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Fishing Rods

Click on a link below to learn more about a specific type of fishing rod or search for that type. Otherwise, if you need more help making a decision about how and what to buy, skip down and read through the buying guide. !

Buying a Fishing Rod

Choosing a rod is not as simple as running to the department store and grabbing the first pole you see. There are several different types, each with their own features and purpose. Buying the correct rod will ensure that you have the best fishing experience possible (scarcity of fish aside, of course). This guide lays out the basics for any fishing rod. You'll want to buy something catered to the sort of fishing you expect to do most, for which you should consult the Freshwater Fishing Rods buying guides linked above, among others, when you're done with this one. @tableofcontents(omitlevel1)

The Basics

Before deciding what type of rod you will need, let's get the basics straight. * Rod Length: A rod is a pole, which on average, is six feet long. * Material: It is invariably made of a strong, but flexible material, either bamboo, graphite or fiberglass. * On the rod you will find: ** A '''grip''' (or handle) made of either cork or neoprene foam. The best type is constructed "through the handle" instead of being glued on. ** A '''reel seat''' (for securing the reel) is made of molded plastic or graphite. ** '''Ferrules''' look like joints. These are where the sections of the rod screw together. These are true only on rods that require assembly (don't worry, it's not hard). Some rods have two sections, while others may have more. ** '''Guides''' are small metal rings attached all along the rod from the grip to the tip. The fishing line threads through them in a straight line, thus being "guided" to where it needs to go. * Action: The purpose of the rod is to support and guide the fishing line, acting as a buffer that absorbs the tension created when a fish bites. ** Action is determined in great part by the rod's weight and flexibility. ** If there is too much tension on the line, it will break. ** Likewise, if the pole is too flexible, it can break.

The Details

Rod Length

Rods length typically ranges from 6 to 12 feet. Choosing the right length will depend on what type of fishing you plan to do, what fish you are aiming to catch, the location where you fish and the water type. Another factor that will determine how to choose length is your own experience, strength and build. Here are a few quick recommendations to give you an idea about length: * A beginner should start off with a rod that's short enough to help with control and the development of technique, but long enough to give a good casting distance (8-9 feet long). * Small children will need a shorter rod because of their height. * In wooded areas, or those with a lot of surrounding brush, choose a shorter rod. * In wide open spaces, where you would be most likely to fly fish, choose a longer rod. * To catch larger, more aggressive fish you will need a stronger, shorter rod.

Material

* Bamboo rods vary most in price, as they run from inexpensive to quite pricey. * Graphite rods will cost a bit more and are usually preferred by advanced anglers due to their superior strength and lightness. ** Modulus is a typical term that you will hear when referring to graphite rods. It has to do with the stiffness of the rod or the rod's blank, which is the core of the rod. The higher the modulus (starting at 33 million for a mid-modulus rod and at 50 million for a high one), the stiffer, lighter, more sensitive and more fragile the rod. ** The blank (or core construction) is made up of a combination of graphite, scrim and resin. ** The scrim holds the graphite (or fiberglass) together. It will have an effect on the overall weight of the rod.

Action

The "action" of a rod can be roughly translated to "flexibility and strength." Much of the action has to do with the rod diameter; the thicker the rod, the less likely it will bend under pressure. The more action a rod has, the more giving it is. Below are the common levels of action. * Ultra Light: Good for small fish, such as crappie and, recently, trout. ** '''Length''': These tend to be short rods (4thin. ** '''Bait and Line''': The bait load should be no more than 4 grams (1/328 lbs.). Total load should be no more than 8 lbs. * Light: Often used for perch fishing. ** '''Line''': Fine for 8lb. line. ** '''Lures''': 1/16 to 5/16 oz. * Medium Heavy: Can be used for large fish and baits, such as bass or catfish. ** '''Line''': Fine for 8lb. line. ** '''Lures''': 3/16 to 1/2 oz. * Heavy: Good for aggressive game fish. Use for large bait. These are heavy, thick rods, similar in strength to pool cues. ** '''Line''': Fine for 15lb. line. ** '''Lures''': Up to 1.5 oz. Most people would recommend actually going to a fishing supply store to purchase a rod so that you can test it out before buying. If you have the opportunity to go and see what is available, try a few things to test the rods. These are some suggestions by users at eHow.com: * Bring a friend to test for rod sensitivity. Hold the rod at the grip and have a friend place the rod tip on his or her throat and talk. If you can feel the vibration, the rod has good sensitivity (also called "fishability"). * Hold the rod in the middle with one hand. With the other bend the tip and watch the direction that the guides veer toward. If it bends a lot one way or the other, you will know how casting and high winds and tension will sway the rod.

Pricing Rods

Price is a major consideration for most people and will play a large part in the quality of the rod. If you are a serious fisherman, whether for personal sport or in competition, it will ultimately be worth it to go with the best rod you can afford. Depending on the type of fishing you do, prices could differ. But generally expect to spend up to less than $60 to start. !

Major Manufacturers

* Abu Garcia * All Star * BW Sports * Browning * Castaway * Cortland Line * Hodgman * Martin * Okuma * Shakespeare * Shimano * St. Croix * Tica * Zebco !