The first question came in and of course it can be one of the most person specific of them all (next to reels which I am just going to make my next tip). I am going to cover the basics in this section. Since there will be a lot of shows coming up over the next few months, there will be a lot of tackle shops and individual rod builders trying to sell you their stock. Here are a few tips to get you going and not waste your money on something you don't really need.
1. Think about what species you are going for and only shop for that class of rod. For example, if you need a fly rod for striped bass from school size up to 25 lbs, limit your rod selection to 8 - 10 weight rods. If you need a spin rod to throw soft plastics, look at fast action rods with a light tip.
2. Demo as many rods as you can. This is the only way to really know if the rod does what you need it to do. Actually cast the rods at the shows or in the dealer parking lots. That is why they have these areas and you should take advantage of them. If they don't let you, guess what, there are others that will and will appreciate your business.
3. Don't grab a rod, wiggle it and look down the guides. It cracks me up that this is what almost everyone does as I people watch at the fishing shows. This tells you nothing.
4. Do ask the rep if you can test the spine of the rod. To do this, find a carpeted area. Gently place the rod tip on the carpeted floor (or be extra kind and lay down your jacket) and bend the rod in the direction the rod should bend when fighting a fish. If the rod wants to roll the other way, it was not built properly and you should move on. This rod will break under pressure of larger fish.
5. If there is no carpeted area, ask the rep to assist you with a two person test. Here the rep will grab the tip an you will stand back as if you were fighting a fish. Test where the backbone of the rod will be. On lighter rods, the rod may bend all the way to the grip, heavier rods, only the top two guides length may be bent. You have to like the feel. This bend will also be a major part of how much effort you will need to cast a lure as well as work the lure once in the water. Me personally, I do not like soft rods that flex to the handle.
Specifics:
Fly Rods
If you enjoy long casting strokes and are just starting out- check out mid flex rods as they are most forgiving on your cast and protect lighter tippets. Fast action rods are less forgiving, require a more powerful cast but can throw big flies into stiff winds. Fast action rods are a favorite of mine for saltwater species, while mid-flex rods are a great choice for freshwater. I have never suggested a certain brand of rods before as I felt there are so many great companies out there that make fine rods. This is why I insist on carrying choices on my boat so you can decide for yourself. My new personal favorite is the Orvis H2 in a 9 weight. This rod covers almost 90% of my fishery. Sage Xi3 rods are also great rods and have been on my boat for many years. Be careful of less expensive rods for saltwater as they tend to break easier on big fish, not something I like to see on the water.
Spinning rods/ Casting rods
There are a ton of choices out there. Check the hardware on the rod. Is it made for saltwater? If not, you will be paying someone to replace it within the year (added cost). Does it have a warranty? Sometimes the price is high because they expect you to send it in at least one to replace a broken part. Custom rods are great, but typically there is no warranty.
It is really hard to get a saltwater rod to cover all of your species. I have a light rod for Albacore and Bonito to throw 1/2 to 1 oz lures. I have a fast action rod with a light tip to throw my Hogy soft plastics, lighter plugs and metal and yet another to throw 2-3 oz plugs.
I am not telling you to get 5 rods. I am saying that you should get a rod to do the job you need it to do. If your budget only allows you to get one rod to fish, well that is reality. I will say to err on the side of caution and go bigger rather than lighter. For example: if you need a striper rod that can also catch Albies than look at a Quantum Blu in 7'6 Medium/Heavy inshore spin rod. This rod is a staple item on my boat as it can cover all species (and only costs about 70$). It is a little overkill for smaller fish, but I would rather have that than be too light for a bigger fish.
I can tell you what rods I use for each of my species but that is my personal choices and ones that I have found my customers to enjoy. You may be different. If you need direction, I tend to look at what companies are focused on for certain species. For example. If I want a tuna rod and just starting out, I will go to the Van Staal or Fin Nor website (Zebco company) and check out their equipment. They are focused on this species and have been doing it for years. It does not mean you need to buy one, but they will let you know what rods are meant for that species.
If I missed something, I apologize. I am hoping I answered the basics for this question. If you want more specific information, let me know and I will do my best. This along with reel selection has been covered on literally thousands of forums and continues to be the discussion of personal choices. I wanted to take a general stance so that you can find the rod that suits you best. I hoped I accomplished that!
Until next time, thanks for stopping by!
Capt. Brian
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