Fishing pole question!?

Question

Hi, I just got a pole the other day there was a sell at my local outdoors shop. How do I know what thickness is right for me? I went fishing today and it kinda bugged me when I would get a bite and pull up just seem like the pole would bend to heck. How do i know which type of pole thickness is good for me?

Answer 1

Like the two others have said before, it depends on what ya fish. Stay away from Uglysticks, they are pretty durable like the ads say (the can bend so that one end touches the other w/o breaking) but like you've experienced no one needs a rod that can bend like that! If you're fishing for anything in the 1-15lb range go for a medium to medium heavy rod (usually labeled "Med" or "MH" respectively). Also most of the higher end rods have an "Action" rating, this is how far down the rod length the rod will bend when you set the hook, for example most crankbait rods are Moderate action rods meaning they bend near the middle of the rod. Look for a "Fast" action rod which bends more near the tip leaving the rest of the rod for the backbone you need for those hooksets!

Assuming you're looking to catch moderate sized fish (1-15lbs or so) look for a Medium to Medium-Heavy Rod with Fast action.

Also a quick note on blanks...get graphite. That is all.

For some recommendations, Bass Pro Shops has some nice store branded rods (XPS Extreme Rods) which are around 70 when they go on sale (which they do very often, so you should wait if they aren't), and if you browse around you'll see higher end brands like G.loomis or St. Croix. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have two spinning rods because one always messes up and I don't want to deal with the tangled mess. I also carry an ultra-light when I like to catch perch and crappie. Then I have a trolling rod rigged with an old Pfluger Pakron with lead core line that I use for trolling for salmon and lake trout. So 4. yay. You only need one pole to catch fish though. I've done the 1 pole for years and had no issue.

Answer 3

If you're fishing the deep sea for 400lb bluefish tuna, you're going to need a thick pole. If you opt to fish for scup in the back bays, you're not going to need a thick pole. It all depends on where you fish and what you are fishing for. Also thickness is not as important as the blank, graphite is the best, inside the rod. You could land a 50lb striped bass on a skinny rod with a special blank.

Answer 4

For startes Iwould go back to the sporting goods store and before you ask anything about the rod your purchased, ask them what rod and reel they would suggest for the type of fishing you are planning to do. Then tell them what you bought and why. If you are new to fishing, (I think you may be) I would start with a medium rod with a fast action and a spinning reel.
you will get the most enjoyment and have the least amount of problems. The other thing I would suggest is to buy the best quality tackle you can afford. It will make your fishing much more pleasant and get rid of a lot of problems like line tangle, noisy unbalanced reels, too "soft" rods. And then just get out and fish every chance you get. You will become more proficient as you experiment and talk to other anglers.

Answer 5

I usually lean towards lighter tackle. If the rod is bent over then there is less chance of the line going slack and losing the fish. Although reeling in a fish quickly is also a good way to ensure you catch it! Personal preference, I guess, I prefer lighter tackle except for Salmon or Sturgeon.

Answer 6

well wat were you fishign for?

bass you want at least a 6' medium action pole, w/ a spinning reel [spinning reel is all open and line is visible] in fact this s one of the best startin combos you can have for bass. at least 8lb test line, i usually use 10 lb test though.

all the info will be printed on the pole, right next to the grip, usually on the bottom side.

this will also work in saltwater for seatrout and smallish snook and redfish, but clean it when you get back frum fishing in salt.

for only salt though you should step up to a 6and a half foot medium heavy, or a 7 foot

and 20lb test braided line.

i have the second combo and i use it very successfully in fresh and salt water

a combo that i strongly suggest,
a pflueger president reel and an ugly stik inshore lite (make sure that it is an inshore lite)
for matching: 6' pole, 6735 or 6730 size reel

6'6" pole, 6735 6740 size reel

7' pole, 6740, or 6750 size reel
watever feel the most comfortable

Answer 7

Fishing Rod would be the proper term to use... ?
generally it depends on what you are after and how you are aftering it.... there are alot of different types of rods ...different action ..casting weight length etc...
Need to know if you are baiting, luring, surfcasting?
Shore, pier, offshore, pond, lakes?
more at
http://fishios.blogspot.com/2007/05/fishing-rod-terms-and-parts.html

Answer 8

Its all in what u are fishing for. For bass I like med.