Adventure Sports

Finding the right fishing rod can be challenging however, with the choices available today I am sure you can find a fishing rod that will match your style of fishing. Whether you are trolling from a boat or drift fishing from the bank there is a Fishing Rod for you.

From a beefy, six foot model, which is perfect for fishing from a boat, to the ten, and twelve foot models for those longer cast needed by the bank angler. Whether you enjoy drift fishing, trolling, or throwing jigs, finding the right rod is important.

There are three types of rods used for steelhead fishing, spinning rods, casting rods and fly rods. For now, we will talk about the spinning and casting rods. Fly-fishing for steelhead is another story that we will get into later in this series.

Spinning Rods

The spinning rod is the most widely used type of rod among today’s anglers. This is because the spinning reel is easy to use and is so versatile. The spinning rod allows the angler to cast the smallest of baits and lures as well as some of the heaviest. You can easily change lure weight and make cast without having to worry about changing the setting on the reel.

Spinning rods are specially designed to be used with the spinning reel the forward eyes are much larger then the casting rod. This is because it cuts down on the friction caused as the line uncoils off the spool. Since the line uncoils off a stationary spool, it causes a whipping action. The larger eyes allow casting without causing unnecessary friction on the line giving the spinning rod improved casting abilities.

The spinning rod also has a longer butt (the portion off the rod located behind the reel) to aid the angler while casting and fighting fish. This longer portion helps with balancing the rod to the reel as well.

The spinning rod makes for an excellent all-round fishing rod providing the angler with a wide range of fishing styles and types. If you are on a budget or maybe you just do not want to have to use several types of rod combinations a spinning rod will be your best option.

Casting Rods

The casting rod is a rod especially designed for use with a baitcasting reel. The eyes of these rods are smaller in diameter and are typically placed closer together then you will find on a spinning rod. Placing the eyes closer together gives the casting rod a smoother action and feel. This is one reason why many anglers prefer a casting rod to other types of rods.

The reel seats are also design to accommodate the baitcasting reel since this type of reel normally has a smaller foot. Casting rod also typically has a finger grip placed below and back of the reel seat. This aids the angler in maintaining a firm grip on the rod and is necessary because a Baitcast reel sits so much lower on the rod and your hand is behind the reel when casting.

Many anglers believe that a casting rod is capable of providing the angler with a longer and more controlled cast. Once you become accustomed to the casting rod, you will most likely find this to be true.

Using a casting rod will give a greater since of feel while fishing because they work so smoothly. You will notice the lightest of strikes that you may have missed while using a spinning reel. This fact alone may well be the reason that the seasoned steelhead angler prefer to use a baitcasting reel and rod.

Rod Action is the term used to describe how much of the rod bends when applying pressure to the tip of the rod.

The fast action rod will bend in only the top third or less of the rod.

The medium or moderate action will bend in the top half.

The slow action will bend starting in the lower third of the rod.

Sometimes slow action rods are termed ‘parabolic’, meaning the bend of the rod is similar throughout the length.

These descriptions depend on the type of rod you may be talking about at the time; a fast action fly rod or steelhead rod will bend much lower and more easily than a fast action bass rod or offshore rod.

By fast Action mean the rod ‘shuts off’ faster, or the bend ends higher on the blank, which means you don’t have to move the rod as far on the hook set to get into the stiffer part of the Rod.

Fast action rods are great for most applications where a short to medium casting distance is involved and single hooks are the rule, such as corky and bait fishing.

Medium and medium-fast rods will usually provide a little more casting distance and still provide adequate hook setting power. These actions often used for applications that involve treble hooks, like using a hot shot. The ‘strike’ of a treble hook is not as deep as a big single hook and it is easier to tear the hook out of a strong fish, plus the slower action will not pull the lure out of the fish’s mouth before it fully engulfs it. Yet you still will have the power for a good hook set.

Slow action rods will give you a better feel when drift fishing and may help you feel the strike a little easier. Since they are more responsive, you may be able to notice that subtle difference between bouncing over a rock and having a steelhead picking it up. When using a slow action rod you need to remember that setting the hook is going to require you to use more force when jerking.

Author: Bob R. Smith
Is an outdoor enthusiast if it has to do with the outdoors he has tried it. His true passion is steelhead and salmon fishing with over forty five years of experience fishing for these great fish. He has built a web site to share how he saves thousands of dollars a year purchasing his fishing gear from eBay members. If you to would like to save on your fishing gear and pick up some helpful fishing tips along the way please visit his site at http://www.steelhead-salmon-trout-fishing.com/

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