About Predator Lure Rods
The term predator lure rod is a general term used to cover all fish species that fall under the predator fishing umbrella. These species predominantly consist of UK species like perch, pike, and zander. However, predator lure rods can still be used for other species such as chub, sea bass, pollock, wrasse, and more.
What is Lure Rod Action?
Most modern lure rods are designed with a fast action. This means the rod’s blank compresses quickly under load (during the cast). Fast action rods offer increased casting distance and accuracy, while also improving striking and hooking efficiency thanks to a stronger backbone, as the rod only bends in the top third of the blank.
Progressive action rods bend through their entirety, making them more specialized. These softer rods are ideal for fishing crankbaits or targeting fish with soft or thin lips, as they provide extra cushioning during the fight.
Choosing a Predator Lure Rod
When selecting a lure rod, consider your target species, fishing venues, lure sizes, rod construction, and rod action to find a well-balanced setup.
- Perch Lure Rod: Light, fast action rods cover most finesse presentations for perch fishing. Look for rods between 7-9 feet in length with casting weights between 0.5-12 grams.
- Zander Lure Rod: Light to medium, fast action rods are perfect for Zander. Choose rods between 7-9 feet in length with casting weights between 7-21 grams for most applications.
- Pike Lure Rod: Heavy, fast action rods are recommended for pike. Opt for rods between 6’6 and 9 feet with casting weights ranging from 30-300 grams to cover light to heavy lure fishing.
What is the Difference Between Casting and Spinning Lure Rods?
Spinning lure rods use a fixed spool reel setup, while casting lure rods use a baitcaster or multiplier setup. The easiest way to tell them apart is the reel seats. Casting rods have a plastic trigger integrated into the reel seat for comfort and grip, while spinning rods have a traditional reel seat.
Another key difference is the configuration: spinning rods have the reel fitted underneath, while casting rods have the multiplier or baitcaster mounted on top of the rod.
Types of Predator Lure Rods
Dropshot Rod
A rod designed for dropshotting, these 7-8’ light rods usually have a fast action with a light casting weight of 0.5g to 12 grams. They feature an integrated sensitive rod tip, made from a high visibility solid or tubular carbon section, designed to pick up the subtlest of bites.
Jigging Rod
Jigging rods are light and fast in action, typically 7-9’ in length with casting weights from 2-30 grams. They are designed for jigging soft plastic lures across the lake or loch bottom.
Swimbait Rod
Medium-fast action rods with casting weights ranging from 2oz to 10oz. These rods are between 7’6 and 9’ in length, designed for fishing soft plastic shads, big curl tails, or single or multi-jointed swimbaits.
Jerkbait Rod
Ranging from 6’ to 8’ in length, most jerkbait rods have a general casting weight of 2-6oz and a medium-fast action. The lure action is imparted by jerking the rod, which is why jerkbait rods are usually shorter in length compared to other lure rod types.
Crankbait Rod
These rods feature a more traditional progressive action. They come in lengths between 7-9’ with a casting weight of 5-35 grams. The softer action of these rods is beneficial for crankbait fishing.
Trout Area Rod
A very specialised lure rod designed for targeting trout using ultralight spoons. These rods are typically between 5’6” and 7’ in length, with an extremely light casting weight of 0.5-3.5 grams.
Spinning Rod
This is the general or traditional name for a lure rod that uses a fixed spool reel. Nowadays, these rods are associated with lures like tobies and mepps. Spinning rods range from 7-10’ in length with a casting weight between 5-45 grams.
BFS Rod
BFS rods, also known as Bait Finesse System rods, are specialist rods designed for casting ultra-light lures on a baitcasting setup. Rod lengths are typically between 6’ and 7’ with casting weights from 0.5-7 grams.
