Choosing The Right Whisker Seeker Rod
Posted by Amy Hansen on 3rd May 2023
How to choose the right
Whisker Seeker Rod
We all know that choosing the right fishing rod can be a tad overwhelming. Naturally, it should be. The fishing rod is the most vital component to any angler’s setup. It’s the foundation for everything, no matter what you choose to target. But deciding what length is best, what rod blank will work, and what action and power you need, can make you want to jump overboard.
We all know that choosing the right fishing rod can be a tad overwhelming. Naturally, it should be. The fishing rod is the most vital component to any angler’s setup. It’s the foundation for everything, no matter what you choose to target. But deciding what length is best, what rod blank will work, and what action and power you need, can make you want to jump overboard.
In this day and age, there are so many new innovative products hitting the production floor. Fishing rods being one of them. Therefore, doing your research ahead of time is crucial.
To pick the right rod, you must first know what the rod is made out of. Different materials can have a huge impact on a rod’s performance. Fiberglass rods are a bit old school, but affordable. They are on the heavier side, which make it a little harder to detect some lighter bites, but durable nonetheless. Graphite rods on the other hand are on the lighter side, while helping to detect those sensitive bites. Composite rods are a combination of it all. They give you the flexibility needed without sacrificing weight or sensitivity.
Length of a rod can dictate how far you can cast. Majority of the time, a 7’ rod is the ideal length for an angler. If you fish from the bank or do a lot of trolling, then having a longer rod in the 9-10’ range can be nice. If you’re never in a situation to cast very far, then you can get away with a shorter rod in the 5-6’ range. Sometimes having a spread of different lengths can do wonders on a boat, especially when using planer boards.
The action and power of a rod are what determine how the rod will work. The action rates where the rod will flex when pressure is applied. Simply put, the action is where the rod bends. The power of a rod rates the amount of pressure needed to bend the rod at its action rating. Otherwise referring to the rod’s stiffness or resistance.
In a nutshell, there are three main rod actions (Fast, Moderate, and Slow) and three main rod powers (Light, Medium, and Heavy). Fast Action rods bend at the top 3rd of the rod and can quickly load up for a hook set. Slow action rods bend at the bottom 3rd of the rod, allowing some forgiveness in a hook set. A light power rod will help with light biting species. A medium rod offers more versatility, handling everything from smaller fish to larger fish, and is typically a go to for most anglers. Where the heavy rod is known as your stiff rod and helps when chasing those monsters.
Although not always in the description, some extra rod specs to look at are the guides, handles, and reel seats. For long distance casting and long term durability with braided or mono fishing line, look for stainless steel one piece guides. As for the handle, having that extra bit of length helps with rod control. While a cork composite handle offers a no-slip grip and won’t break down like regular cork. Lastly, a double locking reel seat will be sure to lock and hold without backing off and walking.
Now that you understand the importance of a rod and maybe more familiar with some of the lingo, let's take a look into the different rods that Whisker Seeker has to offer.
Chad Ferguson Signature Series Rod
First up in the fleet, is the rod that started it all, the 7’6” Chad Ferguson Signature Rod. Known as the general purpose rod for “every” catfish angler. This Medium-Heavy rod is the real deal.
With a S-Glass, carbon graphite composite blank, this rod has the backbone needed to haul in cats from under that brushpile, paired with a sensitive tip for detecting those lighter bites. The 7”6” length offers a perfect balance between leverage, casting distance, and versatility for a variety of techniques. Made with stainless steel guides and your choice of a graphite or aluminum reel seat, this rod is ready for for it all!
The Chad Ferguson rod comes in 7’6” and 9’6” lengths, Medium, Medium Heavy and Heavy power, and your choice of casting or spinning.
Next on the list is one of my favorites, the Bump’n Stick. Made from a carbon graphite, S-Glass composite, this rod shares the strength of glass, but with the unmatched lightness and sensitivity of a carbon rod. This 7’6” rod has a proprietary heavy power, extra fast action blank, allowing for incredible hook sets! And only weighs 7.7 ounces! Making it a great choice for those long days of bump’n down the river.
Our latest rod is the 7’ Cat & Carp rod. With a choice of casting or spinning, these rods are made from a proprietary Carbon Glass blank, making them an absolute blast to use on our little whiskered friends! With the slim profile look and lightweight feel of a bass rod, these rods work great for multi-species fishing too. Even die hard catfishermen like to fish for a ditch pickle every now and then!
Last, but definitely not least, is the Whisker Stick Ice Rod. Coming in at a whopping 38” and made from a solid glass blank with Medium Heavy power, you can rest assured you can put the power to any fish that's lurking beneath the ice! But it doesn't stop there! This little guy can offer so much more. From a kid’s rod, to bait rod, to even a kayak rod, the Whisker Stick will forever be your favorite little buddy!
No matter what you target, remember when choosing a rod, choose one that will give YOU the control, NOT the fish! For a complete guide to the WST Rod series check out the 2023 rod buying guide below.