COMPONENTS OF A FISHING ROD

Rod selection is one of the most important aspects in fishing. To put it another way, the right fishing rod will make you are more successful fisherman.

Ultra lite fishing rods provide great fun. However, care must be used that you do not exceed the specifications of the rod.

Fishing rods come in a large variety of styles & lengths, each designed for specific uses to meet a particular situation. Components that make up a fishing rod are a rod blank, handle, reel seat and guides. Ferrules if used also make a difference. the more used, the less sensitive a rod will be. The type of material also impacts the sensitivity. Graphite ferrules are more sensitive than metal ferrules. Fishing rod components determine the amount of vibration that travels from the lure/bait up through the line to the hand. the more vibrations a rod transmits, the more sensitive it is. The greater the sensitivity, the more you will understand what is going on in the water.

Rod Blank:
The rod shaft is called a blank and generally, it is made using graphite. Occasionally fiberglass or other material can be used. Like most things, there are good graphite rods and there are bad ones. There are also good fiberglass rods and there are bad fiberglass rods. most rods today are made with graphite blanks due to their strength, lighter weight and greater sensitivity. The thickness and density of the rod material also influences the characteristic of a fishing rod. Graphite is more sensitive than fiberglass and boron is denser and more sensitive than graphite. A high quality graphite blank is the key to better rods. The number of modulus is a measure of resistance to flex. The higher the modulus count of the graphite, the stiffer and stronger the blank. Higher modulus graphite rods also are more brittle. Higher strength allows the need for less material in the blank. Less material means less weight and less mass for the vibrations that are being generated to travel through thereby increasing the rod's sensitivity. Rod blanks having a modulus count of between 58 and 70 million modulus are extremely sensitive yet have such excellent durability that they come with a lifetime warranty.

The characteristics of a fishing rod blank are determined by what portion of the rod flexes and how much strength it takes to make the rod flex. Action/taper refers to where or how much of the rod will bend. A fast action rod will start to bend more toward the tip where as a slow action rod would tend to bend over the entire length of the shaft. a medium action rod would start to bend in the middle. The taper of the rod itself controls the action. A fast or short taper would make a slower action rod and a slow or long taper would make for a faster action rod. In essence, this is where in the rod you get your hook setting power (backbone) is in the rod. A fast action tip has the hook setting power more toward the tip of the rod while a moderate tip is toward the middle.

Power of strength is the amount of force needed to bend the rod. the thickness and type of rod material will determine this. most rods when marked are referring to power not action. The power of a rod should be consistent with the line weight ratings.

Graphite blanks that go through-the-handle increases sensitivity. A superior rod should incorporate graphite reel seats that keep the reel firmly attached to the rod. Check to see if rod blanks run through the handle, which ensures extra sensitivity.                                                                                

Example of where the blank runs through the handle.

 

Handles:

 

The type and length of a fishing rod's handle is important to consider before you purchase a rod. Another element of the handle is the material used in its construction. Is it made of cork, foam, wood or some other material? Is it comfortable in your hand? Will you wet hands slip off, dropping your rod into the water?

The length of a handle should match the type of fishing you plan to do. Flicking a top water bait requires flexibility in the wrist. A shorter handle such as a trigger handle is appropriate. When using crankbaits, and other lures, the pulling of the line requires more power than top water fishing. The length of the handle is generally more comfortable if it touches a spot between your wrist and elbow when held in your hand at the reel. When fishing heavy cover such as weeds, heavy action rods are used to set the hook and get the fish out of the heavy cover. in this case, to get the leverage you need, a handle should probably reach your elbow.

Several experts say cork handles offer the most sensitivity for detecting nibbling or soft-biting fish. They also have greater aesthetic appeal. However, cork handles can occasionally break. There are many type of fishing rod handles, each designed for an individual's comfort and personal preference. 

• Black Foam: The black foam grips are light in weight, more durable than cork, chip resistant, and unbreakable. They are comfortable, soft and warm to the touch. Used on some saltwater rods.
  

• Cork Slide Ring: Cork handle with two plastic or rubber rings that secure the reel. The rings allow placement of the reel in a position determined by the angler. Since it does not have any hardware, this type of handle is lighter than most others.

• EVA Foam slide ring: The EVA foam grips are light in weight, more durable than cork, chip resistant, and unbreakable. They are comfortable, soft and warm to the touch.

• Fixed Seat: The handle is typically cork with a predetermined position where the reel is attached to rod. The reel seat is made of a high plastic material that provides great durability with the reel secured by metal threaded rings. The handles come in various lengths to match the type of conditions anticipated by the rod manufacturer.

• Pistol Grip: This casting handle is curved in the shape of a pistol handle and has a set trigger to provide a comfortable, firm grip for one’s hand.

• Straight, Trigger Seat: A straight casting handle with additional gripping power provided by a trigger like attachment to the underside of the reel seat. Seat is made out of plastic.

• Tapered: Tapered cork handles are common in fly rods. Reel placement is dependent upon the particular rod handle. The “tapered” handle conforms to an individual’s hand better than a straight handle making it a more comfortable grip.

• Tapered, Fighting Butt: A tapered handle with the addition of a “stop” at the end of the handle to prevent one’s hand from sliding off. Some stops are screwed in and give the ability to add weight and change the balance of a rod.

• Tennessee: A long cork or fiberglass composition handle that does not provide a reel seat. Reels are “taped” on using black electrician’s tape or some other similar material. It allows you to hold the rod with a smooth surface under your hand, with no metal or plastic lumps or hard pieces to cut you or freeze you in cold weather. It is also lighter than most kinds of reel attachments.

