If you are a novice angler, seeking for the perfect fishing rods may get overwhelming. As there are thousands of options to choose from with all the amazing features and reviews. It is coherent that you may want to get the first one that you saw online. Although, that’s not a smart move.
To get your money’s worth you need to be careful and consider some few important factors. But first, it is important to know the essence of a fishing rod and the different rod types. So if you are ready let’s begin by understanding the significance of a fishing rod.
Importance of a Fishing Rod
A fishing rod is the most important gear on any angler’s kit. These are poles that help get the hook and bait into the water. The type of rod you choose has a significant impact on your success. There are specific types of rods made for fresh and saltwater, also for pursuing specific fishes. The length and flexibility of the rod will help with the rod’s sensitivity in detecting bites. Therefore, rods are essential.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Rod
Having the right equipment is the key for a successful catch. There are different equipment when it comes to fishing, and the rod is the most important piece. Picking up the wrong rod, would mess up your fishing experience.
There are different factors to consider when choosing a rod.
Type of Rod
Casting rods and spinning rods are two of the basic types of rods. Casting rod allows you to cast with precision and accuracy, which is ideal for a fighter fish. Similar to the casting rod, the spinning rod has guides faced down and is a lot thinner and lighter. This type of rod is easy to learn, making it best for beginners.
- Spinning Rods
These versatile rods are beginner friendly and featured a spinning reel mounted under the rod allowing for a smooth casting. Spinning rods are ideal for freshwater fishing.
- Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods are suited for more experienced anglers. These rods feature precision control and are designed to work with baitcasting reel. This type of rod is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Fly Rods
These rods are designed specifically for fly fishing. Fly rods are typically longer and more flexible creating a longer cast.
- Ice Fishing Rods
These rods are shorter and designed to withstand cold weather conditions. They are durable and have the capacity to retrieve big and strong fishes.
- Overhead Rods
If you will be fishing in large lakes or sea, it is appropriate to use an overhead rod. These rods are shorter but powerful, they are the best choice if you are planning to catch large fishes like redfin and stripers. You don’t need to think about having a perfect cast, just drop your line and wait for the bite.
Rod Handle
The rod handle will determine your level of comfort. Longer handle means you may hold the rod with both hands allowing you to perform long distance casts. While shorter handles offer one-hand casting from close range.
Rod Length
Rod length determines the cast. So the longer the rod, the farther you can cast. One condition about long rods is you’ll have less control over your cast.
On the other hand, shorter rods will provide a shorter cast. In situations like combat fishing, short rods will have less bend.
Rods have a wide variety of lengths. Below are the different lengths needed in different situations:
- Beginner: 7ft
- Lake/ Pond: 6ft to 7ft
- Small River: 5ft to 6ft
- Medium River: 7ft to 8ft
- Big River: 8ft to 10ft
- Offshore: 7ft to 8ft
- Inshore: 6.5ft to 8ft
- Surf: 9ft to 14ft
- Deep Sea: 7ft
Rod Sensitivity
The rod sensitivity is the vibration that is transited from the hook to your hands. The vibration is important since it is the way you identify the fish bite.
Rod Weight
For rods weighing 5 kilograms it is best to also use a line with the same capacity. Use the dimension guide to choose the reel size and line weight to use for your fishing rod.
Rod Materials
Graphite, fiberglass and a composite are some of the materials used for rods. Rods made of graphite are light and stiff which means they break easily. However, with graphite rods, you can detect lighter bites easily.
Fiberglass rods are more durable compared to graphite. These rods are good for fishing big fishes that are aggressive. Fiberglass is most popular due to it being affordable and low-maintenance.
Composite rods are composed of a mixture of both, producing lightweight and flexible rods. Composite rods are versatile, allowing you to catch a variety of fishes, in different waters, and conditions.
Rod Action
The action of the rod determines the bend degree. It ranges from fast to slow. Fast action has a closer bend to the top giving a rigid reel. Making it perfect for heavier baits on a single hook.
Medium action fishes bends in the middle, giving you a good cast. It is ideal for both single and multiple hooks allowing you to catch small and large fishes.
Slow-action rods bends low and close to the butt. This is the most flexible type of rod that is ideal for light bait targeting small fishes.
To be more specific, here are the action ranges and target species:
- Ultra-Light = Crappie, bait, most small fish
- Light = panfish, bluegill, sunfish, Jacks, Drums
- Medium Light = Bass, Walleye, Trout
- Medium =Bass, Catfish, Redfish
- Medium-Heavy = Pike, Musky, Snook, Salmon
- Heavy = Tuna, Sturgeon, Salmon, Tarpon
- Extra-Heavy = Sailfish, Shark, Tuna, Halibut
Rod Power
The rod’s power is its ability to withstand pressure. The power ranges from heavy to light. The heavier the power the less bend it will provide. Rods with heavier resistance are perfect for large fishes that can be found on deep sea.
However, lighter rods are more flexible and sensitive. They are ideal for small fishes and are best partnered with thinner lures.
