It's important to know what you need from a rod early on, as saltwater fishing gear tends to be more expensive than freshwater equipment.The size and weight of the fish you want to catch are important first steps.You will find it easier to find the right rod from there.
Step 1: Pick a style of fishing.
In certain scenarios and with specific fish, expect certain rods to perform better.Determine which type of fishing you will engage in: surf, pier, inshore, offshore, troll, or ice.Make sure you buy the right tool for the job.Stand on the shoreline and cast your line beyond the breakers.A pier is a structure that projects over the water.Inshore fishing can be done in shallow waters less than 30 meters deep.Fishing in deeper waters is possible 30 to 130 miles away from land.A trolling is dropping a line into the water from a moving boat.Ice fishing involves dropping a line into a hole in the ice.
Step 2: Take your experience into account.
Some rods are better suited for beginners.Even though a particular rod may be considered the best one for surf fishing, its design may not lend itself well to learning the basic maneuvers of fishing.Unless you have already mastered the basics, choose a rod that will allow you to master them.If you are a beginner, you should look for "combos," which are tailored for each type of fishing and include not only the rod, but the equipment best matched for it as well, such as reel, line, and tackle.
Step 3: Don't look for freshwater rods.
Even though a rod alone can be used in either type of water when it's stripped down to just the pole, understand that all of the accompanying parts must be designed specifically to endure saltwater.Only choose saltwater rods if you want your equipment to last.Guides are loops along the length of the pole through which the line is fed.Thetip-top is the last guide at the top of the pole.The area by which the pole is held.The reel is attached to the seats.
Step 4: You can visit a store in person.
If you plan on looking for better deals online, go to an actual fishing-supply store first so you can speak with the staff.Tell them about the style of fishing you plan to do, the type of fish you hope to catch, and your experience level.Ask for their advice in what features to look for in a suitable rod that will match your specific needs, especially if you choose to buy other equipment separately instead of as a combo.You should also share your budget.Prices can be as low as $35 and as high as $600.
Step 5: You can choose a type of rod.
Pick the type of fishing that you are interested in.Choose between rods that are specifically designed for that purpose or otherwise well suited for it.Surfcasting: with these, the emphasis is on length so that the line reaches past the breakers when cast.Continuous casting and retrievals are accommodated by spinning/casting.It is more compact and resilient to handle heavier fish.A fighting belt or chair is needed for trolling very heavy fish.Since no casting is required, ice is the shortest of rods.
Step 6: It's time to test its weight.
When fishing, you want a rod that you can comfortably cast and handle.Take a few practice casts to see how it feels in your hand.Take a look at the material from which it was made.Most rods will be made of fiberglass or graphite.The lightest rod will allow you to feel the fish's movements with more sensitivity.Since fiberglass requires less maintenance, it is a good choice for beginners.
Step 7: Pick a length.
Fishing rods can be anywhere from 3 to 15 feet (1 to 4.5 meters).To cast long distances, favor a longer length.For heavier fish that put up a fight, choose a more compact rod.Whether you need to cast the line or simply drop it into the water are other factors to consider.To reach the target area, how far you need to cast the line.If you are shorter than average or not yet fully grown, the longest rod will be more difficult to manage.Extra length comes with the added weight.It's best to be shorter if you will be crowded by people or objects.
Step 8: Consider the action of the rod.
The rod's flexibility is referred to as action.There are three classifications: fast, medium, and slow.Base your choice on the size of fish you want to catch, as well as the conditions that you will be fishing in.Fast is mostly rigid with the only flexibility being the tip.Heavy fish and equipment are best suited for fast-action.It is ideal for windy conditions because of its lack of flexibility.It will cover long distances.It is difficult to use without prior experience.Medium is rigid along the bottom half with more bend on the top.It can produce long casts with greater accuracy than fast rods.The rigid bottom is strong against the wind and can handle large or small fish.It's a good idea for beginners to experience a wide variety of fishing.Slow bends along the entire length of the rod.It can only be used for small fish, light equipment, and fair weather.The cast is very precise.This is the easiest action to start with for a beginner.
Step 9: The rod has power.
The amount of weight that the pole can handle without breaking is referred to as power.Decide on the size of the fish you want to catch.The rod should have the right amount of power.You should ask sales staff for assistance in determining the best rod per brand for the fish you want to catch, as the rod's power may vary from brand to brand.The rods are expected to be categorized as: Ultra-light Light Medium Medium Heavy.
Step 10: You can match your equipment to the rod.
If you are purchasing the rod by itself instead of opting for a combo package that includes a reel, line, and lures, make sure you purchase the right items for your rod.The line weight should be checked.Purchase a reel that is meant for that weight.Only use the fishing line in that reel.The bait or tackle should be used with the line weight.Light line with a reel and rod meant for heavy line can result in damaged equipment.Make sure that the additional parts are meant for saltwater fishing.