Choosing The Right Fishing Pole and Reel

Choosing The Right Fishing Pole and Reel

When you first start out fishing you don’t always know what is the right equipment to buy, are you going to buy one of everything, are you going to buy a combo fishing pole and reel at your local sports store or do you take a friend with you who has been fishing to help you find the right fishing pole and reel.

So I went online to do some research to find some information that might help someone who is starting out and wants to have right fighting pole and reel.

I find some good information at takemefishing.org.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FISHING ROD: BASICS

Along with learning how to choose a fishing reel, one of the most challenging decisions for beginners learning how to fish is that of choosing a fishing rod. For many new anglers, selecting a beginner fishing rod from the massive variety of rods on the market can seem quite daunting. Short or long? Stiff or flexible? Graphite, fiberglass or both? The good news is that learning how to choose a fishing rod for beginners is much the same as learning how to choose a fishing rod for experienced anglers. Both sets of anglers must be able to answer the same pair of questions, namely:

  • Where will you be fishing?
  • What type of bait you will be using?

Once you are equipped with the answers to those two questions, you will find it easier to match up fishing rod types and uses. Whether selecting a beginner fishing rod or one more advanced, understanding the different characteristics that make up this important piece of fishing gear can help you choose the right rod for the catch. 

  • The first thing to remember when learning how to choose a fishing rod is that each fishing rod is a balance of flexibility and strength. Stronger rods can cast heavier lures and bait but won’t be as sensitive to gentle strikes from a fish, or, may not flex enough to work well with lightweight line. Lighter rods may be very sensitive, but not strong enough to fight bigger fish.

SELECTING THE RIGHT ROD

Before you can choose the best fishing rod, you’ll want some idea of what you’re fishing for and what you’ll be fishing with. Spinning rods work well with lighter baits and lures and are good general-purpose and beginner fishing rods. Casting rods work well for tossing artificial baits, plugs, and jigs that are heavier.

A fishing rod can be made of fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass is tougher and generally more flexible and can be less expensive. Graphite is lighter, stiffer, and more sensitive but easier to damage. There are also hybrid rods on the market, made with a combination of both materials. Like many other pieces of fishing gear, it’s a trade-off. The best fishing rods are the ones you are most comfortable using. Unsurprisingly, most beginners start out with fiberglass rods.

Once you’ve picked a style and material, look for a rod that matches the weight of the lure or bait, and the size line you wish to use. Then, all there is left to do is choose a reel that accommodates your chosen rod and get ready to go fishing.

I also find some more fishing hacks after doing more research on Hunthacks.com. Hunthacks.com has a lot of good information to help you with choosing the right equipment and more. I like their diagrams and the information lay out, I will share a small part of their article here:

What To Look For Before Buying A Fishing Rod?

Length

Length thebookongonefishing

Via tenkarausa.com

The first thing to determine before buying a rod should be to find the perfect length of the rod. They usually range from 4 to 14 feet long, and are measured from the start of the handle to all the way to the butt, but it doesn’t include the fishing line when it is measured. 

  • The short length rods are usually used when using a boat and fishing in the sea, as the fishes are then nearby, which is usually done for the largest catches. They are additionally helpful when trolling, a kind of angling where the line is appended to a moving pontoon and drawn over the water.
  • The long rods are usually used when fishing very near the shore where water is shallow so they can go longer into the sea. Fly fishing and heavier lures also require lengthier fishing rods. You can now yourself choose your rod by determining your fishing type.

Material Of The Rod

The second thing is the type of material. This is directly proportional to the cost of the rod, and is also related to its functionality and to the kind of fishing you are doing. A fishing rod is usually made up of graphite or fiberglass or both materials are combined to make one fishing rod.

fishing rod graphite thebookongonefishing

Via lamiglas.com

Rods made of graphite are more stiff and light than the fiberglass rods but are more fragile. They are also costlier than rods made up of fiberglass.

On the other hand, rods made of fiberglass are hefty but are more pliable than rods made up of graphite. These are not as fragile as graphite rods as well as being a cheaper option when compared to the graphite rods.

fishing rod fiberglassthebookongonefishing

Via rodcatalog.blogspot.com

The next choice is the mixture of two of the materials, fiberglass plus graphite rods.

These have qualities of both type of rods to an extent, and are best for the person who catches fish in a range of locations, and different types of fishes.

I also find some more fishing pole information after doing more research on fix.com. Fix.com has a lot of good information to help you with choosing the right equipment and it talks about pole strength, and how it might be used to caught the right fish. I like their diagrams and the information lay out, I will share a small part of their article here:

Having the proper equipment is as important in fishing as it is in any sport. With a wide range of bait options and techniques, rod manufacturers have developed rods to cast specific baits farther and more accurately. They’ve also balanced these capabilities with other factors to give the angler an advantage over a hooked bass. A truly effective fisherman or woman can now pick the perfect tool. The correct rod for a given situation allows anglers to cast baits accurately, work baits properly, detect more strikes, and set the hook to land a fish.

Lure Choice

Selecting the perfect bass fishing rod starts with lure choice. A hammer can drive a screw, but is it the most effective tool? Using a flipping rod to fish with crank baits would be just as difficult. While you could cast a crankbait with a flipping rod, the distance, accuracy, and ability to land bass may suffer. Knowing the different parts of a rod – and how they affect casting and fighting a bass – is the first step in selecting the proper rod for the job at hand.

