Perch rod

[West Basin]

Stox,

You opened a can of shiners with this!

You'll get a lot of opinions. Yes, have a sensitive tip so you can feel those sight nibbles helps. It all comes down to learning the perch "feel". Years ago we had "perch rods" that weren't much longer than ice fishing poles. 2 1/2 - 3 feet long, with a basic Zebco reel. The rods had a nice sensitive tip but otherwise were what I'd call medium action in today's terms. That's all we (I) needed. Once you learned how to differentiate between bottom, wave weight, and perch weight or feel, those rods were fine. And a shorter rod makes hook set and reaction quicker. They were simple, easy to use and learn. Since you aren't casting and retrieving like walleye fishing, no need for a long rod. Some folks will argue that. But I think a shorter rod with a good decently sensitive tip or rod end will do fine, and is easier to use and store. And a rod like that should handle any bigger drum or catfish you may hook. It also speeds up catch, unhook, re-bait. You don't have that long pole to work with. I wish I still had some of those 'ole' "perch poles".

[Stox]

Thank you, West Basin. I'm going to try a 5'6" Ugly Stick Elite Light (partial graphite for better feel). I have broken a few short, cheap, Ultra Lite Shakespeare poles so I'm hoping the Ugly Stick holds up. I am also a firm believer that sensitivity wins the game as Ole Fisherman and Ted33 pointed out. Appreciate the feedback!