A fishing rod is an essential part of the fishing experience. It provides a means to cast your bait at a distance and with accuracy. It also allows you to control a hooked fish more easily, making it more likely that you will land the fish successfully. The type of fishing rod you use depends upon personal preference and the type of fishing you are doing.
Description
A fishing rod consists of a long, slender rod, with handle on one end. The handle has a seat to hold the fishing reel and the grip to hold the rod by. At regular intervals along the length of the rod are circular, metal guides through which fishing line passes. The end of the rod is tipped with a final guide. Fishing rods may come in a single piece, in multiple pieces that fit together, are telescoping type.
Materials
In the past, fishing rods were almost exclusively made of wood. In some cases, wooden rods are still used, as in fly fishing. For the most part, however, modern fishing rods are made of materials such as fiberglass or graphite. Handles for fishing rods are usually made of cork or foam rubber, plastic and metal.
Use
Fishing rods have three main uses. The first is to provide greater leverage when casting bait. The length of the rod increases the amount of power and accuracy that can be used to place a bait a long distance away from the angler in the desired location. The second is to provide feedback to the angler about whether the bait has been taken by fish. Finally, the rod provides a certain amount of flexibility that helps prevent the fish from breaking the line.
Types
There are several types of fishing rods on the market. Each type is suited for a certain style of fishing. Spin casting and bait casting rods usually have reel seats and guides that are mounted on the top of the rod. These provide a great deal of accuracy when casting. The reel and guides for spinning rods are bottom mounted. Fly fishing rods are long and flexible with bottom mounted guides and a real seat usually set at the end of the rod. Trolling rods are usually shorter and heavier for catching larger fish. Ice fishing rods are the smallest of all. Usually averaging 3 feet in length, they are meant for fishing vertically through an ice hole.
Characteristics
Fishing rods are often defined by their action, power and responsiveness. Action refers to the amount of bend a rod has. The more the rod bends, the slower its action is said to be. Fishing rods usually range from slow, to moderate, fast and extra fast. Power describes the strength of the rod. Fishing rods power is usually rated, as heavy, medium, light and ultra-light. Responsiveness reflects the amount of flexibility a rod has when casting or when a fish is on. The lighter the rod is, the more responsive it will be.
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