Fishing Articles and Information

Understand The Importance of a Bass Fishing Rod

By Dean Caporella

How important is the rod in the overall scheme of bass fishing?

Does it matter what type of rod you use?

Let me ask you this ... does a one-legged duck swim in circles?

Of course it does and choosing the right bass fishing rod is vitally important.

There are many aspects to consider in choosing a fishing rod such as feel, it's length, action and grip.

If you are serious about bass fishing, even as a recreational past time then you'd better make sure you are using the right rod.

Have you given thought to the components of the rod?

Things such as what material the rod or the handle is? Is the rod graphite or fibreglass?

Whether the handle fits into your hand comfortably or whether you have enough sensitivity which is vital in picking the difference between a true bite or a false alarm.

How's Your Bass Fishing Rod Length?

One mistake many anglers make is ignoring the length of a rod. Your height makes a big difference to the length you eventually select for several reasons. If you are on the short side, say 5' 6 then you will be looking at a rod about six to six and a half feet in length.

Why?

Well, simple mathematics will dictate that the longer a rod is the more difficult it will be to handle.

If you are out on the water for the entire day then continued casting and flipping is eventually going to take it's toll and if you are using a long rod then tiredness later in the day will be a major factor.

Choose the right length that you feel comfortable with.

Sensitivity In Bass Fishing

Choosing the appropriate rod to accomodate the different types of lures is extremely important. For example, flipping and pitching requires a lightweight rod. You wouldn't require a heavyweight to cast top water baits. The same applies to spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.

Sensitivity is another area many anglers don't understand too well. I wonder how many fish have bitten without the angler realising he or she had a bite?

Sensitivity will allow you to work out what is happening with your bait. It will also give you a guide to just how prosperous a day you will enjoy on the water. With enough sensitivity in a rod, you will be able to determine if the slightest of tugs on your line was from a fish or just a water ripple.

It's that important.

How Important Are Guides?

Firstly, if you're a novice then you're probably wondering what a guide is. They are the small frames along the rod the line travels through and the number of guides on a rod depends on it's length. Generally, a 7' foot rod should contain at least nine guides.

Their importance can't be underestimated particularly from a casting and sensitivity point-of-view. The guides play a big part in helping the fisherman make "head or tails" of the signals being transmitted back to the rod.

There are so many rods on the market today that it must seem like an ocean of choice, particularly for newcomers, when searching for a bass fishing rod.

If you walk into a fishing store then be guided by the salesperson and make sure you are armed with a ton of questions. You need to fish for information before you fish the bass.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster.