Weight loads the rod during the cast. Resistance can load it from the first turn of the handle to the boat. A deep crankbait, big spinnerbait blade, umbrella rig, bulky paddletail, or wake bait may pull far harder than a compact bait of the same weight.

That constant bend uses up the rod you still need for cadence, bite detection, hookset, and fish control. Look at bill size, blade count, trailer bulk, retrieve speed, depth, and current along with scale weight. If the rod is already buried before anything bites, the bait is asking too much from the system.