Tackle Test 2014: Specialty Rods and Reels
Photo by Nathaniel Welch These rods and reels are ideal for the following baits and techniques. 1. Weightless Plastics The...

Photo by Nathaniel Welch
These rods and reels are ideal for the following baits and techniques.
1. Weightless Plastics
The 7-foot 2-inch 13 Fishing Envy Green (medium power; 3⁄8- to 3⁄4-ounce baits; 8- to 17-pound-test) is made to throw weightless plastics on light lines a country mile. The spring guides work nicely on both clear lines and braid, while the soft tip imparts a killer twitch.
2. Deep-Water Finesse Baits
At 7 feet, and with an extra-fast tip, the Kistler Helium 3’s (1⁄8 – to 1⁄2-ounce baits; 8- to 12-pound-test) short split grip pushes the rod’s center of gravity forward. As a result, it begs to be paired with a large spinning reel with a fast retrieve ratio for working finesse baits.
3. Flipping/Pitching/Skipping
The Quantum Tour MG is equipped with a flipping switch, but the reel is up for pitching and skipping duties, too–situations when a quick shift to drive is a plus. The lightweight magnesium frame and 6.3:1 retrieve ratio are just right for these techniques.
4. Drop-Shot & Carolina Rigs
The Lew’s Gold Spin is a small-frame spinner with a large-capacity spool and high-speed 6.1:1 retrieve. That translates to 34 inches of line spooled with each turn of the extra-long handle, allowing anglers to efficiently seek out deep fish with drop-shot and Carolina rigs.
5. Jerkbaits
The Okuma Helios Air will prove popular with those looking for a lightweight, super-low-profile baitcaster to snap jerkbaits crisply on the retrieve. The carbon-fiber palming plate is ergonomically excellent, and the 7.3:1 retrieve makes working these long-distance baits a cinch.
See the full tackle test: best new rods and reels.
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