Hooking the right fishing rods and reels

by sandrodacomo

Article by Nicole Roberts

Fishing rods and reels can literally break or make one’s fishing trip. With a wide range of fishing rods and reels from various manufacturers, with different spinning reels and designs, it is essential to select the most suitable kind of fishing reels. The right fishing reels largely determine the smoothness of the casting and how fast the catch can be reeled in, which also depends on the type of fish caught. Much of the success of a trip hinges on the fishing rods and reels, among other time-tested tricks. Thus it only helps to learn more about these essential tools and select suitable reels for a satisfying and fruitful boating experience.

The basic types of fishing reels include fly casting, bait casting and spin casting. Fly casting reels are not as complex as the bait casting and spin casting reels, though all these types of fishing reels can be used for both salt water and fresh water fishing. There are also other factors to consider when choosing the appropriate fishing rods and reels. These factors include the material of the reel, which is greatly dependant on the type and location of fishing. Graphite, aluminum and plastic are some of the common materials used. Graphite, being lighter than aluminum, is usually used to make fish rods and reels for freshwater fishing, while the stronger aluminum is the choice material for fishing reels used in saltwater fishing.

Fly fishing in fresh waters, which is gaining popularity more as an art form than serious angling, uses long, flexible and light rods. These rods cast ‘flies’ that mimic the movement of insects such as nymphs and such over the water surface. The fake flies are usually synthetic materials such as foam, string and such which resemble the insects. Fly fishing is employed to catch trout, salmon and other fresh water species. The different fish species need different rod tautness and weight test line to counter the weight of the fighting fish. The rod size is another aspect dependant on the type of fish intended for fishing. Fishing rods are numbered according to their weight. Smaller trout need rods with a smaller number while larger trout and bass require medium sized rods. Larger rods best accommodate the weight of salmon and tarpon.

The spin casting rods are used when the bait or lure is frequently cast and retrieved to unhook the catch. Being heavier, they are best suited for larger fish including the steelhead or the striped bass.

The right rods need to be correctly matched with suitable reels. The spinning wheels are hardy for vigorous freshwater fishing while remaining easy enough for beginners and seasoned anglers. While the original design was for fly fishing with trout and salmon, the newer models of these spinning reels are made sturdy to manage heavier baits and larger catches. They are also great with light tackles.

The line capacity of the reel needs to be suitable for the type of fish to be fishing for. Fishes such as trout and salmon tend to run more with the line, thus needing more line, unlike the bluegill or perch which are easier to catch with the cast length. Another factor dependant on the type of fish caught is the line strength. A heavier line is necessary for heavier fish which also tend to be stronger at fighting. The ratings for the reels and the line can be found on the packaging. The gear ratio of the selected fishing reels is also dependant on the type of fish being fished. The ratio indicates the number of times the reels rotate when they are cranked each time. A faster ratio may not always be better, depending on the intended catch. Choosing the right fishing rods and reels actually requires some understanding of the fish to be caught, so that the right tools are available for a fruitful fishing outing.

Zebco HAWG SEEKER/702MH WithBITE ALERT SC Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

• Fishing rod and spincast reel combo with BiteAlert technology
• Allows fishermen to see and hear bite even on dark nights
• Pre-spooled with Cajun line; triple-cam multi-disk drag system
• 7-foot, medium-heavy rod made of 2-piece Z-Glass
• Ultra-tough design; 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

The revolutionary BiteAlert technology used in the Hawg Seeker series is the fishermans best firend. It allows the fisherman to hear and see a bite, even on the darkest of nights. These ultra-tough reels have the added technology to give you that extra advantage on the water.See and hear the strike with the Zebco Hawg Seeker fishing rod and reel combo. The Hawg Seeker is equipped with revolutionary BiteAlert technology, which allows fishermen to see and hear a bite even on the darkest of nights.

List Price: $ 59.99

Price: $ 38.99