What You Need To Know

See yourself standing on the bank of a swiftly moving stream in the shade of a gnarled willow, your fishing rod bent beneath the weight of an unusually large catch. Whether or not you land that fish depends on the decision you made at the shop -- the type of rod.

The ABCs Of Fishing Rods

A fishing rod is a shaft of graphite, fiberglass, steel, wood or bamboo that is used for the purpose of catching fish (duh). Fishing filament, also called fishing line, is threaded through the ferrules (eyes) along the flexible rod. The ferrule at the tip directs your cast.

One end of the line winds around a reel, which is located at the base of the pole. The other end of the line has a barbed hook attached to it. This hook is where you place the bait. Your reel has a handle, which you turn to reel in the line once a fish has taken the bait. Your rod probably also has a reel seat that helps secure the reel to your rod. The reel seat is placed near the handle grip.

Fishing rods vary in size from 4 feet (for children) to 16 feet. The average rod is 6 feet long. The longer the rod, the more force is put on the angler's arms. The length of the rod you choose depends on 2 variables. The first is the species of fish you wish to catch. The other is the landscape and the type of water at the fishing location.

Your rod is the most important tool you will use while fishing, and you will have a great variety from which to choose. Rods come in a wide range of types, styles and lengths.

Consider Landscape and Water

If your fishing hole is beside trees with overhead branches, you'll want a short, flexible rod. Flexibility -- the amount the rod can bend before breaking -- is determined by the diameter of the pole. Light rods are thin and flexible, while stronger rods are thicker and more rigid.

For open terrain, flexible, thin rods that are 10 to 12 feet in length are good as long as wind conditions are moderate.

Fresh Water Or Salt Water?

Do you plan fish in fresh water or salt water? Freshwater fishing is done in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that are found in the interior of the country. Saltwater fishing is done in oceans and along the coast. Be sure to choose a rod that is compatible with its job. Though some rods occasionally can be used outside of their intended application, it's usually best to use a rod that is right for the job. This ensures a successful fishing experience.

Plan For Species Of Fish

Short, strong rods are best for landing game fish. Stronger and thicker rods should be used for large, aggressive fish such as northern pike, muskellunge, walleye and Arctic char. These fish would quickly snap a lighter, more flexible pole.

Select Rod By Material

Common types of fishing rods include bamboo, fiberglass and graphite.

Bamboo rods can be as basic as an inexpensive pole with a line attached, to very expensive handcrafted rods that are used for fly-fishing. Simple bamboo poles are great for kids. Expensive bamboo poles make wonderful fly fishing rods. Bamboo rods run from $5 up to hundreds of dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. If you are not planning to take up fly-fishing, fiberglass and graphite rods are best.

Fiberglass rods are usually best for beginners and kids. They come in a variety of lengths and flexibility characteristics, and they're reasonably priced. You should be able easily to find a fiberglass rod that will fit your needs. These rods stand up well and require very little or no maintenance.

Some experienced anglers prefer graphite rods, because they are very lightweight and extremely strong. Graphite is the best of the basic rod types.

Rod-And-Reel Unit?

Just getting started as a fisherman? You might consider buying a prepackaged rod and reel. These are not something you will use for long, though. If you're not sure you will enjoy fishing, borrow a rod, instead of investing money in tackle that you may not use for long.

More experienced anglers should choose a rod and reel separately over the prepackaged units.

A Fitting Rod

Your goal should be to find a rod that fits your arms and is as comfortable as a pair of old sneakers. If you've tried several rods and can't seem to choose, ask someone with angling experience to go along and help. You can also seek the assistance of the staff at your local fishing store. They should be glad to give you a few pointers that will help you choose the fishing rod that is just right for you.