Things To Consider Before Buying Your Next Fishing Rod

Many people purchasing a new fishing rod don't pay attention to the style of rod they purchase, picking up what looks good and not really matching it to the style of fishing they will be doing.  Different styles of fishing have rods that are best suited to them.  This is not to say that it's impossible to fish with only one type of fishing rod, but that some rods will perform better than others in certain fishing situations.  In this post I will explain two different types of fishing styles,two different rod styles, and the actions and powers available to you when choosing a rod.

When you are power fishing you are picking out cover that you believe is holding fish, and making repeated casts to annoy the fish and make them strike your lure out of instinct or aggravation. 

If you are finesse fishing you are presenting your lure to fish that are actively feeding in an attempt to make them believe that your lure is actually food.


Spinning Rods: This type of rod is good to use when using finesse techniques, skipping baits under dock, small crankbaits, and most top water baits.  Spinning rods are not suggested for power fishing or when you are fishing heavy cover. Spinning rods allow for the use of line under 10# test and are best used with small baits of 3/8 ounce or less.

Casting Rods:  This is the type of rod you will want to use when your fishing heavy cover, deep diving crankbaits, spinner baits and power fishing situations.  These rods can handle heavy line and big lures. 

Fishing Rod Action

The action of the fishing rod tells you how flexible or stiff the rod is.

Extra Fast: This rod action is great for fishing heavy cover and pulling the fish out of it.  This type of rod will only bend a little on the upper tip. 

Fast:  Fast action rods are best used fishing with top water baits, spinner baits and jerk baits.  These rods flex in the upper 25 percent of the rod and give you optimal power and flex for casting the above mentioned baits.

Moderate: A moderate action rod is ideal for finesse fishing.  These rods will bend close to the middle, allow for the use of lighter line and will cast lures easier.

Fishing Rod Power Rating:

Fishing rods will also have a power rating, spanning from ultra light to extra heavy.  The higher ratings ( heavy, extra heavy), allow you to cast larger lures and handle bigger fish.  The lower the ratings (Ultra light, light ), allow you to cast smaller lures better, but  may not be able to handle larger fish.


I hope this helps you to understand a little more about the different types of rods, actions and power ratings available for you to choose from.  Please Let me know what you think by leaving a comment.