Feeder tip-off indicators
Additional tips or replacement tips for feeder fishing rods.
Each feeder rod is sold with a set of two or more tips of varying sensitivities. The primary role of feeder tips is to signal the fish bites or underwater movements of the tackle and fishing line.
The ability to select the tip based on the fishing situation has led over time to additional demands, with users requesting either stiffer or more sensitive tips (than those that standardly equip a rod model). Similarly, being one of the most sensitive elements of a feeder rod, tips can suffer accidents during use, necessitating their replacement. Replacement tips or additional tips are the solution that some manufacturers offer for these situations.
Constructive materials of feeder tips.
From a materials standpoint, feeder rod tips can be made of fiberglass tips or carbon feeder tips. The two materials can be easily identified by checking the color of the material at the base of the tips. Carbon tips have a thicker dark-colored end, while fiberglass tips have a white or transparent base. Generally, carbon feeder tips are stiffer, have a quicker recovery, and possess greater strength than fiberglass tips. This makes them more suitable for situations where maximum precision is required, or when there is an underwater current strong enough to visibly affect the tip. Fiberglass tips may be more suitable for signaling delicate bites or bites that develop more slowly.
Feeder signaling tips - Power or curve test.
The curve test has a major influence on detecting bites and during the fight, and should primarily relate to the type of fish targeted and the weather conditions. It can vary from 0.5oz (14gr) to 9oz (255gr) and is used to estimate the stiffness (or sensitivity) of the feeder tip. Commonly referred to as the “tip power,” the curve test does not relate to the casting power of the tip, as one might think, but only to the weight needed to bend the tip at a 90-degree angle.
The curve test may be inscribed at the base of the tip, but there are exceptions. In some rod models, manufacturers do not specify the curve test of the tips in ounces. Since we are practically interested in the sensitivity of the tip, a classification is preferred from the one with the lowest curve test to the highest. Tips with a lower curve test typically have markings such as “light” or “soft.” Tips with the highest curve test are marked with “heavy,” “stiff,” or “power.” For unmarked tips, a simple determination of the sensitivity scale is to hold the tips at the end ring and, keeping them parallel to the ground, observe which tip bends the most under its own weight. That will be the most sensitive.
Other specifications that can be included in the description of feeder tips.
Length of the tips: This can vary from one model to another, with values typically ranging from 40-80cm. The length of the tips may only be relevant if we want to store the tips in a dedicated case or a tip tube.
Diameter at the base of the tip, or the thickness of the tip (at the base): This varies depending on the rod model and the manufacturer’s choice, with values ranging from 1.8mm to 3.75mm. However, be cautious! It is not mandatory for a tip with the same base diameter, say 3.5mm, from one rod model, to fit another rod model that has tips with the same base diameter of 3.5mm. This is because tips have a specific taper unique to each rod, and it is possible that the tip may either fit too little, fit well at the beginning but be too thin at the end and have “play,” or “wobble.” Additionally, the specific weight, as well as the type of rings used on one rod model may differ significantly from another rod model that has the same base diameter of the tips. Both situations are undesirable, as the transfer of tension during casting and fighting is not optimal toward the blank.
For replacing a tip, we always advise using the model recommended by the manufacturer if that is possible!