The front deck of a bass fisherman’s boat is often littered with fishing rods. Look under the deck in storage and there are most likely more of them. At first glance, all these rods might look the same. One might even ask themselves, “Is there really a need for so many rods?”
A fisherman’s arsenal of rods is comparable to a golfer’s bag of clubs. In a golf bag, each club serves a purpose and has a specific role. You can tee off with a pitching wedge, but it is not going to be the best tool for the job.
Much like golf clubs, each fishing rod an angler owns serves a purpose. Just any old fishing rod will allow a fisherman to cast a line, but one must consider if it really is the right tool for the job.
When considering the perfect rod it is important to take into consideration the length of the rod, the rod power or weight, and the action of the rod. The right length, power and action are all dependent upon what the angler is trying to accomplish.
Rod length affects the leverage and casting ability of the angler. A longer rod will give the angler better leverage when setting the hook and playing the fish. It will also allow the fisherman to cast a further distance. A shorter rod will be less cumbersome and result in more precise casting.
Rod power or weight is the strength of the rod. A heavier power rod will require more force to flex the rod. Light weight rods are good for smaller fish and fishing open water. A heavy power rod is strong enough to pull big fish from heavy cover like weeds or sunken trees.
Rod action describes where the bend occurs in the rod and generally ranges from extra fast to slow. A fast action rod will bend only near the tip while a slow action will have an even bend throughout. A fast action rod will provide greater sensitivity and greater power in the hookset. A slower action rod can increase casting distance and will help prevent the angler from pulling a crankbait or spinnerbait from the fishes jaws.
Prior to purchasing a new fishing rod or heading to the lake, take a little time to consider these rod features and determine what will be the best tool for the job.
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