Fishing Rods 101
By Joe Jester
Today’s poles incorporate modern features that were not possible in the past. Unlike the primitive cane pole, rods today are available in a wide variety of strengths and sizes. These modern poles allow the fisherman to select the proper pole for their type of fishing. Selection of the proper rod will enhance the angler’s enjoyment.

Like the classic cane pole, the modern pole is thick at the handle (bottom) and is tapered and thinner at the tip. This very basic design allows handling stability and flexible movement of the entire length of the shaft.

Types of Rods

A typical pole measures between 5 and 7 feet and vary in both strength and flexibility. The length has a lot to do with withstanding force exerted by the fish to the pole and determines for the most part the performance of the rod. rods are typically either made from fiberglass or graphite. They generally either have cork or PVC handles. They range in price from under $20 to several hundred dollars.

Spinning Poles

Spinning rods are widely used in North America for fresh water game fish such as smallmouth bass, trout, pike, and walleye. They come in a variety of weights and range from 5 to 8 feet. Since spinning reels hang below the rod, the guides hang below the rod. Longer, stronger spinning rods often times have an extended handle so that two hands can be used while casting. These heavy weight varieties have the strength to handle large fresh water game fish such as musky. They also have the strength to handle steelhead or salmon.

Spin Casting Rods

Spin casting rods are designed for spin casting reels, which are mounted above the handle. Spin casting rods have smaller guides than spinning rods based upon the way that line comes off the spin casting reel when casting. These rods typically have a forefinger

trigger grip built into their handle. Spin casting rods can also be used with bait casting reels.

Ultra-light Poles

Ultra-light and Micro-light rods are used for smaller fish species such as crappie, trout, bass, sunfish, and other panfish. Their ultra light weight increases the excitement and fun of catching panfish. These rods are typically shorter than regular weight rods, with 4 to 5.5 feet common. Spinning and spin casting style rods are both available in ultra-light weights. In addition, fly rods in #0 - #3 weights are considered ultra light. These ultra light weight rods allow the angler to use lighter weight line and smaller lures.

Summary

Although this is a very brief overview of the various types of poles, I hope it was helpful to those just getting started in the sport. Ultimately the decision of the rod will be dependent upon the angler's preference in reels. I personally use spinning reels. It’s hard to say why, but it probably boils down to the that I did in my youth.

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Joe JesterEditor at www.bassfishing-shop.com