Things to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod

Executive Summary about Fishing Rod by Zac Kurtsmier

There are basically three types of fishing.

Bait fishing is where bait is attached to a hook on the end of the line. Weights are attached to the line which gives the line impetus to carry the bait to its intended mark.

Spinning is where you attach an artificial lure designed to attract predatory fish and retrieve the lure by winding in the line, making it move in the water in a way designed to encourage the fish to bite. It is the weight of the lure and weights attached to the line that gives the impetus to the cast, just like bait fishing.

Fly fishing is different. Whilst some flies are weighted, it is the combination of the action of the rod and the type of line that gives impetus to the cast. Unlike other types of fishing where the line is chosen by breaking strain according to the size of the fish you expect to catch, you can use a single rod for lines of varied breaking strengths.

However, with a fly rod, the line has to be matched to the rating of the rod. This is not just because bigger fish need a higher weighted line, indeed this is not often the case, most lines are very strong and it is the leader, the length of monofilament attached to the end of the fly line that is varied by breaking strength according to the size of fish you expect to catch.

For example, if you are fishing in an area known for trout no bigger than two pounds in weight, a three pound breaking strain leader will do the job. The fly line itself is less important.

A heavier fly line is used when fishing larger waters such as lakes, or for casting into a strong headwind. Fly fishing rods often come with a dual rating, 7/8 for example, meaning a seven or eight weight line will work fine.

Choosing a rod depends on what type of water you will be fishing most, streams, rivers or lakes.