Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

For more than 10 years, Greg Gerkens has lead a successful career in the field of education. He holds a master of science in literacy education from Long Island University, along with numerous certifications related to education and school leadership. He most recently served as an assistant principal at an Eastern Suffolk BOCES high school program. In his free time, Greg Gerkens enjoys fishing.

Although it may seem complicated, finding the perfect fishing rod does not have to be difficult. When searching for the perfect rod, it is often best to focus on action and power first. Action refers to how much a rod bends when pressure is put on the tip. Fast-action rods only bend along the top one-third, while slow action rods start bending within the bottom third. The action of a rod determines its potential casting distance and can affect the action of different types of artificial lures.

In terms of power, rods are generally divided into categories ranging from heavy to ultra-light. A rod’s power is determined by its stiffness, and should be chosen based on the size of line you plan on using, the fish species you are hoping to catch, and the type of water you’re fishing in. Heavy rods are best suited for heavier lines and large species such as tuna and salmon. Meanwhile, light rods work best with light lines. They are ideal for fishing for bluegill, crappie, and other small fish.

Beyond action and power, you should take into consideration the material of the rod. Most fishing rods are made of either graphite or fiberglass. As graphite rods tend to be stiffer, fiberglass rods are often better for medium to slow-action fishing.