Washington Business Daily

What are some things you should look for when buying a new rod IE Length, flexibility ect?

So, if you're planning to buy a new spinning rod and the brands Daiwa, Shimano, Pfleuger, Quantum ect don't exist. They're all just brandless labeless rods. What are some features you look for on them, like ^ length, flexibility, guide size, grip material ect. All the rods are 2 piece with pre spooled reels.

Public Comments

1. I always look for sensitivity.
2. Depends what you're fishing for. I've built several dozen rods, ranging from 2 pound ultralight spinners to 80-pound offshore stand-up tuna rods. The main thing (for any rod) is the length, weight, power and action of the blank. (By power I mean the strength of line it's designed for, action is how it bends.) After that, there's not much difference in the components -- some people might prefer foam grips over cork (I do, but some foam feels better than others), graphite reel seat over aluminum, or guides with composite rings rather than all metal, but as long as the components are all good quality they're not really a selling point for me. I'll look it over, looking for problems like misaligned guides, if the blank is crooked, cracks in the guides, chips in the blank or other flaws. (I've seen all of these in stock rods from lots of manufacturers.) The last thing is I'd just pick up the rod and see how it feels in my hand, swinging it as if casting, maybe bending it as if there's a fish on it, whether it's balanced and comfortable or feels awkward. This is a personal thing, and there's no guarantee that a rod I like will feel right to anyone else, or vice versa. This is assuming all the rods come with the same reel -- if they have different reels, I'd have to factor that in as well.
3. depends on your baits. usually if youre going for an all-purpose rod then look for medium action rods and average numbers like that. If you plan on finesse fishing, go for light stuff. you want heavier rods for heavier baits and target fish. also if you like to really feel the fish go for lighter stuff than may be suggested to you by the store salespeoples
4. watever fits you i hate flimsy rods but hate stiff ones and lightweight and strong is wat i must have this is why i have g.loomis so well made and very light.... i fish lots so money worth spent
5. 1. What size rod do you want ??? What size lures and baits will you generally be using WITH that rod. What SPECIES of fish will you generally be fishing for? Although "medium action" rods do cover a wide range of fishing situations, sometimes an ultra-light, medium-heavy or heavy-action rod will perform better. It all depends on the species of fish and WHERE you are going to fish......... #2. Decide whether you REALLY need a 2 piece rod. In my opinion, unless you NEED your rod to break-down or the rod is a surf-fishing rod, (and is WAY too long to fit into a car), getting a 2 piece rod will always be a negative. Don't get me wrong, 2 piece rods have come a long way since the days of metal ferrules, but 2 piece rods are still a "no no" in my book. Understand that if you purchase a 2 piece rod, the rod has a significant EXTRA chance (50%) of failure. The old saying," a chain is only as strong as the weakest link" is very applicable to a 2 piece rod. Which do you think would be stronger?- a solid piece of graphite? or 2 pieces of graphite fitted together? It's simple logic......... So, unless you HAVE to purchase a 2 piece rod, DON'T! 3. Length- In my opinion, having a longer rod is almost always a good thing. A 7 FT medium action rod can put a fish in the boat almost as quick as a 6 FT medium-heavy rod due to "leverage". Longer rod more leverage, (period). The only time a long rod is detrimental is when your fishing in super-small, "tight", creeks or streams where casting can be an issue. 4. Cork or Foam grips- It is my opinion that most rods should have cork grips. I think cork grips are MUCH more comfortable and transmit strikes better than foam. In my opinion, the only rods that need or should have foam grips are Offshore rods and (possibly) Inshore Saltwater rods. HOWEVER, it also depends on what KIND of foam core they are using and if they marry EVA foam with a nice cork. There are some VERY nice, (expensive), freshwater rods with excellent strike transmitting foam core/cork hybrid handles. It just depends on how MUCH the rod is worth and how they mesh the two together- Example of a great foam/cork handled rod? here- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0053534123136a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&Ntk=Products&QueryText=kistler&sort=all&Go.y=6&_D%3AhasJS=+&N=0&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form23&Go.x=20&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1 It's my opinion that cork handles are nicer than eva foam.......but you may like the latter. 4. Matched Combo's- Although you CAN stumble upon a decent matched combo, in general, it's always a better idea to purchase your reel & rod separately. When you purchase a matched combo you usually don't receive a spare spool, instruction manual, and (like I mentioned in your other Q), matched combo rods are usually "seconds". What is a "second"? A second is a rod that does not meet inspection. It either has imperfections in the rod blank; has slightly mismatched guides; LESS guides; guides are lined up on the wrong side of the spline of the rod, Etc. When I purchase ANY rod I first, grab the tip and slowly bend it , keeping the rod straight, (as if it was fighting a fish). If it pulls hard to the left or right the manufacturer has put the guides on the wrong side of the spline of the rod. A rod that easily bends without "rolling" would be one that is set right with the spline- here's a website with further info on looking for imperfections/spline issues- http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/index.php?showtopic=1737 I've seen BOXES of matched combo rods with spline issues! Generally matched combo outfit's are (in the long run) not a serious option for the dedicated fisherman. Purchasing a matched combo fishing outfit is like buying a set of the cheapest golf clubs you can find "off the rack"; or a tennis player purchasing a "matched tennis set" which included racket, balls and headbands!!! You get what you pay for..........
6. Take a look at the Ugly Stick. It's big, floppy, tough. Now that you've seen it, leave Wal-Mart immediately and head to your nearest tackle store to find the exact opposite thing. Pick up a 7-foot medium action St Croix rod and notice how thin and sensitive it is. Imagine casting all day without wearing your arm out. Picture the subtle take of a fish ticking the end of your line, sending vibrations down to your fingers. When you cast, the lure flies far and accurately. Now put that rod and its $150 label back on the rack and find a generic equivalent that matches that St Croix as closely as possible for less than half the price. Galyans, Gander Mountain, Cabella's, Bass Pro Shops and Dick's all have IM-series house brand rods that are fantastic and price between $35 and $60. I would mate that to a mid-priced Shimano reel. Can't go wrong with Shimano as long as you don't get the cheap plastic models with the Shimano name but that's where the similarities end. I've been disappointed in all the other spinning reels I've had, which covers many many brands.