Fishing rods, do materials matter?

Fishing rods range in size from about 24 inches long to close to 20 feet long. They are made out several different materials each with its own characteristics: fiber glass, graphite, or composite materials. Fiber glass fishing rods are strong and durable. Fiber glass does not have the sensitivity that a graphite pole can offer, but it does have more strength to be able to deal with larger and more powerful fish. Graphite poles are light weight and have greater sensitivity and flexibility than fiberglass poles. Graphite poles are not as strong as fiber glass poles, so are generally used when fishing smaller species. Depending on the quality, a graphite pole can give a fisherman a very sensitive feel as to what is happing at the other end of the line. Composite fishing poles often use a graphite core surrounded by fiber glass. This can give a more sensitivity feel to a pole while retaining some of the strength of fiber glass.

Surf fishing rods are the longest of all fishing rods. They usually are from 8 feet to 15 feet long. Often, these rods are made of graphite. These poles take advantage of graphite’s strength and lightness. The reason that these poles are so long is that they are designed to cast the line out past the breaking waves. To determine the length of pole that you need, you need to have a good idea of how far you will want to be casting. The longer the pole the farther that it will cast. Usually, a 10 or 11 foot pole will server as a good all around surf rod. However, a shorter pole can help you stay closer to the fish if they are inside the breakers.

Telescopic fishing rods are made for the traveler or possibly just the fisherman who wants to pack light. Telescopic fishing poles are often made out of composite materials, carbon, or carbon mesh. There are models of these rods to fit almost every kind of fishing situation. They are designed to collapse to conserve space. As an example, a 7 foot pole can shrink down to just over two feet long. Some telescopic light weight poles can be reduced to tiny proportions. For these reasons, telescopic poles can easily be fit into a average size suitcase or backpackers backpack.

So whether you are going ultra light or ultra heavy, knowing your fishing rod materials and there characteristics will, of course, help you in your selection. In life, knowing how to choose the right tool for the job often results in the best possible outcome. It is true that you are not always guaranteed to catch fish; however, if you are set up with the right gear when the fish bite you will be much more likely to land them.