Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

November 29th, 2009 Posted in Boating

Buying the right fishing rod seems like it should be a simple job. If you’re only looking for a starter rod and reel combo, it can be. However, if you have reached a point where you understand the need for different rods to suit different fishing purposes, it can become difficult. One way to become completely overwhelmed is to shop at a fishing retail store and attempt to choose one rod out of their huge inventory.

Just recognizing that spending a lot of money on a rod won’t automatically buy you just what you need is a good starting point. Technology lets producers create first-rate graphite rods at very reasonable prices. Many quality rods produced by name brand companies can be bought for less than $80, and many have some sort of warranty.

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.

Rod specifications are fortunately not a mystery. In fact, the facts about your rod are printed at the rod blank which is located near the handle of the rod. This label will include information such as lure size, line weight and other information that will help you make a sound decision before you purchase a rod. Bluefish require a heavier line – something in the 20-lb test range and medium sized bass fishing something much lighter – more in the 10-lb range. Keeping these things in mind will help you find the perfect fishing rod.

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.

Rod ratings also include information about lure weights. The heavier the rod, the larger the lure it will hold. If you purchase a rod that is designed to hold a lure not more than 1/4 of an ounce and you try putting a 1 1/3 ounce lure on it, what’s like likely to happen is you’re going to break the tip of your rod off (or best case, just break your line on casting). Remember, the heavier the lure your rod is labeled for the thicker in diameter it will be and the heavier it will be.

River-bank fishing, stream-bank fishing and boat-fishing all have different rod length requirements. The shorter rods (8 feet maximum) are the best rods for boat fishing as they allow you greater control. River-bank fishing requires the longest rod (upwards of twelve feet) while stream-bank fishing requires something in the middle. Failure to get the right length rod for the type of fishing you are going to do can cause a number of issues that will ruin your fishing pleasure.

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 Reel, and Daiwa BG 90.