Fishing Rods

A Fishing Rod is a light, long, and slender pole. It is where the Fishing Line and Fishing Reel are attached. The purpose of a Fishing Rod is for you to place the Fishing Lure or Fishing Bait at a farther distance from where you are. Likewise, the fish you are after might break your Fishing Line if you do not have the right Fishing Rod. Obviously, this equipment plays a great role in Fishing so it is important that you have ideas on all there is to know about it. In this section, we will take a look at the different aspects of Fishing Rods.

Fishing Rods - Composition and Materials

It is necessary to determine the composition, construction, and the quality of your Fishing Rod. Fiber-reinforced composites, such as carbon fibers, are used in making Fishing Rods, Tent Poles, and other sports goods. Some of the benefits of using fiber-reinforced composites are reduction in weight and design flexibility. Nowadays, Fishing Rods are usually made up of graphite, fiberglass, or composite. Both of them are great substances, since the rods made from any of these two are straight when not in use, bend upon applying pressure, and are not heavy.

Graphite Fishing Rods
Are very light and provide the highest level of sensitivity. They work best if you are after species which hit lightly because graphite Fishing Rods can easily detect subtle bites and pick-ups. Though they are extremely light and highly sensitive, graphite Fishing Rods tend to be more fragile than fiberglass or composite Fishing Rods.
Composite Fishing Rods
Are the combination of graphite and fiberglass so these types of Fishing Rods have approximately the features of both substances. Composite Fishing Rods are sensitive, long-lasting, and lightweight. They can be used for different Fishing situations.
Fiberglass Fishing Rods
Are tougher and more long-lasting but less sensitive compared to graphite Fishing Rods. They can be with tubular or solid rod blanks. Tubular types have hollow cores so they are lighter than solid fiberglass Fishing Rods. Compared to tubular Fishing Rods, solid fiberglass Fishing Rods are heavier but they are stronger and more durable.
Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the materials that Fishing Rods are usually made of can dramatically narrow down your selection of Fishing Rods and choose the one
Fishing Rods-Features and Characteristics

You also need to consider the various characteristics of Fishing Rods. Some of these are the actions of Fishing Rods, the weights, and their lengths. You will be able to determine the appropriate Fishing Rod you need by getting familiar with these basic features. Here are the guidelines:
Fishing Rod Actions
A rod's action determines its flexibility. There are four action types in Fishing Rods. These are: extra fast, fast, moderate, and slow. Fast-action and slow-action rods have their own unique characteristics. A fast-action rod is more sensitive compared to a slow-action Fishing Rod. Likewise, the angler will be able to know if his lure is already reaching the bottom because a fast-action rod can send out the lure's vibrations. On the other hand, a soft cast is possible using a slow-action rod, unlike a fast-action rod wherein it may break the bait off. If you are using a very light Fishing Line, it is advisable to use a slow-action rod when casting a considerable amount of bait or lure.
Fishing Rod Weights
A rod's weight indicates its strength. There are seven fundamental categories of rod weights: ultralight, light, medium light, medium, medium heavy, heavy, and extra heavy. Choosing the right Fishing Rod weight is not an easy task. But be guided by this rule: the right Fishing Rod's weight depends on how big and/or how heavy the lure you'll be using, and/or how big the fish you wish to catch is. In other words, the bigger the fish and/or the bigger or heavier the lure, the heavier the Fishing Rod you need. However, many Fishing Rod makers categorize rods based on what species they are made for, so buying the rod with the appropriate Fishing Rod weight becomes easier.
Fishing Rod Lengths
The length of the Fishing Rod is also an important factor to consider. Basic physics principles will tell you that a longer Fishing Rod allows you to cast at a greater distance. This also affects your ability to fight against a fish. For instance, a shorter, thicker Fishing Rod will be able to provide better leverage for "pumping" a powerful kind of fish from deeper water.
Knowing the basic features and various characteristics of Fishing Rods can help you determine which type of Fishing Rod you can use for your Fishing needs.

Fishing Rod Buying Guide

How to Buy Fishing RodsBefore heading to the tackle shop, you must first know the type of water in which you will fish as well as the type of fish that are likely living there. To make your choosing process hassle-free, it is advisable if you already have some general ideas on the different features and strengths of various kinds of Fishing Rods. If possible, bring someone along who has a good knowledge about Fishing and especially your Fishing needs.

Here are some tips in buying a Fishing Rod:
Test the grip of the Fishing Rod. Make sure that its handle fits comfortably on your palm.
Choose the length of the Fishing Rod. Shorter Fishing Rods with lengths of 4 ½ to 6 feet will work well if you will use small Fishing Baits and if you are after small fish such as crappie and perch. Longer Fishing Rods, 6 ½ feet long or more, are for bigger Fishing Baits, bigger fish, and longer casting distance.
Check its flexibility. Hold the Fishing Rod and move it as if you are casting, flip the end, then watch its tip for any movement.
Test its sensitivity. Ask someone, a salesperson for instance, to put the tip of the Fishing Rod against his/her adam's apple or throat part and speak in a low, modulated voice. If that Fishing Rod has a good sensitivity, you should feelvibrations in your hand on the butt end of the Fishing Rod.
Check a couple or more Fishing Rods for their sensitivity so you can narrow down your choices.Take note that a Fishing Rod with better sensitivity will create more hook-ups.
Most tackle shops or sporting goods have experts who can help you in choosing the appropriate one. Think about the frequency of your Fishing trips, the type of water, and the kind of fish you are after, and ask the experts for advice.
If you decide to buy a used Fishing Rod, make sure that there are no hairline cracks on the pole. For the test on flexibility, pay attention to any cracking sounds from the tip of the pole.