How to Choose a Fishing Rod for Beginners

As with any product in the market, fishing rods come in different varieties, qualities and sizes. They also come in a range of prices. One of the most challenging things is being able to decipher whether it’s a good choice for your fishing endeavors.

Worry not however, as we have gone through the information and put up the facts necessary for you to make the right choice. You do not have to buy a rod only to find that it does not work for you leaving it collecting dust in your garage. The most disappointing thing is when you consider the money you wasted as fishing rods can be quite expensive.

Before you set out to buy a fishing rod, it’s important to understand the various components of the fishing rod. Let’s look at each of them below.

Handle

The handle or grip is made from different materials. These could be wood, foam, or cork. A good fishing rod has a comfortable grip helping you reel without any trouble. Each type of grip has its benefits. Those made from cork are water resistant. They do not absorb moisture and provide excellent comfort.

Grips made from foam offer light weight and durability. A special kind called the pistol grip is designed with the anatomy of your hand.

Trigger stick rod

This is a long rod that allows the fisherman to cast with both hands. The distance of the throw is also enhanced.

Ferrules

This part of the rod is screwed on and is the only part that is detachable.

Reel Seat

The reel seat is the connection point between the pole and the reel. It’s constructed from graphite or molded plastic.

Having looked at the standards components of a fishing rod, the next step is selecting the right one. There are two main questions you need to ask yourself.

1. What type of fish are you going after
2. What type of environment are you fishing in.

These will be the backbone of your decisions. Yes, they sound generic and hard to make a choice around. Continue reading and you’ll see that it’s actually quite simple to pick the right fishing rod.

Fishing Method

Fishing rods are designed around the method or style of fishing. There are five main types of fishing rods. These are bait casting, overhead, fly, spinning, telescoping and surf.

Baitcasting rods

This are better suited for the more experienced angler. Why? Because used the wrong way you can easily tumble down into the water. However, baitcasting fishing rods allow the user to have more control when reeling in a fish as well as better accuracy when casting.

Overhead rods

These have a sturdier and shorter design than casting fishing rods. If you are after the biggest fish, then the overhead fishing rod is the one for you. Simply attach it to the bat, let the line go down into the deep and pull the big fish up once you get a bite.

Spinning rods

These are ideal when going after small and medium sized fish. They comprise of a reel that sits underneath the rod. The design makes spinning rods highly popular due to the versatility that they offer. It can be used for both bait fishing and luring and is a perfect tool for fishing on a boat as well as a kayak.

Telescopic fishing rods.

Telescopic fishing rods are suited for small fish. They are designed to be transported in very small spaces such as at the back seat of a car and are simple to set up and use.

Surf fishing rods

These are the longest type of fishing rod. They can be broken apart for easier transportation and once assembled carry a long line. This fishing line is intended to go past the waves of the boat and reach where the fish are most likely feeding. Surf fishing rods have a strong construction and are ideal when going after large fish.

Fly fishing rod

This type of rod is to be used with flies. A specially designed bait that looks like the prey of the target fish. It is ideal for medium sized fish such as bass and trout.