How To Choose A Fishing Rod And Reel? Things To Consider

Getting a new fishing rod and reel seems like a straightforward shopping activity. That may have been as simple as that once upon a time. There were fewer options because rods and reels were practically used for all types of fishing. You choose a spinning outfit for light fishing lines and small lures. Apart from that, it was a bait caster.

Well, not anymore, particularly when it comes to bass fishing; every year, new rods and reels are created for use with particular lures and fishing approaches like drop-shot setups, bladed jigs, hybrid crankbaits, and plastic swimbaits. Those were classified as specialist lures a few years ago. Ordinary fishermen became interested in those lures since the pros routinely won against the novices. They, along with flipping, pitching, cranking, and jigging, are now regarded as mainstream.

Specialised fishing rods and reels are used for even the most basic lures, such as plastic worms, crankbaits, jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Moreover, these sophisticated combinations enhance lure motion and give the angler more options for increasing fish strike appeal. But, all this matters mostly to those serious about the sport or competing in a tournament. However, even if you’re casting for fun, there are still a lot of options to choose from when it comes to fishing gear. This guide will deal with rods and reels in particular and things you should consider before choosing one. 

About The Rod

Power: This explains the rod’s strength or lifting capacity. A rod is said to have a lot of power when someone claims it has a lot of backbone. There are four power ratings: light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. Line strength and power are related; light powers work well with light fishing lines, and stronger power rods can handle heavier lines. For the power designation, check the label on the rod.

Action: This is the amount of the rod’s bend caused by applying pressure to the tip. A medium- or moderate-action rod bends in the upper half of the blank, whereas a fast-action rod only bends the top third or less. The bottom third of a slow-action rod bends. Bass-action rods range from fast to extremely fast. For hook setting, this offers faster power and increased sensitivity. When using single hooks and requiring a sturdy hookset, quick actions work best. In rod lingo, “action” and “taper” are interchangeable concepts.

Material: The two primary options are graphite and fibreglass. For well-known freshwater species, the latter type of material is more prevalent. The cause is sensitivity. Graphite is lightweight, robust, and stiff. In comparison to fibreglass, this makes the material more susceptible to light hits, and glass is renowned for its hardness and gentle movements. Many anglers prefer using fibreglass rods for crankbaits or other situations requiring a slow to medium action. Because fibreglass has more give in the rod tip, there is a greater possibility that the fish will take the bait. Composite rods composed of graphite and fibreglass are also very popular. When necessary, composites blend the best aspects of the two worlds.

Handle: A sturdy cork handle is reliable for providing adequate grip and comfort, especially in damp conditions. Cork is the ideal material for inshore saltwater rods for bass, bluegill, crappie, and other sneaky fish because it can mimic the subtle vibrations of a fish snatching up your bait or lure. EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) produces a foam that is robust, light, and highly resistant to wear and cracking. Compared to cork, foam is less abrasive, lighter, more cost-effective to produce, and preserves its shape. Consequently, the choice ultimately boils down to personal taste.

About The Reel

A spinning reel’s open spool facilitates casting the line and lure as far as possible. Spinning rigs are perfect for topwaters or other lures that need to be cast far in order to avoid frightening fish. Because they are simple to cast, spinning reels are perfect for novices. When fishing in clear water or for small fish, spinning reels are the best option for lightweight fishing line and small lures. Baitcasters work best when you need strength to take on larger fish. Furthermore, these fishing rods and reels are perfect for most saltwater fish. Consider bait casters to be the all-purpose fishing utility rigs.

Conclusion

As discussed above, there are a lot of factors to take into account while buying fishing gear. Particularly when selecting a fishing rod and reel, a lot of considerations should be made. Moreover, your fishing experience can be significantly enhanced by equipping yourself with the gear that best meets your needs.