4 Aspects to Consider When Purchasing a Fishing Rod – What to Know

Choosing the appropriate fishing rod for your next excursion involves several criteria that will determine how it performs. In this guide, we’ll look into what those are, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. 

Length

The length of the fishing rod affects three aspects of fishing. The first one involves ergonomics. For most people with average height, rod lengths ranging from six to twelve feet will be the most comfortable to use. Taller people, on the other hand, may have the height necessary to wield longer rods.

Second, a rod’s length directly correlates to the range of its cast. Different ranges are appropriate for varied fishing spots. When out on a boat, for instance, a long casting range is not actually needed. Shore fishing, however, will require more far-reaching rods in order to catch fish effectively.

The last aspect involves leverage. Shorter rods lend more power to the angler, which means fighting with the fish isn’t as physically demanding as it is with longer rods.

Power

Power refers to a fishing rod’s ability to resist bending when force is applied. In practical terms, this aspect of a rod is what determines how much strength it lends to the fisher. More powerful rods mean heavier fish can be caught with it.

Some manufacturers refer to this as the power value or rod weight and may categorize this aspect as light, medium, and heavy. Others may also measure a rod’s power with a number scale, with lower numbers pertaining to less power.

Action

A fishing rod’s action simply denotes where along its length the rod bends and by how much. Its effect on the entire fishing experience, however, is more complicated. The rod’s action can affect how it casts, how sensitive the tip is when a fish is hooked, and the actual fight that ensues after.

Manufacturers label a rod’s action in different ways. For some, a similar light-medium-heavy method of categorization is used, while for others, a rod’s power is measured in variations of speed, such as slow, moderate, and fast. The two methods are essentially similar, but keep in mind that slow-action rods translate to a light rating, and fast-action rods translate to a heavy one.

Material

Fishing rods are typically available in two different materials. These are fiberglass and carbon fiber, otherwise known as graphite. The main differences between the two are price, weight, and durability. Entry-level fishing rods are typically made of fiberglass. Meanwhile, high-end rods use carbon fiber.

When it comes to deciding between the two, your biggest concern will likely be your budget, as both types are capable of catching a wide variety of fish. Additionally, the first three criteria discussed above will play a bigger role in the rod’s performance.

Wrapping up

Now that you know the basic differences between the many kinds of fishing rods, you can make a better-informed choice when you go out and buy one. Keep in mind, however, that while a single fishing rod may be versatile enough for different fishing conditions, any serious angler will have a set of various rods that are fit for different situations.

If you’re looking to purchase camping equipment, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.