Fishing Rods Buying Guidelines

The basic rule of thumb for buying a fishing rod is to match the rod to the type of fishing you intend to do most often. But how do you go about that?

For the average trout a standard rod of about 6 feet will do fine. In an area near the shore where there are lots of trees, something highly responsive is a good idea. Control really counts in circumstances like these. A flexible rod, a little on the shorter side that supports at least 10 lb line is great.

An ultra-light spincasting rod might be used to fish off a dock or for younger anglers. The rod should support lines between 2-6 lbs and lures 1/32 oz to 3/16 oz. The next step up would be a light duty rod made for 4-10 lb line and 1/16 oz to 1/4 oz lures.

For those looking for a rod that's a bit more general purpose, a spinning rod will perform under a wide range of conditions. Typically between 6 and 7 feet long, with lines from 2 lb. to 12 lb. test, they'll support lures from the ultra-light 1/32 oz. up to heavy duty 1-1/2 oz. Designed more for freshwater fishing, they'll work well for light duty saltwater fishing as well.

If you're looking for true power, a casting rod might be right for you. Freshwater casting rods like spinning rods are usually between 6 to 7 feet long, but due to the different types of reels they use, line weight can range from 2 lb. up to 25 lb. test. In salt water these can reach 12 feet with 60 lb. test line and cast lures up to a whopping 16 oz!

Fly fishing is one of America's favorite pastimes and the scenes from films like A River Runs Through It give a good feel for how great it can be. It's a little harder to learn to do well, but the rod itself is easy to handle. The fishing rods are longer and the handles are shorter with the reel seat at the butt of the rod. The longer fishing rods help propel the line and fly while the rear positioned reel helps balance the weight.

The reel on a fly fishing rod isn't used for casting, but for holding line and in the case of larger fish, the retrieve. Since flies are virtual weightless, it is the weight of the line itself that is used in the cast. That implies the need for a rod that is flexible, lightweight and has good action.

For those who need a little more security - which can be especially useful for those larger fighting fish - a tapered handle with a fighting butt is recommended. A 'fighting butt' is a handle with a small, integrated curved piece like an immovable trigger. It provides a sturdy hold for a finger to prevent the rod from being yanked away.

Lastly, check the type of guides and ferrules used on the rod and how they're secured. The guides are the 'eyes' that the line feeds through from the reel to the tip-top (the end). Some are made of ceramic others simple metal alloys. They should be very low friction for easy casting and rewind, to prevent snagging. The ferrules are the connections used to secure the rod pieces together. They should be attached securely, usually with multiple winds of extremely strong fiber.

Spend some time considering the type of fish you're going after and where. Saltwater fishing rods, for example, are made to stand up to a harsher environment, since the fish tend to be larger and the water will corrode lesser materials.

Shakespeare Ugly Steel 6U Combo

This Ugly Steel 6U Spincast Combo comes with an Ugly Stik SPL 1100 5', 2-pc light action spincasting rod, and a Synergy Steel 6U Underspin reel with polished stainless steel cover. And the reel is spooled with 6 lb. Supreme fishing line.
Fishing Gear Tips and Advice Store

St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod

St. Croix Premier Spinning Rods set the standard for a quality American made spinning rods at a reasonable price. There is absolutely no way to find a better rod for such an unbelievably low price. The Premier blanks are designed with the lightweight SCII graphite and are tastefully outfitted with high-grade components. These rods range from ultra-light power to extra-heavy power making them incredibly versatile and are ideal whether youre chasing crappies, trout or walleye.
Land Big Fish

G. Loomis Classic Mag Casting Rod

The G. Loomis Classic Mag Bass Rods are some of the best values in bass rods and combine the performance and all around fishability that you have come to expect from Loomis. These rods originally designed for pitching jigs and worms for largemouth bass have been discovered by walleye anglers smallmouth enthusiasts pike chasers and even light duty saltwater folks. Land Big Fish

R. L. Winston Ascent Rod

The new Ascent series is the ideal way for entry level or intermediate anglers to become part of the Winston family. While these are the least expensive fly rods Winston sells, they offer exceptional quality and performance for the price. Thanks to a smooth, very fast action, all five are easy to cast and a delight to fish with. Designed in Twin Bridges, Montana, these four-piece rods have a beautiful champagne/russet metallic finish and quality reel seat components. Like all Winstons, Ascent rods have an Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. RiverBum

G. Loomis Saltwater Popping Rods

These popping rods were originally designed for casting LIVE BAIT (mainly shrimp), under a popping cork out on the flats, but freshwater anglers have found umpteen other uses for them as well. The rods have a relatively soft tip, which allows your bait to land softly and QUIETLY, even on long casts, another plus when the water's skinny and the fish spook easily. At the same time, they're powerful rods, capable of handling surprisingly large fish. They come in a variety of lengths for different applications. The top four guides and tip-top feature oversized rings to handle large knots for shock tippets. GREAT rods for great fish. Land Big Fish