Graphite or E-Glass?

I know, another question.

I would like to know what the preferences are on this board, graphite or E-glass and is it mono or braid?

An inquiring mind would like to know.

Thanks!

rob
jrsyboy

I think you'll have to specify what applications you are talking about.  Graphite, e-glass, and composite rods all have their place in different applications.

VERY generally speaking, since spectra line has no stretch to it, you often want a rod that acts as a good shock absorber and E-glass or composite rods tend to do that better than stiffer graphite, but that's a huge generalization and there are plenty of times where graphite rods work great with spectra.

A lot of this is personal preference and there are tradeoffs with everything (there's no free lunch).  If you indicate what fishing techniques and applications you are wondering about, I'm sure you'll get more specific responses.

Erik

Rob, Erik knows his stuff and custom builds beautiful rods.
 E-glass- usually heavier construction workhorse rods,graphite -lighter more sensitive,also more sensitive to breaking if nicked or scratched deep.A lot of saltwater rods are a combo of the two like Calstar.
 For trolling or crankbaits many prefer a moderate,soft type rod. For fishing Bass plastics or jigs a fast sensitive rod works good.It all depends on what you are targeting ,price point, weight etc.
 Spectra is great, it lasts a long time and gives you the you the ultimate in sensitivity. It has less drag because of thinner diam. so you can use less weight,and is much stronger for a given diam. It allows you to have more line on a smaller reel. But, it costs more, you have to learn more knots, and is more sensitive to abrasion, and doesn't stretch.

All right, I wasn't that clear was I.

I am very familiar with both graphite and braided line.  Been fishing braid for a little over ten years now.  Anyone remember the old Cabelas which was over $50/spool way back then.

What I was wondering is if you can use an E-glass or composite rod for jigging for bottom fish with jigs/bait using braid and still have the sensativity to detect subtle strikes.  I'm afraid of banging up my graphite rods launching/landing/other dumb things associated with the yak and making a two-piece out of a one-piece on a hookset. 

rob

 I do.

Rob... yes... for rockfish jigging, the sensitivity you get from no-stretch line outweighs any reduced sensitivity from using an E-glass rod in my opinion. 

For all of my rockfishing I use either E-glass or E-glass/graphite composite rods exclusively.  I like the more moderate action for the low-stretch spectra line.  Sensitivity is still incredible when compared to mono.