugly sticks and have no problem with them at all. I am currently using the 8' catfish series rods. They are real light weight, I have no problem using them to drift floats for channel cats in the spring. I also use them to tight line in current with circle hooks, they are sensitive enough to see your sinker bounce across the bottom until it settles. To date they are the best all around rod on the market. If only they had stainless steel eyes, i would feel more comfortable using braid.