When selecting a baitcasting or spinning rod, there are three things to consider: power, action, and length. The right combination of power and action allows longer and more precise casts with a given lure or technique. Add in the proper length and the combination provides effective control over a hooked bass. All three elements will also prevent angler fatigue.

Rod Selection - All About Rod Power thebookongonefishing

Power

Power is the amount of pressure an angler has to apply to make a rod bend. Heavier action rods require more pressure to bend, while light action rods bend much easier.1 Rod manufacturers categorize rods as light, medium, or heavy. In some cases, there are in-between levels such as medium/light or medium/heavy. Higher-end rod companies categorize rods with a number system to describe the power rating, usually one through five (one means light action and five means heavy action).

Rod Selection - All About Action thebookongonefishing

Action

The action describes how and where the rod blank flexes when a force is applied. Or, the action is how easily and how far from the tip a rod will bend. Actions are similar among most rod manufacturers. However, the terms rod manufacturers use to rate these actions can get confusing. Many companies use the same three categories as they do for power ratings: light, medium, or heavy. Other manufacturers use variations of speed to describe action: moderate fast, fast, extra fast. Variations of “fast” better describe how quickly the rod stops bending and transfers power to the blank of the rod. An extra fast (or heavy) action rod will bend three to four inches before transferring power to the blank, which is considered quick. A moderate fast (or light action) will bend nearly a third of the way down the rod blank, which is considered slow.

I will also share with you a few affordable fishing poles from my local Walmart near me:

Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo thebookongonefishing

Ugly Stik GX2 Youth Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Average rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, based on 35 reviews

Walmart # 552075855

$39.95 Buy now price check at Walmart

Ugly Stik®GX2™ Youth Spinning combo is the perfect choice for youth anglers. Includes the same great features as the men’s and ladies’ rods providing the Ugly Stik® toughness with a modern look that makes it their own.

  • Ugly Stik®GX2™ 5’6″ 2pc medium action spinning rod
  • EVA spilt grip design for lighter weight and smaller hands
  • 30 size spinning reel with 1 ball bearing
  • Machined anodized aluminum spool for improved durability
  • 7 year warranty

FISHING MADE EASY: Learn info, tips and tricks you need to be successful on the water here

WARNINGS:

proposition 65 reasons:WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.p65warnings.ca.gov

Specifications

BrandShakespeare
Manufacturer Part NumberUSYTHSP30CBO
TypeSpinning Combos
Fishing LocationFreshwater
GenderUnisex
Assembled Product Weight1.03 lbs
ModelUSYTHSP30CBO
ColorBlack
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H)66.00 x 4.60 x 3.80 Inches
Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo thebookongonefishing

Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Average rating: 4 out of 5 stars, based on 80 reviews

Walmart # 573656546

$41.67 Buy now price check at Walmart

2-day delivery

BRUISER TOUGH FOR BIG FISHING APPLICATIONS The Cardinal Bruiser saltwater spinning fishing reels durable construction and size makes it an optimal choice when targeting larger saltwater species. It features a solid 4 bearing drive for excellent fish stopping power. Comes pre-spooled with 20 pound high performance monofilament line.

Abu Garcia Cardinal Bruiser Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo:

  • Durable Saltwater Size Reel with 4 Bearing Drive
  • Saltwater Tough Rod with EVA Handle
  • Pre-spooled with Berkley Trilene

WARNINGS:

proposition 65 reasons:WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Cancer and Reproductive Harm  www.p65warnings.ca.gov

Specifications

BrandAbu Garcia
FeaturesCatfish
Manufacturer Part NumberBRSB72/5
TypeSpinning Combos
Fishing LocationSaltwater
GenderUnisex
Assembled Product Weight1.69 lbs
ModelBRSB72/5
ColorBlack/Silver
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H)6.50 x 4.25 x 43.75 Inches
PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo thebookongonefishing

PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Average rating: 4 out of 5 stars, based on 13 reviews

Walmart # 571710776

$117.00

The PENN Pursuit III spinning combo is great for inshore, boat, and?surf?fishing. This combo combines the Pursuit III spinning reel and a?graphite?composite rod for an affordable and durable fish-taming set-up. The?reel?features an ultra lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body,?and houses our powerful HT-100 drag system,?making the Pursuit III a great?value for?the money for saltwater anglers.? The Pursuit III Fishing Combo boasts the quality and durability you’ve come to love from Penn, along with carefully designed features to benefit female anglers. Outfitted with an ultra-lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body and a powerful HT-100 drag system, the reel is both strong and durable enough to handle the hardest-pulling fish and harshest saltwater conditions. The rod-and-reel combo is equipped with a 4+1 stainless steel ball bearing and a sturdy graphite blank construction to provide smooth operation inshore, offshore, surf angling, or wherever your saltwater adventure takes you. Penn Dura-Guides stay securely anchored and resist twisting, even under heavy loads. A lower gear ratio offers more cranking power than traditional models.

PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo:

  • HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers
  • Lightweight and corrosion-resistant graphite body
  • 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
  • PENN Dura- Guides
  • Graphite composite blank

WARNINGS:

proposition 65 reasons:This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.p65warnings.ca.gov

This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.p65warnings.ca.gov

Specifications

BrandPenn
Manufacturer Part Number1481332
Assembled Product Weight0.96 lbs
ModelPURIII3000701ML
ColorBlack/Silver
Assembled Product Dimensions (L x W x H)5.50 x 6.00 x 0.43 Inches

Conclusion

Hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a very successful trip fishing your trip with your friends and family!  Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on ThebookOnGoneFishing.

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