Purchasing the right fishing rod is such a great investment for successful fishing. Whether you are a professional fisherman or a beginner, never overlook the importance of a fishing rod. Besides, this tool aids you in casting your bait accurately in a precise location for more fun bites and catches.
You know how embarrassing it can be to confuse collisions, snags, and hang-ups with bites. So, owning the right rod and a quality one is advantageous.
Buying a reliable fishing rod can be a daunting process. This is due to the sheer number of options available in the market. Luckily, here is a buying guide to assist you in making an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod
Never be in haste when looking for a fishing rod. Although you may view it as a simple tool, a fishing rod will determine your fishing capabilities. So, check out the below considerations to help you pick a fulfilling fishing rod.
Rod Material
Fishing rods are made from various materials. You can get fiberglass ones, graphite rods, or a combination of both, called composite. Remember, the rod’s material is what will determine the performance. Ensure you have enough knowledge about each rod material to pick what will serve you perfectly.
Length of the Fishing Rod
A long rod gives you a greater casting distance and is ideal for deep casting. However, this rod type is suitable for expert anglers.
If you are a beginner, you can go for a short one to enjoy full control.
Action
Rod action is how the rod bends when casting for a catch, and it’s determined by the shape and material of the rod. The three types of fishing rod actions include heavy/fast, medium, and slow.
The fast action rods bend from the upper part just below the tip for fast action. Such rods pull excellently and are more sensitive for immediately sending vibration to your hand. Also, it is quick to snap back when setting your hook.
Medium action rods provide excellent hook capabilities. This is because they bend halfway to the tip. Medium action rods also operate well with multiple hooks, and they can catch big and small fish in different waters. Lastly, the slow action rods bend around the butt, and they are the best for small lures.
Cost
If you fish as a hobby, you can go for a cheaper one that can serve you well.
On the other hand, if you are a professional angler, be ready to spend a good amount of money. But, it is good to have a budget to choose what you can afford from the many available options today.
Types of Fishing Rods
Here are different types of fishing rods in the market…
Spinning Rods
Are you struggling to land on fish as a beginner? A spinning rod is here for you. It’s a popular fishing rod that perfectly works with a spinning reel found just below the rod, whereas the line guides are at the bottom side.
Spinning rods differ; you must buy one depending on your target fish species. These fishing rods are good for beginner and expert anglers and can be used for various fish species. However, spinning rods are suitable for lighter lures.
Surf Rods
Surf rods are some of the best saltwater fishing rods on the market today and are celebrated for their significant casting distance, which makes them ideal fishing tools for large species. Surf fishing rods come in different lengths and strengths. Their reels can be spinning or conventional, and some have an extended butt section.
The reel seat and line guides of a surf rod are non-corrosive, so you’ll never experience rust or saltwater damage.
Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods require knowledge and experience; that’s why they are for intermediate or expert anglers. Additionally, they differ in strength and length, and the baitcasting reels hang on the upper side of the rod.
This rod can handle a lot because the line guides are positioned on the rod’s upper side. Many people use these rods when fighting heavy fish, as their speed is impressive.
Telescopic Rods
Telescopic rods are standard among surf anglers, backcountry anglers, and fishermen who enjoy traveling with their rods. This is because they are collapsible, so transportation is never a hassle.
The only disadvantage is that dirt can access the inside, causing wear and tear with time. But you can prevent this by cleaning your rod regularly.
Telescopic fishing rods come in various lengths, so you can opt for one if you are always fishing in deep waters. However, be careful because some may not be strong compared to other rods.
Fly Rods
Fly fishing rods are incomparable as they are lighter than any other rod type. You can purchase one if you are cast all day long because they are comfortable.
These rods are used with fly reels that are located below the handle, while the line guides are next to the rod blank.
Fly fishing rods allow you to fish freely with speed, as they don’t come with a butt section. They come with snake eyes to control the fly line for effortless fishing.
Which Rod Material Should I Choose?
When choosing a fishing rod, you must be sure of rod materials. This is what will determine your rod’s performance. So, having an idea will enhance your fishing capabilities.
Let’s look at the different types of rod materials and how they perform.
Modulus
A rod with a high modulus can’t stretch far compared to lower modulus materials.
The reason is that rods with high modulus are stiffer, reducing their weight. So, to stretch further, you can buy a fishing rod with lower modulus material.
Additionally, high modulus rods don’t break easily and are for experienced anglers due to their superiority in strength combined with outstanding action to catch big fish.
Graphite
Graphite fishing rods are lighter than fiberglass rods and have existed since the 1970s. It is easy to notice this rod material due to the IM6, IM7, and IM8 markers. This is what identifies the stiffness/modulus of a rod, for instance, an IM8 rod is stiffer than an IM6 rod.
It’s usually fun to use these graphite rods as they are light with high sensitivity to bites. They got a fast action for more robust hook sets. Unfortunately, they are a bit pricy and more brittle.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass fishing rods are strong and can serve you for many years. Not only are they affordable, but they are also easy to use. If you are a novice angler, this is the ideal rod to fulfill your fishing needs.
Fiberglass fishing rods are also reliable when you are struggling with fish. The only downside is that they are pliable.
Composite
If you are an experienced angler, composite material rods can be perfect for your fishing needs. They result from mixing graphite, fiberglass materials, or other fibers. Further, they are highly sensitive compared to fiberglass but can’t beat graphite when it comes to the power of lifting large and heavy fish.
These rods are versatile, so you can comfortably fish in different waters. Though expensive, these composite material rods are worth the price as they get fish aboard.
Conclusion
This article is a guideline on how to choose the right fishing rod. Be keen as it elaborates on the different types of rods, vital factors to consider, and the rod materials you can consider.
This informative piece will ease buying a fishing rod that suits you. For sure, with the right fishing equipment, you will have confidence when going fishing. Enjoy and have fun!
Tickled Tails 