For those who are fully submerged in the world of fishing, knowing your fishing rod styles and sizes will be second nature, but for beginners just skimming the surface of the angling pastime, it can seem like a truly daunting task.
If you're mystified by models and measurements, at a loss at rod lengths or unsure when it comes to action, it's time to clear up all the technical terms and tell you exactly what you need to be looking out for when you buy your first fishing rod. Ultimately, when it comes down to it, there are just a few vital points you need to consider and simple questions you need to ask yourself before you go ahead and cast out into the fishing rod market.
So, if you feel like you're out of your depth when choosing the right fishing rod, allow us to help you get a handle on the angling basics...
At Tidal Drift Fishing, you'll discover a wide range of beach, boat and spinning rods to suit your budget and individual requirements, making your next trip a successful one. But first, to put everything in context, we'll guide you through the most important things you should know before you purchase your very first fishing rod.
Pick A Fishing Rod Length
Fishing rods range from about 1.80 meters to 3.6 meters in length, but a great length for novices is around 2.1 metres (7 feet). This length gives fishing beginners a great balance of casting distance and precision before going on to refine their angling skills.
Shorter rods are designed for shorter casting purposes and give you more control when reeling in powerful fish. Longer rods cast out at distance and are more appropriately used with weighty lures when flying fishing or casting out from the shoreline.
Weigh Things Up
Rod weight is actually an indicator of rod strength - and what you can load onto your fishing rods - in terms of the size and weight of your lure and bait. Working out what type of lure or bait you'll be equipping your rod with will give you a good idea of the exact rod strength you need.
Generally speaking, 5-weight fly rods are the most versatile and widely used choice for anglers starting out on their fishing journey.
Get A Feel For The Action
Action refers to the amount your fishing rod flexes when you apply pressure to it. Heavier action rods are much more rigid and desirable for those catching larger fish whereas lighter actions can be used to snare smaller fish.
Typically, a fast action rod will be the go-to for beginners, allowing you to explore a broad range of fishing techniques and have a go at catching a wide range of fish species. Medium-to-fast action rods will allow for even more leniency and help fishing novices to easily switch to faster rods when they become more proficient.
Consider The Material
Usually, fishing rods are made from fibreglass, graphite, carbon fibre or a modern composite material. Fibreglass rods are strong, heavy, flexible, durable and often more cost-effective than graphite rods. However, graphite is lighter, more sensitive, more reactive and more rigid than fibreglass. Rods that blend fibreglass and graphite or use other composites - such as carbon fibre - will allow even more flexibility and versatility for a fisherman.
Select A Reel
What spinning or multiplier reel you're using will also influence the kind of rod you buy. Spinning reels are used with lighter lures and baits, letting you cast out at a greater distance and with fewer fishing line issues. Multiplier reels give you distance, control and cranking power but they are harder to master, so we suggest that beginners opt for a spinning reel to capitalise on their ease-of-use and higher fishing success.
