Beginners buying a fishing rod have F.A.Q.s and need answers. The investment in a fishing rod is an important decision. The low costs rods are okay for occasional use. Fishing more often better tackle is recommended.
The rods have better sensitivity, lighter weight, and better performance. A good rod does make a difference to most anglers. Beginners need to learn what all the terms mean. What is best for them based on how they fish. The following questions are common among less experienced anglers.
F.A.Q.s About Fishing Rods by Beginners.
High sticking is when you raise the rod too high on the retrieve. It places too much pressure on the tip of the rod. This leads to rod failure.
Fishing rods come in spinning, casting, trolling, and flyfishing models. Each has specific uses and reels that are used. Plus rods come in different powers and actions. Learn these terms and definitions before buying a fishing rod.
There are numerous commercial rod makers and custom builders. The vast majority make quality equipment.
Fishing Rod Terms
Fishing rod F.A.Q.s for beginners often are about power and action. These are two aspects of a fishing rod that cause the most confusion to beginners. The power and action are two different aspects of a fishing rod. You need to know the difference when buying a fishing rod.
The power of a fishing rod is how hard it is to bend. The power applies to lure weight also. An example is a light power is for lures 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. Medium power rods are for 1/4 to 5/8 of an ounce. Rod powers vary among manufacturers and intended species. A medium heavy bass rod or catfish rod has different weight ratings.
Fishing rod power is often matched to the targeted species. Panfish or trout use an ultra-light or light power rod. Bass uses a medium or medium-heavy power rod. Larger fish will use heavy to extra heavy power rods. The majority of anglers use medium or medium-heavy rods in freshwater.
The action is different from power. The action is where the rod beds or loads. The faster the action the closer to the tip is where the rod bends. A slower action bends more of the rod. Fast action is better for single-point hooks and moderate actions work for treble hooks.
A beginner to fishing will find a fast action best. It allows good hooksets and better control while fighting the fish. Targeting larger fish with a moderate or moderate-fast action may be better. It allows an angler to use more of the rod during the fight. Base the action on hook type and fish size. Do you need a strong hookset or flex for the fight?
Rod sensitivity is how well the rod transmits the feel of a bite. A light bite is not felt with poor sensitivity. The better rods have sensitivity as the main feature setting them apart from low-cost rods. The quality of components will affect the sensitivity. The better components increase sensitivity and cost.
Fishing Rod Components F.A.Q.s
The blank is the shaft that holds all the parts. It is the part that bends. The guides, handle, and reel seat all attach to the blank.
If the tip is broken off. You buy a new tip and glue it on. If another guide is damaged it requires removing the broken guide. Then the new guide is placed on the rod with wrapping and epoxy. On low-cost rods, it may be better to replace the rod. The better rods may have a warranty that will cover a damaged guide. Check warranties before buying.
The number of guides is an indication of blank quality. Rods with at least one per foot and the tip-top are better. A 7-foot spinning rod should have 8-9 guides. A baitcast rod will have 9-11 guides if 7 feet long. This spreads out the pressure while fighting fish. Plus the guides control the line when casting. This helps with distance and accuracy.
The guides are round eyelets on the rod. They control the line and flex of the rod. A better rod will have more guides and perform better for an angler.
The reel seat is what holds the reel to the rod. It may appear as part of the handle to a beginner. The reel seat must be of good quality. It supports the reel when fighting fish. In addition, it allows vibration from the rod to pass through. The vibrations being felt are part of a rod’s sensitivity.
Summary
This article is for beginners fishing rod F.A.Q.s. Beginners need to know the function of all the parts and elements of a rod. This is the only way to choose the correct rod for you. How you fish and species will determine a lot of the specifications in a rod.