The quality of your fishing gear has a direct impact on how successful your angling trips will be. Getting the right fishing rod is especially crucial. It may appear as a basic tool but make the wrong decision here, and your experience will be nothing short of a disaster.
For that reason, we have prepared a comprehensive buying guide covering all the key factors you need to consider when buying a fishing rod.
Type Of Fish You Want To Catch
Before you even go into the finer details of the rod itself, you must find out the type of fish you’ll be catching and their size. This information should be available from your local parks department. You can also use online resources and search through fishing blogs or consult some of the anglers in your area.
Power
Power refers to the amount of force required to bend the rod. Some people call it weight or taper. The power of your rod will determine the kind of fish you can catch. For instance, lightweight and ultra-lightweight rods are ideal for smaller species like trout because the rods bend much easier, plus their light nature makes it easy to detect subtle bites coming from the fish. On the other hand, medium and heavy power rods are recommended for the bigger predatory fishes like pike, bass, and perch. As you can tell, selecting the appropriate power rod should be easier when you know the fish you are targeting. Something else to think about is the rod’s action. This is the point where the rod bends when you are reeling the fish.
A rod can have fast or moderate/slow action. To oversimplify the difference between the two, fast action rods are much stiffer and faster to reel, whereas slow action rods are lighter. Using fast action requires great timing and technique. The rod’s stiffness makes it ideal for larger fish. It brings in the catch much faster, plus it’s capable of withstanding unsuitable weather conditions like strong winds. A slow action rod is ideal for smaller fish. It’s flexible enough to reel in your panfish without ripping its mouth. That being said, some anglers enjoy the thrill of chasing slightly bigger fish with a light rod.
The type of action you choose can also be affected by the hook on your rod. The experienced anglers at https://usangler.com/best-spinning-rods-for-the-money/ recommend fast action when fishing with a single hook. The slow action works better with a treble hook.
Rod Length
Fishing rods can be anything from 4 to 14 feet long. The sweet spot for most anglers is 6-8 feet. Should you go for a long or short rod? That depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. A long rod is excellent if you want to cover a bigger surface. It allows you to cast your bait to a greater distance and walk it with ease. Meanwhile, shorter rods provide a close combat experience. Most of these rods are also stiffer, so they are perfect for heavier species like bass.
ROD MATERIAL
Most fishing rods are made of fiberglass or graphite. Some are a blend of both. Fiberglass rods are heavier and more flexible, making them ideal for species that offer more resistance. They are more durable as well.
Graphite rods are generally lighter and stiffer. It’s also easier to feel a bite with these rods. On the flip side, the lightness reduces their capacity to handle bigger fish. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are fishing for smaller species, though.
The blend of fiberglass and graphite materials is designed to give you the best of both worlds. It’s supposed to increase your flexibility, allowing you to fish for both smaller and bigger species under different conditions. These are recommended to anglers who are constantly exploring new fishing locations for different species.
Handle Type and Length
The handles are usually made with cork or EVA foam. Foam handles are durable and affordable. However, they lack the finer details that are crucial for a smooth fishing experience. Cork handles Carter for all these details, i.e., increased sensitivity, better grip, and heat retention for hand warmth, but the price tag is higher. Since they are generally lighter, some cork handles may not be as durable as EVA foam.
In terms of length, long handles give you enough space to use both hands to cast your bait. Shorter handles limit your fishing distance, but they offer more precision. You need the right gear to complement your skills. Hopefully, the above guide has given you all the information you need to shop for a fishing rod like a pro.
