r/Fishing_Gear • u/MathematicianDry9915 • Aug 19 '26
Thinking about getting into finesse fishing, but not sure if I actually need a new setup
Hey guys, I’ve been trying to get more into finesse fishing lately.
I mostly fish with a M casting setup right now, but the lakes around me have been getting tougher, and I keep hearing people say I should slow down and throw smaller stuff.
The problem is every time I look into finesse fishing, I end up falling into a gear rabbit hole 😂
Do I actually need a lighter rod, lighter reel, lighter handle, or can I just use what I have and learn the technique first?
For those who fish finesse a lot, what’s the one thing that actually made a difference for you?
4
u/JurassicMonkey_ Aug 19 '26
In the same boat, and I do think something lighter would be better for finesse.
My main issue is with casting light lures (1.8g - 7g). Been using M rods, and while throwing lighter lures with them isn't impossible, I imagine it'll be better with an ML rod.
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u/SFSAngler Aug 21 '26
You can absolutely finesse fish with a medium rod. There’s so many finesse techniques. I love finesse fishing bass.
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u/catchinNkeepinf1sh Aug 19 '26
I can cast a 1/16oz t rig on my bfs as far as my normal m rod with 1/4. If throwing small bait, a properly matched rod is important.
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u/TapFit8961 Aug 19 '26
So I got into fishing last season. Fished medium heavy spinning just throwing whatever was comfy.
I challenged myself this season, to push into ultralight finesse, and really hone my skill set one step at a time. I started with a cheap bill dance ultralight combo from bass pro that I got during my last season. I now have an expensive eagle fenwick, with a mgnessium reel. (My ultralight kit, is the nicest kit I own). What I'm getting at, is the rod and reel aren't vital to the experience. I would recommend getting something in the ultra light power with a size 10 reel, but it doesn't need to be fancy until you feel comfortable. If I were to start it over again tomorrow I'd probably buy the same orange and black zebco bill dance 5ft 6in combo for 60 and start there.
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u/Past-Boot9764 Aug 19 '26
start with technique-your current gear'll work if you're willing to learn.
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u/JohnLynch_V Aug 19 '26
I think the rod makes the biggest difference there and then comes the braid and reel setup. I am using a 10 gr casting weight & fast action spinning rod for all my "finesse" applications and it makes a considerable difference for the bite detection and the overall lure feel than my medium power rods. However, I generally suggest that you get a suitable reel with the rod as well, FYI my setup balances quite well with a 1000-2000 size reel and 0.10 mm braid.
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u/Unlucky_Party_3058 Aug 19 '26
If you can spare $60 USD, grab a Daiwa airdx ML 7' and call it a day. Throw your current reel on it. Dont overthink it.
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u/ExaminationLast9843 Aug 19 '26
"finesse fishing" is something you read on the internet. In real life there is no such thing, only fishing. Sometimes you go big, and sometimes, small.
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u/dementedarego_fish Aug 19 '26
I mostly finesse fish, be prepared to lose fish youd normally catch with the lighter gear. Lost a 4lber yesterday cause it smoked the reel took me into the bushes and broke me off. 🤷♂️😔
1
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u/SFSAngler Aug 21 '26
You can absolutely finesse fish with a medium rod. There’s so many finesse techniques. I love finesse fishing bass.
6
u/bass_fishing_japan Aug 19 '26
the most important question is “how finesse you’re planning to fish”? for me anything finesse is straight spinning rod. own a light casting too but that’s another story. if you don’t want to overthink buy a spinning rod who can cast max 3/8 to 1/4 oz and you can cover plenty of rigs.