By TradeIndia Team in General — 31 Dec 2022

What Qualities You Should Look For When Buying A Fishing Rod?

Introduction

An ordinary fishing rod consists of a long pole with guides along its length to keep the fishing line taut. When casting, fishermen wind line into a reel for storage. Hooks for live bait like worms and insects or artificial lures are tied to the free end of the line, while bobbers (or floats) and sinkers keep the bait at the right depth.

Things To Consider When Purchasing A Fishing Rod

Here are some qualities you should consider while buying a fishing rod:

1. Types

Spin Fishing Rods: You'll probably see this rod more than any other when fishing. The fishing rod design is similar to that of other casting rods, but it offers a few unique benefits. Spin rods let users grasp it with their stronger, dominant hand, increasing stability and power.
Casting Fishing Rods: As a result of their design and functionality, these rods are commonly referred to as spin-casting fishing rods. Simplified casting rods are ideal for novice anglers or young children. The rod's discharge line can be released with a simple push of a catch.
Telescoping Fishing Rods: It's clear from the name that these rods are smaller and easier to transport. There is little difficulty in transporting the rod to the fishing spot. The user will not feel fatigued after a long day of fishing because of the ergonomic design and low weight. The ease with which this rod can be transported is undoubtedly its greatest benefit.
Fly Fishing Rods: Fly fishing, of course, necessitates the use of a special rod. Fly rods can be used to catch practically every type of fish due to their wide range of sizes and lengths. The fly line, which is typically presented delicately, is delivered to the fish at the other end by means of the rod, which works as a lever. Fly fishing rods can range in length from 9 feet to 14 feet, with 9 feet being the most frequent but longer rods also being available.
Ultra-Lighting Fishing Rods: This sort of fishing rod, as the name implies, is designed to be minimal in size and weight. This is so that even the smallest of fish species can be presented with a sense of finesse, and so that everyone can enjoy them.
Rod Handles: Typically, rod handles are constructed of cork, foam, or a hybrid of the two. The texture of a fishing rod's handle is a matter of personal preference. You have the option of a larger or shorter handle, so you can get the perfect fit for the distance you want to cast.

2. Rod Handles

With a longer handle, a fisher may hold the rod with both hands and send it flying in any direction. Roll casting, one-handed casting, and casting for accuracy from a closer range all benefit from fishing rods with shorter handles. The reasonable fishing rod price features a "pistol" or "split" grip that allows for a more precise cast at close range and reduces the rod's overall weight.

3. Action

Sadly, this has nothing to do with the silver screen. Action refers to how far the rod bends under tension. In contrast to a slow-action rod, which begins to bend in its lower third, a fast-action rod only bends in its upper third.

Your course of action should be proportional to the size of the fish you're trying to catch. Smaller, lighter fish are better caught with a fast-action rod, whereas larger fish are easier to battle with a slower-action rod.

4. Materials

Here are the material types:

Fiberglass: Cost-effective rod options include those made from fiberglass. The greater weight and stiffer nature of these rods make them well-suited for larger fish, but anglers should be aware that the lack of pliability in comparison to graphite rods makes them more prone to breaking. In addition, the rod flexes from the bottom up rather than the other way around, and the motion is slow to medium.
Graphite: Graphite rods are the go-to of fishermen who want a light, sensitive rod for delicate casting. Also, they have a faster motion and bend more toward the tip of the rod than the handle. In comparison to fiberglass or composite rods, the cost of them is typically higher.
Composite materials: To obtain the best of both worlds, several rods are available in a hybrid fiberglass/graphite construction. These rods offer a performance level in between that of graphite and fiberglass rods. Similar to the aforementioned price range, this one falls somewhere in the middle.
Bamboo: To put it simply, bamboo is a traditional rod material that facilitates easy casting and provides a solid fighting advantage when reeling in fish. Except for nostalgic fishermen, its use has all but ceased in recent years.

5. Rod Length

When selecting a new fishing rod and reel, the length of the rod is the first factor considered. Bass fishing rods typically range in length from 6 feet to 8 feet, tip to butt, though they can be found in lengths as short as 4 feet. In general, a longer rod will have a further range of cast than a shorter one.

For what reason does that even matter? When you don't need to cast very far, a shorter pole is ideal for close combat fishing. Some fishermen who target large fish prefer using shorter rods because they need less bending and stretching to reel in a fish. Anglers trolling for walleye or other species from a kayak will benefit from a shorter rod as well.

For most species, a 7- to 10-foot long, thin, lightweight rod will do the trick. Casting is easier with a longer rod since the rod can be bent like a catapult to propel the lure or bait. When dealing with lesser fish species, a lighter rod's slower action will come in handy.

6. Rod Power

The power is the force required to actually bend the rod. If the rod has more strength (also called taper or weight), it will be easier to manipulate. In order for your baits to be effective, they need to have just the right amount of both power and action.

More muscle means a stronger, more rigid spine. When fishing, you need a rod with more muscle. Smaller fish like trout and panfish benefit more from the sensitivity and pliability of a light or ultralight rod.

More response baits, such as crankbaits, jerkbaits, or spinnerbaits, require a rod with moderate power while finessing presentations that are gentler on the line call for a rod with more power. Jigs, topwaters, frogs, and other lures that need less rod bending work best with heavier power rods.

7. Rod Joints

Used fishing rods might be a great deal, but it's important to verify sure the joints are solid before you buy. If the rod's joints are worn, it will wiggle when you cast and may break as you bring in your catch.

If the rings on the best fishing rods are in poor condition, you risk damaging your fishing line and reducing your casting distance. Consider the expense of repairs, both now and in the future, alongside the fishing rod's condition.

8. Rod Weight

The maximum line weight advised by the manufacturer is typically displayed in kilograms or pounds as the rod's weight class.

If you're using a rod with a weight of 5 kilograms, it's safe to assume that the fishing line you're using is also capable of handling a maximum of 5 kilograms. Oftentimes, the rod will also include a lure weight marking indicating the heaviest lure that may be cast with that particular fishing rod online. You can use these dimensions to choose the right reel size and line weight for your fishing rod.

Conclusion

The action and power of a fishing rod are affected by several factors, including its length, taper, and weight class, so it's important to know what you're fishing for and where you'll be fishing in order to pick the correct rod.

What kind of fishing you plan to undertake and your willingness to invest in a high-quality rod will decide the type of rod you buy. While most fishermen won't require a high-end rod, spending even a little amount on a rod will assist guarantee that you won't be hampered by a subpar rod.

FAQs: Fishing Rod

Q. How do you choose the proper size fishing rod?

Ans. Depending on the fishing technique, the target species, and the surrounding environment, the ideal length of a fishing pole can vary anywhere from 6 feet to 12 feet. Beginning fishermen should start with a rod that is around 7 feet long.

Q. Which is better, a single piece or two pieces of the fishing rod?

Ans. It depends on your fishing technique or style. Two-piece fishing rods provide several benefits, especially if you fish from a shore or a small boat.