Which Rod to Use?
Learn about fishing rods is important because fishing rods vary. Selecting the right rod to use depends on the type of fish you plan on catching. Our Fishtopia section has valuable information on various fish and their characteristics. Rods are specially designed for very specific purposes. For example, if you are fishing for pan fish, an ultra-light rod would be preferred. Fishing for larger fish such as northern pike or muskies requires a medium-heavy to heavy duty action rod.
As you learn about fishing rods, remember these tips. Ultra-light weight rods generally run about 5 ½ – 6 feet long. Medium-heavy to heavy duty rods can run around 6 ½ – 7 feet long. Ultra-light rods are just that, they are light weight. Heavy weight rods are used when fishing for larger fish because they are stronger made of graphite or fiberglass so that it won’t break easily. However, we are starting to see more heavy duty rods made out of light weight material.
Lighter weight rods are sensitive to the fishes touch making it easy to feel when the fish hits your bait.
Before you visit a sporting good store, decide the type of fish you want to catch. It will make the selection process easier as you will narrow your search for rods.
Not only are you selecting a rod that is designed around the type of fish you plan on catching, you are also selecting a rod based on the type of reel you plan on using. The type of fish you plan on catching, the type of reel and rod you plan on using all correlates together. Review our Fishing Reel section to learn more about the types of reels to use.
Learning about fishing rods includes the many components to a rod. All rods are equipped with generally the same components, the rod, guides, rod tip, hook keeper, reel seat, and the handle.
There are hundreds of fishing rods to choose from and their made out of different types of material and the costs of these rods range dramatically.
ROD – As mentioned above, rods are made of various types of material like graphite or fiberglass. Depending on your preference and species of the fish you want to catch determines the length and diameter of the rod.
Most rods don’t come apart for ease in traveling, however, we are starting to see more and more rods designed in two pieces. If you have a two piece rod, it is joined together by a ferrule.
GUIDES – Guides are strategically placed on a rod and is where the fishing line is threaded through. The guides decrease in size as they move up toward the tip of the rod. There are two parts to the guide; the foot which connects to the fishing rod and the loop, which sticks out from the rod. Guides should line up with each other as this will help with the flow of the line from the reel. I tend to check the guides frequently when I fish because sometimes the strength of the fish can adjust the guides. When that happens, the fishing line won’t flow evenly.
ROD TIP – Rod tips are located at the top of the rod. You must be very careful with the tip as they can break easily. The rod tips are the most vulnerable part of the fishing rod because of the fact that they can get damaged easily when stepped on or being rammed against an object due to not watching where one is walking. This has happened to me a few times. Not being very careful, the next thing you know you have damaged your rod.
HOOK KEEPER – Hook keepers are designed to give you a safe place to hold your hook and prevent an accidental injury. Generally they are located toward the lower part of your rod before the reel. Some anglers tend to use the “guide” as a place to store your hook. I would recommend you using either as it’s always better to be safe. Having your hook dangling when not in use can cause an injury.
REEL SEAT – The reel seat is located above the handle. It is designed so that the reel sits on it, hence, a reel seat. Different types of reel seats hold different types of reels. It really depends on the type of fish you will be catching. Reel seats also hang from the bottom of the rod. A spinning reel hangs at the bottom of the reel seat. The last part of a rod is the handle. The handle is the anchor to the fishing rod.
HANDLE – The handle of the fishing rod is where you hold the rod. There are different types of handles that are defined by the type of rod you will be using. Rods that are used for Casting (with Bait Casting Reels and heavier bait/lures) generally have longer handles because you need to use both hands when casting. Rods used for Spinning (with Spincast Reels) have a shorter handle because they are generally lighter weight rods and you can use one hand when casting. Most rod handles are made of cork or foam.
There is so much involved when learning to fish. I hope the information provided to you above can help you as you start your fishing adventures.
