When buying your new fishing rod, two things that you mostly think of are: what type of fish you are planning to catch and how much it will cost, right? Choosing a fishing rod doesn’t have to be complicated. So here is everything you need to know about angling fishing rod.
Table of Contents
What is a fishing rod?
Basically, a fishing rod is a long and flexible pole that is used by fishermen to catch fishes. The basic form of a fishing rod is composed of a stick with a hook attached to a line. Fish hook is initially called “angle” in which the term “angling” came from, which is the method of fishing through hook or angle. While modern type of fishing rods usually have a fishing reel that used to have a circular movement for restoring, retrieving and releasing the fishing lines.
What are the main parts of fishing rods?
These pieces are mostly universal, with only slight changes depending on the fishing rod style.
HANDLE: Obviously, the handle is the bottom part of your fishing rod where you hold the pole. Most of the time, it is made of cork or EVA foam that will give comfort and durable grip. But again, depending on preference. You have to remember that longer handles are good for longer casting. Casting is the act of throwing the bait and hook (or a lure) out over the water using a fishing line connected to a flexible fishing rod. While shorter handles are preferred for shorter casting or using just one hand. This is also an advantage when you want to accurately cast in a shorter distance. There are other available types of handles which are split handle grip. It is commonly used in bass fishing and pistol grip handles that are good for light weight and shorter casting.
REEL SEAT: It is located just above the handle and its main purpose is to be an area where the reel can be mounted to the rod. You can do it by sliding the reel foot at the collars. Make sure to tighten them so it will move or wobble when you use it. There will be two types of reeling seat:
- Spinning reel: This is recommended for beginners of angling as this is very easy and convenient to use. It is perfect for small baits and lures. As this has an anti-reverse mechanism that will keep you from spooling back once you catch something.
- Casting reel: This is also called baitcaster that is commonly used for larger fish and heavy lures. This type of reel is not recommended for beginners. It is not easy to learn how to control the spool rotation while casting that sometimes can cause backlash.
FERRULES: It is a hollow metal tube used to connect two or more pieces of a collapsible fishing rod or to repair a broken rod.
WINDINGS: One kind of string or thread. These strings attach the guides to the main body in a fishing rod. Windings usually come with a guard of aluminum around it. They are replaceable. They help the guides stay in the blank of the fishing rod.
LINE GUIDES AND HOOK KEEPERS: This line guides are shaped as a ring that is attached along the rod that will be a guide to run the line from the tip to the reel. Materials like ceramic and graphite are good type but this can be expensive. It can cause less friction and can make your line used longer. A hook keeper is also a ring where you can attach the hook so that you can safely store your rod.
ROD TIP AND TIP TOP: Rod tip is the last and the most flexible part of the rod which is the opposite of the handles. You can choose either hard and soft type of rod tip based on the rod action that you are planning to do. Tip top is the smallest line guide and can be found at the end of the tip of the rod.
What are the types of fishing rods?
There are 8 types of fishing rods that are designed for different species of fish, different locations and different tasks namely: fly rods, casting rods, spinning rods, sea fishing rods, telescopic rods, trolling rods, surf rods and ice fishing rods.
Spinning rod is the type of rod that is recommended for beginners as the guides are located on the bottom which makes it a comfortable and easy-to-use option.
How much does a fishing rod cost?
As a beginner, you can find a spinning combo (rod and reel together) for a good price that is about an average price $40 dollars. But if you want to have more quality or step up your gear, you can buy it separately so you can choose what kind of materials to use.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article will help you on how to choose a fishing rod effectively as a beginner. Now you are armed with this knowledge, you can now choose and buy your very own first fishing rod. Go experience your first angling journey!
Sources
- https://protips.dickssportinggoods.com/sports-and-activities/hunt-and-fish/angler-approved-your-complete-guide-to-fishing-rods
- https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/fishing-tips/tips-for-buying-a-fishing-rod/
- https://fishingpioneer.com/how-to-choose-a-fishing-rod/
- https://blog.campermate.com.au/advice/fishing/how-to-choose-a-fishing-rod/