Landing the catch of a lifetime or going home crying, depends on a number of factors. But none quite as important as the choice of fishing rod used.
Fishing rods are made from different types of materials: from wood and bamboo to graphite and steel. Fishing rods vary in size from 4 feet all the way up to 15 feet, with about 6 feet being average.
The question in your mind right now would probably be: How do I choose the right fishing rod?
That all depends on what kind of fish you’re out to get, the fishing spot of your choice and, of course, how much you’re willing to spend on your angling equipment.
But first things first. Always start with rod length. The length of the rod depends on two things: the kind of fish you aim to catch and the landscape of your chosen fishing spot.
Short rods of about 4 to 6 feet are best if your favorite fishing spot hole has lots of trees and overhanging branches like those in lakes and rivers. Longer rods help with making long casts in open water.
For larger, heavier sport fish like the pike & walleye, thick rods are best. The most common type being the spinning fishing rods. Lighter, more flexible poles (like Okuma fishing rods) that work for smaller fish tend to snap when you’re angling for the bigger ones.
When it comes to the type of material used, few get any cheaper than bamboo rods, (going for about $5) which are great for children and beginning anglers. That is not to say that all bamboo poles are inexpensive. There are pricier handcrafted fly fishing bamboo poles that fetch upwards of a hundred dollars.
Fiber glass rods are a good choice for kids and beginners. They also have good balance and strength, plus they are easy to maintain. Daiwa fishginr rods were one of the first to use fiberglass for angling, which makes them one of the top of mind brands for buying fishing rods.
Graphite rods like the Carrot stix fishing rods and carbon steel like Kistler rods are the rods of choice for more experienced fishing enthusiasts because it is both strong and light.
Taking notes of things like rod length, location, material type, flexibility and other details, fishing may seem such a daunting activity. But remove all the bells and whistles and you’re left with the most important point: to enjoy the outdoors. Whether on your own or with a big group is really up to you.
To find a good deal for what can be the first of many fishing rods, www.fishingrods4less.com.






