Buying A New Fishing Rod

The right type of fishing rod is one of the most critical but sometimes underestimated components of catching fish. Your success depends heavily on setting your bait precisely where you want it without scaring the fish away.

Although a high-quality fishing rod may not guarantee you a spot in the Bassmaster Classic, a poor fishing rod will make it more difficult for you to catch fish. The ability to detect bites is one of the most critical functions of a quality fishing rod. Snags and hang-ups might be mistaken for bites if you’re not using the right type of fishing rod, which is never enjoyable and can be humiliating.

Before you go out and purchase a fishing rod, here are five things to consider.

Rod Length

The length is the first thing to be considered when purchasing a new fishing rod. Most fishing rods are between 6 and 8 feet long, measured from tip to butt, and they may vary in length from 4 feet to 14 feet. As a general rule of thumb, longer rods throw further, and shorter rods are better for casting short distances.

What is the importance of this? Shorter rods are ideal when you’re fishing in close quarters and don’t need to cast a long way. For kayak fishermen who want to conserve space or anglers trolling for walleye or other species, shorter rods are often preferred. Longer fishing rods allow anglers to cover more water and cast further. Power fishing response baits, like deep diving crankbaits, may be used with these. Longer rods are typically used by saltwater fishermen casting from piers or the surf. Anglers targeting bass will use a longer rod to cover water with walking baits or other techniques.

Rod Material

The most common materials used to make fishing rods are Graphite, fiberglass, or a mix of the two. They are lighter and stiffer than fiberglass rods but break more often than graphite. Because of their fragile texture and reduced mass, they are more sensitive to even the tiniest of bites. Some fiberglass rods are entirely indestructible. At the same time, others have a greater degree of flexibility. Anglers who fish in various locales and situations will appreciate the versatility of a rod with a mix of these materials.

Rod Power

A fishing rod must have a certain amount of power to bend a fishing rod. It is simpler to bend a rod with greater force, frequently referred to as taper or weight. Your baits won’t operate correctly unless they have the right amount of power and movement. Powerful muscles make the backbone sturdier, which makes it less prone to bending.

For fishing, you’ll need a more powerful rod. More bend in a light or ultralight rod means you can more readily detect a bite from smaller species like perch and panfish. Crankbaits, jerk baits, and spinnerbaits may be paired with medium-power rods for more reaction-based baits like crankbaits, jerk baits, and spinnerbaits. Jigs, top-waters, frogs, and other presentations that need less rod bend are best fished with stronger power rods.

Rod Action

The place where the rod bends is best characterized as the point of action. The tip of a “quick” action rod bends closer to the handle, whereas the butt of a “slow” action rod bends further away. Most bass fishermen prefer faster action rods because they have a sturdier backbone and are better suited to handle larger, more aggressive fish.

Using an ultralight fishing rod on larger species provides an exhilarating fishing experience. Since the lighter rod gives you more but less power, use quicker action rods for baits with a single hook that demands stronger, harder hooksets. You’ll get the best results when fishing using treble hooks and slow-action rods.

Rod Handles Cork, foam, or a mix is the most common handle material for a fishing line. There is no right or wrong answer regarding the feel of an angler’s handle. You may pick between a longer or shorter handle depending on how far you want to cast. A longer handle makes it easier for the fisherman to hold the rod with both hands while casting further distances with the rod.

A fishing rod with a shorter handle makes rolled and one-handed casting easier. If you’re looking to cast at a short distance, you may want to consider a “pistol” grip, which allows you to throw more precisely while reducing the weight of the rod.