You can’t expect to catch a big game fish with a tiny bass pole. Nor should you use a heftier deep sea fishing rod for light casting on a lake or river. The right kind of fishing pole is an essential part of any good angler’s gear. Hopefully, the following tips will help you make the right decision for you!

First, there is fishing rod length to consider. Longer fishing rods will enable you to cast farther, but they can be a little more difficult to handle. So think of it this way, if you are in your waders and you are looking for that long, perfect cast, a longer fishing rod is better for you. Conversely, if you are in a tiny boat where maneuvering is difficult, a shorter fishing pole will give you more control. 

Then you have your fishing rod material. Fiberglass is strong, durable and affordable. Graphite is a lighter fishing pole material that makes bites more detectable, but it will cost a little more. Versatile, flexible composite fishing rods – which are a combination of both – are the most expensive.

Fishing pole handles come in either cork or foam. Cork is more comfortable and more sensitive. It just won’t last you as long as a foam fishing rod handle. Plus, you have your pistol grip for great casting and jigging or a longer trigger stick which allows for a two-handed cast.

Heavier, faster action fishing rods bend at the top. These are sensitive to tiny bites and snap back fast which is great for hook setting. So why would you want any other action? Medium action bends lower in the fishing pole, which still provides a decent hook-up, but gives the fish a little more time to bite – an excellent action choice if you’re looking for simultaneous hook-ups…like when you’re fishing schools of fish. Light action bends even lower. This one may not make it as simple to set the hook, but it will provide a great cast and can make fishing for the little fish a lot more fun.

Believe it or not, the guides on your fishing rod can even affect your fishing. The more you have, the more evenly the stress on your line will be distributed. Also, modern guides are ceramic-coated so they are smoother. This is definitely something you want.

Plus, it may go without saying, but keep in mind that your fishing rod and line should match the fish you are fishing – the larger the fish, the heavier the fishing rod.