plugging rod

[captainbailey]

I've been tossing pencils the surf and have come to realize the tica rods i have (both 8' and 10'6") just aren't cutting it. I'm looking for a rod in the $100 range that would be adequate.  I've taken a look around a few b&t's. I've decided on 10' but the only thing that's caught my eye were the lami  surf king series. Is there anything else out there that compares? i don't mind spending a bit more if i feel it is worth the $

[ped579]

What is your specific problem with the pencil popper vs rod?  It might not be the rod but the technique itself.  I use a 10' Tica Dolphin Surf and have no problem tossing them.

Most people don't have a problem casting but with the retrieve.  These lures are trickier than most and require a different sort of finesse.  If this is the problem try to cast out and with a slow retrieve and the rod between your knees and your free hand on the rod start pumping the rod (remember slow retrieve) and watch the PP it should be twitching from side to side and splashing a small amount of water in front of itself.  Your rod might only be moving a few inches at a time but that pumping action and the tip are the key to getting the lure to act just right.

Your choice in action of the rod is Med Fast to get the popper to work just right.  Plus the size of the plug to rod are critical as well.  You should always gear your lure weight to the lure weight the rod can handle.  This way the rod will load up properly.

I hope this helps.

Happy Catching

Paul

[Hunter 2]

 ,  Also if you want a nice rod you will have to spend more money. 

[ped579]

Like Eddie mentioned you will be spending more money.  Here are some examples of specific rods that will be in the ball park but the prices are close to or much higher than your $100 mark

These prices will change from dealer to dealer so do your shopping.

Lamiglas

$310.00  XS-1061 PP:  10'6" - 1 piece - 1-4oz lure wt. - 10-20# line wt - Moderate Action

G. Loomas

$335.00  SUR1324S:  11'- 2 piece - 1/2-3 oz lure wt. - 12-30# line wt. - Fast Action with MH Power rating

St Croix

$430.00 LSS106MM2:  10' 6" - 2 piece - 3/4-4 oz lure wt. - 10-20# line wt. - Moderate Action - Medium Power

Tica

$175.00 UGSA106MH2S:  10' 6" - 2 piece - 2-8 oz lure wt - 12-30# line wt. - Fast Action - MH Power rating

$140.00 UEHA632002S:  10' 6" - 2 piece - 2-8 oz lure wt. 12-30# line wt. - Fast Action - H Power rating.

I hope this helps but like I said these prices are just a ball park figure so shop around.

I use the Tica UGSA106MH2S as my main plugging rod with a Penn 560 Slammer reel.  It works for me...

Happy Catching

Paul

[captainbailey]

I forgot to mention my 10'6" TICA is now about a 10'2" model. 
 no action up top

[Pfishingruven]

If I was going to buy a rod just for pencil popping, I would buy a custom made rod or a Lamiglas Ron Arra 10 footer 2 piece rated for 1-4oz.  They all fall in the $300-$400 class.  For the times I use a pencil, I use a 9 footer and get it going well.  Preferably a 10 foot rod medium power and fast to extra fast action will work in the weight range you are throwing.

In the $100 range the Tica and the Tsunami Airwave are your best bet.  For a little more you can find a Lami or St Croix and go up from there.  You probably can't go wrong with a GLoomis either.

 

[ped579]

The Lamiglas rod I mentioned before is new and was designed for Pencil Poppers thus the designation PP at the end.

[PeggyLee]

CaptainBaielly, What the boys have said makes good sence.You mentioned the 10 6 is now shorter.Could be there is NOT enough action now (too stiff) in the rod to give you movement on that liter weight plug.Use it for BAIT and consider Paul's and Hunters suggestion on some other rods.Good Luck.
 

[captainbailey]

I came across custom made lami's on ebay for a nice price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-made-10-Lamiglas-surf-fishing-rod-NEW-NR_W0QQitemZ180365969454QQcategoryZ36168QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3907.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DFICS%252BUFI%252BUA%252BIA%252BUCI%26otn%3D15%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D54

[ped579]

The bid is up to 51 bucks lets see how high it really goes.