Spinning with a little rod?

[limpit]

Hi just become a member and a bit of a novice! Was wondering if my 5ft 8 shakespear 1935 rod is ok to use for spinning for bass. Ive got a 28g Dexter wedge and just bought a 28g Bass bullet. I was thinking of going of Cowes by the Yacht Squadren. Is my rod ok or should I get something longer?
Thanks for any info received!

[loopy78]

I'd personally say that 5 foot would be a bit short but if you feel comfortable with it and can get a decent enough cast from it you'lll still be able to catch. For spinning i like to use carp rods, there light, fairly whippy and man enough to handle anything that shows a bit of attitude.

[spud]

you got nothing to loose give it a go but if you are looking to be convinced into buying a new rod you can never have to many rods ;D

[loopy78]

Totally agree with spuddy on that one!, you can always drop BK a pm to ask him to keep an eye out for anything suitable that he gets in the shop too, he's got new as well as second hand stuff in there so it doesn't have to be a bank buster

[limpit]

ok thanks for your advice, ill give my stumpy a go with the new lures and see how I go. Ill let you know how I go, hopefully out tuesday eve if weather ok!

[wightshark]

I agree with loopy and spuddy, just give it a go. If it's uncomfortable look at trying something else. My favourite spinning rod cost me £15 but ive got a couple that cost alot more. If it's light and whippy I like it because even the mackerel put up a fight. The yacht squadron can produce some good bass but it's probably a bit early for spinning down there. When the weather warms up the fish come to shallow water and have the energy to chase your lure. At this time of year they are less likely to be chasing bait fish but you can see from reports on here that they are starting to show off the beaches. When the white bait start running is when it's best down there, you can catch bass, mackerel, pollack, gar, scad and i've even had pout on a sinking blue lure. It's best at dawn and dusk but it's good at night under the street lamps with a metallic lure for bass. Might see you down there.

[limpit]

thanks wightshark, tight lines!

[eccles]

As it happens, I have a similar rod inherited from an old uncle. It's really meant for boat fishing, i.e., dangling over the side. In order to do spinning you really need at least 8.5 ft with a whippy top section. personally I use a 9' 6" carbon uptider which can get me out up to 70 yds on a good day.

[castfromthepast]

a rod a bit longer would give you a lot more control,better casting and many other uses

[olsmelly]

Many years ago, when I was getting underfoot, while off duty, a colleague thrust a 7ft solid glass spinning rod in my hand. It was teamed up with an ancient Mitchell fixed spool and 4lb line.

I was shown how to knot, using a half blood knot (which I still prefer) and tackled up with a 12gm MEPS. After a quick lesson in casting, I trotted off to the "Brig" and started to thrash the water to death.

I returned with a 3lb Sea Trout! (My colleagues claimed it must have committed suicide, or surrendered!)
:fishing-smile:

The fact is that you do not NEED super-sophisticated equipment, just a decent technique!

I have lost count of the youngsters I have equipped with the £2.00 solid glass spinning rod. Even the toy kits, with their cheap Asian reels WILL catch fish!.......... and do...........

Even with my deep tackle box I still keep one of these glass rods.......... and I use it.

6-8lb mono is all that is needed in terms of line for spinning. 8lb line should handle (if correctly used) a 24lb fish!

The only consideration to worry about is the robustness of your antique rod. I'd not like such an old treasure to be bust, due to its age (seen that too often) when it should be retired to the Den wall.

Tip: go spinning at low tide. Stay low and quiet. Look for jumping fry shoals and cast across 'em. Cast, pause and retrieve in short bursts.

Tight lines!