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Picking Out A Fishing Rod
By:
Published: November 1, 2006
Varying in both action and length, a fishing rod, which is a tool used to catch fish, is the backbone of the tackle, as well as the first item in the list of things needed to catch a fish.
Though a good rod may not make someone a better fisherman, it will definitely help them get a better feel for what is going on with their lure. With such a wide selection of rods available, picking out a rod can be challenging. To ensure the purchase of a quality fishing rod, an angler should put careful consideration combined with a general knowledge of rods into their rod selection.
Important Terms
Picking out a fishing rod can be a challenge, especially for someone who knows nothing about fishing. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the various terms used to describe the functions of a fishing rod.
Action
Action refers to how much the fishing rod bends when pressure is applied to the tip. For example, a fast-action rod will bend only in the top third or less of the blank, a moderate action will bend in the top half and a slow action rod will begin bending in the lower third. Fast action rods are preferred when casting long distances. High moderate action rods provide more casting distance, as well as adequate hooksetting power.
Taper
Describing both the thickness of the rod and the thickness of the wall, a taper is sometimes referred to as action.
Power
Power, which is closely related to the strength of the line, best describes the strength of the rod, or its lifting power. Most power ratings are portrayed as heavy, medium heavy, medium and so on. In order to avoid snapping a line, it is best to keep the line test within the limits specified on the rod. Also, it is important to note that power ratings vary by the type of rod. For example, when compare with a heavy offshore rod, a heavy bass rod definitely will not feel the same.
Without knowing where the fishing will take place, picking out a rod can be difficult. Therefore, to help determine the power of the rod, keep in mind that thick, heavy cover requires a strong rod, and clear, open water requires a lighter power rod.
Materials
The best fishing rods get their particular actions by using a variety of materials. Therefore, before selecting a fishing pole, be sure to recognize the importance of each item used in the creation of the rod.
Graphite
As the most common material used in building bass fishing rods, graphite, which is produced using extremely high temperatures, adds strength and stiffness to a fishing rod. However, without both strength and stiffness, a brittle rod can be produced. Because graphite is an expensive material, a quality rod can be quite costly. To help cut down cost when picking out a rod, look for one using more resin and less graphite. Though it may be softer, it will get the job done.
Fiberglass
Not only is fiberglass recognized for soft actions and toughness, but it has produced some great fishing rods, as well. Many fishermen prefer to use fiberglass rods when medium to slow action is required. Also, when combined with graphite, a fiberglass rod produces amazing actions.
IM6, IM7, etc.
As the trade names for specific graphite used, these numbers allow buyers to compare the quality of the material used to build different rods by the same manufacturer For example, if the IM6 and the IM7 are produced by the same manufacture, it is safe to assume the IM7 rod would use better graphite than the IM6.
Guides
Today, most guides feature a metal frame and a ceramic ring over which the line glides. Prices varying from as little as a few dollars to an excess of $30, guides offer a smooth surface for less friction, which means longer cats and less heat on the line during the cast and the retrieve.
Alconite
Alconite, which is an inexpensive material found on most fishing rods, features Titanium wire, and sometimes use a ring of stainless steel as opposed to ceramic. When picking out a rod, one should note that a rod will generally cast better with the more guides it has. With more guides, a rod will bend more consistently through its length, which will allow it to use all its strength for longer casts.
Cork
When picking out a fishing rod, it is essential to find one with a comfortable and lightweight handle with a sufficient grip to convey the delicate vibrations of a bass picking at bait. Also, most rod makers base the overall cost of the rod on the quality of cork used; therefore, it is important to know the most expensive rods have the best quality cork.
Sources:
Buying the right rod…for You. Tackle Tour: Rod Article. 3 Mar 2005
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewrightrod.html
Dobbins, Lee. Select Your Fishing Gear Carefully. Ezine Articles. 22 Oct 2006.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Select-Your-Fishing-Ge ar-Carefully&id=102862
Evans, KC. Having the Proper Fishing Pole and Supplies. Ezine Articles. 22 Oct 2006.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Having-The-Proper-Fish ing-Pole-and-Supplies&id=325641
Fishing Rod. Wikipedia. 22 Oct 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_pole
Selecting the Right Rod. Tackle Warehouse. 22 Oct 2006.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/rodselection.html
Though a good rod may not make someone a better fisherman, it will definitely help them get a better feel for what is going on with their lure. With such a wide selection of rods available, picking out a rod can be challenging. To ensure the purchase of a quality fishing rod, an angler should put careful consideration combined with a general knowledge of rods into their rod selection.
