Fishing Rods - Understanding Rod Designs

Fishing is an ancient practice and rod designs go back centuries. But modern sport fishing rods have evolved considerably away from their ancestors. Far from a simple bamboo stick with a piece of twine, it is now a modern marvel.

Most contemporary fishing rods are made from fiberglass or graphite, though boron composites and even titanium are used in some. Bamboo is even still used in some really high-end fly rods. Both fiberglass and graphite are lightweight, highly flexible and yet can stand up to considerable strain. When a 15 lb. largemouth is on the line it needs to take some punishment.

Graphite fishing rods are the most popular today. They vary in length anywhere from a child's rod of about 4 feet up to 12 feet or more for a heavy saltwater rod designed to catch a large marlin. The average for a novice comes in at about 6 feet. It's not necessary to take a tape measure along while shopping, though. The length is printed just above the handle.

Also labeled on the fishing rod is an indication of the 'action rating' and the 'power rating'. The action refers to the amount of flex or bend of the rod and the power refers to the strength of the rod.

The action deals primarily with casting performance, hook sets and the play on the fish. A fast action rod has minimal bend, with the curve reaching down to only about the upper 1/4 of the rod. A medium action rod will extend that curve down to about the halfway point. A slow action fishing rod may flex all the way to the top of the handle.

The power rating has to do with the weight of the object you're casting, the type of line you're using and the strength needed for the type of fish you're after.

These characteristics help determine which fishing rod is right for what type of fish and fishing environment. But another element is also key: the type of reel and line used.

A spincasting rod, for example, contains a reel that holds line in an enclosed mechanism with a small hole in the face. That cone helps keep the line from tangling, which is useful to novices who need a little extra help.

They're shorter and more flexible and are designed to be used with lighter duty line, such as 4-8 pound test. The number indicates the amount of strain the line will take before snapping. They're a great choice for younger or less experienced anglers. Spincasting rods will do fine for those going after panfish and small trout.

A spinning rod, for comparison, is a little longer - around 6-7 feet. They're designed for tougher fish and can accommodate reels designed to hold up to 20 pound test. When going after bigger fish they'll stand up to the contest.

A casting rod is basically the same as a spincasting rod with a greater range of power and action. Baitcasting reels and trolling reels are used on these rods and are like a winch when it comes to power. These are very popular rods for largemouth bass fisherman. These rods will handle lines ranging from 8 lb. test to 250 lb. test.

Match your fishing rod to the style of fishing you intend to do, but don't get too wrapped up in the choice. You'll buy more than one before long and a good fishing rod and reel combination will handle a wide variety of species and environments.

Ross Flystart Rod & Reel Outfit

The Essence FS Fly Fishing Outfits are complete outfits. Simply tie on a fly and you are ready to fish! All of the products included with these outfits are top quality. In fact, they are the same high quality Ross products that are sold individually, but when purchased together as part of a complete outfit, you save money!
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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.
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G. Loomis Classic Mag Casting Rod

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