How to Choose a Good Quality Fishing Rod
Deciding on what rod to pick for your fishing can be a tough ask, especially for the very first time. For many anglers, price certainly ranks high among factors to consider. But is the price the most important factor when choosing a good quality fishing rod?
Price is important, but not the ultimate factor. The type of fish and fishing environment or style certainly plays a big role. Other than these, the material also matters. What else do you need to pick the right rod?
Here is an easy guide.
The Blank
Contents
The ‘Blank‘ is just what you see as the rod’s outline. It is structured to allow for rod features like power. The right blank is firm enough to hold weight but flexible enough not to snap. Power and action are two qualities a good rod should have and that comes as part of the blank.
Right material: Graphite, Fiberglass or Composite?
Material is one half of all you need to focus on when opting for any item. Fishing rods are no different. Do you want a graphite tool? Or will fiberglass or composite do?
To pick a rod of the right material means that you need to know about the different types manufacturers use.
Graphite and fiberglass both offer unique qualities and their use very much depends on these properties. Choose one over the other based on your fishing style and preferences.
Note this:
Graphite is preferred by many anglers for its great tensile strength. Another property is something we call modulus (a term that relates to how stiff the material is). Pick graphite rods depending on their modulus. Remember, extremely stiff rods aren’t what you need if you fancy crankbaits.
Fiberglass provides flexibility and stoutness. This material is a favorite of anglers looking at cranking or situations that require medium-to-slow action.
Composite as the term suggests, is a combination of graphite and fiberglass. Choose this type of rod if you like trying different fishing setups.
What length of a fishing rod is right?
You are looking for a fishing rod because you want to go fishing, right? In other words, you have assessed what you need and have an idea of what it is. So, what rod- in terms of casting distance do you need? While at that, also consider two aspects: rod action and rod power.
Fishing rods measure from 6 to 10 feet. The length that fits you depends on how far you wish to cast. For example, pier fishing will certainly benefit from an 8’+ rod, while catching small fish in a shallow river would be okay with a shorter fishing rod.
Action
Look at the rod- does it have a smooth bend? This is what we call “Action.” Apply some weight at the tip and it bends. In rod speak; action is one of three things: fast, moderate, slow.
If the bend takes ¼ of blank, that’s fast action. For a moderate action, the bend is one half of the rod. But if you only find the rod bends 1/3, it’s slow action. An angler will pick the moderate action for crankbaits and fast action for long casts.
Another thing to consider is Taper– the rod’s diameter or thickness. How thick that blank is affecting the action.
Power
Fishing is about the strength of the equipment vis-à-vis the weight of the catch. That is power and it can be light, medium or heavy. How much load determines your choice. In short, look for a power rating for the type of rod available for that type of fish.
For instance, smaller fish, lightweight rods, much bigger fish for heavier rods (Catfish and Muskies).
Bottom Line
You cannot catapult yourself into a hotshot angler just based on any rod. You need the right tools and choosing a quality fishing rod makes room for that to happen. I hope the above tips can help you do that.
- How to Choose a Good Quality Fishing Rod - April 30, 2020
- Top 5: Great Multitools for Fishing - December 2, 2019
- How to Catch Fish in River - September 16, 2019
