I'm interested in upgrading from my ugly stik and purchasing a new fishing rod for backcountry fishing (Algonquin, Quetico, small inland lakes).

I primarily fish for Lake and brook trout. My average lake trout being 16-18 inches and brook trout 12-14 inches. The lakes I fish don’t usually have monsters inside.

I mainly fish using the following techniques.
Trolling spoons/small lures via 3 way swivel rigs (1,2,3 oz weights) (30% of the time)
vertical jigging (metal jigging spoons, Rapala jigging raps, jig heads w/ swimbait soft plastics) (1/2oz-1oz) (60% of the time)
trolling deep diving crankbaits (Rapala down deep husky jerks and taildancers) (10% of the time)

The issue that I’m having with my current rod (ugly stik casting medium) is that it is basically overpowering the fish and I feel like I’m just winching them in sometimes. I’m looking to get a bend in my rod for the small fish that I target.

I use the heavy weights/baits typically in the summer months when I’m targeting fish deep down 30+ft

I don’t know if I should get an appropriate power rod for the lures I use (MH) with a moderate action to achieve that bend or a lighter power rod for the size of fish I target (ML/M) with a faster action.

The people at my local shop tell me that the rod power is based on the lure’s that I throw, but I typically don’t cast if ever so I don’t know if this applies to me.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

Match the rod to the lures.

Thanks, good to know.

Do you have a recommendation on how I could add more excitement to the fight? With the current ugly stik and trout size it feels really overpowering to catch a small lake trout on a heavy rod.

Go with a med spinning outfit. I troll with 2-3oz weights with mine without issue.

sugoiboy: "...it feels really overpowering to catch a small lake trout on a heavy rod.
"

Could be your reel is too big?

Could be your reel is too big?

I'm using the smallest model of the Okuma Convector line counter reel (CV-163D). 5kg max drag force. Thoughts?

https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product/Convector+Low+Profile+Line+Counter+Reel.html

I’m not sure how you guys wield the 1/2oz to 3oz stuff with those lighter spinning set-ups. Seems like the lure itself would overpower the rod.

I’ve been building rods for about 15 years and would have a difficult time picking out a blank that chunks around 1oz spoons and has a finesse, fish handling feel to it.

The issue I see is that you might be asking for too much from one rod, especially an ugly stik, which is a good , affordable, durable/dependable rod but not designed or intended to be the most sensitive and responsive. What you are describing is a need for a multipurpose rod for lakers and brookies, with multiple presentations, but a feel and responsiveness of a specialized rod. If you are set on taking just one rod, then upgrade to a higher quality, lighter rod, in medium light. That will give you a much nicer feel on the size fish you are targeting and still handle the weight for your threeway set up, if you are not really casting out, but just letting line out…You also mentioned a covector reel…a good trolling level wind reel…are you really using that to chuck spoons for brookies?

Moonman

Moonman: "The issue I see is that you might be asking for too much from one rod, especially an ugly stik, which is a good , affordable, durable/dependable rod but not designed or intended to be the most sensitive and responsive. What you are describing is a need for a multipurpose rod for lakers and brookies, with multiple presentations, but a feel and responsiveness of a specialized rod. If you are set on taking just one rod, then upgrade to a higher quality, lighter rod, in medium light. That will give you a much nicer feel on the size fish you are targeting and still handle the weight for your threeway set up, if you are not really casting out, but just letting line out…You also mentioned a covector reel…a good trolling level wind reel…are you really using that to chuck spoons for brookies?


Moonman"

I'm using the convector but I rarely cast if ever, sorry if my above post is confusing. Usually I'm always just letting out line for trolling or vertical jigging. What I'm confused about is that rod manufacturers generally put the lure rating on their rods and I don't know if those ratings apply for the techniques that I use since they usually refer to casting lures and I never cast.

Mainly looking to add more excitement to my fights as with the current set up that I have, I'm rarely feeling the small fish fight back when its hooked and I'm actively fighting as much as my lighter spinning reel set ups.

In Re-reading the original post, I see I overlooked that you were using an ugly stik ‘casting rod’… so in that case the convector makes sense….but there really is no way of gettIng around that feel and sensitivity deficit, especially for brookies, with that set up….you didn’t mention a casting presentation so I assume you don’t do it much but then you are missing out a bit, especially for the brookies (casting cleos etc)…so if you still want to use a baitcaster type reel, maybe a more sentive casting rod paired with something like a Daiwa Lexa 200 line counter….a good light smooth reel, on the small side yes, but maybe the best of both worlds if you are sticking to just one set up…

Moonman.

Sorry I missed your last post before sending my last one. Yes the rod rating is based on the lure weight when you are casting….that’s when the rod is loaded up and stress and torque applied….so I think you will be fine with a medium light if not casting…

Moonman.

The answer is in your first post... "lighter power rod for the size of fish I target (ML/M) with a faster action". Add a spinning reel and 6 to 8 lb. test and you are set.
Sounds like you have a heavy rod because your baits are heavy, but if you are trolling or deep jigging, use the rod with the action you want and ignore the lure rating labeled on the rod.

Milk jug rigs for Lakers. The old timers swore about this method.

Almost every rod has the suggested line weight, and lure weight on the side of the rod. So if you want more of a fight you will need a rod that has less power in it than the one you have. Example is to switch a medium/heavy rod to a medium or medium/light rod. Then back off your drag, get a reel that has a higher ratio. By backing off your drag you will not be spooling the line as fast, by changing the reel ratio higher you will feel it harder to reel the fish in, because of the mechanical advantage you get with a low ratio reel. Example is when on a bicycle if you use a high gear when climbing a hill, it will be hard in high gear but easy in low gear. Then find a rod with a slow tip. This means a rod with a lot of flex on the tip of the rod. Test by putting the tip of the rod on the ground and pushing down. A fast tip will have little bend in the tip. A slow rod tip with have much more flex in the tip.

I've had various pack rods through the years. I really like the 4pc 7' to 7'6" length. My last one was lighter (wish I could remember the brand) It was great for trolling and fighting fish, but didn't quite have the support when casting heavier spoons from shore for lakers. Today I bring a medium action 7'6" 4pc pack rod. The rod states 10 lb line is recommended. I use a smaller spinning reel spooled with 6 lb line. It does have decent bend due to the lenght, but is a little stiffer than I like when fighting the fish...however, with the 6 lb line and appropriate drag, you've still got an enjoyable fight and if you happen to hook into a pig, you'll be happy you have that rod.