| See yourself standing on the bank of a swiftly | | | | and streams, while saltwater fishing is done in |
| moving stream in the shade of a gnarled willow, | | | | oceans and along the coast. Choose a rod |
| your fishing rod bent beneath the weight of an | | | | appropriate to the environment. |
| unusually large catch. | | | | Plan For Species Of Fish |
| Whether or not you land that fish depends on the | | | | Short, strong rods are best for landing game fish. |
| decisions you made at the shop -- primarily the | | | | Stronger and thicker rods should be used for |
| type of rod. | | | | large, aggressive fish. Such fish could break a |
| The ABCs Of Fishing Rods | | | | lighter pole. |
| Your rod is the most important tool you will use | | | | Select Rod By Material |
| while fishing, and you can chose from a wide | | | | Common types of fishing rods include bamboo, |
| range of types, styles and lengths. | | | | fiberglass and graphite. |
| A fishing rod is a shaft of graphite, fiberglass, | | | | Bamboo rods can be a basic, inexpensive pole |
| steel, wood or bamboo used to catch fish (duh). | | | | with a line attached, to very expensive |
| Fishing filament (line), is threaded through the | | | | handcrafted rods that are used for fly-fishing. |
| ferrules (eyes) along the rod. The ferrule at the | | | | Bamboo rods run from $5 up to hundreds of |
| tip directs the cast. 1 end of the line winds around | | | | dollars for handcrafted fly fishing rods. If you are |
| a reel at the base of the pole. The other end of | | | | not planning to do fly-fishing, fiberglass or graphite |
| the line has a baited hook attached to it. | | | | rods are best. |
| Fishing rods vary from 4 feet (for children) to 16 | | | | Fiberglass rods are good for beginners and kids |
| feet, with the average being 6 feet long. Rod | | | | and they're reasonably priced. They come in |
| length is chosen based on: the species of fish you | | | | many lengths, flexibility characteristics, and require |
| target and the environment you will fish at. | | | | very little maintenance. |
| Landscape | | | | Many experienced anglers prefer graphite rods, |
| If your fishing hole is beside trees with overhead | | | | because they are very lightweight and extremely |
| branches, you'll need a short, flexible rod. Flexibility | | | | strong. |
| -- the amount the rod can bend before breaking | | | | A Fitting Rod |
| -- is determined by the diameter of the pole. Light | | | | Your goal should be to find a rod that fits your |
| rods are thin and flexible, while stronger rods are | | | | arm and is comfortable. If you have trouble |
| thicker and more rigid. | | | | choosing, ask someone with experience to go |
| For open terrain, flexible, thin rods that are 10 to | | | | along or just ask the staff at a fishing store. A |
| 12 feet long are good, unless it is too windy. | | | | few pointers will quickly get you on your way -- |
| Fresh Water Or Salt Water? | | | | to a world of fun. |
| Freshwater fishing occurs in lakes, ponds, rivers | | | | |