Choosing the right fishing rod is critical to your angling success. We all know how frustrating it is too walk into your local or online Fishing tackle superstore and see the 17,000 rods looming in front of you. You have no idea where to start and when you ask for help 1 of 2 things happens. Either your treated like an outcast for daring to ask a question as you get lectured on how your not a true angler. Or the high school student is more interested in texting his girlfriend then helping you pick out a fishing Rod. Well now you can relax, kick your feet up, and shop in peace as this article outlines everything you need to know to pick the right rod.
What are you fishing for? The species your fishing for greatly affects the rod that you choose. The logic is fairly simple and as a rule of thumb think; bigger fish, bigger rod; smaller fish, smaller rod. Also each species generally has its own line of rods specifically designed for it. For example you can find rods built just for bass, salmon, or tuna. Determine what your fishing for and where you will be fishing and choose accordingly.
Are you fishing 3 times a week or 3 times a year? The amount you fish is also going to determine the rod you pick. The more you fish the higher quality of rod you want to get. If your just starting off, you don’t need to spend as much as a lower quality rod will suit you fine. Determine how much your going to fish and pick a rod that matches your commitment.
Are you a spinner or a caster? This decision is dependent upon personal preference and the type of fishing that you are going to do. A lot of bass angler choose to go with a light to medium size baitcasting set up. But if your targeting large saltwater species your going to need a heavier conventional reel and a heavier rod to match it. Most fishing Rod and reel manufacturers these days offer matching rods and reels that are built to handle whatever type of fishing you want to persue. Its important to match your reel to the fish your targeting and then match your rod to size and style of reel you choose.
Choose a rod that fits your individual fishing style. Everybody has their own style of fishing and type of fishing that they prefer. People who love casting and retrieving, should choose a reel that is built for casting. Anglers that prefer still fishing or trolling should choose a rod that will perform for your favorite type of fishing. Choosing the right action,sensitivity and size are easy if you know what type of fisherman you are and what type of fishing your going to do. Pick a rod that matches your style of fishing and you’ll be one happy angler.
This article is meant to be a solid introduction to the art of selecting the right fishing rod. The more you fish the more knowledgable you’ll become. By applying the basic principles outlined in this article you can take the guesswork out of buying a fishing rod. If you want more technical advice or have a question about a specific rod or reel email us at hooked@everydayfishing.com.
