How Beginners Choose the Right Fishing Rod: Fishing Rod Buying Guide

[yana]

Nowadays, more and more people will be in the choice of fishing to enrich their lives, but often they are always overwhelmed at the beginning, and then helplessly ask people around: what should I do? It doesn't matter, today you will officially start the first step of your fishing career: choosing the right fishing rod, now let's start.

                        

                                                                                                                  

Where Do You Fish?

If you're planning to have a chill time catching small to medium fish like crucian carp, carp, or grass carp in streams and ponds (basically, just relaxing), go for a lighter and more bent rod. Yeah, that isn’t too. It'll give you an easier time.

But if the big guys like saltwater perch or grouper – especially in lakes or even the sea, you'll need a different kind of rod. Think sturdier, tougher, and are able to deal with bigger fish. Also, it should stand up to wind and waves.   

Using the right rod makes fishing a whole lot more fun. 

        

                                              

What Are All the Lengths of Fishing Rods？

After you have determined where you will be fishing, you can start picking out your fishing rod. The first thing to consider is the length of the rod, the right length will help you catch fish successfully. The average fishing rod is between 5-12 inches in length and there are three main types. The first is the short fishing rod, which is under 6 inches in length, because of its short length, you can use it to fish in narrow waters such as creeks, streams or banks, and it is more suitable for children or beginners in general. Next is the medium length rod, which is about 6-7 inches, suitable for a wide range of areas such as freshwater and lakes, and works well for fishing small to medium sized fish. These rods combine flexibility and casting distance with a medium length that is suitable for most waters. Therefore, medium length rods are more suitable for beginner anglers or most anglers. The last type of rod is the long rod, usually over 7 inches, which can cast a long distance in open water and is suitable for use on large lakes or in the sea. However, these are too long for beginners and can be difficult to maneuver, so they are more suited to anglers with some experience.

Light, Medium, Heavy - What Stiffness to Choose for Your Rod?

The stiffness of a fishing rod is also a key element in exploring fishing, this is mainly the degree to which the rod bends under force, and is generally categorized as light, medium and heavy, which largely determines the sensitivity and durability of the rod. Light rods bend significantly, from the handle to the tip, and are able to sense the bites of smaller fish, and are better suited for small to medium sized fish such as trout, bass, and white-spotted dogfish, with a high degree of flexibility without being too soft to lose control of medium sized fish, but they still struggle to withstand the pressure when facing larger, stronger fish, and therefore will break when encountering larger fish. If you choose a lighter rod, you may have to be more patient when fishing because it is not powerful enough when fishing for larger fish, but it has the advantage that you can clearly feel every struggle of the fish when the small fish are biting, increasing the fun and sense of accomplishment of fishing.

Medium rods are the most commonly used and common hardness level, with the bends concentrated in the middle of the rod. They are well balanced in terms of sensitivity and strength, and are able to sense the movement of small fish while fishing, but also provide enough responsiveness when catching larger fish to adapt to different fishing techniques and cover almost all common fish species. And the casting distance is moderate, making it suitable for use in lakes and rivers as well as offshore. For anglers who are just starting out, a medium-sized rod may be your best choice, and you'll have many different fishing experiences with it.

Designed for big fish, a heavy duty rod will usually bend only slightly at the tip section, which means it responds quickly to the hard pulls of fishing and offers more starting power for stronger fish and tough water conditions. However, it lacks sensitivity and you may not be able to sense its action when a small fish is biting, so a heavy duty rod is more suited to the more experienced angler.

                                                                                                            

Choosing a Rod Material - Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber or Composite？ 

Fiberglass fishing rods are affordable and you won't be intimidated by its price when you buy it thus losing your interest in fishing. Secondly, it is highly durable and can help in mastering the art of fishing when you are just starting out, while not having to replace the rods frequently due to erosion by lake or sea water. 

On the other hand, carbon fiber rods are pricier and more prone to breaking. Despite their higher cost, they offer lightweight and flexible properties, demanding more skill from the user. This makes them ideal for seasoned anglers or those who have honed their fishing techniques. 

Lastly, composite rods blend the features of both fiberglass and carbon fiber. They combine the longevity of fiberglass with the responsiveness of carbon fiber, making them perfect for devoted fishing enthusiasts. However, be prepared for a slightly higher price compared to fiberglass rods.

Suppose you are a beginner and on a limited budget. In that case, I recommend fiberglass rods, which are a cost-effective option because they are inexpensive, of good quality, and won't be easily damaged even with the occasional bump. Although they are relatively bulky, this material gives you better control over the rod and fewer mistakes in the early stages of learning to fish. Consider upgrading to a composite rod or a carbon fiber rod when you have some experience and are willing to enhance your fishing comfort and skills further.     

                                         

                                                           

Reasonable Prices

In addition, you don't have to go for expensive big brands when buying fishing rods, choosing a more cost-effective rod will double your fishing experience. Fishing rods range in price from roughly a few dozen to a hundred dollars, and beginners can give preference to rods that cost less than $100. $30-$50 fishing rods are preferred at the entry level, and rods at this price point are usually made of fiberglass or composite materials, which make them strong and durable and suitable for learning basic fishing skills. It may not have the lightness and sensitivity of a high-end rod, but it's perfectly adequate for beginners to handle common fish like bass and catfish. Of course, for a better experience, you can spend a little bit more money, and rods priced at $50-$100 offer better comfort and experience, with a good balance of weight, sensitivity and durability for beginners who are gradually mastering their fishing skills, which can give you more confidence as you fish, whether casting or walking the fish, and it excels. If you are looking to buy a fishing rod for children, the typical price point is under $50, depending on the age, frequency of use and interest of the child, with younger children choosing a $10-$20 rod and older children choosing a $20-$40 rod. However, no matter the price of those rods remember to pick it up and try it out when you buy it to see if it's comfortable and convenient. Of course you can also choose the top fishing rods.

Try and Experience

Last but not least, fishing is a sport that requires long term practice. Buying an ideal rod is only the first step to fishing, it is the next step of sinking your teeth into the fun of fishing that will reap you the rewards. Continuous practice, in front of different waters, weather and fish, you will gradually discover your own preferences, and slowly figure out the most suitable equipment for you. 

Remember, the rod is your partner in the fishing journey, and the real fun of fishing is often hidden in the time of waiting and action.