Before you start scouring the internet or heading off to your local fishing rod retailer, you might want to review some information about the vast array of fishing rods you are likely to encounter. Don’t find yourself standing and staring at rows and rows of rods and wondering which one is the right one for you. Before you buy, find out what qualities make a good rod and which ones you can stay away from.
The first rule in buying a fishing rod is to understand that spending outrageous amounts of money on a rod does not guarantee that the rod you’re purchasing is good. In fact, you can spend less than one hundred dollars and get a very high quality rod with a great warranty from a brand name company that will suit your purposes perfectly.
Next consider how you intend to use the rod. This is important because if it’s meant as only a back-up to your primary rod, you might want to consider purchasing the same rod again. If you’re an enthusiast and are interested in adding to your collection, you’re looking for something different. You might even be looking for the ideal rod for your drop-shooting finesse baits. Whatever the rod is going to be utilized for, you’ll want to make sure you get just the right rod without spending a lot of extra money. Let’s face it, you’re going to need different rods if you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon of trolling or a fun afternoon of catching striped bass in heavy current. These are the things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the right rod.
Rod manufacturers have made it easy to determine what rods are suited to which tasks. If you look near the handle at the rod blank, you’ll see specifications about what line weight, lure weight and other information that will help you determine which rod is the rod you need to be working with. Fishing for bluefish will require a heavier line such as 20-lb test and fishing for medium sized bass will require something in the 10-lb test range. These labels will help you decide on the right rod for the fishing task ahead of you.
Another thought is the usage of braided lines. The labeling used on rods to designate suggested line weight is based upon monofilament line. Braided line has a drastically shrunk line diameter over monofilament of equivalent breaking strength. Standard 50-pound test braided line typically has a diameter of a 12–15 pound test monofilament line. Therefore, if you plan to use 50-pound braid with your new bass rod, then you it’s not necessary to find a rod rated for 50 lb. line. Simply find something that will hold the 12–15 pound diameter line.
If you are searching for a rod that will accommodate a heavier lure (1 1/3 oz or more) make sure you carefully review the rod specs. Failing to do so could result in problems casting – your line could snap off if you’ve purchased the wrong rod. A worst case scenario, you could find the tip of your rod vanish if the lure is too heavy. Rods that are thicker and heavier are designed to hold a bigger lure. So if you find that your rod seems a bit thin make sure you double check the lure specs before you cast!
The last thing to dwell on is the rod’s length. This should be comparatively simple for you to understand. A quick solution is that if you’re fishing out of a boat, select a rod no more than 8 feet long. They quickly become uncontrollable. If you’re fishing from the shoreline along a trout stream, you will probably need a shorter rod to help you cast from between the trees on the bank. If you’re fishing from the shoreline on a large river (or from the surf) and have to cast long distances, find something in the 9–12 ft area.
A variety of factors must be weighed before you purchase a fishing rod. The application involved, the amount you wish to spend, rod length and overall use will be part of your decision making process. Whether you are shopping online or at your local bait and tackle shop, these quick and easy suggestions can help you make the right decision about which rod is the right rod for your needs.
Choosing the correct rod is just as important as choosing the right reel. Some of the most popular reels are Shimano Spinning Reel and Daiwa Reels.
