Class of rod?

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:07 pm

Hi everyone, can someone tell me how you can tell the Class of a boat rod if there are no labels stickers or anything to refere to. confused

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:16 pm

In a word no. Unfortunatly rod manufacturers don't use a common rating system for boat rods.
In the world of coarse fishing its very easy, rods have test curves. The rating system is used by all and remains a constant. It measures the force in lbs required to bend the blank 90 degrees.
No such system has been formulated for boat rods. One companys idea of a 20lb class rod is the same as another companys 30lb.
The practice of giving double ratings to boat rods has complicated the system further with 12-20lb and 20-30lb rods.
An experienced angler should be able to handle/flex the rod and give a good assesment of the classification.

Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 4:27 pm

Tomcat `s spot on . If you know the weight of lead you need to use put some line or string through the rings and hang the lead on the end and you can feel if its too soft, too stiff or just right for the job.

Member Joined: Oct 11, 2007 Posts: 43 Location: Herts

Tomcat is right. Will add that even with a "weight" it is subjective.
I have a Shimano STC trolling rod rated at 30lbs. Perhaps a bit heavy for the UK but I take it to Canada and the US and hope to get it to Aus. So 30lb seemed good enough to handle anything. big hug

If I could get line that wouldn't break then it would pull the Titanic off the seabed. Cos it ain't going to break/bend no matter what suprise

Member Joined: Mar 30, 2009 Posts: 7

I also have the Shimano STC trolling rod and I reckon it will handle anything you could catch in the UK.

Only time you need 50lb or 80lb rods is for big game IMO - like Tuna, Sailfish, Marlin etc.

winking