The next time you enter a reputable fishing store you’ll notice rows of rods claiming to be the ultimate in performance. They has flashy advertising about how light they are. Some say they’re sensitive enough to feel your hair grow, then there is the Northland Lite-Bite, which is an unassuming rod.
It’s frequently matched up with specialized jig heads that look like little plastic beads on tiny hooks. A lot of folks that don’t fish with it question whether it’s all hype or not. Maybe there’s something special about rod blank.
Maybe it’s a rod for weekend anglers that won’t break the bank. Select a rod. Getting the proper bait isn’t enough to get bites if you don’t have the right rod for the job.
Exploring The Special Features Of This Rod
Understanding the Northland Lite-Bite Rod
Rods is about sensitivity and being able to detect a slight tick on the other end instead of missing it entirely. The Northland Lite-Bite, in theory, should translate a minnow’s subtle movements into something our fingertips can feel. Otherwise what you’re using is simply another chunk of fiberglass.
Tip-Down Jig Fishing Technique
If there was one thing that would of help you understand the design of this rod, it’s its ability to be used for tip-down jig fishing. This is not a casting rod and therefore you don’t swing this one on high to cast it. The whole action of it are straight up and down.
You simply hold your line straight down in water and let gravity do the work with slight movement of your wrist. Directness of contact, not distance are what the design favors. The foundation of the Northland Lite-Bite experience is sensitivity.
Sensitivity and Graphite Composite Design
Northland use a specific graphite composite material that passes on vibration more effective than most conventional materials. You can sense a clear pulse instead of a general pressure sensation when a fish bites the jig. That’s important because lots of times, especially with perch or walleye, their mouth opens just enough to taste your bait.
If it doesn’t meet any resistance, off it goes. With this rod, you know the exact second that occurs.
Line Flow and Retrieval Speed
Another key consideration is retrieval speed. Whether you’re using sensitive manual spools or an electric reel for most applications with this rod, the line need to flow smoothly down the rod. Its guides are sized to match to keep friction to a minimum. Hang-ups occur if there is too much roughness inside.
Stutters in your line lead to stutters in your presentation. You don’t want that happening because bait will stutter in the air as it ascends, and fish will notice.
Vertical Presentations and Hook Setting
This rod is also set up for vertical presentations. It’s not stiff. When a fish bites, it will loads up on that soft tip. You’ll be able to set the hook well without ripping off the lip of a wary fish.
Trying to use heavy bass rod would be overkill. That’d make setting the hook too tough and it wouldn’t be sensitive enough. The Northland Lite-Bite find that sweet spot of having enough backbone to bury the hook while still being sensitive enough to feel the bite.
Durability for Ice Fishing
The durability of specialized equipment has always been an issue, but these rods are made for ice fishing. They hold up well to cold weather, regular abuse and won’t require babying. But that’s only for ice fishing species.
Don’t pull on a big pike with them and they won’t last as long than you want. So what’s the deal? The Northland Lite-Bite take the guesswork out of it and makes you concentrate on the feel between the bait and your hand.
When you’re really into vertical jigging, there’s no comparison when it comes to the clarity it offers. No more guesswork, now you can actualy feel when a fish bites.
