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Buying the right rod...for You
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Date: |
3/03/05 |
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Tackle type: |
Rods |
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Manufacturer: |
All |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction:
Buying the right rod
for your application and unique style of fishing will increase your angling
success. The fishing rod is the backbone of your tackle, and the truest
extension of your fishing arm. Tackle manufacturers have elevated the art of rod
building to a science, and today anglers have more choices than ever before.
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While
possible, using one rod for a wide range of applications can reduce your
chances of angling success and increase your chances of damaging your tackle |
Choosing the right rod: Though it may seem like there are
an unlimited number of choices, picking the right rod doesn’t have to be taxing,
as long as you know what you are looking for. The fact is that all rods are not
created equal, and unfortunately there is no one rod that can do it all, but you
can start the process of picking the right rod by asking yourself these
questions:
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Many
manufacturers make application specific rods, here TT Editor Vador makes use
of a GLoomis flip and pitch rod |
How often and where do you
fish: Are you just
learning to wet your line, a weekend warrior, or a tournament pro? Just how
often you find yourself on the water should be a major factor in your decision.
If you are just starting out you will want to budget less money on your first
rod and spend more on application specific rods once you learn exactly what
techniques you favor. Seasoned anglers will want to invest in higher quality,
more sensitive rods that they are sure to use for extended periods. If you own a
boat or have the luxury of fishing close to home, a single piece rod will be the
best choice, as they are generally more sensitive and durable than
multi-sectioned rods. If fishing requires you to travel, or have difficulty
transporting single piece rods then you should consider collapsible or
multi-sectional rods. Luckily for anglers many recent advances in rod building
have made these multi-piece rods nearly as good as their single-piece
counterparts.
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There are
some applications, especially those in saltwater where materials like
fiberglass are still preferable to graphite |
Freshwater or Saltwater
species: Are you
planning to fish for trout in the Sierras or duke it out with offshore Tuna?
While there are some rods that can crossover between fresh and saltwater
species, like bass rods pulling rockfish duty, the vast majority of
rods are built for specific applications. The rod layout, action, and
components may make it difficult for the rod to perform outside the intended
range, and in the worst cases fail completely. If you do choose to fish a rod
outside its intended application, do so with extra caution. Don't muscle fish in
the way you normally would, or attempt to bring them up to the net by high
sticking. There are some anglers that purposely downsize their tackle to either
increase sensitivity or more relish the fight.
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There are
some occasions when rods can excel in multiple applications, like bass and
inshore for example |
Spinning or Casting:
Do you prefer to fish with spinning or casting reels? Ultimately this decision
will come down to the species you choose to pursue. Most Bass anglers prefer the
precision that baitcasting outfits deliver, but few anglers can dispute the
advantages of fishing ultra light line on spinning outfits. And if you are an
offshore angler you will want to choose a robust rod capable of matching up with
your heavy duty traditional round reel. More than anything else this choice
comes down to preference. Larger species demand conventional reels, but as you
pursue smaller fish factors like line weight, line visibility, and sensitivity
all become major aspects that should be considered.
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Spinning or
casting? It depends on the application and your personal preferences. I
still prefer drop shotting with spinning gear, like Kistler's drop shot
special for example |
Sensitivity, power, and your
technique: Finally
and perhaps most important of all is what you truly look for in a rod, and
matching the way you personally enjoy fish to the right stick. If you enjoy
fishing with lures you should seek a rod that is comfortable to cast repeatedly
all day. If finesse fishing is your game then select a higher modulus graphite
rod which will be faster, stiffer, and more sensitive. Most rods are made out of
either graphite or fiberglass, and while graphite has grown in popularity over
the last decade there are many applications where the reliability of fiberglass
still makes it the best choice. Finding the perfect balance of sensitivity,
power, and action for your own style of fishing is paramount to the rod
selection process.
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Buzz smiles
as he retrieves a swimbait with a robust bass rod, picking the right rod can
help you to deliver the right action to your baits...and catch more fish |
Conclusion:
Selecting the right rod is similar to finding the perfect pair of shoes for
where you aspire to travel. The wrong selection still might fit but will feel
awkward and hinder your progress, while the right choice will feel comfortable,
allowing you to focus on the task at hand, and ultimately help you reach your
goal. Just as a handyman wields a hammer, a fishing rod is the basic tool for
fisherman, and picking the right rod is a good first step to becoming a superior
angler.
Until next time....Tight Lines.
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