| When you are planning to catch that Largemouth | | | | be able to handle lures weighing 1/32 ounce to 1/4 |
| Bass you always dreamed of, there is an important | | | | ounce. As the rod increases in its designations, the |
| part of your fishing experience that is very | | | | POWER of the rod increases and will be able to hold |
| necessary. The decision on the Rod and Reel you | | | | more progressive lure weights. Also, the line pound |
| choose can make the difference between landing | | | | test increases with the increase of the size of the |
| that Extreme Largemouth Bass or going home with | | | | rod such that an ultra-light rod may only be able to |
| the minnows you brought for bait. Choosing the | | | | handle 2-6 pound test and a heavy rod may be able |
| perfect Rod and Reel is difficult for even the | | | | to handle up to 15-20 pound test line. |
| experienced angler, so you can imaging the confusion | | | | Different places and areas for fishing will determine |
| that the beginner bass fisherman faces. | | | | what type of Rod you may choose based on the |
| There are two basic concepts that are important to | | | | types of lakes and grasses you will be faced with. |
| understand about rods. These are: POWER and | | | | The All Around Choice varies with the fisherman and |
| ACTION. | | | | the experience depending on the location, |
| ROD ACTION | | | | temperature and seasonal changes in the |
| Rod Action refers to the bend in the rod. Rods bend | | | | environment. |
| in different parts and can be separated by three | | | | In my opinion, the best choice for the beginner |
| different areas: The last quarter or essentially near | | | | Largemouth Bass fisherman is a medium-light power, |
| the tip. At the last third to the tip and throughout the | | | | fast action rod for use with a spinning reel. This type |
| whole rod. The bend at the tip area is known as a | | | | of rod gives the beginner the ability to feel the |
| Fast Action Rod. The last third to the tip is known as | | | | casting action and have the power to bring in a |
| a Moderate Action Rod, and the bend throughout the | | | | decent sized Largemouth Bass. The cast is not only |
| rod is known as a Slow Action rod. Knowing the | | | | easy, but you can feel the differences by testing |
| difference between these different actions is | | | | different casting techniques which will further help |
| important and will determine which type of fishing | | | | you get to know the way in which the rod gives and |
| experience you will have and potentially change the | | | | takes with each different cast technique until you |
| way you fish and the experience you have. | | | | master both the Power and Action of your particular |
| FAST ACTION RODS: Bend at the tip: Will affect the | | | | rod. If you are going after larger bass in the over 10 |
| cast and throw since the force will be at the tip and | | | | pound range, then it may be more prudent to use a |
| you can usually cast farther and longer . However, | | | | medium power rod as you can control the rod better |
| since you have more force at the tip, you can fling | | | | and land the larger fish with less chance of loosing it |
| your bait right off the hook due to the whipping | | | | or having it spit out the lure . Remember the larger |
| effect that you are able to create. Slow and | | | | the rod, the heavier both the lure and weight you |
| Moderate Action Rods are less yielding and have less | | | | can use but you loose a little in the cast. |
| tendency to have a whip effect and won't throw | | | | There are many different Rods to choose from and |
| your bait off the hook as freely, but you don't get | | | | depending upon the type of fishing you plan to do will |
| the distance during your cast as with the Fast Action | | | | determine which type of rod you choose. Planning |
| Rod. | | | | properly by getting familiar with the differences |
| ROD POWER | | | | between the Action and the Power of different rods |
| Rod Power refers to the ability of the rod to handle | | | | will enable you to go out and fish on different days |
| different lure weights and line sizes. Rods range from | | | | with different climates, wind conditions and terrains |
| different designations of Ultra-Light all the way | | | | successfully. They make different Rods and Reels for |
| through to Heavy. The lighter the rod, the lighter the | | | | a purpose, learn which ones will work better under |
| weight that a rod can handle. This determines its | | | | different conditions and you will land that Extreme |
| power. So, for example, an ultra-light rod may only | | | | Largemouth Bass of your dreams. |