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Choosing the proper fishing rod for the job!

I am often asked, "How do you know which rod to use for what?"
It's much like playing golf. Each shot requires a different club. In bass angling, each type of lure requires a different type of rod. Picking the right rod can be confusing to say the least: fiberglass or graphite, fast or slow, heavy or light. Hopefully, we can shed some light on the subject and help you with your next rod purchase.

Let's face it -- when it comes to fishing, rods are a pretty important part of our arsenal. They may all look relatively similar, but their action and construction are quite varied and different.

Rod Materials:

Graphite fishing rods have been on the scene for quite some time now, and have become the material of choice throughout the industry. Graphite rods are extremely light, they are also extremely sensitive, transmitting every tap, bump and drag from the lure, through the line, and down the rod and into your hands. This sensitivity is vital for light-biting fish, or for rough and windy conditions when feel can be lost due to the elements.

Graphite comes in a variety of different "modulus ratings," which is the measurement that is used to describe the strength of the fibers used in the rod. The higher the modulus rating, the stronger and denser the fibers are that make up the rod. Think of it this way - as the rating goes up, the material involved goes down, allowing for a lighter weight, faster action and more sensitivity - while also maintaining it's core strength. Composite rods have become more and more, a part of our bass fishing arsenal. A composite rod has the proven features of sensitivity and lightness, with the added function of a slow action. this becomes important when fishing baits that bass may miss if you were using a graphite rod. Baits such as crankbaits, spinner baits, buzz baits, etc. A composite rod allows you give the bass an extra few seconds to actually get the bait in it's mouth.

One other thing to consider when choosing a fishing rod, make sure that the guides are made of a hard ceramic. Hard ceramic will cut down on line friction by ensuring a smooth path for the line to pass through and over, while also adding durability which will lesson your chance of line fray or breakage.

The "action" of a rod is a term used to describe the flexibility or stiffness that it exhibits. (It can also be called the "taper.") There are three distinct types of actions available to the angler.

Fast Action: This style of rod will bend very little, in fact; only the tip section will actually bend at all. A rod of this type is ideal when targeting large gamefish, or when fishing extremely heavy cover or weeds, where the key is to get the fish's head up and away fast. A fast action rod will allow you to set the hook hard and powerfully. (Musky or pike fishing and largemouth bass are suited to this style of rod for most applications.)

Medium Action: A medium action rod is the most common choice for a variety of applications. These rods will bend for about half of their length, allowing an angler to fish both for small and large species with good control and hook setting allowances. These rods are the most versatile, and will allow a fisherman to fish in a wide range of conditions and for a varied list of species.

Slow Action: A slow action rod will bend throughout nearly the whole length of the rod, providing the most flexible action available. These rods are used almost exclusively for panfish, allowing a better fight for the angler, and a shock absorber so that the hook is not ripped clear through the mouth on hooksets.

Now let's discuss sensitivity and what that means in comparison to the type of lures you are fishing. Sensitivity is one of the most important factors when choosing a rod. With a sensitive rod you will, with practice, be able to feel what is happening with your bait. How many times has something happened to your bait and you couldn't tell if it was a bite or not?

Buzzbaits and Spinnerbaits:
With buzzbaits and spinnerbaits, you will be casting continuously, so a lightweight rod is important. Sensitivity though, essential in most fishing is not the most critical with these lures. A composite rod would be a great choice here because many times the fish will bump the blades prior to striking. I choose a 6 foot to 6 1/2 foot rod (medium to medium heavy action) when I am fishing close up to structure like blow down trees, pilings and boat docks. However a 7-foot rod ( medium to medium heavy action) will give you more hook setting power, leverage and casting distance.

Crankbaits and topwater lures:
As crankbaits and topwater lures require continuous casting, so weight is an important factor. Sensitivity is also important, not so much for topwater but for cranking. After you get accustomed to the bait you're using, a sensitive rod will help you determine what type of structure the bait is contacting. A 7 foot rod is a good all around choice for open water fishing especially with larger baits. A 6 to 6 1/2 foot rod will allow you to be more accurate, so you have to adjust the rod length to the type of fishing you do. A medium action rod is usually fine so long as the rod has enough backbone to get a good hookset and flexible enough to cast the lure you are using.

Worms and jigs:
The two most important factors are sensitivity and weight. Sensitivity is crucial to feel the more subtle bites and weight is important because you will be holding the rod up in the 9 to 10 o'clock positions for long periods of time. I suggest a 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 foot rod, depending on the type of structure you are fishing. I prefer a 6 1/2 footer when fishing closer to structure and shallow water. Choose a 7 to 7 1/2 footer when fishing 5 to 20 feet deep and making longer casts. Choose a high modulus graphite rod because they are lighter, more sensitive and faster than most fiberglass rods. You want a fast rod with a medium backbone to get a good, fast, hookset. It is important to have a soft enough tip to maintain tension on the fish at all times.

Flipping and pitching:
Flipping rods are designed for removing fish from heavy cover in shallow water. I would recommend a rod in the 7 to 7 1/2 foot range. Pitching and flipping go together. Look at the tip, make sure it has some flexibility. This flexibility will make it easier to make quiet entries into the water. Your flipping stick should be made of lightweight graphite and have a stiff backbone to pull those fish out of heavy cover.

Choosing the correct rod will enhance your fishing and make each trip more successful.