While down my local water i was talking to 2 very experianced anglers unlike myself they both had a shot of my rod one didnt like it because it was far to soft for him, the other liked it because he preferd a softer rod, now i have no idea what to do weather to look for a stiff rod to help with my casting or just become an expert with what i have????what do you guys prefer hard rods or soft ?and any recomendations, they both said that for value for money the odeyssy rod was good, However it was a third of the price of what ive got. They were also debating about reels 1says a reel is just for holding line the other says cant beat a quality reel, again what are your views cheers bobby

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first divison champs!!!!!

St johnstone Fc

I prefer stiff fast rods, because I am used to them, but you need to try before you buy, because they may not suite you.

If you like your rod,and it suits your fishing style ,why change.?

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

when I'm on the river I do like a softer rod with a more relaxed casting stroke these tend not to dump the line and scare any fish. But when I'm fishing a reservoir I like the faster action rods as these cut through the wind better and with my casting can fish more than one fly. Also when pike and sea fishing I like a fast rod. Try and see what is best for you. Also have a look at the mid flex rods you get the best of both worlds here, not to soft and not to stiff.

LIke Jim says, if you like your rod, who gives a monkey what anyone else thinks of it??



Ben

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I agree,its boils down to personal preference. A stiffer rod is actually more difficult to cast, not easier, but softer rods can fish lighter tippets. The guy who said that the reel is simply there to hold line, has never owned a quality reel before. Anyone who has used a good quality reel will tell you that a reel is far more than a line holder, it's a very important part of your tackle setup.

IMO Hibbs, has given you your answer! A softer rod for river fishing also stream fishing! For lakes and Reservoirs you need a rod (not necessarily stiffer) with a little more casting power for the wind and in case the fish are feeding a little further out! For me a soft or a mid action rod suits perfectly!

I prefer a stiff rod for lake and resevoir fishing however thats just for more distance and a soft rod for the rivers. That said its like the lads already said its personal preference. As for reels, i own a couple of top quality ones from loop but only because i like the look of them and they match and balance my rods. However i never play fish from the reel always by hand so i see a reel as something to hold the line. A top end reel is not necessary unless your playing big fish like salmon or exotic species like tarpon.

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Born to fish, forced to work... Same thing!

thanks for the replys i normally only fish small still water possibly about 10 acres there are lots of islands and dif things for fish to cling to and trying to cast to them can be a problem however i think this is more my problem rather than the rod, its mostly trout fishing i do, very ocasionaly i,ll go on the river, i do like my rod and have a greys g3 reel to balance it so just more practice i guess

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first divison champs!!!!!

St johnstone Fc

What matters is YOUR opinion, not other people's. If you're happy with the tackle you've got, why worry?

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