With literally thousands of rods available on the market today, it would be fair to say that there is a Rod for everyone. But is everyone using the right rod for the job?
Jansen Teakle explains why getting it right is so important.
When it comes to fishing tackle, we’re all like magpies or kids in a sweet shop.
We see something we like and we just have to have it. But nothing adds to this fire more than a mate or an influential angler who makes a recommendation. When there’s a collective of similar opinions, this only adds to the hype and the desire to own that particular rod grows ever stronger.
But is that rod really for you?
Shore fishing rods have certainly become lighter, and their blanks lower in diameter in recent times, but the one thing that stands out is that they have become more powerful. Recovery is faster, the parts of the rod that bend seem to bend less, and the whole rod is steelier.
Some of these rods are incredibly powerful and in the hands of an expert caster can achieve some absolutely phenomenal casting distances. But would they perform quite so well in the hands of a regular angler? The sad fact is that the answer is no. In the same way that a formula 1 racing car won’t help you drive like Jenson Button on a race track, an overly powerful rod will not add yards to your cast. Hype will continue to drive popularity, that’s a given, but be sure not to be drawn in to it if the rod in question is not suitable for what you want to do.
High performance rods, needn’t be super stiff though. There are some fantastic manageable rods out there that will suit any angler with a less than perfect casting style and be better suited to anyone looking to cast a long way. The primary concern should be to select a rod that will bend. If a rod is not compressed, you won’t be getting the most out of it. Remember too that your strength and build will come in to this equation, though admittedly to a lesser extent.
I will guarantee that you will cast further with a rod that you can actually bend, rather than going for a model that is used by world record holders. It’s often a case of finding a rod that bends enough to enable you to cast a sensible distance without too much effort, but also one that retains enough strength to handle the kind of ground, leads and fish you might be throwing at it. That’s always where the compromise will be.
In summary, choose wisely. Regard your rod(s) purchase as an investment. It always takes time to get familiar with a new rod, but once you become comfortable it really should feel like an extension of your arms. When you find what you like and it works for you, exercise caution when trying the next best thing. And it’s not very often you’ll hear a tackle dealer saying that! Instead, put your hard earned cash towards regular running cost tackle such as shockleader, mainline and hooks. Or of course, by all means totally disregard my advice and enjoy looking at that pair of shiny new beach casters sat in your tripod waiting for a bite. New rods really are a thing of beauty, but choose well when you make your decision and you will find the rod that suits you and the places you choose to fish.