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| Here's a combination that has worked very well for me in several different parts of the world. Pictured are a G.Loomis SJR722 spinning rod and a Shimano Symetre spinning reel. Note the spare spools for the reel. |
Fishing and Golf: Part 2
By Stan Fagerstrom
Some rods handle a variety of fishing tasks admirably well. That's especially true if that rod is matched up with the right reel.
In my last column I pointed out how modern day angling in many respects compares to the game of golf. A golfer goes out armed with a bag full of different clubs. Each of those clubs is simply a tool designed to handle the ever changing challenges the golfer knows he'll face from hole to hole.
A fisherman often finds himself in the same situation. Take bass fishing for instance. The bassin' man might need a lightweight rod and light line to throw small baits when that's what the fish are feeding on at daylight. Four hours later that angler may find the fish congregated in heavy weeds and brush. If he tries to use the same rod that served him well in the morning he knows going in he's asking for trouble.
But as I also mentioned in winding up the previous column, there are some rods that let you face a variety of problems better than others. I also said I'd made up my mind what G.Loomis rod I'd choose if I knew I had only one to work with.
That rod would in all probability be the SJR722. This wondrous lightweight spinning rod has taken a raft of fish for me since I got my hands on the first one years ago. I can almost hear somebody snort, "If you like that SJR722 spinning rod so well how come you're always preaching about the importance of learning how to use a level wind reel?"
I suppose there's some justification for that question. Few, if any, have done more talking and demonstrating the importance of a casting reel over the past half century than yours truly. But here we're talking about having only one rod to work with; one rod that, while it is admittedly not suited for all angling tasks, performs many admirably well.
For starters, let's just take a look at what the current G.Loomis rod catalog has to say about the SJR722. Here's how it reads: "This is our most popular warmwater spinning rod. It boasts a fast action and a strong tip, giving you plenty of versatility for fishing a variety of lures and live baits. Best paired with 10-pound line, this rod is an excellent choice for fishing Long-A's or Rapalas, as well as 1/4-ounce lead-heads for fishing salt grubs. It's also a good rod for fishing 4-inch "Texas Style" worm rigs or tube jigs. There's plenty of power to set the hook, and it handles big fish extremely well, yet its light enough to handle smaller sized fish with no problem. If you prefer spinning rods, you'll appreciate the accurancy and flexibility this rod offers."
What you've just read is the reason I'm forever telling angles around the country to pay attention to what they see about G.Loomis rods in the company's catalog or at its web site. Whoever writes that material has obviously "been there and done that." I'd have said much the same thing about the SJR722 if I'd written it myself.
I match this rod with a Shimano Symetre spinning reel for most of my fishing. I always carry at least two spools for the reel, sometimes three or four. In this duscussion we're assuming I have only one rod to use. But, though I have just that one rod, the SJR722 has sufficient fexibility and strength to let me change line tests to better improve my fish-catching odds depending on what I'm up against.
At least one of those spare spools, and more often two, will be loaded with Power Pro braided line. This superior braid handles beautifully on an open face reel. I'll go up to 20-pound test with it on the SJR722 if that's what conditions demand. If and when I do I use Power Pro that strong I also use common sense at hook setting time.
There are other important aspects of making sure your rod and reel match the problems you're up against. I'll detail some more of them in my next and final column in this 3-part series.
To Be Continued
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| A spinning outfit may not be the ideal rig to fish cover like this, but a spare spool loaded with heavier line will get you by a good share of the time. |
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