Finding
a good fishing rod starts with three basic considerations: your experience, your
preferred way of fishing and the type of fish you are after. You then have a choice
of several styles of rods to get the job done.
There
are two main types of rods--baitcasting and spinning.
The type of rod you buy depends as much on the reel you buy as the type of fishing
that you plan to do.
Baitcasting
rods
The
reel and line are seated on top of the rod
A
trigger grip lets you hold the rod securely while
releasing thethumb bar/line release
Spincasting
reels generally match up best with baitcasting and casting rods because they sit
on top of the rod are are designed to fit this way
Spinning
rods
Spinning
rods use a spinning or spincasting reel. These rods have three main differences
from casting rods.
The
reel hangs from the bottom of the reel seat, and
the line guides are on the bottom as well
The
handle length is balanced against the rod's length
Triggers
are not used on spinning rods
Length
and weight
This
depends of the type of fish that you want to catch
Typically,
the bigger the fish, the longer the cast so the longer the rod
Lure
and line weight
The
heavier the lure and line, the longer and heavier the pole that you should buy
Action
Action describes
the way a rod is designed to perform when casting or reeling in a fish
It also relates to the lure or bait you need and the strength of the reel that
should be used
Most
manufacturers use terms such as ultra-light, light, medium-heavy or heavy
The
smaller the fish, the lighter the action that you'll need; the heavier the fish,
the heavier the action that you should buy
Materials/Construction
Most
rods today are made from either graphite or fiberglass, or a composition of these
two materials.
Graphite
Graphite has been
refined over the years to provide lighter, more flexible rods that give you "sensitivity,"
a big plus in feeling when a fish begins to nibble on your bait
This
material is also strong enough to land a larger fish
Fiberglass
Fiberglass provides
more durability than graphite but sacrifices some sensitivity and is heavier than
graphite
Composites
New composite
rods give you the best of both graphite and fiberglass--the durability of fiberglass
combined with the lightweight, power and sensitivity of graphite
Grips
Pistol grip
A pistol grip
is the shortest type of grip
It
is contored to the shape of your hand with a hook for your index finger
This
hook helps in casting more accurately
Triggerstick
A longer triggerstick
is used for two-handed, longer casts
Materials
Materials come
in two general styles - cork or EVA foam
Cork
is a traditional material that has a good feel and solid grip
EVA
foam offers more durability because it is more resistant to temperature changes
and water wear
Guides
Line guides can
be made of plastic, metal or ceramic, listed from least to best quality. These
circles are positioned to the rod's shaft to control fishing line.
In
casting rods, line guides are positioned on top of the rod. They are smaller to
reduce the play in the line and allow for easier casting and quicker retrieve.
Spinning
rods place the line guides on the rod's bottom. These guides get larger toward
the base of the rod.
The
number of line guides is determined by the rod's length
If
you are new to fishing, combos are a great way to start because manufacturers
match the right reel with the right rod. They usually even put the right line
on the reel for you.
All
you need to do is determine the type of fishing that you want to do and then find
the combo that best suits your needs
Like
anything else, the more features in a combo, as well as the more quality components,
the more you will pay. A good combo, though, can provide a lifetime of fun.
MyOAN! Welcome Tour
How
To Buy Freshwater Fishing Rods
