Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

November 27th, 2009 Posted in Travel and Leisure

You have just returned from the local bait and tackle shop with your head spinning. You had no idea that there was such a variety of fishing rods available and now you feel uncertain as to which rod is right for what you want. Before you headed off to hunt for a fishing rod, you would have been well served to be armed with some important information. Let’s talk about what makes a good fishing rod and what doesn’t.

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.

The next step is to think about the purpose you intend the rod to fulfill. Is it simply a second rod that should match the first, or are you looking for a rod to add to your collection to devote solely to drop-shotting small finesse baits? Perhaps you require a rod for catching striped bass in heavy current, where 1 lb. of lead is necessary in order to get your bait down to the bottom. These are issues that should affect your choice for the right rod for the job.

The manufacturer’s labeling is on the side of the rod blank, close to the handle. Together with the name of the company and the rod series are some specifications about the rod that can be very useful in your decision-making process. Most rods will state the proper line weight range for the rod. It will also indicate the suggested lure weight for the rod, if the rod is intended for casting. As a result, if you plan to use 10-pound test line and cast medium sized bass lures, choose a rod that is up to this specific task. If you hope to fish 20-pound test and cast to bluefish schools, the label on the rod should say with some accuracy which rod would be best for you.

Another consideration that you will want to review before purchasing a rod is the type of line you’ll be using. As mentioned previously, rod manufacturers include line weight on the sides, but these labels are specific to monofilament line. If you intend to use a braided line don’t forget that a standard 12-15 pound monofilament is equivalent to a 50-pound braided line and purchase your rod accordingly. Don’t buy a rod rated for 50-lb line if you are planning on using a 50-lb braided line as a rod that will hold a 15-lb monofilament will serve the same purpose.

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.

Rod manufacturers have made the process of purchasing a rod fairly simple as long as you understand what factors have to be considered before you purchase. Great decisions start with being armed with the right information as they pertain to your needs. You can shop with confidence at your local fishing retailer or online if you understand before you get started exactly what your need are going to be. This ensures that you will find the perfect rod regardless of whether it’s to add to your collection or to enjoy a day of fishing.

After purchasing your fishing rod you will want to make sure you have the proper fishing reel to use with it. Some of the most popular reels on the market are Penn Fishing Reel, Shimano Spinning Reels, and BG90.