“How do I determine the fishing rod(s) to take with me?”
You now understand the fish species you are after and the habitat where you will find them. You are ready to select the fishing rod or rods to take along with you. You know no one fishing rod is good for all the situations. Each situation dictates what equipment is best to use.
Fishing Rod:
Start by choosing the fishing rod needed for each situation you expect to face. Many industry leaders and professional fisherman suggest the following guidelines in choosing a rod.
- A high quality graphite blank is the key to better rods. Graphite rods are stronger, lighter and more sensitive than fiberglass rods.
- Look for high-modulus graphite blanks when selecting fishing rods. The number of modulus is a measure of resistance to flex. The more modulus, the greater stiffness per ounce of rod weight. High-modulus rods are stiffer, stronger and cast more accurately. Higher strength allows the need for less material in the blank. Less material means less weight and less mass for the vibrations that are being generated to travel through thereby increasing the rod's sensitivity.
- Cork handles offer the most sensitivity. This is important when fishing for non-aggressive or soft-biting fish.
- Rod blanks should run through the handle to provide greater sensitivity.
- Insist on quality guides through which the fishing line runs from the reel to the tip of the rod. High-quality guides won't rust or chip, and thus damage fishing line.
- Rod should be a comfortable length for you. Longer fishing rods give longer casts and quicker hook sets. Shorter rods are easier to handle when working top water plugs, or short casting under brush.
- The reel seat should be made of a sturdy composite material and fit all major brands of reels firmly.
- Handles should fit your hand comfortably and need to be firm enough to carry sensitivity.
 
Fishing is great if you are prepared for it!
- Ultra-light; for lines between 2 and 6 pounds and lures between 1/32 to 1/8 ounces.
- Lite: for lines between 4 and 10 pounds and lures between 1/16 to 5/16 ounces.
- Medium: for lines between 8 and 15 pounds and lures between 1/8 to 3/8 ounces.
- Medium-Heavy: for lines between 10 and 17 pounds and lures between 3/16 to 1⁄2 ounces.
- Heavy: for lines between 15 and 25 pounds and lures between 1/2 to 1 1⁄2 ounces.
- Extra-Heavy rods are designed to bring big fish out of heavy cover or grass.
A good all-around spinning rod for freshwater and light saltwater fishing should be 5.5 to 6.5 feet long and capable of casting 1/4-ounce to 3/8- or 1/2-ounce lures and baits. Spinning rods can be used for trolling, bottom-fishing and deep-sea fishing, but they work best for casting lures or live bait. In fact, they excel at casting since they were designed to replace more difficult bait casting equipment. Bait casting reels can easily backlash and cause frustrating line tangles called "bird's nests." For beginners, spinning rods and reels are easy to learn to cast great distances with good control in a short period of time.
The spincast rod is even easier to learn, but is has limited versatility. It is a good choice for very young children. A good all-around casting rod for freshwater fishing should also be between 5 1⁄2 and 6 1⁄2 feet. It needs to be capable of casting lures and baits 3/8 ounces and higher. The power/action of these rods will vary depending upon the situation being fished.
Fishing Line:
Next determine the appropriate test weight and type of line that is suitable for the way you expect to fish. Some suggested rules to follow are:
- Line should be within the range shown for a particular rod.
- Generally use the line with the lowest test weight possible.
- Water clarity determines the color and visibility characteristics of line needed.
- Heavy cover dictates the use of heavier line.
- Abrasion resistant line is best to use if fishing in rocky areas.
- Leaders allow for heavier fishing line when using live bait.
- Wire leaders also allow for heavier line when fishing for fish such as northerns, muskies, etc.
- Match the action of the fishing rod to the stretch of the fishing line. Selection of line has become more difficult with the advent of many new types recently. Care must be taken to match line stretch to how much a rod that gives. For example, using of a lite action rod with no stretch line compensates so the fish doesn't feel resistance right away.
Fishing Reel:
The last step is choosing a reel whose specifications fit both the fishing rod and line previously selected. Fishing reels are the “keeper of the line.” Choose one that is comfortable to use. It needs to be durable (i.e. of good quality), operate smoothly and hold the appropriate amount of fishing line. Match the reel with the line and rod to be used. Smaller capacity reels for lighter line and lighter rods.
The quality of the fishing rod you hold and the fishing line you use are the two things that affect your sense of feel. You are likely better off purchasing several quality rods rather than using the same amount of money to buy many cheaper rods. While rod choice is a personal decision, knowing how to make selections can save you money even if you spend more on a rod than you originally planned. If you don't get what will do the job right or don't get a quality product, you'll just have to make another purchase a lot sooner. "You get what you pay for."
Enjoying the last night of a successful fishing trip
Next is Plan, see Other Resources and "Go Catch More Fish!"
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