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How to Choose the Fishing Rod for You
By Angus MacLeod

For those of you planning to take up fishing as a hobby, the first thing you should consider is the type of fish you aim to catch. You should then make a heading for your nearest fishing tackle shop. When it comes to the sport of fishing, rods are, obviously, the most important piece of fishing equipment. The rod, with the help of the reel and line, allows you to cast lures into the water, work out baits and haul the fishes in.

When first visiting a tackle shop, any angler can easily become overwhelmed due to the number and the variety of rods on display. Although most fishing rods look the same, each of the rods been made using different construction methods and various materials so that it is best for catching a particular species of fish.

The earliest rods used in catching a fish were made from simple sticks and short canes. Modern technological advances have provided us with a wider choice of durable materials. This means that the rods today are of a lighter weight with the added benefits of better action and greater sensitivity together with other features and add-ons not previously possible.

The Materials Used In Fishing Rods

The most popular rods of today are usually made from graphite or fiberglass sometimes a combination of the two materials is used. Graphite fishing rods are regarded as lightweight and with increased sensitivity which allow anglers the option to spend their entire day fishing. Graphite rods are ideal for use in windy, rough conditions but also useful for light-biting fishes. Unfortunately, even though they are the most popular rods, they happen to be the most expensive.

Fiberglass rods are much heavier and durable than graphite rods. They have a proven durability, making them perfect for use by children starting out in fishing as fiberglass rods are able to keep up with his or her abuse. Sadly the fiberglass rod has the tenancy to suffer from a lack of sensitivity but it has the advantage of being the most affordable type of fishing rod on the market.

A composite rod is one which is made from both graphite and fiberglass. The use of these two materials in combination provides the rod with sensitivity, lightness and durability. In some ways it takes the best features of both fiberglass and graphite and rolls them into one. Nearly half of the fishing rods you will find in tackle shops are composite rods.

Experience Power in Your Hands

The most popular rods of today are usually made from graphite or fiberglass sometimes a combination of the two materials is used. Graphite fishing rods are regarded as lightweight and with increased sensitivity which allow anglers the option to spend their entire day fishing. Graphite rods are ideal for use in windy, rough conditions but also useful for light-biting fishes. Unfortunately, even though they are the most popular rods, they happen to be the most expensive.

Fiberglass rods are much heavier and durable than graphite rods. They have a proven durability, making them perfect for use by children starting out in fishing as fiberglass rods are able to keep up with his or her abuse. Sadly the fiberglass rod has the tenancy to suffer from a lack of sensitivity but it has the advantage of being the most affordable type of fishing rod on the market.

A composite rod is one which is made from both graphite and fiberglass. The use of these two materials in combination provides the rod with sensitivity, lightness and durability. In some ways it takes the best features of both fiberglass and graphite and rolls them into one. Nearly half of the fishing rods you will find in tackle shops are composite rods.

Experience Power in Your Hands

When deciding upon which is the best fishing rod to purchase, another important factor to consider is the type of "action" that it has. There are basically three grades of action; fast, medium and slow. The "action" describes how stiff or flexible the fishing rod is while it is being used for fishing. Fast action rods bend only a little while medium action rods can bend for almost half its length whereas a slow action one bends for nearly it's entire length.

Those fishing rods that have a fast action are ideal for those anglers that prefer to fish for large and heavy fishes as the action allows you to set the hook powerfully and accurately. Anglers commonly use medium action rods where diversity of use is most important as they are considered suitable for both small and large fishes and for virtually any kind of weather and water condition.

Slow action rods (those with the most flexible action) are often used in fishing for panfish. Using a slow action rod, sturdy reel and the best bait gives you a bigger chance of catching a fish and enjoying the fight to land it. Such rods provide an effect similar to a shock absorber which protects the hook from being ripped.

Choosing the correct fishing rod for your newly chosen hobby/sport is not as complicated as it sounds. As long as you learn the basics of a rod as laid out above. However, if you have the time to gather more details you will increase the chances of finding the best rod for the type of fishing you aim to do.

Interesting Fish Facts & Fishing Tips
Young flatfish have eyes on both sides of its head which move to the top of its head as it grows. When it is an adult both can focus independently.

Author Details:
Angus MacLeod, copywriter for various web sites with his main interests being golf, fishing and fly fishing, especially when in fishing in Scotland.

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