Choosing the Right Fishing Rod With Hook & Reel

When choosing the correct fishing rod, it’s important to consider the type of fishing you will be doing. Will you be flyfishing or bass fishing? Different types of fishing rods have been refined over the years to perfectly match with every known type of fishing. There are two characteristics that all fishing rod designs have in common. Except for fly rods, all rods will either be a spinning or baitcasting rod and every rod should have the strength and size for the specific kind of fishing you will be doing.

Spinning Rods and Baitcasting Rods

The main difference between a baitcasting rod and a spinning rod is the type of reel that is used. A casting rod takes a baitcasting reel that looks like a small winch attached to the top of the handle. Spinning rods are equipped with an underslung or open-faced spinning reel that features a revolving bail that winds the line. These rods are also available in any length or level of strength and flexibility. Rod selection often comes down to the reel and fishing type you prefer to do.

Length, Power, and Strength

Weight and action are terms that are commonly used when describing and discussing a rod’s strength and power. Action describes the location on the rod where the bend occurs, while weight describes how easy a rod can bend. When trying to select a rod to use, and you are unsure about the right weight, consider how heavy the lures you will be using are. If you plan on using heavier lures, then a heavier weight rod is what you will need. When it comes to action, there are three common rod actions:

• Fast Action - Rods only bend in the top third of the blank; good for soft plastics
• Slow Action - Begins in the lower third of the blank; like crankbait rods
• Moderate action - The rod will bend in the top half; similar to bass rods

Compared to weight and action, length is a more straightforward consideration, but it all still comes down to how you are fishing, the lures you are casting, and the techniques you plan to use. For example, super long rods are used for surf fishing where casting distance is crucial.

Rod Material

Rod materials have a big impact on performance, so knowing which type of material to choose will have a huge effect on the success of your fishing trip. Fishing rods are generally made out of three types of materials: graphite, fiberglass, or composite. Graphite rods have been in use since the 1970s and offer a lightweight but stiff feel. One of the great things about graphite rods is that they are sensitive to bites. Fiberglass rods have been around for ages, offering reliable durability. These rods are great for beginners because of their ability to withstand ripping, tugging, and other harsh movements. Composite rods are a mixture of both graphite and fiberglass. These rods are perfect for the fisherman who puts performance above all else.

Ready to go fishing? Check out Hook and Reel Charters right outside of Delacroix and sponsored by DAIWA Rod and Reels.