Fishing is a pastime that has been passed on through numerous generations. Essential fishing equipment includes a rod and reel, which are available in a variety of commercial styles and sizes. To customize the fit, length and components, some anglers choose to build their own fishing pole. Regardless of what you are fishing for, there are specific components of each fishing pole.
Blanks
Blanks are the rod shaft and are typically made from graphite or fiberglass. Graphite provides a combination of strength, weight and sensitivity. Choosing a blank depends on the intended fishing style and fish species. Considerations for choosing a blank include whether you use a baitcasting or spinning reel, the type of lures you use, the species of fish sought and the pound test of the fishing line. The blank will have a designated “action,” which refers to where and how much the rod will bend. Fast-action poles will bend at the tip, whereas slow-action poles will bend throughout the entire length of the pole.
Grips
Grips are composed of different materials—such as cork, foam or wood—to provide comfort while casting and reeling in a fish. Cork grips are comfortable and don’t absorb much water, but they can occasionally break if they dry out. Foam grips are lightweight, durable, comfortable and don’t break. Similar to blanks, the type and length of grip changes as your fishing style changes. For example, if you are using top-water baits, choose a short handle that doesn’t interfere with your wrist action as you work the bait. If you are fishing in heavy cover and weeds with a heavy-action blank, choose a longer handle to provide the leverage needed to set the hook and fish through the heavy cover.
Guides
Guides serve several functions, including transferring line vibrations during a nibble or bite, distributing stress while fighting a fish and guiding the fishing line into the reel. High-quality guides will provide a low-profile, lightweight addition to the blank that won’t cause damage to the fishing line during casting or reeling in. To reduce the amount of friction on the fishing line, some guides will have ceramic, stainless steel or chrome-plated inner rings. Two styles of guides are single foot and double foot, referring to the number of attachments to the blank. Double foot guides may reduce the amount of flex in the rod, whereas single foot guides work in most fishing situations.
Reel Seats
Reel seats are the attachment point where the pole and reel connect. A reel seat is responsible for securing the reel and eliminating any “play” or “wobble” while casting or reeling in a fish. Common reel seats consist of a collar that is tightened by screwing around the reel.
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