|
In regard to links throughout this Site, you may see a word that is underlined but NOT highlighted blue like a link, It IS a link and these are words that can be found in our Dictionary. In case you're unfamiliar with some of the fishing lingo.
Other Websites
FUNdamentals
of Baseball
|
Fishing Rod
First of all, let's clear one thing up . . . its called a fishing rod not a fishing pole.
An old fashioned fishing pole is made of cane, has no guides and the line is attached to the tip - it has no reel. Fishing rods have guides and a way to attach a reel to it.
Cane Pole
FISHING RODS What
a Fishing Rod Does Cane poles are simply a pole or straight rod with a fishing line tied on to it. Cane poles are mainly used for shoreline fishing since you're restricted to depth and distance you can reach. You can not cast a line with a cane pole as there is no reel involved. Cane poles can be made of bamboo, fiberglass, graphite or even a straight tree branch. Cane poles work, are easy to use, not easily broken, require little maintenance and are inexpensive. FISHING RODS
A Fishing Rod is a light, long, slender and flexible pole. It is where the fishing Line and fishing reel are attached. When we refer to a Fishing Rod that is all we are referring to as opposed to a fishing rod AND REEL. There are many reasons someone would only want to purchase a rod that has no reel. Perhaps your rod broke but your reel is fine; you can place your old reel on a new or different rod. Some people like to build their own rod and reel combination to their likings that you can not normally find on the rack of your sporting good store. Buying the right rod for your application and unique style of fishing will increase your angling success. The fishing rod is the backbone of your tackle, and the truest extension of your fishing arm. Tackle manufacturers have elevated the art of rod building to a science, and today anglers have more choices than ever before. Therefore, it is important to know the essentials of Fishing Rods before heading to the tackle shop. Moreover, it is also crucial to determine the kind of fish you are after and the spot where you will be fishing, as these things also play a big role in choosing the appropriate Fishing Rod. We have a vast selection of Fishing Rods which vary in length, features, and brands that can be found at our FUNdamentals of Fishing Shop. The rod's job is to take tension off the line. When fighting a fish, you want the rod to partially bend, so it'll take some of the tension off the line. This is good, because if there was no transfer of tension, the line would break. If you use a rod that isn't stiff enough, the rod will bend, but too much. When a rod bends as far as it can, the rod can't handle any more tension from the line. Something has to give . . . . . . either the fish, rod or line. If you use too heavy of a rod, the tension isn't transferred because there isn't enough force being applied by the fish. This puts all the tension on just the line. Once again something has to give; in this case it's either the fish or the line. Shopping for a rod and understanding it how it works will be vital to your success as a fisherman. Types of Fishing Rods Fishing Rods come in several varieties, each with its own advantages. Choosing a rod is one's personal choice. Some are longer than others and some are lighter than others. Longer rods are suited for lighter line whereas shorter rods generally mean heavier line. There are 2 types of Fishing Rods. One for Casting Reels. Spincasting Rods and Baitcasting Rods which have eyelet guides running along the top of the rod and their reels set atop the handle grip. One for Spinning reels. Spinning Rods and Fly Rods which have its eyelet guides running along the bottom of the rod and its reel hangs below the handle grip. Preference of spinning reels or casting reels will determine to an extent what kind of rod you should be ideally choosing.
Spinning
Rods Fly
Fishing Rods DO NOT CONFUSE WITH SPINCAST ROD The guides and Reel sit below the rod The Spinning Rod has its eyelet guides running along the bottom of the rod and its reel hangs below the handle grip. We will discuss more about this Reel on the next page.
A
spinning
rod
has a straight handle with no finger hook (see illustration below),
while a spin cast rod has a handle that is tipped down slightly, and
there is a finger hook on the bottom. This is to wrap your index
finger around when you cast.
Spinning reels do not work well with spin cast rods and vice versa. So, make sure your rod and reel match. Spinning rods have straight handles with line guides starting large and becoming smaller closer to the tip. This rod is suitable for all types of freshwater and saltwater fishing. Spinning fishing rods are most often used in freshwater locations, although you can buy heavier rods for saltwater or boat use. Spin rods are designed to suit a spin reel and are used for casting and retrieving lures and baits. Many general purpose rods are called spin rods. It is likely that if you want to do a little river fishing, some pier fishing, or maybe light boat fishing that a spin fishing rod may be your best choice. Spin rods generally have lengths of 4 to 7 ft.
Fly
Fishing Rods Fly Fishing rods are long, thin, flexible rods sometimes made of bamboo, but more recently from man-made materials. Fly rods tend to have large diameter eyes (or guides) spaced along the rod to help control the movement of relatively thick fly line. To aid in the freedom of movement required to skillfully cast with a fly rod, there is usually little to no butt (handle) extending below the fishing reel. Although fly rods are mainly used for casting from fixed positions, they can also be used for trolling. Fly rods are considered to be one of the most difficult sport fishing rods to use. Successfully casting a dry fly requires the user to collect a large amount of float line in the air by making large, sweeping arcs with the rod tip. Once enough of the ribbon-like line for the length of the cast is out of the reel spool and into the air, a last forceful thrust is made to propel the line and fly forward onto the water. This process is referred to as "loading". Spincasting is easier than fly casting, with the user needing only to make a single, quick, over-hand motion before releasing the line. Exact techniques vary as casting style weighs heavily on the type of reel, bait and line used, as well as the species of fish being sought. DO NOT CONFUSE WITH SPINNING ROD The guides and Reel sit on top of the rod A spinning rod has a straight handle with no finger hook (see illustration below), while a spin cast rod has a handle that is tipped down slightly, and there is a finger hook on the bottom. This is to wrap your index finger around when you cast. Also, a spin-cast reel sets on top of the rod while a spinning reel hangs below the rod.
Spinning reels do not work well with spin cast rods and vice versa. So, make sure your rod and reel match.
Many types of casting rods have a style of grip called
a Trigger Grip.
Both rods come in a variety of sizes and actions. Baitcast Rods The Baitcasting Rods has eyelet guides running along the top of the rod and their reels set atop the handle grip. We will discuss more about this Reel on the next page. Baitcasting rods have either a pistol grip or straight handle. Bait Casting (or simply "Casting") rods are made from graphite or fiberglass with cork or foam handles and are generally 6 to 7 feet long. They are generally stiffer than other rod types, and intended for use with heavier lures and baits. Casting rods were originally developed for large fish and offshore fishing, but are now common in smaller sizes for freshwater fishing, especially for bass. Spincast Rods DO NOT CONFUSE WITH SPINNING ROD The guides and Reel sit on top of the rod The Spincasting Rod has eyelet guides running along the top of the rod and their reels set atop the handle grip. We will discuss more about this Reel on the next page. Spincasting rods are the most popular and the easiest to handle making it perfect for Junior Anglers. These rods have straight handles and small line guides. A spinning rod has a straight handle with no finger hook (see illustration below), while a spin cast rod has a handle that is tipped down slightly, and there is a finger hook on the bottom. This is to wrap your index finger around when you cast. Also, a spin-cast reel sets on top of the rod while a spinning reel hangs below the rod.
Spinning reels do not work well with spin cast rods and vice versa. So, make sure your rod and reel match. . . . and then there are Saltwater Rods or Surf Rods These rods tend to be the longest fishing rods, and they are usually quite heavy in construction and weight too. They are long to assist in casting bait and sinkers/tackle from the beach out into the surf. Going after saltwater fish involves a little change in the strength of the equipment. The rods, reels, hooks, line and lures or baits vary just as in freshwater fishing, but need to be stronger and heavier, built to withstand larger fish and natural or artificial structures. They are designed for spin reels, baitcast reels and sidecast reels. They are typically 9 to 13 ft in length. Types of Fishing Rod Construction
Fishing
rods can be made of fiberglass, graphite or the composite. Graphite has become a popular rod material for experienced anglers because it is extremely light yet strong. The biggest advantage to graphite fishing poles is that they are very light and provide the highest level of sensitivity. They work best if you are after species which hit lightly because graphite Fishing Rods can easily detect subtle bites and pick-ups. They're also beneficial as when you are fishing all day, especially if you enjoy lure fishing, this can mean being less tired at the end of the day. Though they are extremely light and highly sensitive, graphite Fishing Rods tend to be more fragile than fiberglass or composite Fishing Rods. The manufacturing process being somewhat more complex results in graphite rods being more costly. Fiberglass Fishing Rods Fiberglass rods are the most popular rods with beginners.
Fiberglass
fishing rods are generally cheaper yet are tougher and more
long-lasting but less sensitive compared to graphite Fishing Rods. Composite Fishing Rods
Composite
Fishing Rods are the combination of graphite and fiberglass so these
types of Fishing Rods have approximately the features of both
substances. Composite Fishing Rods are sensitive, long-lasting, and lightweight. Lengths of Fishing Rods The basic fishing rod is 6 feet long and has a medium "weight" (which means it's a good all-purpose rod). Fishing Rods differ in weight, length, in the materials they are made of, and other features and characteristics. Rod length depends upon the fishing an angler intends to do; not only the type of game fish sought after, but also the type of water and the surrounding landscape. Short, flexible rods ranging from 6 to 7 ft are often used for pulling heavy fish from the depths of large lakes or the ocean. Thicker and stronger rods are used for bigger, more aggressive fish that would break medium and small rods. Shorter rods also help in locations where overhanging tree limbs and branches limit an angler's casting area. Longer fishing rods ranging from 6 ½ up to 12 ft in length are typically for bigger fishing baits, bigger fish, and longer casting distance. There are different kinds of fishing rods on the market; different sizes, made of different materials for different purposes. The terms in the diagram below are common to all fishing rods.
Lets look at some of the major parts when it comes to shopping for a rod.
Knowing
the names and purpose of tackle will help you compare equipment when
you're ready to buy your first fishing outfit, and make it easier to
get your questions answered when you need help.
Butt
Cap: Fits on or over the end of most fishing rods. It is at the
bottom of the handle; between the reel and the back end of the rod.
Helps protect the rod blank and handle butt end. Casting rods will generally have shorter butts. Spinning rods will have slightly longer butts, and bottom fishing or trolling rods will have much longer butts. The length of the butt on a rod is dependent on how the anger plans to use the rod. Angler preference for comfort and ease of use is also in play here.
This
is the end you might press into your stomach if you're fighting a
good fish. Handle or Grip This is where you hold the rod. Typically, handle grips come in either cork or foam. Cork is a traditional material that has a good feel and solid grip. Try them both and choose the one that is most comfortable. Handles come in various lengths. Be sure to consider the length of the handle and find one you like and is comfortable to use.
Some
are simply a straight handle while some have either a pistol or
trigger grip: Pistol grip
A
pistol grip is the shortest type of grip. It is contoured to the
shape of your hand with a hook for your index finger. This hook helps
in casting more accurately. Reel Seat: Most rods have a reel seat that secures the reel onto the rod near the grip/handle. This is where your reel gets attached to the rod. There are different mechanisms available to attach the reel. Some rods will have rings that go over the reel foot. Most rods have some sort of hood mechanism that screws either up or down on the foot of the reel to keep it in place.
Ferrule: If you have a rod that breaks down into 2 pieces or more, the ferrule is the joint where sections of the rod fit together. Manufactures make various kinds of fishing rods. Some of them are a single piece, others are made up of two or more pieces that have to be assembled. To assemble the rod, connect the male and female ends together making sure the guides are lined up. This male- female connection is called a ferrule. With two piece rods, the ferrule is typically located in the middle of the rod and is covered by a piece of tape. Regardless of where the ferrule is, the connection is very simple. The pieces just slide together. You should be able to assemble the rod in under a minute. You shouldn't need any type of lubricant. But, occasionally it may be necessary.
Butt
Guide: This is the guide closest to the handle end of your rod.
Its located on the thickest part of the rod. Guides: These are the rings you see going all the way down the rod, they "guide" the line down the length of rod to the tip. They keep the line away from the rod and they provide a smooth surface over which the line slides.
These Guides aid in guiding the fishing line. They help the line flow smoothly when the angler casts and retrieves, and the last guide helps control the direction of casts. Guides can be made of plastic, metal or ceramic; with ceramic being the best in quality as they allow smoother operation, less line fray, and longer casts and plastic being just down right useless. The number, spacing, and size of the guides depend on the kind of rod you are using. But, generally speaking, the more guides the better. A higher quality rod will have at least one guide for every foot of its length (i.e. 6 foot rod should have at least 6 guides). The line is fed from the reel through the all the guides and then to the bait. Typically, they're attached using either thread, or tape. One more thing about guides, check them periodically to make sure they aren't chipped or cracked. Guides that are damaged can ruin your line.
Hook
Keeper: A majority of your rods will have a small ring near the
handle, this is for you to hook you hook onto when not in use. If
your rod does not have a hook keeper, you can hook it onto your butt
guide; the closest eyelet to your handle. Line Capacity: Line capacity is vital for selecting a rod. Printed on the rod or it's package is a guideline of the amount of fishing line that the rod can hold. If you look at the butt end of the rod, near the handle, you will see some specifications printed on the rod. These printed specifications usually tell you the length of the rod, the rod's action, and the range of line and sometimes the lure size they are designed to cast.
By varying the pound test line on the rod such as placing 40lb on a rod rated for 6-10lb will give you an inadequate amount of line due to the increased line thickness making the rod difficult to cast as well as increasing the stress and eventual failure of the rod.
With
the advent of new fishing lines with increased lb test and reduced
diameters we still recommend that you follow guideline placed on the
rod by the rod company.
Stripping
Guide: The stripper or stripping guide is the first guide
encountered on the rod when working up from the grip. So called
because this is the guide that is worked the hardest when you are
stripping line in or (even more so) when a fish is stripping line off
your reel.
Tip:
This is the uppermost part of the rod, the thinnest and most flexible.
Windings:
Those windings are how the guides get and stay attached to the rod.
It's basically string that gets wound around the foot of the guide,
and is then painted over with a kind of glossy enamel to protect it. Two other terms you should know when talking about rods, yet not a part of the rod itself are Action and Power.
I
repeat, 2 other terms, as despite what many believe, Fishing Rod
Action And Power are not the same thing! Action Action: "Action" refers to the responsiveness of the rod to bending force (bending curve), and the speed with which the rod returns to its neutral position. It describes how much and where a rod bends when it's "loaded" (bent); how much a rod bends when you're casting or have a fish at the end of the line.
The type of action you need depends on what you plan to do with it; what kind of fish you are targeting and what kind of technique you plan to use. I recommend that one check the action of the rod. A lot of people pick up a rod and shake it several times, and that is that. Some will bend it by hand. And OMG, some will hold the rod parallel to the floor and whip the rod with some force; all which are excellent ways to break a rod.
Here's
the way to check the action of your rod. Flex the fishing rod
against the ground. Make sure the guides are facing you (facing
upwards), then touch the end of your fishing rod on the ground and
apply some pressure. You will quickly be able to check the action of
that fishing rod, without running the risk of breaking it. Rod Power Also known as "power value" or "rod weight." The lure weights, line size, species of fish or size of fish that a rod can handle determine its power. Ultra-light rods are designed for 2-6 pound line and lures weighing from 1/32-ounce to 1/4-ounce. Rods can handle progressively heavier lures and line as their power increases from light to heavy. Rods are classified as (UL) ultra light, (L) light, (ML) med. light, (M) medium, (MH) med. heavy, (H) heavy, and (XH) extra heavy. This refers to how much weight it takes to bend the rod.
A
rod's action and power may change when line weight is greater or
lesser than the rod's specified range. When the line weight used
greatly exceeds a rod's specifications a rod may break before the
line parts. When the line weight is significantly less than the rod's
recommended range the line may part prematurely, as the rod cannot
fully flex to accommodate the pull of a given weight fish. Typically used for Panfish such as Crappie and Bluegill Line weight: 1 to 4lb Test Lure Weight: 1/64 - 1/16oz These rods are used to fish for smaller species, they provide more sport with larger fish, or to enable fishing with lighter line and smaller lures. Though the term is commonly used to refer to spinning or spin-cast rods and tackle, fly rods in smaller line weights (size #0 - #3) have also long been utilized for ultra-light fishing, as well as to protect the thin-diameter, lightweight end section of leader, or tippet, used in this type of angling.
Ultra-light
spinning and casting rods are generally shorter (4 - 5.5 feet is
common) lighter, and more limber than normal rods. Tip actions vary
from slow to fast, depending upon intended use. These rods usually
carry 1 to 6 pound test fishing line. Some ultra-light rods are
capable of casting lures as light as 1/64th of an ounce - typically
small spinners, wet flies, crappie jigs, tubes, or bait such as trout
worms. Originally produced to bring more excitement to the sport,
ultra-light spin fishing is now widely used for crappie, trout, bass,
bluegill and other types of panfish. Light Typically used for Perch Medium Can be used for Bass and Walleye and many other species of fish Line Weight: 4 to 12lb Test Lure Weight: 1/8 - 3/8oz
If
you had to choose one to use in general, I'd suggest the Medium
because of its overall versatility. This kind of rod is supple enough
to enjoy catching small farm pond bass and panfish, while beefy
enough to land a large channel catfish or a four-pound bass. Medium Heavy Typically used for larger fish or used when casting larger baits Heavy Typically used for larger fish and larger baits Ultra-Heavy Ultra-Heavy rods are used in deep sea fishing, surf fishing, or for heavy fish by weight. Line weight: 25lb Test and Above Lure Weight: 1 1/2 oz and Above
Theoretically,
any fish can be caught with any rod, of course, but catching panfish
on a heavy rod offers no sport whatsoever, and successfully landing a
large fish on an ultralight rod requires supreme rod handling skills
at best, and more frequently ends in broken tackle and a lost fish. Though it may seem like there are an unlimited number of choices, picking the right rod doesn't have to be strenuous, as long as you know what you are looking for. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a new rod. Foremost, on what fish and water will the rod be used? Consider your strength and coordination. What is your fishing experience? Correct choice of line weight, rod length and action depend on this evaluation. If you're a beginner it is better to spend less on your first rod and try to get a hang of things. Once you know what type of fishing technique you are more comfortable with, you can invest in higher quality rods. The fact is that all rods are not created equal, and unfortunately there is no one rod that can do it all, but you can start the process of picking the right rod by asking yourself these questions: How often and where do you fish? Just how often you find yourself on the water should be a major factor in your decision.
If
you are just starting out you will want to budget less money on your
first rod and spend more on application specific rods once you learn
exactly what techniques you favor. Seasoned anglers
will want to invest in higher quality, more sensitive rods that they
are sure to use for extended periods. Are you fishing for Freshwater Fish or Saltwater Fish?
Are
you planning to fish for Bass or duke it out with offshore Tuna? Spinning or Casting?
Do
you prefer to fish with spinning or casting
reels? More than anything else this choice comes down to preference. Larger species demand conventional reels, but as you pursue smaller fish factors like line weight, line visibility, and sensitivity all become major aspects that should be considered. Sensitivity, power, and your technique?
Finally
and perhaps most important of all is what you truly look for in a
rod, and matching the way you personally enjoy fish to the right stick. Most rods are made out of either graphite or fiberglass, and while graphite has grown in popularity over the last decade there are many applications where the reliability of fiberglass still makes it the best choice. Finding the perfect balance of sensitivity, power, and action for your own style of fishing is paramount to the rod selection process. What Length Rod? Is the rod a comfortable length for you? The length of the Fishing Rod is also an important factor to consider. If you are built lower to the ground than 5' 5", a 7-foot rod will be difficult for you to use all day. Try downscaling to a shorter rod and you will find enjoyment in flipping, casting, or spoon fishing. Also when the day is over, you will not feel as tired. Basic physics principles will tell you that a longer Fishing Rod allows you to cast at a greater distance. This also affects your ability to fight against a fish. For instance, a shorter, thicker Fishing Rod will be able to provide better leverage for "pumping" a powerful kind of fish from deeper water. What's the Best Quality Rod? You want a good casting and fish fighting tool. You want good value for your money. So, what makes a quality rod? Generally speaking the more expensive the rod, the better the quality of material used in the guides, reel seat, and grip. Look for good workmanship - maybe better aesthetics, too. Stick to the major manufactures such as Berkley, Shakespeare, Daiwa, Shimano, just to name a few. These companies have been around for a number of years and can be trusted. You won't go wrong buying from a major manufacture. Let's refer back to the parts of The Rod. Guides For guides, a rule of thumb is one guide, not including the tip-top, for each foot of rod length. Fewer guides permit the line to sag and slap on the rod, creating more friction when casting. There is a right size for guides, too. Very small guides will create more friction and very large guides will permit more sag and slapping. The number of stripping guides varies. Lighter weight rods need only one stripping guide, while heavier weight rods should be equipped with two. Reel Seat Should you have an up- or down locking reel seat? Most people prefer up locking. If you wish to hold your rod near the reel, a down locking seat subjects your hand to agitation at the juncture of the cork and the reel seat. On heavier weight rods it is nice to have a double locking screw system. Handle Cork is preferred for the handle, as theoretically it feels warmer in cold weather and cooler in warm weather. Cork doesn't get overly slick when wet, and it has great cushioning properties. Check the cork for quality. Are there any soft or loose spots? The less filler, the better. Shape and size of the handle are a matter of personal preference. Is the grip sized right and comfortably shaped for your hand for casting and fish fighting? Paint Next consider the workmanship and overall aesthetics of the rod. Most manufacturers polish their rods upon removal from the furnaces to eliminate any rough spots and the thread used to hold the graphite on the mandrels. Well epoxied, short thread wraps extending just off the foot of the guides is a quality rod; the more thread and epoxy, the more weight, which dampens the rod's action. If in your opinion the rod fulfills all the above criteria, then just possibly you have found the rod that is for you. Visit Our Rod Care and Maintence Page for care and maintence of a fishing rod.
Now
that we know what the fishing rod is all about,
If
you have
any hints, suggestions, techniques or anything that you would like to share
or
have me put onto this web page,
Copyright © This website is the composition of many hours of research. Information contained within this site has come from numerous sources such as websites, newspapers, books, and magazines. No animals were harmed in the making of this site.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE READ - By printing, downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. If you do not agree to the full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. Some information is from historical sources or represents opinions of the author. It is for research purposes only. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential, incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused by you. Please be advised that the content of this site is a source of information only. The FUNdamentals of Fishing Website cannot take responsibility for animal welfare or actions taken as a result of information provided, and if in doubt you should seek the advice of a qualified physician or veterinarian.
I do not suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it! |
||||||
Jon's Images, Inc.