Outdoors Blog » How to Buy a Fishing Rod

Getting the right rod can be crucial to a successful fishing trip.

Here are some tips to help even the most amateur angler find the right fishing pole.

What type of fishing are you doing?

Different types of fishing require different types of rods. For instance, if you’re going fly fishing, then you’re going to need a fly fishing rod.

Just knowing what type of fishing you’ll be doing can help your search in a big way.

Size Matters:

You don’t want to get a pole that’s too big for the occasion. So once you’ve figured out what kind of fishing you’re going to do, choosing the size should be easy as well. For smaller and lighter bait, go with a pole that is between four to six feet long. For ocean fishing, larger fish or longer casting, go with a pole that is over six feet in length.

Get a feel for it:

Put the rod in your hand and get a feel for it. Make sure it feels comfortably in your palms and the grip is good as well. You don’t want to lose that big catch and your rod after one cast.

Flexibility:

You want a pole that has good flexibility and whip to it. Hold it out in front and act like you’re going to cast out. If the tip flicks up and down quickly and has good movement, it’s a good pole.