Fishing Rod Basics
The fishing rod is more than just a slick-looking stick — it's the essential tool that gets your bait in the right place. On top of that, the right rod allows you to properly work your juicy bait. But to choose the right rod, you will need to know the two main types: spinning rods and casting rods. You'll also need to know the different options for rod power and length. So read on.
Googan Squad Green Series Finesse Spinning Rod
SPINNING RODS
Spinning rods vary in length and action for catching a variety of fish. You can use shorter ultralight or light-action spinning rods with thin line for panfish or trout. Medium and medium-heavy action 6- to 7-foot rods are ideal for finesse bass fishing tactics. Long heavy heavy-action rods with elongated grip handles for two-handed casting are best for surfcasting for saltwater fish or steelhead and salmon fishing.
Googan Squad Gold Series Go-To Casting Rod
CASTING RODS
A casting rod is equipped with a reel seat that positions a spincast or baitcast reel above the rod, and all the rod guides face upward. When fighting a fish on a casting rod, the rod bends over with the guides facing up so the force of the fish pushes the line down on the eyelets and the rod blank. This prevents a big fish from pulling the eyelets off the rod. Long casting rods with straight handles are designed for power fishing bass tactics and trolling or surfcasting for large fish such as blue or flathead catfish, salmon, striped bass, and many powerful saltwater fish.
ROD POWER
Making sure you have the right powered rod for the species of fish you’re after will help improve your odds of hooking and catching more fish. Here is a general guideline for which power fishing rods work best for some of our favorite fish:
• Ultra Light: Panfish, Small Trout
• Light: Panfish, Trout
• Medium Light: Walleye, Bass, Trout, Panfish
• Medium: Walleye, Bass, Big Trout, Small Catfish
• Medium Heavy: Bass, Northern Pike, Medium-sized Catfish
• Heavy: Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, Catfish, Striper, Big Catfish
ROD LENGTH
Rods are available in various lengths, but the most popular models are 6 1/2', 7', and 7 1/2'. A 6 1/2-foot model provides more casting accuracy, but longer rods are ideal for making long-distance pitches to heavy cover or casting crankbaits in open water. The long models also give you better hook-setting power and leverage when fighting a fish.
