Everything You Need To Know About Fishing Rods...

Imagine standing on the bank of a swiftly moving stream in the shade of a gnarled willow, your fishing rod bent beneath the weight of an unusually large catch. The type of rod you choose is important for a moment like this. It can determine whether or not you land that fish.

If you are about to choose a fishing rod for any purpose, this complete guide will show you everything you need to know...

A fishing rod is a rod of graphite, fibreglass, steel, wood or bamboo that is used for the purpose of catching fish. Fishing filament, also called fishing line, is threaded through the ferrules (eyes) along the flexible rod.

One end winds around a fishing reel, which is located at the base of the pole.

The other end of the line has a barbed hook attached to it. This hook is where you place the bait.

Your reel has a handle which you turn to reel in the line once a fish has taken the bait.

Fishing rods vary in size between 4 feet (for children) and 16 feet. The average rod is 6 feet in length. The longer the rod, the more force is put on the angler's arms.

However, your fishing rod is the backbone of your fishing tackle and you need to choose a rod that is right for you.

Which Fishing Rod Is Right For You?

The length of the rod you choose depends on two things. The first is the species of fish that you wish to catch. The other thing you have to consider is the landscape of the fishing location and the type of water.

If the landscape around your fishing hole has a lot of trees and overhead branches, a short, flexible rod is best. Short strong rods are best for landing game fish. Flexible, thin rods that are 10 to 12 feet in length are best if wind conditions are moderate.

Stronger and thicker rods should be used for large, aggressive fish such as northern pike, muskellunge, walleye and Arctic char. These fish would quickly snap a light and more flexible pole.

Flexibility, which is the amount that the rod can be bent before breaking, can be determined by the diameter of the pole. Light rods are thin and flexible, while stronger rods are thicker and more rigid.

When you look at a fishing rod, you will see several metal rings that are spaced from the handle to the tip. These are ferrules. They guide your fishing line and help it to cast and retrieve smoothly. The tip ferrule directs your cast.

Your rod probably also has a reel seat that helps secure the reel to your rod - the reel seat is placed near the handle grip.

Your rod is the most important tool that you will use while fishing and they come in a wide range of types, styles and lengths. As mentioned earlier, types of fishing rods include bamboo, fibreglass and graphite.

Bamboo rods can be as basic as an inexpensive pole with a line attached, to very expensive handcrafted rods that are used for fly fishing.

Simple bamboo poles are great for kids. Expensive bamboo poles make great fly fishing rods. Bamboo rods run from $5 to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. If you are not planning on taking up fly fishing, fibreglass and graphite rods are best.

Fiberglas rods are great for beginners and kids. They come in a variety of lengths and flexibility. They're reasonably priced and it's easy to find a fibreglass rod that will fit your needs.

They stand up well and require very little or no maintenance. Experienced anglers prefer graphite rods because they are very lightweight and extremely strong. Graphite is the best of the basic rod types.

If you are just beginning your life as a fisherman, you might consider buying a pre-packaged rod and reel, but these are not something you will use once you have a little experience under your belt.

If you're not sure you will enjoy fishing, borrow a rod from a family member or friend, instead of investing money in tackle that you may not use for long. More experienced anglers should choose a fishing rod and reel unit over the pre-packaged ones.

If you would like to become a successful and skilled angler, you need to choose a fishing rod that compliments your style. Your rod is an extension of your arm and the backbone of your fishing tackle.

Choosing a rod doesn't have to be complicated. Take into consideration where and how often you fish. If you're a beginner, buy a reasonably priced rod and fishing reel and then purchase a more expensive one when you've honed your skills.

Do you plan to freshwater or saltwater fish?

Freshwater fishing is done in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that are found in the interior of the country. Saltwater fishing is done in oceans and on the coast.

Be sure to choose a rod that is compatible with its job. Though some rods can be used outside of their intended application, it's best to choose a rod that is the right one for the job. This ensures a successful fishing experience and gives you every chance of catching lots of fish every time you go fishing...

If you have trouble finding a rod that fits your arms and is as comfortable as a pair of old sneakers, ask a family member or friend who has angling experience to go along to help.

Or seek the assistance of the staff at your local fishing store. They'll be glad to give you a few pointers that will help you choose the fishing rod that is right for you.

We hope this introduction to fishing rods has helped you decide which is best for your particular needs...To read more about fishing, click here to return to the Fishing Home Page