Here’s a Quick Way to Choose a Fishing Rod

The fishing industry has many fast-growing segments, and one of these is the fishing rods. The major brands offer new lines while new manufacturers are joining the party every season. This is good for new anglers since the competition offers them a lot of affordable but high-quality rods.

However, with tons of good fishing rods to choose from, buying one is downright confusing. Each manufacturer has different terminology, and while most rods are technique specific. For instance, a good spinnerbait rod for an angler can be a better worm rod for another.

To help you choose, below are the three major fishing rod metrics:

Action

Most anglers overlook this metric. Action is measured from slow to extra-fast, and this metric is critical to the rod’s overall performance. 

Action describes where the rod bends along the blank’s length. Slower actions bend around the butt, and faster actions bend around the tip. Faster action means more sensitivity to rods, and slower action means more forgiving. 

Faster action is best for finesse techniques and applications that require feel, while moderate actions are good for moving baits that need forgiveness. If you fish a drop shot using a crankbait rod, chances are, you miss a bite, and if you try cranking using an extra-fast worm rod, you will lose more fish.

Length

This is the most obvious metric. Length is the measurement of the rod from tip to butt. The length affects the casting distance, hook set leverage, and accuracy. 

Longer rods, over seven feet, will cast farther than shorter rods of equivalent action and power. On the other hand, shorter rods, under seven feet, are more accurate.

Moreover, longer rods offer more support on the hook since they use up more lines while swinging. If you need more distance on cast or leverage, then get a longer rod. Meanwhile, you will need a shorter rod if you are fishing tight covers, such as brush and docks.

Power

The rod’s power (measured by extra-light to extra-heavy) is often confused with sensitivity. It is the measure of the rod’s strength or how much weight can bend it.

To light hurts the distance and accuracy, while too heavy will cause decreased efficiency and backlash issues. The power rating translates to the lure weight, and line ratings are often found on the rod’s sides.

Types of fishing rods

Fishing rods come in two general types, with modifications based on certain species and environments.

Casting rods

These rods have a guide over their blank, allowing you to better place your cast with more precision. It comes in either spincasting or baitcasting models, matching either reel type. The main difference between spin casting rods and baitcasting rods is the guide size near the reel seat.

Since the fishing line runs from the baitcasting reel differently, a smaller guide size will better accommodate the path.

Spinning rods

These rods are typically lighter and smaller compared to their casting counterparts and made to house spinning reels. The guides of the spinning rods are set on the bottom, making it the best choice for new anglers as they are comfortable and easier to use. Moreover, these rods are ultra-light.

Fishing is fun if you are getting many bites. If you get very few bites to none, you must be using the wrong fishing rod!