If you know a thing or two about angling, then you should also know that you need a bunch of equipment for this hobby. You need the right bait, tackle, good-quality flies, and so much more. But the primary tool that a fisherman needs is the fishing rod.
You will find a wide range of variety when you go to purchase a rod. There’s also a difference in the quality of the rods. There are different brands as well, like Penn Fishing and Shimano.
If you like Penn fishing, you can browse penn fishing reels offer and find the best one.
In this guide, we will explore different aspects anglers need to keep in mind to choose the perfect rod.
Contents
Factors for Choosing a Fishing Rod
The final decision for choosing a fishing rod will come down to a number of factors. By considering your preferences and the kind of angling you want to do, you can find the rod that’s suitable for you.
Ideal Rod Length
Fishing rods come in different sizes. They can range anywhere from 4 to 14 feet in length. The bigger the rod, the farther you will be able to cast it. But as the saying goes, ” Bigger ain’t always better.”
What you’ll gain in range, you’ll lose in control. Bigger roads are harder to control. So you need to consider your fishing needs to choose whether you want a shorter or longer rod.
If you’re on a kayak where maintaining balance would be more challenging with a long rod, it’s better to go with the shorter alternative.
On average, the expert opinion for beginners is to go with a 7-foot-long road. This has the perfect balance of control and range.
Choosing the Material
If you’re browsing for rods, you must have noticed that they come in different types of materials. The three most popular materials in angling rods are:
- Fiberglass.
- Graphite.
- Composite (Fiberglass+Graphite).
Which one should you go with? For a better understanding, we need to take a closer look at these three-rod materials.
Starting with fiberglass rods, these are perhaps the ideal choice for someone that’s just learning the ropes. The material is quite durable so that the rods will last you a long time. These rods also don’t cost a whole lot, so they’re light on your wallet.
But there are drawbacks that we need to talk about here. If you’re catching smaller fish, you might have a hard time feeling any sort of resistance from the rods. They’re also heavier compared to other options.
Graphite rods are something that you can consider as well. These eliminate the issues that come with fiberglass rods by being light and providing feedback for light fish. But the flip side is that graphite rods can easily break, and the prices for one of these are not low.
However, composite rods are the best of the bunch in terms of quality and feedback. It’s a combination of both fiberglass and graphite. It’s durable, provides excellent feedback, and also lightweight. But these are also the most expensive option.
If you’re thinking of getting a composite rod, wait till you’ve gotten a better hang of fishing.
Rod Guides
Guides are the small hoops you can find along the length of a fishing rod. When casting your line or reeling it in, it’s guided along these gaps to keep it straight. As a beginner looking for a rod, you need to pay attention to it.
If you’re following a general rule of thumb, the line is more stable when there are more guides. Usually, 6-9 guides should be ideal for a new angler. But if you’re fishing for something big, more guides should help you. Ultimately the decision comes down to the angler behind the rod.
Rod Handle
We can’t leave out the handle when we’re talking about all the different rod components. A better grip also affects how well you can control the rod. You have the option to choose from cork or EVA foam for the material of the handle.
Some fishermen prefer a comfortable grip. Cork grips are softer and work wonders on a cold day. Cork is also more receptive to vibrations compared to foam. As a result, you can feel the slightest movement in your line when a fish is taking your bait.
But cork handles wear down too quickly. So you need to keep changing it. And because of the soft material, it’s more prone to structural defects like dents when you grip it too tight.
But if you don’t want to worry about all of that, going with a foam handle is probably the better alternative. If you’re not pressed for budget, carbon fiber handles are also trendy these days.
Rod Shape
Apart from the material, we also need to pay attention to the shape. You can’t consider any rod shape to be ”the best.” You can try all of the choices and pick the one that feels best two you.
As for the options, there are two types of rod shapes:
- Pistol grip.
- Trigger Stick.
As its name suggests, the pistol grip has a short handle similar to one you can find in a pistol. There’s even a place for your index finger to rest. In your hands, it will actually feel like a handgun.
On the other hand, the trigger stick is a good option for ambidextrous people. A rod with this grip can be cast with both hands. This also makes the handle feel a bit longer, which is why anglers can cast the line much farther compared to the pistol grip.
The price for both of these is the same regardless of the brand. So, head over to your local fishing shop to give both of these a try and see which one feels better.
The Choice Is Yours
We’ve laid down all of the facts for you. Now it’s up to you to decide which rod you want to go with. There are a bunch of well-known brands out there. When choosing a fishing rod, keep the factors from this guide in your mind, and you should find the perfect match.
Last Updated on August 11, 2023
