Freshwater Fishing Rods
Whether you're fishing from a boat,  the shore or a dock, you and your lure won't get very far without a rod. From cane poles to today's modern composites, the fishing rod has come a long way. But while today's rods are more versatile and durable than ever, picking the right rod for your application has become increasingly difficult for the novice and expert alike. Novices need to decide if the rod will be a spinning or baitcasting model. Every angler has to ask him or herself: What length do I want? What power do I require? And what type of grip do I prefer?
And it continues with performance factors: How many line guides does the rod have? Does the rod have the proper action? But as daunting as this may all seem, a little research and a discerning eye will pay off with improved angling.
Types- The two main types of fishing rod models are baitcasting and spinning.
- Each rod is defined by the type of reel they accommodate -- baitcasting rods are obviously designed for baitcasting reels, much as spinning rods are for spinning reels.
Baitcasting Rods - On a baitcasting setup the baitcasting reel sits on the top of the rod.
- The rod features a trigger grip that allows the rod to be held securely when releasing the line and casting.
- Because they're designed for the reel to sit on top these rods also work well with spincasting reels.
- The handle is shorter than a spinning rod's.
Spinning Rods
- Spinning reels hang from the bottom of the rod.
- The line guides (more on them below) are on the bottom of the rod also.
- The handle on spinning rods is typically longer to provide balance.
- There is no trigger on a spinning rod.
Length and Weight- Rods come in various sizes but it's important that the length and weight be proportional to the type of fish you're going after.
- Fishing for larger fish requires a longer and heavier poll (an 8 ft pole that can handle 40- to 80- pound line is good).
- If you'll be using heavier lures or line you'll also need a more heavy weight, longer pole.
- Longer poles also allow you to cast further.
Action- Action is the measure of flexibility and workability a rod has.
- Terms like ultra-light, light, medium-heavy or heavy are terms manufacturers use to describe the rod's action from the most flexible to least.
- Fast Action
- These rods offer the least flexibility.
- They're ideal for targeting large gamefish, or for fishing in extremely heavy cover or weeds.
- The stiffness allows you to have more powerful hook sets.
- Medium Action
- A medium action rod is very versatile, and can be used for a number of applications.
- They are flexible enough to provide the feel needed to fish smaller species, but powerful enough to catch larger fish.
- Slow Action
- Slow action rods are the most flexible.
- They are mostly used for panfish because they provide a better fight for the angler.
- They also ensure the the hook is not ripped clear through the mouth.
Materials/Construction- Most rods are made from either graphite or fiberglass, or a composite of these two materials.
- Graphite
- Graphite is probably the most popular rod material.
- These rods are lightweight and extremely sensitive.
- They are also very flexible, while remaining strong and powerful enough to land big fish.
- Graphite comes in a variety of different "modulus ratings" a measurement of the strength of the rod's fibers.
- Higher modulus ratings (50 million) mean stronger and denser fibers are used; this produces lighter weights, faster action, and more sensitivity.
- The downside is that higher rated rods are more brittle.
- As a comparison, fiberglass has a modulus rating between six and 13 million, while graphite has a rating between 33 and 60 million.
- Graphite rods tend to be more expensive.
- Fiberglass
- Fiberglass is more durable than graphite but heavier and less sensitive.
- The durability of fiberglass makes it a good choice for beginers and children.
- Fiberglass rods are also less expensive that their graphite equivalents.
- Composites
- Composite rods give the best of both graphite and fiberglass.
- They have fiberglass' durability and graphite's power, sensitivity, and light weight.
- Composite rods make up the largest percentage of rods that are currently on the market.
Grips- Pistol Grip
- A pistol grip is the shortest type of grip.
- It is contoured to the shape of your hand with a hook for your index finger.
- This hook helps in casting more accurately.
- Triggerstick
- A triggerstick grip is longer, and designed for longer, two-handed casts.
Materials- Grips are typically made from either cork or EVA foam.
- Cork offers a good feel, a solid grip, and a more natural feel.
- EVA foam is more durable and weather- and moisture-resistant.
Guides- Line guides are small circular holes made of plastic, metal or ceramic, that are positioned along the rod's shaft to control the fishing line.
- For baitcasting rods, the line guides are positioned on the top of the rod.
- They're smaller than spinning rod holes to reduce the line play.
- Spinning rods have their line guides at the bottom near the reel.
- These guides get larger toward the base of the rod.
- The number of line guides is determined by the rod's length
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