Basics of Fishing Rods

Fishing rods come in a wide range of lengths, actions and weights.

They’re as important as any other tools of our fishing equipment. By understanding all the important aspects of the rods will definitely enhance your fishing pleasure.

Basically, a rod not only acts as an extension of the angler’s arm, but also helps the angler to cast, set the hook, retrieve line and fight the fish. Choosing a well-balanced piece is also very important to allow the angler to fish longer without being tired.

Modern rods are made of fiberglass, graphite or a combination of both materials. Fiberglass rods are tough and durable. They tend to soften after longer periods of use which is well-loved by many seasoned anglers. Graphite rods are light, easy to maintain and much sensitive to fish-bites. Rods made from a combination of fiberglass-graphite materials are excellent. They’re lightweight, sensitive and much durable.

Finally, graphite and fiberglass materials are cheap, which manufacturers of fishing equipment are able to produce affordable fishing rods.

Rod Length

The length of a rod, long or short must be considered, when buying one. It all comes to many aspects such as the places you’re going to fish, the type of fishing or the fish that you’re targeting.

A long rod allows you to cast farther with less effort than a shorter rod. Where pin-point casts is needed a longer rod is a better option. It’s easier to present the lure or bait to the target with much accuracy with a long rod. Where space is limited like places with thick overhanging trees and fishing on small fishing boats, long rod is out. For surf fishing and popping, long rods are needed.

However, short rods are easier to handle and transport. For confined places, short rods work best. They’re easier for short casts and less effort when fighting large, aggressive fish. Short rods are often preferred on a boat. They’ve more lifting power for monsters, as well as easy to handle where space is limited on a boat. Jigging rods are short.

Rod Action

A rod’s action refers to how it bends, when put under pressure. Rod’s action is divided into 4 categories: extra-fast, fast, medium or moderate, and slow.

Extra-fast ~ Rod bends mostly at the top part

Fast ~ Rod bends at the upper 1/ 3 part

Medium/Moderate ~ Rod bends at the upper half

Slow ~ Rod bends full length

All fishing rods have different actions which are designed for different applications. The choice of action depends on what the angler prefers and comfortable with. What defines action is about the sensitivity of a rod. Generally, a fast-action rod is more sensitive detecting fish, and will be able to cast accurately than a slow-action rod. For easy setting of hook into hard-mouthed fish, fast-action rod is top. In saltwater fishing, medium to fast-action rods are much preferred. Their stiffness and sensitivity are just right for overcoming strong, fast and hard-fighting fish.

Slow-action rods are much suitable for catching bait and panfish. They’re often means for gentle casting soft baits, such as worms, salmon eggs, maggots, crickets or even bread.

Moderate or medium action rods are best recommended for beginners. Such rods are easier to manage when you are just learning to cast.

Rod Weight

Rod weights are all about the strength or power of a rod. They’re listed clearly on every rod by the manufacturers. It’s not standardize, it vary from one manufacturer to another. They’re divided into 6 classes: ultralight, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra heavy.

Choose the right rod weight for the right purpose on your mind. First, you need to know the type of fish you’re targeting, and the size and strength of the fish. The size of the bait or lures to be used also must be considered when picking the correct rod weight. And at the same time you’ll also consider the line strength.

Choosing the right fishing rods for all your purposes can be quite a mind-blowing experience, especially if you’re beginners. But if you take sometime off to learn first about certain important features of rod, you won’t go wrong in your selection.

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