The Truth About Fishing Rods
You’ve decided to take up fishing as a sport. You head to the local fishing store to buy gear and are instantly overwhelmed by the choices of rods. There are graphite rods and fiberglass rods; rods that cost $20 and those that cost $150. Which is the right one for you? You buy according to what kind of fish you’re going after.
What anglers often overlook is that the fishing rod is an extremely important part of fishing gear. You can’t just grab any fishing rod off the rack, because different types of fish require different types of rods. Below are some tips to help you choose the right fishing rod for you.
Heavy or Light?
Fish come in different sizes and temperaments (some fight more than others), so rods are built in different weights. Those weights are heavy action, medium-heavy action, light action and ultra-light action. To determine the correct rod, you must know understand your fish’s characteristics. Some fish fight more than others, even at the same weight. The rod needs to be able to withstand the battle.
For example, heavy rods are a must when fishing for big fish like large catfish, large pike or musky. Walleye, small catfish and small pike need a rod in the medium-heavy range. Light rods are good for trout and smallmouth bass, and an ultralight rod is perfect for smaller pan-sized fish.
Long or short?
In addition to selecting a rod with the correct weight, you’ll need to choose the right length. The general consensus is that longer rods put more pressure on the fish during the fight. The depth of the water can affect the length, too. If you’re fishing in a river or stream with high water, a longer rod is easier to control than a short one.
For example, a five foot rod could be perfect for fishing in a stream when the water level is low. After a big rain, though, you may want to use a longer rod, say around 6 ½ feet. In fact, it’s a good idea to take both when you head to the river to fish, just in case the water is higher or lower than you expected.
Cheap or Expensive?
Fishing rods can range in price from the very cheap to the very expensive. If you choose a rod from a quality manufacturer, $50 to $80 should buy you a good, serviceable freshwater fishing rod. If your budget can handle it, buy more than one rod so you have options if the water conditions change or you decide to go after a different type of fish.
Once you decide which fishing rod is right for you, pay attention to the manufacturer. Most manufacturers offer several different types of rods, suitable for many different types of fish. The next time you buy a fishing rod, then, you can go straight to the same company and know you’re buying quality. A quality rod means better fishing, and that’s the point, right? Right.
