What are the differences between a Spod Rod and a Spod Reel and normal rod & reel?

[Keith M]

I’ve been fishing for Carp (and other fish) for well over 50 years now; but there are still a couple of things that I’ve never ever needed to use; such as Spod Rods & Spod Reels.

What are the differences between a Spod Rod and Spod Reel and a normal rod & reel used for Carp?

I should imagine that a Spod ‘Rod’ is simply a rod that is capable of launching a big Spod to the horizon, so the ability to cushion sudden lunges and play out a large Carp all the way in to the net; without chancing a hook pull; is not really as important as being able to cast heavy Spods; and in that case could you not just use a Pike rod that’s capable of launching out dead baits and setting hooks into a pikes boney jaw at range suffice instead of a Spod Rod?

I also guess that a Spod ‘Reel’ just needs to be able to crank in heavy Spods from long distances; although you'd only be winding in empty spods anyway wouldn’t you???; also I can appreciate that a faster retrieve could be very useful if your putting out several spodfulls of loose bait over a distance, so a fast retrieve is probably one of a Spod Reels requirements; however is it just these things that determine a Spod Rod and Spod reel?

I don’t know if my assumptions are correct so can someone enlighten me about the differences between Spod rods and Spod Reels and more normal rods and reels?

Keith

 

[chevin4]

I’ve been fishing for Carp (and other fish) for well over 50 years now; but there are still a couple of things that I’ve never needed to use; such as Spod Rods & Spod Reels.

What are the differences between a Spod Rod and Spod Reel and a normal rod & reel?

I should imagine that a Spod ‘Rod’ is simply a rod that is capable of launching a big Spod to the horizon, so the ability to cushion sudden lunges and play a big Carp to the net without chancing a hook pull is not really as important as being able to cast quite heavy Spods.

I also guess that a Spod ‘Reel’ just needs to be able to crank in heavy Spods from long distances; so a faster retrieve would be very useful; however is it just these things that determine a Spod Rod and Spod reel?

I don’t know if my assumptions are correct so can someone enlighten me about the differences between Spod rods and Spod Reels?

Keith

Spod rods have a very high rest curve typically 4lb to 5lb tc. They tend to be stiff in action and would be impractical to use for actual fishing other than maybe catfish. I have a spod rod but seldom use it unless I use a large spod when long range fishing for bream. I generally use a medium spomb which can easily be cast on a 3lb tc rod. Generally any big pit reel can be used I don't know the difference between a dedicated spod reel and a big pit reel maybe it is just marketing.

 

[Regalis]

Spod rods are a lot stiffer. Higher tc.
Spod reels have a faster retrieve, beefier line clip(s) and a basic clutch as its not needed for fish playing.

 

[Keith M]

Thanks guys

While I’m at it; Another thing that I’ve never really looked into is the ‘Expander’ Pellets that you need a special pump to prepare???
I’ve never bothered with these and always thought of them as ‘just another modern gimmick’ as all of the Pellets I’ve ever needed have just been normal ‘soft’ or ‘hard’ Pellets or ‘soaked’ pellets (pre flavoured or plain) which you don’t need to have a special pump to prepare; so what do ‘Expanders’ give you that normal Pellets don’t? and why do I need a pump?

Keith

 

[john step]

I have never got on with a pellet pump which is supposed to expel air and get the expanders to sink....I think thats correct?
I just soak a few and use on the hook . That way the lack of sinking in my mind negates the weight of the hook. Thats my theory anyway.
As an aside expanders one soaks oneself is a fraction of the price of those soft hookers bought in a jar.

 

[nottskev]

The difference, Keith, seems to be around an extra £200 or so, which is important for those who do more shopping than fishing lol.

 

[sam vimes]

As said, the more recent spod rods are generally of a very high TC rating. The kind of rating that only a catfish rod might normally be. In normal circumstances, no one would actually fish with a spod rod.

Spod reels are generally not much different to the average big pit/beach casting reel. However, those actually made specifically for spod work may have beefed up, or multiple (for clipping up for more than one spot), line clips. Some may also have lower ratios than a reel intended for fishing.

Despite what Kev might think, specific spod rods and reels are usually a fair bit cheaper than the actual fishing rods and reels from the same range, or comparable ranges. Brands are usually well aware that few spend fortunes on glorified broom handles and reels that will inevitably end up slathered in spod mix goo.

 

[markcw]

As for expanders , you can either pump them on the bank, I use a Preston Innovations one,takes very little room up in a visi case, , a large srynge will do the same job and cheaper.
The ringers pump is good as well but bulkier.
Another way is to put a few in cheap food bags, those you can put a fingernail through.just cover with water and tie the food bag tight to the pellets and fridge overnight. The pellets will absorb the water and be ready the following morning.