Important Terms
Picking out a fishing rod can be a challenge, especially for someone who knows nothing about fishing. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the various terms used to describe the functions of a fishing rod.
Action
Action refers to how much the fishing rod bends when pressure is applied to the tip. For example, a fast-action rod will bend only in the top third or less of the blank, a moderate action will bend in the top half and a slow action rod will begin bending in the lower third. Fast action rods are preferred when casting long distances. High moderate action rods provide more casting distance, as well as adequate hooksetting power.
Taper
Describing both the thickness of the rod and the thickness of the wall, a taper is sometimes referred to as action.
Power
Power, which is closely related to the strength of the line, best describes the strength of the rod, or its lifting power. Most power ratings are portrayed as heavy, medium heavy, medium and so on. In order to avoid snapping a line, it is best to keep the line test within the limits specified on the rod. Also, it is important to note that power ratings vary by the type of rod. For example, when compare with a heavy offshore rod, a heavy bass rod definitely will not feel the same.
Without knowing where the fishing will take place, picking out a rod can be difficult. Therefore, to help determine the power of the rod, keep in mind that thick, heavy cover requires a strong rod, and clear, open water requires a lighter power rod.
Materials
The best fishing rods get their particular actions by using a variety of materials. Therefore, before selecting a fishing pole, be sure to recognize the importance of each item used in the creation of the rod.
Graphite
As the most common material used in building bass fishing rods, graphite, which is produced using extremely high temperatures, adds strength and stiffness to a fishing rod. However, without both strength and stiffness, a brittle rod can be produced. Because graphite is an expensive material, a quality rod can be quite costly. To help cut down cost when picking out a rod, look for one using more resin and less graphite. Though it may be softer, it will get the job done.
Fiberglass
Not only is fiberglass recognized for soft actions and toughness, but it has produced some great fishing rods, as well. Many fishermen prefer to use fiberglass rods when medium to slow action is required. Also, when combined with graphite, a fiberglass rod produces amazing actions.
IM6, IM7, etc.
As the trade names for specific graphite used, these numbers allow buyers to compare the quality of the material used to build different rods by the same manufacturer For example, if the IM6 and the IM7 are produced by the same manufacture, it is safe to assume the IM7 rod would use better graphite than the IM6.
Guides
Today, most guides feature a metal frame and a ceramic ring over which the line glides. Prices varying from as little as a few dollars to an excess of $30, guides offer a smooth surface for less friction, which means longer cats and less heat on the line during the cast and the retrieve.
Alconite
Alconite, which is an inexpensive material found on most fishing rods, features Titanium wire, and sometimes use a ring of stainless steel as opposed to ceramic. When picking out a rod, one should note that a rod will generally cast better with the more guides it has. With more guides, a rod will bend more consistently through its length, which will allow it to use all its strength for longer casts.
Cork
When picking out a fishing rod, it is essential to find one with a comfortable and lightweight handle with a sufficient grip to convey the delicate vibrations of a bass picking at bait. Also, most rod makers base the overall cost of the rod on the quality of cork used; therefore, it is important to know the most expensive rods have the best quality cork.
Sources:
Buying the right rod…for You. Tackle Tour: Rod Article. 3 Mar 2005
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewrightrod.html
Dobbins, Lee. Select Your Fishing Gear Carefully. Ezine Articles. 22 Oct 2006.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Select-Your-Fishing-Ge ar-Carefully&id=102862
Evans, KC. Having the Proper Fishing Pole and Supplies. Ezine Articles. 22 Oct 2006.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Having-The-Proper-Fish ing-Pole-and-Supplies&id=325641
Fishing Rod. Wikipedia. 22 Oct 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fishing_pole
Selecting the Right Rod. Tackle Warehouse. 22 Oct 2006.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/rodselection.html
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