| There are many differences in both freshwater and | | | | rods are so strong these days that they are being |
| saltwater fishing rods that often go unnoticed by | | | | utilized to set new line class records for different |
| most anglers. Graphite and fiberglass composite | | | | saltwater species around the world. |
| fishing blanks come in many different choices of rod | | | | Spinning rods are probably the most mismatched rod |
| guides, handles, grips, reel seats, fishing line classes | | | | that I have seen. Anglers are constantly confused as |
| and lure weights. When matched to the appropriate | | | | to how to properly hold the rod, as well as which |
| fishing reel, these options are designed to enhance | | | | way to attach the reel. To make it clear, a spinning |
| performance and minimize weight, as well as assist in | | | | rod is a fishing rod with guides that get bigger in |
| the transferring of pain from the angler's arms and | | | | diameter as they approach the reel. Spinning rods |
| back, to the fish. | | | | should be held with the guides hanging below the rod, |
| Fiberglass fishing rods are normally more parabolic and | | | | towards the ground. The reel should also hang below |
| have a softer feel than graphite rods. I tend to | | | | the rod, and if right handed, the handle should be on |
| prefer fiberglass for casting live baits and light lures. | | | | the left side of the reel. The guides of this type of |
| The softer action, or backbone, allows the rod to | | | | rod are bigger near the reel due to the way line |
| load evenly during my cast, creating a pendulum-like | | | | unravels from a spinning reel. |
| motion that is wider and with some practice, will cast | | | | Unlike spinning rods, conventional rods have the |
| further distances. Fiberglass fishing rods are also ideal | | | | guides of the rod mounted on top and have a |
| when targeting fish with soft mouths, as the rod will | | | | gradual decrease in diameter as you approach the tip. |
| absorb most of the tension from your hook set | | | | Conventional rods have smaller guides because of the |
| further down into the rod from the tip. | | | | straight unwinding, with the spool of the reel in |
| Graphite rods are my choice for deep water jigging | | | | free-spool, of fishing line when casting from a |
| or when I want to make quick work of a fish. The | | | | conventional reel. Conventional rods can also come |
| tremendous lifting power of this type of fishing rod is | | | | with roller or rolling guides, typically used for big-game |
| advantageous when fishing in deep water, heavy | | | | fishing or trolling. The reel should sit atop the reel |
| structure or when trolling. The stiffness of a graphite | | | | seat, with the handle on the right side for |
| fishing rod is not only felt by the angler, but also | | | | right-handed anglers. |
| transfers directly to the fish, as every tail beat can | | | | There are many small, but very important differences |
| be felt through a graphite rod. The disadvantage is | | | | in fishing rods that are designed to enhance the |
| that graphite rods do not cast particularly well. They | | | | performance of the rod. Anglers should familiarize |
| have a tendency to sling baits and lures on a flat | | | | themselves with these differences and how they are |
| trajectory, rather than casting them in a pendular | | | | designed to better your chances of successfully |
| lobbing motion. | | | | landing a whopper size fish. The best choice for your |
| Fly rods are typically designed with a medium to slow | | | | fishing application, whether saltwater or freshwater, |
| taper, with the backbone of the rod towards the | | | | begins with a properly matching rod and reel combo, |
| middle section. This is necessary in casting lightweight | | | | so if you prefer to use spinning reels, get yourself a |
| flies, both wet and dry. The importance of casting | | | | spinning rod in graphite or fiberglass. If you are |
| when fly fishing leads manufacturers to go to great | | | | proficient in casting, try a conventional combo and |
| lengths in refining reel materials and technology that | | | | benefit from the advantages of a conventional reel. |
| enhance their casting ability, strength and sensitivity. | | | | Either way, knowing how to take advantage of the |
| High quality fly rods are represented by the most | | | | latest technologically advanced fishing rod and reels |
| recognized names in fishing like G-Loomis®, | | | | will enable even the novice angler an opportunity at a |
| St.Croix®, Okuma® and more. In fact, fishing | | | | fish of a lifetime. |