| Choosing the right fishing rod can be a challenging | | | | characteristic of accurate casting, for which the |
| task, especially for the casual or hobbyist | | | | rod's material is highly responsible. Graphite is the |
| fisherman considering taking the sport more | | | | most common rod material, though it is often just |
| seriously. If you're interested in taking your fresh | | | | the main component among several others. |
| water fishing to the next level but find yourself | | | | Graphite rods vary widely in quality, and are |
| casting about in confusion, here are a few | | | | commonly described using terms like IM6, IM7, |
| pointers to help you choose your next good | | | | etc. While these designations are not standard |
| fishing rod. | | | | across manufacturers, it is often true that IM7 |
| First, consider your environment and the type of | | | | graphite is better than IM6 graphite from the |
| fish you hope to catch. Specifically, will you be | | | | same manufacturer. Fiberglass is another common |
| fishing for lighter fish in small ponds where you | | | | material. Known for its ruggedness, these rods |
| may not need to make overly long casts? Or will | | | | are commonly used when medium to slow actions |
| you be fishing in lakes, where precise casts may | | | | are desired. |
| be necessary and larger fish can be found? | | | | Guides are another crucial component of any rod, |
| Rods are often described in terms of their | | | | though guide characteristics are much more |
| action--that is, how much of the rod bends when | | | | straight-forward. Guides should allow the line to |
| pressure is applied. Fast action rods only bend at | | | | move smoothly and with little friction, both for |
| their tips, and are adequate for most instances, | | | | better casts and for easier catches. Silicon |
| particularly when single hooks are used as the | | | | carbide, alconite or ceramics are widely |
| hook tends to set more cleanly. Rods with slower | | | | acknowledged as serviceable guide construction |
| actions bend closer to their base. These rods can | | | | materials. Stainless steel guides are not good, as |
| usually cast somewhat further and may be more | | | | they tend to break and require expensive repairs. |
| appropriate for larger bodies of water. They're | | | | A great example example of a freshwater fishing |
| also better when used with triple hooks with | | | | rod for general use is the "Bass Pro Shops Power |
| larger fish, as the slower action sets the hook | | | | Plus Graphite Spinning Rod." It is very affordable |
| more firmly. | | | | at $17.99 and includes all the usual quality features |
| Rods are also described in terms of their power, | | | | that Bass Pro Shops is known for including |
| or how much weight they are capable of pulling. | | | | graphite and fiberglass construction for superior |
| Rated in terms of heavy, medium heavy, | | | | flexibility and strength. This light weight rod allows |
| medium, etc. a rod's power should be matched | | | | for easy detection of small nibbles on your bait |
| both with its line strength and with the weight of | | | | and all-day casting. Perfect for crappie fishing but |
| fish you are hoping to catch. Using a heavy rod | | | | also can stand the strain of larger bass and |
| with a light line will snap the line much more easily. | | | | walleye. |
| Once again, the environment is an important | | | | In many ways, fishing rods are like tools. Just as |
| consideration when choosing the right rod power. | | | | every construction problem can't be solved with a |
| Heavily choked waters will require heavy power | | | | hammer, so too can't every fishing challenge be |
| to clear fish and lures of plant growth and other | | | | met with the same rod. There are many more |
| debris, while clear and open water requires light | | | | factors involved in choosing the best rod for any |
| rods with lines that are more easily concealed. | | | | given situation. The above should at least help you |
| Rod responsiveness is an important determining | | | | to begin experimenting, however. |