One of the most important and often overlooked factors in having success in fishing is the rod that you choose.

Using the right rod allows you to place your bait more precisely and with less of a chance of spooking the fish. Which, we all know, makes a huge difference as to whether the fish are going to bite or not.

On the other hand, when you use the wrong fishing rod, you won’t be able to cast as accurately or as far as you want.

Keep in mind that we’re not telling you that using a higher-quality rod is going to guarantee you’ll catch fish. However, an incorrect rod definitely makes it more difficult for you to reel in the big one.

The most important reason to use a proper rod is to be able to properly detect when a fish bites. If you’re not using the right rod for the type of fishing that you’re doing, you’ll often mistake snags, weeds, and bottom structure with a bite, which is never fun and always disappointing. Check out top fishing gear and equipment website for more tips, tricks, and all you need to know about fishing.

Below, we’re going to explain the most important factors to consider when buying your next fishing rod.

Rod Material

Fishing rods are typically made from either fiberglass, graphite, or a composite of both.

Fiberglass rods are generally heavier and more flexible than graphite or composite rods.

Graphite rods, on the other hand, are lighter and stiffer, which makes them more sensitive and much better at detecting a fish’s bite. But, the one downside to this is that graphite rods are also much likelier to break when you can hook a heavier fish.

Some rods are also made from a composite of fiberglass and graphite. These are generally recommended for anglers who tend to fish in a variety of different locations and weather conditions.

Rod Length

Fishing rods range anywhere from a meager 4-feet to an impressive 14-feet in length, but most fishermen make do with a rod of between 6 and 8-feet.

Keep in mind, the rule of thumb is that the longer the rod, the further you’ll be able to cast your line. So that said, if you’re looking to do some close combat fishing, you might want to consider a shorter rod.

Their shorter design doesn’t bend or flex as much when you’re fighting with a fish, which makes them ideal for targeting heavier fish such as bass. Shorter fishing rods are also great for people fishing in kayaks or canoes, or for anglers who do a lot of trolling.

Opposite this, a longer fishing rod helps you cover more water and cast much greater distances. Their lengths helps you properly walk your bait, making them excellent when used to drive deep crankbaits.

Read about more fishing essential to pack in your tackle box here.

Power

Power, sometimes referred to as weight or taper, describes how much force is needed to bend the rod. Rods with higher power ratings, will generally bend less than lower power rods.

Finding the proper combination of power and action is crucial to using and being able to control your bait properly. Therefore, how much power is needed depends on what species you plan on targeting.

Lighter rods and ultralight rods are generally used for targeting smaller fish, such as trout, since they bend easier and can help you detect lighter bites.

Medium power rods are ideally used when paired with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.

Whereas, heavier power rods are recommended for jigging, or top-water baits such as frogs.

Action

A rod’s action is best described as the point of the rod where it starts to bend. Fast action rods bend closer to the tip, whereas slow action rods bend closer to the handle.

Since they have a stiffer backbone, fast action rods are best for targeting bigger fish or fish that tend to fight.

Light, or slow, action rods allow you to feel more of the fight, which can make chasing bigger fish a much more exciting experience.

In general, it’s best to use fast action rods for baits that only have a single hook, since you’ll need to use more force to set the hook. And, slower rods for baits that have treble hooks.

Butt or Handle

Most fishing rods come with either a cork, foam, or combination handle. This usually boils down to your own personal preference, but you can also choose a shorter or longer handle depending on the distance that you want to cast.

Longer handles allow you to use both hands and really throw your bait out there. Whereas, shorter handles are best for being able to cast using only one hand or for being able to cast with more precision.

Some rods also have a “split” or “pistol” grip, which can make the rod feel lighter in your hands and further help you cast precisely at short distances.

Shopping for Your Next Fishing Rod?

Finding the right fishing rod depends mostly on what type of fishing you plan on doing, as well as your own personal preferences. Therefore, you’re going to want to learn about the type of fish you plan on targeting first, before deciding on the rod to use.

But, above all else, it’s important to find a rod that feels good in your hands, and to have fun when you’re out on the water!