6 power ratings
- Ultralight
- Light
- Medium
- Medium-Heavy
- Heavy
- Ultra-Heavy
Rod Markings
Rod markings are the key attributes about the rod. These markings will let you know the length, action, line and lure weight recommended. Note this as a guide:
- Spin – The type of rod (spinning rod)
- MH – Fish weight (medium-heavy)
- 732 – Rod length (7′ 3″ two parts)
- Line Wt 10-15 lb – Line weight (10-15 pounds)
- Lure Wt ¼ – ¾ oz – Lure weight (¼ to ¾ ounces)
How To Choose The Right Rod Size
In choosing the right rod size, you have to think about what type of fishing you’ll be doing and your target species. For example, if you are focusing on getting larger fishes, you’ll need to have a fast action fishing rod. Similarly, if you are fishing on deep-water that requires long distance casting, then a longer fishing rod is more appropriate.
Keep in mind these key point in finding the right fishing rod size:
Long rods:
- More elastic
- Provides long casting
- Less snapping
Short rods:
- Limited elasticity
- Short casting
- Prone to snapping
Top 7 Beginner Rods
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Rods
The Shakespeare brand is one of the most trusted for starters and is ideal for pan fishing. The Ugly Stik is one Shakespeare’s model that is most famous as an all around rod. Featuring 3 ball bearings along with a one-way clutch that ensures smooth gears. Another thing you’ll appreciate about Ugly Stik is the improved reel lifespan and ease of hook.
Kastking Centron Spinning Rods
The KastKing Spinning Combo is constructed from a graphite body making it lightweight and strong. The overall design provides excellent performance for anglers of all levels. All combos come in two pieces with different lengths measuring 6 inches (bass, trout, panfish) to 8 inches (catfish, steelhead, salmon).
It comes with stainless steel guides that are strong and durable which performs well with both mono or braided lines. The contoured EVA handles are another thing. It provides a great grip while providing comfort all day.
The combination includes the Centron Spinning Reel that is a perfect match for the rod. Reel size starts at 2000-5000 perfect for catching catfish, salmon, and steelhead.
Penn Battle II Rod
The Penn Battle II is popular for its drag system allowing you to catch heavy fishes easily. With the combination of the rod and reel, it can accommodate large diameters. It has an anti-reverse bearing that helps with stability and strength making it convenient for beginners. The design on the other hand is a mixture of graphite and stainless steel which is known to be durable.
Zebco 33 Spincast Rod
The Zebco 33 spincast features a combination of 6 foot 2 piece fishing rod and a reel of size 30. With a mixture of classic and modern design matched to a sturdy fiberglass allowing you to reel in big fishes. Constructed for smooth performance, the retrieve reel features an adjustable drag and anti-reverse. This is to stop your handle from moving backwards. You’ll also enjoy the EVA rod handle that offers all day comfort.
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Rod
This Abu Garcia model features a Rocket Line Management system that enables distance casting. It also has the Rocket Spool Lip Design which increases accuracy. The graphite body is lightweight and durable.
Lew’s Mach I Speed Spool Baitcasting Combo
This rod and reel combo features a 1-piece lightweight graphite frame with premium 8 bearing system. The baitcasting reel features a double anodized aluminum and high solid brass speed gears to cut on with precision.
Wild Water Starter Fly Rod Combo
A comprehensive fly fishing combo made perfectly for beginners. The length, weights, and action is created to focus on anglers with various fly fishing styles. The rod measures 9 feet ideal for different casting techniques. This length is just enough to not look bad when fishing om smaller waters.
Buying Tips
- You always get what you pay for. Don’t expect that a cheap rod would give you the same features of a premium rod.
- Choosing a rod just by researching just won’t work. You need to test out by hand to get a feel of how it balances.
- Choose a rod for specific types of fishing.
- Pre-packaged combos are designed just for selling not for fishing. So stay away from pre-packaged combos.
Where to Buy High-Quality Rods
Sports Retail Stores
Your local sport retail stores offer some advantages. You can ask staff to help you choose what to purchase. You’ll have a variety of options available and you get to see equipment on hand. One drawback is it may be more expensive shopping in a sports retail store.
General Retailer
General retailers are good for new fishers. Although general retailers provide less option, this may even work in your favor as it will be less overwhelming. It is possible to save more money by going to general retailers too compared to sports retail stores.
One downside is, the staff may not be fishers and may not be able to assist you if you have any questions.
Online Stores
Online stores hold several advantages, especially for those who don’t have enough time to go shopping in physical stores. Online stores frequently offer promos or discounts so you might save a lot of money if you purchase your rod while on sale.
Conclusion
As a novice angler, learning how to choose a fishing rod is essential. There’s a lot of factors to consider and understand especially if you are buying for the first time. This article serves as your guide to avoid a lot of guesswork.
From knowing the basics about fishing rods to top brands and models for beginners, we hope this blog helps you determine the perfect rod. Do you have other brands in mind that we haven’t discussed in the blog? Comment them down below. We are happy to hear from you!
Additional Resources:
- Tips on how to choose fishing rods for beginner:https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/fishing-gear-and-tackle/how-to-choose-a-fishing-rod/#:~:text=The%20best%20fishing%20rods%20are,line%20you%20wish%20to%20use.
- How to select a fishing rod: https://www.reddit.com/r/FishingForBeginners/comments/t5mlw3/guide_how_to_select_the_right_fishing_rod/
- Guide to choosing a fly rod: https://www.xplorerflyfishing.co.za/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-the-right-fly-fishing-rod/
- How to choose rod for bass fishing: https://www.bassresource.com/beginner/bass_fishing_rods.html
- Choose your fishing rod based on your needs: https://happyangler.com/fishing-guides/choose-your-fishing-rod-based-on-your-needs/
