How to choose a rod from many offers that differ slightly in price, parameters and appearance?
How to choose a fishing rod – length
A rod for each method, and even fish, can be selected in several lengths. The length of the rod that is optimal for you is selected based on several factors:
- do I need to cast very far?
- angler’s height – usually a taller person prefers a longer model,
- access to water – the more overgrown the shore, the better a long rod works,
- whether we fish from the shore or from a boat – shorter rods are usually used on a boat,
- individual preferences.
Casting weight or deflection curve
The lower limit of the casting weight (cw) determines the minimum weight of the rig, which will be freely cast with a given rod. You can cast lighter rigs, but it won’t be very effective. The upper limit defines the maximum load of the rig that can be cast without the risk of damaging the rod. The casting weight is expressed in grams.
The deflection curve of a rod determines how much load is needed to make the rod bend at a right angle. Thus, it shows the stiffness of the rod. The higher the value of the curve, the stiffer the rod and the more force you need to bend it. A rod with a high curve is used for larger fish and for long casts. You can convert the deflection curve in lbs to cw in grams, assuming that 1 lbs is almost 30 g .
Fishing rod action
Tip action of the rod – the rod bends only in the tip part. These are long casting rods.
Parabolic rod action – bends along its entire length, creating a deep arc. It absorbs spurts of fighting fish well, “forgiving” the angler’s mistakes.
The action of the rod is progressive – with a small force it works as in the tip part, but it goes to a parabola when there is a big, strong fish on the hook.
Does more expensive mean better?
A modern product must be more expensive. However, more expensive and more modern does not always mean better. For example, an expensive carbon rod will be lighter and work better, but it will be more susceptible to mechanical damage. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen or heard of cracked thin tips on brand new carbons.
When choosing a rod – price or brand?
Each company offers its rods in several price ranges. For example: you can buy a spinning rod for PLN 100, PLN 300 or PLN 600. The indicator of quality will therefore be the price, not the brand. The more expensive the stick, the better. For example: a stick from Jaxon for PLN 200 will be better than a Mikado stick for PLN 100, but worse than a Dragon stick for PLN 300.
On the same price shelf, the listed companies have products of comparable quality. The difference in rods, e.g. Konger for PLN 100 and Mikado for PLN 110, will usually be imperceptible. The parameters of such rods are similar, and the difference lies mainly in their finish.
Daiwa or Shimano rods are certainly at the highest level of technological advancement and have great parameters. However, do these properties translate into the quality and quantity of fish caught? You will probably be able to cast the rig further with them and they will better absorb the spurts of the fighting fish, but will the difference be noticeable enough to pay several times more for the rod? In my opinion no.
The situation is a bit different when it comes to competition rods. Here, top equipment, e.g. from Sensas , can not only improve the comfort of fishing, but also give a certain advantage over the competition.
Rafal Pokusinski
