Simplify your fishing experience
Catch Co. is proud to introduce CatchSmart, a new system designed to simplify the way you fish. One of the cornerstones of the CatchSmart system is our revolutionary lure/rod categorization and rating system.
HOW IT WORKS
First, we’ve grouped every lure into 5 simple categories:
Each category has a rod that is best matched for lures in that category.
Second, each rod has an additional rating system to help you better understand how well that rod would perform with other specialized techniques:
The Go-To Casting rod is optimal for lures in the Go-To category (like spinnerbaits, swim jigs, smaller texas rigs, etc.), but it is also rated highly for Reaction (3 out of 4 stars). This means that it would work well for reaction baits like squarebill and lipless crankbaits, too.
Confidence is key when it comes to enjoying your time on the water, and the CatchSmart System helps anglers feel more confident that they chose the right lure with the right rod.
LAKEFORKGUY BREAKS IT DOWN
Lure Categories
GO-TO
LURES:
Widest variety of lures. Most of the general bass fishing lures — Great for spinnerbaits, jigs, bladed Jigs, texas rigs
RODS:
Fast action to set the hook. Medium fast power to handle a variety of lures. Medium length and butt length to allow for a variety of situations and lures. Jack of all trades, master of some.
LINE:
Almost all line except the extremes. E.g. 10-17 lb fluoro and mono; 30 lb braid.
REACTION
LURES:
Moving baits, usually with treble hooks. Baits that trigger fish into eating. Fish don’t have much time to look at the bait and simply “react.” Great for crankbaits and bladed jigs
RODS:
Moderate action to allow the fish to get hooked and stay hooked without tearing the hooks out. Able to hook fish without a hard hookset - better to sweep the rod. Medium power and longer butt to load up on long casts and help launch lures. Medium length to cast far or hit targets.
LINE:
Medium diameter to help bait dive, but not so thin it breaks. E.g. 12-15 fluoro, 30 braid.
TWITCH
LURES:
Lures that are most effective when moved with rod tip movement. Often have treble hooks. Erratic, slashing, or popping action. Generally smaller. Ideal for jerkbaits, walking baits, poppers
RODS:
Moderate action in order to impart more action on the baits. Shorter butt stays out of angler’s way while twitching. Medium power to allow long casts with relatively smaller, lighter lures. Short rod best for target casting and downward rod twitches.
LINE:
Thinner diameter line so as not to impede action of lures. E.g. 10-12 lb mono, 6-12 lb fluoro, 15 - 20 braid.
MUSCLE
LURES:
Lures you need to set the hook hard on. Jigs with brush guards, Texas rigged plastics, ½ oz or over, frogs.
RODS:
Fast or extra fast action with backbone for hooksets that need to penetrate plastic and lips. Longer butt for leverage and to balance rod. Heavy power to use heavier lures and pull fish out of heavy cover. Longer rod for leverage and fish control.
LINE:
Heavy to prevent breakoffs. E.g. 40-65 braid, 15 - 25 fluoro and mono.
FINESSE
LURES:
Small plastics and hardbaits. Plastics with exposed hooks or light texas rigs. Wacky rig, ned rig, drop shot, shaky heads. Light hardbaits that are hard to cast on casting gear.
RODS:
Moderate to fast action, depending on if you need to set the hook or “reel set.” Medium or lighter power to cast light lures. Medium length for versatility.
LINE:
Small diameter to not impede action of bait and to help prevent fish from seeing. E.g. 6-12 fluoro and mono, 15-20 braid.
Rod Types & Specialty Ratings:
