FISHING RODS

• CASTING AND TROLLING
• PACKABLE RODS
• SPINNING

Fishing poles (rods), whether made with natural bamboo, graphite, composite materials, or fiberglass, are designed for casting distance, flexibility, strength, and sensitivity, and cater to every type of fisherman (or woman) and every type of fishing. Types of rods may include:

• Deep sea rods — Generally thicker in diameter, these poles are longer (up to 10 feet), have heavier tips, and eyes which are designed to handle thicker line and larger fish.
• Fly rods - Longer, thinner, and more flexible, these rods are designed to cast a “fly line” which is generally heavier than a standard fishing line. In fly fishing, casting distance depends more on the skill of the fisherman and his rod than it does to the weight of the lure.
• Spincasting rods - Entry level rods that are designed to hold a spincasting reel which is mounted above the handle. Note that if you are a novice fisherman, a Spincasting rod is a great place to start. Their above-pole reel mounting and straight handle make spincasting rods much easier to use.
• Spinning rods - Ranging from 5-8.5 feet, these rods are designed with both reel and guides located on the underside of the pole.
• Ultra-light rods - Generally much shorter (4-5.5 feet on average) ultra lights are used for smaller fish, lighter line, and smaller lures.
• Surf rods - Range anywhere from 8 and 15 feet. This extreme length is to provide leverage to get your cast out beyond the breaking waves. Surf rods are designed to handle much larger reels which allow them to cast the longer line distance.

It might be said that “fishing rods,” regardless of type (fly, sea, spin casting, spinning, ultra-light, ice fishing, surf, or telescopic) are all about “casting,” which is the act of throwing the hook into the water by quickly flicking the rod from behind the angler toward the water; and that pole length, as well as guide position and guide size, combined with reel position and type, all play major roles in just how far and how accurately you will be able to cast.

Ultimately your pole should be strong enough to handle the force of a fighting fish, yet flexible enough to give to the fight while the fish gets tired. Of course with experience comes the ability to maximize the fishing rod’s strength and flexibility. Manufacturers will list a rod’s strength and flexibility in terms of action and power, though length, number of sections, and guides all play key roles in the ability of your rod to “fight the fish.” When purchasing a fishing rod manufactures will list the following criteria:

• Action: A rod’s action describes the point at which the fishing pole flexes. Manufacturers will list action in terms of slow, medium, and fast, or a combination. Fast rods will always carry their curve at the top of the pole (the tip), and when that big fish pulls your pole tip to the water slow rods will bend closer to the handle. Note that each manufacturer will vary slightly on degree of curve.
• Power: The power of a rod describes the ability of your pole to handle weight. Power may include Ultra-Light, Light, Medium-Lite, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, or Ultra Heavy. Ultra-Light would indicate a pole that you would be used to catch smaller bait fish, where as an Ultra Heavy pole will be more suitable for deep sea fishing.
• Length: Though ice fishing rods may measure only 24 inches in length, the average fishing rod will range anywhere from 5 to 20 feet. Where length is concerned, shorter fishing rods will range from 5-7 feet and can be used in both ocean and fresh water fishing. Use a short pole designed for deep sea fishing and your rod will be able to handle heavier line, as well as provide additional strength and stiffness when it’s time to fight the larger fish; use a short pole designed for use in fresh water combined with light line and you get lighter and easier casting. Long poles, which range from 6 feet on up, are designed for casting distance.
• Number of sections or pieces in your pole: Fishing rods can be broken down into any number of sections from two to six, depending on the length of the pole and the type of fishing you intend to do. Most fishing rods are designed in one or two pieces. Travel rods however, can be pulled apart in multiple sections, usually four to six. Like wise, telescopic rods are designed to collapse into a mere 12-15" making for convenient transportation. Though multiple sections may cause some loss of sensitivity and power, not having to travel with a nine foot fishing rod may out weigh any potential control issues.
• Guide type, and number of guides: Fishing rod guides which are placed above or below the rod, guide the fishing line during casting and retrieving, and may be made out of any number of materials. Types of rod guides, also referred to as “eyes,” can include boat rod, fly rod, roller, and single and double foot guides. Where guides are concerned, the more guides a pole has the better the pole will be able to handle stress and weight. Where size is involved, spinning rods will come equipped with larger eyes at the foot of the pole that taper off into smaller guides at the tip. These larger eyes are sized to accommodate the spinning action of a spinning reel which allows the line to swirl in a circular motion at the base as it is released. Casting and conventional reels which release the line directly into the eye are usually designed with smaller guides.
• Fore grip and rear grip length: Fishing rod handles can be made from both PVC and cork. Cork is generally preferred to PVC due to its lightness, durability, and the fact that it won’t make your hands cold during those early mornings. Types of grips may include pistol, drop shot, and trigger. Although length can be a matter of preference, the longer grips may mean more power, more control, and longer casts, as well as added leverage and comfort while you are reeling in “the big one!”

With so many fishing rods on the market the average novice angler would need a degree in rocket science to figure it out. Luckily, manufacturers will usually tell consumers which pole is best for the type of fishing they intend to do.

The basic rule of thumb to remember is that a fishing rod is sized (in length and diameter) to the type of fish you are trying to hook. To help determine what type of fishing rod you need, use line weight and the rod manufacturer’s suggested lure weight as a guide for the range of the fish you are attempting to catch.

TIP! Any rods and reels used to fish in saltwater should be rinsed with fresh water after every use. Salt Water can be corrosive and will shorten the life of any fishing equipment.

No matter what type of fishing rod you need we have what you’re looking for. If you have additional questions contact us at , visit us at TheOutdoorWorld.com, or call our experienced staff Monday—Friday, 8AM-5pm (PT) at 1-888-344-9500.