Beginner's Guide: How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod

As more and more fishermen join the crowd of lure fishing, how to choose a suitable fishing rod has become the most annoying question for fisher beginners who are just getting started, as facing the dazzling fishing tackle market yet unfamiliar with lure fishing. A fishing rod may seem simple, but whether the fishing rod will directly affect the result and how do fisher beginners choose a handy fishing rod?

The first advantage of a lure fishing rod is that it is very lightweight. Even the fishing beginners who first use this fishing rod will find it very light and won't feel any sense of weight. There are 2 types of lure fishing rods, casting rods and spinning rods. The wheel seat and guide ring of casting rods are facing upwards, they are mainly paired with baitcasting reels. While spinning rods have the wheel seat and guide ring facing downwards, usually pair with spinning reels.

When it comes to fishing rod handles, some fishermen will have a question when choosing fishing rods: some fishing rods have one-piece handles, while some have split handles. Does it matter when fishing? Honestly, there is not much difference in real-life practice. Some Japanese lure fishing rods like to make a split handle, only because it is lighter, and this may be the main difference between the one-piece handle and the split-type handle. So don't get confused over handles while choosing a fishing rod, it purely depends on your personal preference.

The rod power is very important

The rod power means the amount of pressure that takes to make the fishing rod bend. Different rod powers are engaged in dealing with different lure weights and line sizes. Usually, the fishing rods can be categorized into UL – Ultra-Light, L – Light, ML – Medium Light, M – Medium, MH – Medium Heavy, H – Heavy, and XH – Extra Heavy.

In the first place, the lighter the rod power, the lighter the lure you are going to cast. If the lure is too big, a fishing rod with light power won't be working. And when the rod power is heavier, it means you can cast more lure weights, but the heavy rod power would also make it more difficult to cast in the meantime.

So as to speak, if you are targeting panfish, bluegill, and some other smallies, go with light power. And if you are going after striper, carp, catfish and some other big ones choose the heavy power.

Rod action decides your target fish

The rod action defines how easily and how far from the tip the rod will flex. It normally describes how sensitive and flexible the rod tip is. Most manufacturers today classify rod actions into 4 types as below.

Slow action

Slow action also means light action. Slow action rods bend near the handle and they require less sensitivity. This kind of rod is softer and more focused on how to keep the fish hooked. It is recommended to use very light baits and lures with multi-hooks on slow-action fishing rods, like crankbaits and jerk baits.

Medium action

Medium action or moderate action rod is the most versatile and flexible fishing rod. It bends closer from the tip that a slow action. The medium action rod can work effectively with a wide range of line sizes. With a decent sensitivity, it works perfectly with treble hooks.

Fast action

Fast action or heavy action is a stiff rod, the bends start from the middle of the rod or more. A fast-action rod is ideal for casting heavy lures like spinnerbaits and topwater baits. And it works great in waters with heavy cover for strong fish.

You might also see some manufacturers label an extra fast action. The extra fast action rod usually bends 3 to 4 inches. And there is not a strict boundary between extra fast action and fast action. Just so we know that the fast action rod is stiff and less flexible than the medium one.

Fishing beginners should choose a fishing rod according to the target fish. If you are targeting some smallies, a light power rod with around 1.8 m in length can work just fine. And a medium light or medium rod with medium action works perfectly for bass. As for some big fish like carp and catfish, a heavy rod is needed. This works the same regarding rod action.

If you just don’t know where to start, it is recommended to get a medium light or medium power rod. And you can choose the length according to your height. Once you get used to lure fishing and become more and more experienced, you can switch to a different rod with better performance and user experience.

Final talk

The point to choosing the right lure fishing rod: firstly, you need to understand the specifications of the rod; secondly; know your own needs. Instead of buying what you are told, choosing the one that caters to your needs is really what you want.

After reading this article, you will have a basic understanding of lure fishing rods. You will become more rational and reasonable when choosing a fishing rod with this knowledge, and hope what you choose will eventually become handy in your fishing life.