Best Fishing Rod Length Guide
However, a shorter rod may be a better option if you are fishing around overhanging trees and obstacles. Graphite is light, stiff and will give you more power on a hook set and more accuracy on your casts. A long rod is harder to manage than a short rod, period, and how well you can manage a long casting rod comes down to your build – something many anglers forget. A longer rod will have you casting further, but you’ll have far less control over your accuracy and it’s something to integrate into picking the right fishing pole for the right fishing situation. A shorter rod may be a better option if you are fishing around overhanging trees and obstacles.
“A longer rod is also better at balancing applied pressure against the surges and jumps of a hooked fish,” he says. When an angler pulls forward to cast, the weight of the lure will flex the rod’s tip. The load is then released when the rod comes forward and stops when the bait releases, which allows for a longer cast. A light lure will not flex the rod tip to help casting unless it’s a light action.
The rod’s action influences how it casts, how sensitive the tip is, and the rate at which it transfers the hook set to the bait at the end of the line. A lighter, slower action will cast lighter baits while a heavier, faster action better suits heavier baits. If you use baits with treble hooks, a lighter action will give when a fish makes a surge, which prevents the hooks from pulling free.
Tolling rods tend to be longer than other rod types, and come close to surf fishing rods in this regard. Casting rods are designed to work specifically with baitcasting reels. In the hands of a skilled angler, these have higher casting accuracy and longer casting distance compared to spinning poles & reels.
They are ideal for moving baits such as crankbaits and other faster-moving lures where rod sensitivity is not as crucial. While they may lack some sensitivity, moderate rods gain casting distance as the bend in the rod helps to catapult lures further. Most anglers learn a lot about the different fishing rod types, as well as how to choose rod power and action. When pinpoint accuracy is less critical, a long rod is the way to go.
For instance, a proper crappie fishing technique is to simply hold the tip of the rod over the area where you want to fish. This is instead of casting a far distance, which will cause your line and lure to plunk down in the water, thus scaring fish away. If you are fishing in a situation where you need to cast really far, such as if you are on a fixed point in the land, a longer rod will be best.
Dion Liriano is a 51-year-old American zookeeper who has retired from the business. He was once a highly successful director of the Zoo and Aquarium, but he has since hung up his gloves and moved on to other ventures. Dion's passion for animals began at a young age, when he would help his father care for their family pets. This love grew exponentially when he started working at the zoo; Dion quickly became one of the most experienced keepers in the business. He credits his success to the relationships he built with both staff and animals over the years.