Fishing Rods Vary. Know Before You Buy
Fishing gear has changed a lot over the years. Technology has given the sport new materials, which produce lighter, but strong fishing rods. You’re a novice fisherman, though, and aren’t sure if the modern rods are right for you. You’re smart to hesitate, because not all fishing rods are created equal.
Experienced anglers will tell you that different types of fish require different types of fishing rods. To buy a rod you need to know what kind of fish you’ll be going after. There are several types of rods out there. Some of the most common–crappie fishing rod, the trout rod and the bass rod–are discussed below.
Fishing for Bass
Bass, both saltwater and freshwater, are probably the most popular of all game fish. These fish are fighters, the type that make landing a fish an exciting adventure. A bass fishing rod, therefore, must be tough enough to handle the twisting and bending that a bass can cause.
Will one bass fishing rod work for both the saltwater and the freshwater varieties? No it won’t. In addition to being freshwater and saltwater fish, bass also range in size from tiny to huge. Choose the rod to match the size and weight of the fish. Fiberglass rods are a good choice for bass fishing. They are strong, resilient, and can handle a lot of bending–more than the newer graphite rods.
Choosing a Rod to Catch Trout
A trout fishing rod does not have to be as strong as a bass rod. Trout are generally lighter than bass and they don’t have as much fight in them.
Graphite rods are usually a good choice for trout fishing, though there are rods available in fiberglass, too. Buy one that’s between seven and ten feet long. If you fish for trout in lakes as well as streams, lean toward the longer end of that range. A nine or ten foot rod should work very well.
A Rod for Crappie Fishing
Crappie are rather small fish, so a lightweight fishing rod is a good choice. How light the rod is depends completely on the fisherman’s preference. Be aware, though, that when fishing for crappie, it’s not unusual for rods to get “jigged” or to get snapped. When this happens, a heavier rod could cause damage to your wrist and/or hand.
Key Points to Fishing Rods
The best way to find a good rod is to do a little research, both on rods and on the fish you want to catch. You can read/purchase books from your local bookstore, or research online fishing websites or visit a retail fishing store.
The personnel in these stores can help you choose the correct rod for your fishing adventure. While you’re there, you may be lucky enough to meet an experienced angler. Seasoned fishermen are usually happy to share information, tips and secrets of the sport. Just remember that whatever rod you decide on, make sure it’s good quality.
