Follow this guide for everything you need to know about how to choose a fishing rod.
Fishing rods are pretty simple, right? I mean, they’re just long poles with lines attached to them.
Not exactly.
All kinds of different fishing rods exist, and choosing the right one can be a tricky task. And this really does matter, because the type of fishing you use will make a major difference to your fishing experience. It will even play a role in determining how “lucky” you are when catching fish!
So before you just grab any old rod and start casting, here is everything you need to know about how to choose a fishing rod for your needs.
Main Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod
Before you choose a fishing rod, you need to consider a couple of things. Most importantly, you need to know what type of fishing you’re planning to do, what type of fish you’re targeting, and where you plan to catch them.
Maybe you’re looking to land a freshwater trout, or maybe you just want a multipurpose rod for your camping trips. Whatever the case, here are a few essential factors to keep in mind when choosing a fishing rod.
What Type of Fishing Will You Do?
Different types of fishing require different types of rods. Determine what type of fishing you plan to do, and choose a rod specifically designed for that. This could be freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, or more.
Alternatively, you can choose a multipurpose fishing rod that can suit a variety of different fishing conditions.
Fishing Rod Length
Rod length should be determined by the type of fishing and your height. As a rule of thumb, people generally choose a rod that is at least as tall as themselves. Although, this is not an exact science.
There’s always a trade-off when choosing fishing rod length. Longer rods can cast further, but they’re more difficult to maneuver. Shorter rods don’t offer as much reach, but they’re great for things like kayak fishing, or taking along on hiking trips. Shorter fishing rods also offer better performance when trying to reel in big, heavy fish.
Consider how far you need to cast, how easily you need to handle the fish, and how you plan to carry the rod around.
Power and Action
The power of a rod refers to its strength, and the action refers to where the bend occurs on the rod. When choosing a fishing rod, considering the action of the rod is important for determining the type of fishing you will be doing and the fish species you will be targeting.
Let’s break this down:
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- Fast action: These rods bend mainly at the tip and are best for making long casts with lighter lures or baits. They are ideal for catching predatory fish that chase their prey, such as bass and pike.
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- Medium action: Medium action fishing rods bend in the upper third of the rod, providing a good balance of casting distance and sensitivity. They are suitable for a variety of fishing techniques and are a good choice for a general-purpose rod. These are ideal for beginners.
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- Slow action: Slow, or light, action rods bend throughout their length and are best for presenting delicate baits and lures and detecting subtle bites. They are ideal for catching fish that feed on the bottom, such as catfish and crappie.
Line and Lure Ratings
When choosing a fishing rod, it’s important to consider the line and lure ratings, as they will determine the rod’s casting and handling ability.
Line rating is the maximum recommended line weight that a fishing rod can handle. It’s important to match the line weight to the rod’s line rating in order to ensure proper casting performance and prevent overloading the rod.
Lure rating is the maximum recommended weight of the lure that can be used with a fishing rod. Consider the lure rating when choosing a fishing rod to ensure that the rod has enough power to cast the chosen lure and handle the fish that you are targeting.
In general, lighter rods with a lower line and lure rating are best for smaller fish species and lighter lures, while heavier rods with a higher line and lure rating are best for larger fish species and heavier lures.
Fishing Rod Material
The best fishing rod material depends on your individual preferences. Fishing rods are typically made from:
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- Graphite: Lightweight, sensitive, and strong, graphite is a popular material for modern fishing rods.
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- Fiberglass: Durable, flexible, and affordable, fiberglass is a classic material used in many fishing rods.
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- Composite: A combination of graphite and fiberglass, composite materials offer a good balance of sensitivity and strength.
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- Carbon Fiber: Extremely lightweight and strong, carbon fiber is a high-performance material used in high-end fishing rods.
Ultimately, the best material for a fishing rod depends on the angler’s specific fishing style, technique, and target species.
Budget
Fishing rods can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Determine your budget and choose a rod that fits your needs within your budget. This will help you figure out what features of the fishing rod you’re willing to sacrifice.
Different Types of Fishing Rods to Consider
When choosing a fishing rod, the method of fishing and the target species you’re after is the most important consideration. Rods come in different categories to match different types of fishing.
Here’s a quick run-through of the different kinds of fishing rods you can choose from.
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are the most common and versatile types of fishing rods. They’re suitable for both lure casting and bait fishing. If you’re new to fishing or are unsure of your fishing style, then spinning rods are probably your best bet.
Here’s an awesome, budget-friendly spinning rod to consider. This one has a convenient telescopic pole, which makes it ideal for travel:
Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods are a good choice for more experienced anglers, as they offer greater accuracy and control. Try this one out if you’re looking for a quality baitcasting rod that’s easy to use and won’t break the bank.
Surf Rods
Surf rods are designed for surf fishing and can be up to 4-5 meters long to get a longer cast. Surf rods aren’t the easiest to manage, so they’re often best left to more experienced anglers. When it comes to getting your first surf rod, you won;t find better than this option by Hunter Pro.
Travel Fishing Rods
Travel rods are compact and suitable for anglers on the road. These are ideal for kayak fishing trips, hiking, or camping. This world traveler fishing rod is seriously cool – offering high-quality performance and easy portability.
Overhead Fishing Rods
Overhead rods are designed for boat fishing. They have specific features that make them suitable for deep-sea fishing and reeling in big fish. Here’s our best overhead fishing rod option.
Fly Fishing Rods
You need a fly fishing rod if you plan to try this style of fishing. These rods require some unique fishing skills and plenty of patience. They’re totally different in terms of how the reel works and how the rods are cast.
Choosing the right fly fishing rod can be tricky. Here’s a complete fly fishing rod set that ticks all the right boxes.
Children’s Fishing Rods
For kids, a light spinning rod and reel combo is a good choice. Of course, you’ll want to consider the size of the rod and how this suits your child. Here’s a great option for kids – it’s fully adjustable so it can be used as your kid grows.
3 Important Features to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod
Now we’ve covered all of the basics on how to choose a fishing rod. To help you refine this a bit more and choose the perfect model, here are a few extra considerations to make.
Handle
The handle of the rod should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip. Some rods come with cork, foam, or rubber handles, while others have a combination of materials.
Reel Seat
The reel seat should be secure and durable, and match the size and type of reel you will be using. Make sure you understand how powerful the reel seat is and how much force and weight it can manage.
Rod Guides
Don’t forget about the little metal rings that support and guide your line down the fishing rod. Consider how many guides your rod has (the more the better), how large they are (larger guides are suitable for heavy-duty fishing), and what shape they are (which affects the line flow. Circular is generally best).
What’s the Best Fishing Rod for Beginners?
The best fishing rod for beginners would typically be a spinning rod and reel combo. Spinning rods are versatile and easy to use. Look for a medium-heavy power rod with a length between 6 to 7 feet, which will give you enough power to handle a variety of fish species while still being easy to control.
Also consider a rod with a medium action, which makes casting easy. Don’t forget a comfortable handle – this will make fishing a lot more enjoyable.
Summary
By understanding your specific fishing requirements, you’ll be able to choose a rod that offers you a much better experience. Ultimately, this will result in more fun fishing and possibly catching more fish.
So, consider the factors above, grab a rod, and head out there. Tight lines!