A NEW ROD FOR A NEW FISHING SEASON
By Bob Jensen
A new fishing season brings excitement to different anglers in different ways. Some anglers are just anxious to start a new fishing season. Others are looking to explore new waters or new techniques. Many anglers like to add a new product or two to their fishing arsenal, and many of those anglers are right now looking for a new rod to try. Here are some ideas on selecting that new rod.
First you need to decide if you want a spinning or casting rod. Spinning rods are the ones you team with those reels that hang under the rod. These are best if you're going to be using lighter line most of the time. If you expect to use mostly line under eight or ten pound test with lighter baits, go with spinning tackle.
Casting rods will be used with reels that are mounted on the top of the rod and used with mostly heavier line, eight or ten pound test or heavier.
Most anglers will be considering rods that are constructed from graphite. There are a lot of different options when it comes to graphite rods: It works best to visit a fishing tackle shop and shake the different rods to see which one feels best to you.
There seems to be a trend to longer, softer action rods. These rods are much more forgiving than stiffer rods. If a walleye takes your jig on a stiff rod and you're not paying attention, the resistance from the stiff rod will spook the walleye frequently.
However, on a softer rod, the fish won't feel resistance and you will still be able to set the hook and hopefully catch the fish.
Longer, softer rods also work better with light line, and light line is often needed when the fish are in a finicky mood.
Many anglers are going to longer softer rods for trolling crankbaits. The rods are placed in rod holders and when a fish hits, the rod just gradually bends back, setting the hook effectively but not ripping the hooks free.
Spinning rods that are six foot in length are very popular now, with six foot six inch and seven foot rods being just as popular.
With casting rods, longer handles have won the popularity contest. They are more comfortable to fish with, provide more leverage for fighting fish, and work best in rod holders.
Today you can buy a much better rod for less money than you could just five years ago. Perhaps the best value to anglers are Lightning Rods. They fish great but are very affordable.
If you want the best rod you'll ever need without spending too much money, Series One rods are the way to go.
Now is the time to put that new rod into use. Keep the things we're just talked about in mind and you'll soon discover how effective an angler you can be when you use the right rod for the technique you're employing.
For more fish-catching information, visit fishingthemidwest.com
Box 686-604 Claydigger Run
Sheffield, IA 50475
Phone---641-892-4211
bjensen@frontiernet.net