James RickardSo, you've decided to buy a fishing rod--
June 21st 2010 18:52
It can be pretty intimidating to buy a new fishing rod whether you go to you local sporting goods store or discount store. Rods today are a far cry from the cumbersome loads they used to be. Today's rods incorporate modern features only imagined by past generations. Cork handles or foam? Does fiberglass or graphite matter? Better yet; is that hundred dollar rod really better than one that costs ten dollars? When picking out their fist first fishing rod, too many people simply show up at the local discount chain and pick out the first rod that catches their eye.
It's easy to set a budget but the next step is harder: deciding what type of fishing you're going to be doing. Really doing! Everyone wants to catch a whopper deserving a spot on the wall. However, if you're readying yourself for your first fishing adventure, it never hurts to start out slow.
Even if you think it's better to go after a trophy next year, it still doesn't hurt to decide what kind of fishing you plan to do because one rod, no matter what it costs, won't do it all!
The exact kind of fishing you do will depend on your location. Most of us are familiar with the average spinning or bait casting outfit. These rods are generally 5-7 feet. A spinning outfit has a reel that sits beneath the rod and usually has larger line guides (round circular eyes) than bait casters which have the reel mounted atop the rod and often has a trigger like handle.
If you plan to try surf fishing, you'll need a rod specifically designed for that task. Surf rods resemble spinning outfits but are more rugged and longer so they can cast bait beyond breaking waves which is usually where fish tend to be.
Fly fishing is, perhaps, the most difficult method of angling and most expensive. Fly rods are usually longer and lighter than traditional rods. Instead of the usual lures or bait, a fly angler depends on weighted line for casting. Rods are chosen for the fish being sought with #0 being adequate for small trout or pan fish. Fly fishing in even popular for large saltwater species with #14-16 being used. Complete books are written with fly fishing advice so; it's difficult, if not impossible to obtain knowledge from one article.
First thing first—the money. You know that old saying, "You get what you pay for"? It kind of works for fishing and kind of doesn't. There are a lot of private label rods out there that will do a good job. Just as you pay for the name of Cadillac in cars or Colt when it comes to fire arms, you'll pay for the privilege of having a St. Croix rod. Make no mistake they're excellent fishing rods but, maybe too excellent for a beginner.
The next step would be to test the grip of the rod. You'll generally find cork or foam grips and some bargain priced rods have a plastic grip. It may be a little easier to keep a foam grip looking new but that should be one of you last considerations. The main thing is to get a rod to you liking and the battle between cork and foam is often a matter of ascetics. You may think a cork grip drives up the price or is the mark of a better rod but you'll find a lot of cheap cork out there so you cannot use it an indicator of quality.
None the less, handling each product will give you an opportunity to decide for yourself which you prefer.
So, you have a rod. Maybe it came with a reel and maybe it didn't. If you need a reel, that's fodder for another post. Providing you have a rod and everything that goes with it, you can think about tackle.
The right tackle or the perfect lure can be a never ending quest. All I'm going to say about lures about lures is that they are very personal and very local. You can read book after book about picking lures. Save yourself some time and grief and ask a local angler for advice when picking lures! All I can say with certainty is light for day and dark for night.
It's easy to set a budget but the next step is harder: deciding what type of fishing you're going to be doing. Really doing! Everyone wants to catch a whopper deserving a spot on the wall. However, if you're readying yourself for your first fishing adventure, it never hurts to start out slow.
Even if you think it's better to go after a trophy next year, it still doesn't hurt to decide what kind of fishing you plan to do because one rod, no matter what it costs, won't do it all!
The exact kind of fishing you do will depend on your location. Most of us are familiar with the average spinning or bait casting outfit. These rods are generally 5-7 feet. A spinning outfit has a reel that sits beneath the rod and usually has larger line guides (round circular eyes) than bait casters which have the reel mounted atop the rod and often has a trigger like handle.
If you plan to try surf fishing, you'll need a rod specifically designed for that task. Surf rods resemble spinning outfits but are more rugged and longer so they can cast bait beyond breaking waves which is usually where fish tend to be.
Fly fishing is, perhaps, the most difficult method of angling and most expensive. Fly rods are usually longer and lighter than traditional rods. Instead of the usual lures or bait, a fly angler depends on weighted line for casting. Rods are chosen for the fish being sought with #0 being adequate for small trout or pan fish. Fly fishing in even popular for large saltwater species with #14-16 being used. Complete books are written with fly fishing advice so; it's difficult, if not impossible to obtain knowledge from one article.
First thing first—the money. You know that old saying, "You get what you pay for"? It kind of works for fishing and kind of doesn't. There are a lot of private label rods out there that will do a good job. Just as you pay for the name of Cadillac in cars or Colt when it comes to fire arms, you'll pay for the privilege of having a St. Croix rod. Make no mistake they're excellent fishing rods but, maybe too excellent for a beginner.
The next step would be to test the grip of the rod. You'll generally find cork or foam grips and some bargain priced rods have a plastic grip. It may be a little easier to keep a foam grip looking new but that should be one of you last considerations. The main thing is to get a rod to you liking and the battle between cork and foam is often a matter of ascetics. You may think a cork grip drives up the price or is the mark of a better rod but you'll find a lot of cheap cork out there so you cannot use it an indicator of quality.
None the less, handling each product will give you an opportunity to decide for yourself which you prefer.
So, you have a rod. Maybe it came with a reel and maybe it didn't. If you need a reel, that's fodder for another post. Providing you have a rod and everything that goes with it, you can think about tackle.
The right tackle or the perfect lure can be a never ending quest. All I'm going to say about lures about lures is that they are very personal and very local. You can read book after book about picking lures. Save yourself some time and grief and ask a local angler for advice when picking lures! All I can say with certainty is light for day and dark for night.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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