light tackle rod

[Pete_G]

I've got a 1 oz. rod that has landed 20+ # BFT in under 5 minutes. Throwing the bait or lure you want to throw is the real challenge, like Seawolf said. 1 oz. really means nothing when it comes to fish fighting ability. A 1 oz rod may be complete overkill, or be just right.

Most of them are short (7ft or so), but check out some of the SJR series from Loomis, especially the IMX. I own both the 843 (rated to 3/4) and the 844 (rated to 1 oz.). I only use the 844 to throw bigger baits, otherwise I rarely use it. Albies, bonito, skippies, blues, and schoolies just don't even have a chance against it. I love the 863 though. Even it can be overkill on small fish, but you'll never run out of power if you hook something bigger either.

You might look for a 2 oz. rod so you can throw a wider range of plugs, but I don't think you'll have any trouble dealing with most fish you catch on a lighter stick.

Reels, rods, and of course line has come a long way. We had several clients take 40+ # stripers last year on the boat with Spheros 4000's and a 2 oz. stick. That's from the boat, but still, it shows what light tackle can do.