| Purchasing a rod can be one of the most difficult | | | | higher modulus rods will also be lighter, faster, and |
| parts of getting started in fishing. There are a | | | | more sensitive. As a trade-off however, high modulus |
| dizzying array of options available, all claiming to be | | | | rods are more brittle than lower modulus fishing |
| superior to the rods next to them. Before you jump | | | | rods.Sensitivity is also an important factor when |
| into a decision you will regret, it always pays to | | | | choosing a rod blank. As a general rule, the deeper |
| educate yourself on just what it is you need to, and | | | | the water that you are fishing in, the higher |
| therefore should, acquire.The first step in acquiring a | | | | sensitivity you will want, so that you can feel the |
| fishing rod is to purchase a blank. This refers to the | | | | more subtle bites. The last thing you want is to have |
| rod proper, which is a shaft of varying materials on | | | | to go home and tell the story about the one that |
| which you mount a reel and some line. Shafts can be | | | | got away!One factor that affects sensitivity of your |
| purchased in three different materials: graphite, | | | | rod, besides material of the shaft, is the handle |
| fiberglass, and bamboo. Bamboo rods are generally | | | | construction. Usually the handles are made from cork |
| used for fly fishing and can be quite expensive. | | | | or foam. You should ensure that the handle feels |
| Fiberglass rods are generally for beginner use, and are | | | | comfortable in your hand and that it is not too soft, |
| the type you find at your local Wal-Mart or other | | | | otherwise you may not be able to feel those |
| department type stores. Graphite is the material of | | | | aforementioned subtle bites. Also, if you are fishing |
| choice for serious fisherman, and can be found many | | | | with any type of artificial bait, it is crucial to be able |
| places online, or at your local sporting goods stores. | | | | to feel the movement of the bait through the rod to |
| For this article, we will concentrate on graphite | | | | ensure that you are enticing the fish in the proper |
| rods.Fishing rods come in varying strengths and will be | | | | manner.To learn more about factors you should |
| measured in terms of modulus. Modulus refers to the | | | | consider in choosing the proper rod, be sure to visit |
| density of the weave of the material from which the | | | | Angling Allen Bohart is a fishing fan and enthusiastic |
| rod blank is fashioned. Graphite rods generally come | | | | writer for about any subject that interests him. He is |
| with a modulus between 33 million and 60 million. The | | | | also co-owner of AnglingRods.com, a site for and |
| higher the modulus, the stiffer the rod will be. The | | | | about fishing rod for fishermen of all levels. |