The ABCs of Finding the Right Fishing Rod
A lot of companies make fishing rods, which gives anglers a broad selection from which to choose, which can sometimes be overwhelming. You have to consider a lot of factors when buying a fishing rod, but probably the highest priority with fishermen is price. How much does a good fishing rod cost, and is it going to blow the budget?
A Good Rod Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
Fishing rod prices run the gamut from super cheap to ultra expensive. If you listen to propaganda, you may think only a very expensive rod will do. That's completely incorrect. Yes, your fishing rod should take up the majority of your budget, but that doesn't mean you have to blow hundreds of dollars. In fact, a quality rod should only cost you around $40 or $60, but no more.
Before buying a rod you have to know what kind of fish you're going after and where you'll be fishing. Next, you need to find a well-known, quality manufacturer. Some well-known companies include Daiwa, Berkley and Quantum.
One Fish: Two or More Rods
It's a fact among anglers that you need different rods for different fish. Did you know that you may need different rods for the same fish? Yes, you'll need more than one rod, even if you fish in the same place all the time for the same type of fish.
Why do you need another rod? Water conditions change, and you need to adapt. For example, I use an ultra light rod for trout fishing and prefer to fish in the same river 90% of the time. I have two rods. Most of the time I use the shorter rod, but in the spring I use the longer rod, because run-off has raised the water level. With the longer rod, I can still feel my bait, the bottom and detect when I've gotten a bite.
Get a Feel for the Rod
Even if you fish for trout at the same time with the same rod that I do, that doesn't mean the rod I have is the one you should buy. You need to buy a rod that fits your personal style and needs. To do this, you must try out the rod. Does it fit your hand? Do you feel comfortable when you cast, or are you feeling some strain in your arm or back muscles?
Another factor is the "whip" in a rod. If the rod is so flexible that you think you're holding a whip rather than a handle, walk away—quickly. You can't set the hook with a rod with that much bend. Of course, you don't want a rod that's too stiff either. This is why you'll see people in the fishing department shaking their rods. They're testing the "whip".
Stick with Quality
Once you find a quality brand that you like, stick with that brand. For example, if you like the five foot rod from the Quantum Teton series, you'll like the six foot six inch one, too. It's that easy.
A Good Rod Doesn't Have to Break the Bank
Fishing rod prices run the gamut from super cheap to ultra expensive. If you listen to propaganda, you may think only a very expensive rod will do. That's completely incorrect. Yes, your fishing rod should take up the majority of your budget, but that doesn't mean you have to blow hundreds of dollars. In fact, a quality rod should only cost you around $40 or $60, but no more.
Before buying a rod you have to know what kind of fish you're going after and where you'll be fishing. Next, you need to find a well-known, quality manufacturer. Some well-known companies include Daiwa, Berkley and Quantum.
One Fish: Two or More Rods
It's a fact among anglers that you need different rods for different fish. Did you know that you may need different rods for the same fish? Yes, you'll need more than one rod, even if you fish in the same place all the time for the same type of fish.
Why do you need another rod? Water conditions change, and you need to adapt. For example, I use an ultra light rod for trout fishing and prefer to fish in the same river 90% of the time. I have two rods. Most of the time I use the shorter rod, but in the spring I use the longer rod, because run-off has raised the water level. With the longer rod, I can still feel my bait, the bottom and detect when I've gotten a bite.
Get a Feel for the Rod
Even if you fish for trout at the same time with the same rod that I do, that doesn't mean the rod I have is the one you should buy. You need to buy a rod that fits your personal style and needs. To do this, you must try out the rod. Does it fit your hand? Do you feel comfortable when you cast, or are you feeling some strain in your arm or back muscles?
Another factor is the "whip" in a rod. If the rod is so flexible that you think you're holding a whip rather than a handle, walk away—quickly. You can't set the hook with a rod with that much bend. Of course, you don't want a rod that's too stiff either. This is why you'll see people in the fishing department shaking their rods. They're testing the "whip".
Stick with Quality
Once you find a quality brand that you like, stick with that brand. For example, if you like the five foot rod from the Quantum Teton series, you'll like the six foot six inch one, too. It's that easy.
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