Looking to cast lightweight lures - rod help please!

[mainbutter]

I'm really thinking it'd be fun to cast tiny soft plastics on lightweight jigs, and maybe some of those 1/16 oz. crankbaits this spring and try something a little different than my usual "bait on a hook under a bobber" technique for panfish.

Anyone have any suggestions for a long rod that can get a 1/16 oz lures some velocity to actually cast a reasonable distance? Do those 10-14ft long "crappie" rods cast well, or are they just for reaching a spot and vertically jigging over their heads?

[tunrevir]

I have a 6'6" in a light action that is my go to rod for casting 1/16th oz jigs. You will want something with a relatively soft tip but not so soft it is a buggy whip. I have used up to 7'6" rods with decent results but a light action 6'6" would get the job done for you. I would cehck out the Limit Creek rods and see if they have the action you are looking for. Great rods for a decent price.

Tunrevir~

[delmuts]

I use a 6' 6" St Crouix ultra lite. It's not just the rod that controls your casting distance, but what weight and kind of line you're using!! A mono in 4# will cast a little easier than say 6#, a softer mono will gain some distance over a stiff, or a braid will gain even more. Plus a larger dia. spool on the reel can help. A long rod can sail a lure a long ways if you have room to use it. My 6-6 works just fine.

[EBass]

My .02

I'd go as long as 7' or longer 7'10" on a light or ultra light action rod. I don't cast 1/16oz ever, but I do go down to 1/8 and all my rods are 7' or longer and having a longer rod enables me to cast the small lure farther. I like Shimano, but that's just me. You'll also want a good reel that the line comes off the bail nice and smooth to launch that lure.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Esox_Magnum]

We used to fish below a spillway, there was a guy that came down there with a 14' ultra light and could cast. I would go long and light on the rod action. My 7'6" ML easily outcats my 6'6" ML rods.

[goblueM]

good advice on here already - particularly the 7 foot or so rod, and thin diameter line. i switched to 4 pound braid and it casts a mile and offers way better sensitivity for light jigs and light bites

[Slabasaurus]

Just had an 8'6 Light rod delivered to the house today. Should be paired up nicely with a 2500 Shimano Sonora that i've had sittin around since an unfortunate rod fatality last season... Not sure on line yet, will have 4lb trilene xl to start.

Too bad I have to wait to try it out. Good thing it came in a box full of ice fishing stuff too so I can occupy my mind with some other new gadgets until the snow recedes and life is breathed once again into this land of ice and snow.