TackleThief.com - Fishing Gear Buyer's Guide - Shopping for a Fishing Rod

Buyer's Guide
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Rod Buyer's Guide - Page 1

Shopping for a Fishing Rod - By Pescador

Shopping for Fishing Rods There are a few questions that go through one's mind when shopping for a new fishing rod. These questions can also come from a salesperson working in a tackle shop or from a custom rodbuilder. Do these sound familiar?

What type(s) of fishing do you plan to do?
How often do you go fishing?
How long do you want your rod to be?
Fresh water or saltwater?
What kind of fish are you targeting?
What kind of reel do you plan to use?
What size and type of line do you plan to use?
What kind of action are you looking for?
What kind of guides do you want on the rod?
What should you look out for on a factory rod?
What is your price range?

Some of these questions might not have gone through your mind, but are equally as important in order to find the ideal rod for you. My goal in writing this article is to make all who read it a formidable rod shopping machine and not fall victim to the car salesman-like pitches of some rod builders and tackle shop employees looking for a commission. Knowing exactly what you want before even shopping for it is the best weapon you can have against a regretful, and possibly expensive, purchase. I will break this down into categories according to the questions asked and try to explain them in layman’s terms. I’ve read way too many so-called “consumer guides” to shopping for rods that are either nothing but BS, not enough info to make an educated decision, or are filled with nothing but terms that only master rod building gurus can understand. Keep in mind that in order to cover as many bases as I can, this article will be lengthy and in-depth. Bare with me and it just might help you out… big time.

How often do you go fishing?
This is more of a price issue. If you are only going to go fishing a few times a year, most would say there is no need to spend $200 on a rod. But if you just have that much money, then there is no one stopping you. But something of the cheaper variety will suffice, as long as it is rated to the type of line you are using, and efficient for the type of fishing you do when you do get out and fish.

If you fish most days out of the year, sometimes multiple set ups will be of an advantage to you. Especially if you ever decide to join a fishing tournament. Each rod can be tailored to the specific method, species, or location you plan to fish.

What type(s) of fishing do you plan to do?
Of course we all know that there is an almost endless list of “ways” to fish. Be it from a pier, surf, kayak, float tube, boat, surf board, or whatever kind of craziness that can come from the mind of the adventure seeking fisherman. Though many rods can “cross over” to other types of fishing, there are times that a certain type of rod can excel, making it easier for an angler to present bait or fight a fish, or both. For example, a rod designed for fishing with live bait for 20-30lb tuna or yellowtail on a boat off the coast of California would usually be between 6 and 7 feet long and have a medium to medium heavy action. But there is no reason why the same rod can’t be used for shark fishing from a pier. Identifying the type of fishing you plan on doing with the rod you are shopping for is the first step, and will pave the way towards narrowing down your selection.

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