The Beginner's Guide To Purchasing A First Fishing Rod
Monday, July 6, 2009
By Paul Mancini
Not too many sporting activities can match the tranquility that you can enjoy while sitting out on a lake in a little boat, rod in hand, waiting for the first catch to take the bait. It's an almost curative experience, so it certainly does not come as a surprise that fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the United States.
Some of the most ardent fishing advocates will tell you that your performance at fishing can only be as good as your fishing equipment so it is vitally important to buy a good rod. Unfortunately if you are new to the game you may not be able to demarcate the good from the not so good, so here are a few tidbits that will assist you in picking a rod of your choice that will serve you for a very long time.
When buying a fishing rod you'll probably be blown away by the massive range of rod choices in front of you. One method for selecting would be to go into the local fishing shop and pick the first fishing rod that you lay your eyes on but this probably won't be a very effective strategy. The next would be to weigh the pros and cons of each rod.
Rod Weight - Gone is the era when fishing rods were all manufactured out of wood. Technological advancements have reached the fishing rod industry and now most fishing rods are made out of composite materials. Most fishing poles fall within 1 of four basic weight categories: light action, medium light action, medium heavy action and heavy action. Weight categories are usually printed right onto the rod itself. The differing weights are used to catch different types of fish, so before you purchase a pole you need to know what types of fish you want to catch with it. As a rule, if you are fishing for bass or pan fish, go for a light action fishing rod. The heavier duty fishing rods are more suitable for catching catfish and walleye while the really heavy action fishing rods will be more appropriate for large Musky and large Carp. I am sure by now you see a pattern emerging, i.e. the weight of the fishing rod should be proportional with the weight of the fish that you go after with it.
Fishing Rod Length - The length is the next variable that you need to look at with respect to your purchase. The length of rod that you choose will depend on the place where you intend to fish. A more lengthy fishing rod will put more pressure on the fish during the fight. So if you are likely to go fishing in running waters you may want to go for a longer fishing rod. Of course because the rod is longer you will probably want to select the ultra light or a light action rod for your comfort. A 5 foot rod is usually good for average water conditions while a 6 feet rod is what you would use for high water conditions.
Finally you'll also have to make a decision as to the amount of money you wish to spend on the fishing rod. Many fishing gurus will tell you to not exceed a seventy five dollar limit. Normally fishing rods that lie in this range are extremely serviceable and you will find a number of really nice rods under this price.
Some of the most ardent fishing advocates will tell you that your performance at fishing can only be as good as your fishing equipment so it is vitally important to buy a good rod. Unfortunately if you are new to the game you may not be able to demarcate the good from the not so good, so here are a few tidbits that will assist you in picking a rod of your choice that will serve you for a very long time.
When buying a fishing rod you'll probably be blown away by the massive range of rod choices in front of you. One method for selecting would be to go into the local fishing shop and pick the first fishing rod that you lay your eyes on but this probably won't be a very effective strategy. The next would be to weigh the pros and cons of each rod.
Rod Weight - Gone is the era when fishing rods were all manufactured out of wood. Technological advancements have reached the fishing rod industry and now most fishing rods are made out of composite materials. Most fishing poles fall within 1 of four basic weight categories: light action, medium light action, medium heavy action and heavy action. Weight categories are usually printed right onto the rod itself. The differing weights are used to catch different types of fish, so before you purchase a pole you need to know what types of fish you want to catch with it. As a rule, if you are fishing for bass or pan fish, go for a light action fishing rod. The heavier duty fishing rods are more suitable for catching catfish and walleye while the really heavy action fishing rods will be more appropriate for large Musky and large Carp. I am sure by now you see a pattern emerging, i.e. the weight of the fishing rod should be proportional with the weight of the fish that you go after with it.
Fishing Rod Length - The length is the next variable that you need to look at with respect to your purchase. The length of rod that you choose will depend on the place where you intend to fish. A more lengthy fishing rod will put more pressure on the fish during the fight. So if you are likely to go fishing in running waters you may want to go for a longer fishing rod. Of course because the rod is longer you will probably want to select the ultra light or a light action rod for your comfort. A 5 foot rod is usually good for average water conditions while a 6 feet rod is what you would use for high water conditions.
Finally you'll also have to make a decision as to the amount of money you wish to spend on the fishing rod. Many fishing gurus will tell you to not exceed a seventy five dollar limit. Normally fishing rods that lie in this range are extremely serviceable and you will find a number of really nice rods under this price.
About the Author:
Paul Mancini is a freelance writer with over twelve years writing experience. Paul is presently working as a columnist with fuzing.com, and is considered the company authority on Fishing Rods and Fishing Pole.
Posted byBertie at 6:57 AM
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