 

[Keith M]

As for expanders , you can either pump them on the bank, I use a Preston Innovations one,takes very little room up in a visi case, , a large srynge will do the same job and cheaper.
The ringers pump is good as well but bulkier.
Another way is to put a few in cheap food bags, those you can put a fingernail through.just cover with water and tie the food bag tight to the pellets and fridge overnight. The pellets will absorb the water and be ready the following morning.

But why do you need to use a pump just to make your pellets sink? can’t you just buy sinking pellets (both soft and hard) in the first place?. I’m still a bit wary of spending my cash on gimmicky things (I’ve got a bit of Yorkshire blood in my veins )
Pellets don’t all sink like stones; some pellets that I buy sink faster; or slower; than other pellets anyway. so am I missing something?

Maybe the point in using a pump is because pellets can be made to be almost neutral buoyancy using a pump?, and can be made to sink at much slower speeds than normal pellets? That would make a lot more sense to me

Keith

 

[nottskev]

Despite what Kev might think, specific spod rods and reels are usually a fair bit cheaper than the actual fishing rods and reels from the same range, or comparable ranges. Brands are usually well aware that few spend fortunes on glorified broom handles and reels that will inevitably end up slathered in spod mix goo.

Fair enough - I just googled and first up were a rod around £140 and reel around £50. Both from mid-market brands, so £200 was a bit of poetic license. I've got a £25 3lb carp rod that gets a very occasional use dumping a big baitdropper in the Trent. Not something I enjoy, really.

 

[markcw]

But why do you need to use a pump just to make your pellets sink? can’t you just buy sinking pellets (both soft and hard) in the first place?. I’m still a bit wary of spending my cash gimmicky things (I’ve got a bit of Yorkshire blood in my veins )
Pellets don’t all sink like stones; some pellets that I buy sink faster; or slower; than other pellets anyway. so am I missing something?

Maybe it’s because pellets can be made to be almost neutral buoyancy using a pump, and can be made to sink at much slower speeds than normal pellets? That would make a lot more sense to me.

Keith

Expanders will sink slower than soft hookers ,plus they can take flavours on .
Both can loose fed ,expanders closer in, just squeeze them gently to expel the air.

Instead of spending a tenner on a PI pellet pump, get a large syringe off the internet for a couple of quid, it does the same job.

 

[nottskev]

I don't have a lot of use for pellets, Keith, but after a few years of pumping Bait Tech 4 or 6mm's with a Ringer's pump, which was getting a bit worn and not sealing brilliantly, I started to get Sonubaits Pro Expanders. They work as well as they claim. Cover with water - they sink already - and fridge overnight and they swell up with a good texture. You find some oily residue in the bag, so I guess something is added that makes them heavier? Anyway, they've worked fine for me.

 

[Keith M]

Thanks everyone for your help re: Spod Rods & Spod Reels, and the info about ‘Expander’ Pellets.

Keith

 

[Old fisher]

Hi Keith. Not sure if it's already been said but the Spod reel has a clutch that can be locked up real tight, as there is nothing worse for your finger than a clutch that slips as you cast a heavy Spod out. Especially with braid. It can slice into your finger even through a thin glove. When I lived in Kent, a lad fishing near to me using a large normal (Big pit reel)fishing reel had it happen to him. It made a nasty slice into his finger and he had to pack up and go and get it seen to

 

[jamesbevan80]

I’ve been fishing for Carp (and other fish) for well over 50 years now; but there are still a couple of things that I’ve never ever needed to use; such as Spod Rods & Spod Reels.

What are the differences between a Spod Rod and Spod Reel and a normal rod & reel used for Carp?

I should imagine that a Spod ‘Rod’ is simply a rod that is capable of launching a big Spod to the horizon, so the ability to cushion sudden lunges and play out a large Carp all the way in to the net; without chancing a hook pull; is not really as important as being able to cast heavy Spods; and in that case could you not just use a Pike rod that’s capable of launching out dead baits and setting hooks into a pikes boney jaw at range suffice instead of a Spod Rod?

I also guess that a Spod ‘Reel’ just needs to be able to crank in heavy Spods from long distances; although you'd only be winding in empty spods anyway wouldn’t you???; also I can appreciate that a faster retrieve could be very useful if your putting out several spodfulls of loose bait over a distance, so a fast retrieve is probably one of a Spod Reels requirements; however is it just these things that determine a Spod Rod and Spod reel?

I don’t know if my assumptions are correct so can someone enlighten me about the differences between Spod rods and Spod Reels and more normal rods and reels?

Keith

Hi Keith,

When spodding it's best to use a specialised spod rod but it's not an absolute necessity.

In simple terms, your usual 2 -3lbs test curve simply can't straighten quick enough to generate enough force to cast the weight efficiently. There is an article you can look at on spod rods here, and a similar one for spod reels here.

Hope it helps
James