Reel Seat:

The real seat is another important factor. How the reel is attached to the rod is critical.You do not want the reel to come loose or fall off. A collar that is tightened by hand to attach the reel is my preference. Other prefer to use slip rings or tape. Most rods incorporate graphite or plastic reel seats that serve the general purpose of keeping the reel firmly attached to the rod.


Guides:
Guides serve several important functions:

• Transmit line vibrations to the rod so it is easier to “feel” the fish.

• Distribute stress applied to the blank while fighting a fish.

Fishing rod guides should provide the least amount of friction possible to the line when you cast. A high quality, low profile, lightweight guide that won't rust or chip will increase sensitivity and casting distance without damaging your fishing line. Guides should be compatible to the line size rating for the rod. Guides come in two styles, single foot and double foot. the feet are what attach to the rod. The heavier double foot guide slightly reduce the amount of flex in the rod. Single foot guides are lighter and work for most situations.

Some guides have ceramic rings inside the outer metal frames. Other guides have silicone carbide, aluminum oxide, gold aluminum oxide, stainless steel, or chrome plated insert inner rings. All of these help reduce the friction that causes fraying or nicks in your line.

The number of guides should be adequate to allow the line to lay evenly along the length of a fishing rod with minimal contact of the rod. You should also pay attention to the wrapping attaching the guides to the rod. If the wrapping is not sufficient, the guide will become loose and need replacing.

Knowing the makeup of a rod provides the information needed to select a fishing rod that is appropriate for the way one needs to fish successfully. Match the fishing rod to the presentation that will be used to trigger the fish.

Fishing Tip: Guides are important and need to be checked before you go fishing. If any are bent, straighten them out because the line will not flow through them correctly. Take a Que-tip and turn it in the inside of the circle of the guides. If any cotton sticks to the circle, have the guide replaced before you use the rod again. If you do not, the line will fray or have nicks in it and.
will break when you set the hook on a fish.

Fishing Tip: The more joints in a fishing rod, the less sensitive it is. Do to their construction, joints are inflexible and tend to deaden vibrations.

Fishing Tip: Not only do wood handles look great, but thy increase sensitivity to fishing lines. However, wood handles can change the balance point of a fishing rod. That is why we suggest to avoid wood handles on heavier rods. 

Ref: http://www.getreadytofish.com

-see you when i see you-

FISHING REELS

Have you ever been fishing and had your reel break. Until I realized that cheap reels do not hold up Quality fishing reels are an important complement to quality fishing rods. Spend the money for quality.

Gear Ratio:

Manufacturers make fishing reels with retrieval speeds from slow to fast. Retrieval speed is determined by the gear ratio of the fishing reel. A 5:1 ratio reel means the spool of the reel will make five complete revolutions for each revolution of the reel handle. Reels with low ratios are ideal for lures that require a slow retrieve. Most crankbaits work well with a reel with a 5: 1 ratio, while other lures such as a lipless crankbait are best fished with a 6.2:1 ratio reel. Occasionally individuals that fish only with reels having a 6.2:1 ratio, feel that they can slow their retrieve by turning the handle slower when they are fishing a lure that requires a slower retrieve. Purest feel that they lose the sensitivity that a fast retrieve offers when they try this method.

Gear ratio also determines the amount of line that is brought in with each turn of the handle. A reel that has a full spool, and a gear ration of 4:1 retrieves about 18 inches of line with each turn of the handle. A reel with a 5:1 ratio will retrieve 22 inches of line. A reel with 6.2:1 will retrieve 28 inches of line with each turn of the reel handle. A reel needs to recover at least 21 inches of line per revolution. Otherwise a fish will outrun the retrieval and the angler cannot catch up to the fish to set the hook or keep the fish out of cover.

Remember, retrieval speed is determined by how fast an individual turns the reel handle. Assuming each individual is consistent with the speed in which they turn the handle, the higher the ratio, the faster the retrieve of a lure is. The lower the ratio, the slower the retrieve is. Each person should adjust the speed he turns the handle to match the gear ratio of the reel to obtain the appropriate lure retrieval speed.

 

Baitcasting Reels:

Round Bait Casting Reels

Current reels have a remarkable number of options including one that automatically reels in your fish. Deciding which options you need relates primarily to how much you want to spend. Regardless of the features on a reel, spend time to learn how to use them correctly. Some of the more important features that I consider important are the number of bearings, gear ratio, the breaking system, line capacity and weight.

The number of bearings is an indication of how smooth a reel is. In general, more bearings provides a smoother turning of the spool. I would recommend a minimum of four or five bearings. Low gear ratios (less than 5:1) are not recommended.

A reel with a gear ratio of 5:1 is good for heavy lures, or lures with a lot of resistance whereas a 6.3:1 gear ratio is a good choice for most lures.

Braking systems vary considerably but all are intended to stop the spool from turning on its own. Make sure that any reel you have does this adequately unless you like backlashes.

Low Profile Bait Casting Reels

Line capacity on a reel is a factor that needs to be considered. A reel needs to have adequate capacity for the type of line to be used. Line capacity is typically shown by test weight of the line. However, more and more manufacturers are showing capacity by line diameter. Capacity by line diameter is better due to frequent improvements in line strength while maintaining or reducing line diameter.

The weight of a reel is important since hand fatigue will play an important roll in a full day of fishing. Select the lightest reel suitable for the intended use.

Finally, casting reels are either right or left-handed (not changeable like spinning reels). It is suggested you find out which way you prefer prior to purchasing your reel. If you are right handed, it is best to reel with your left hand. However, most anglers cannot do this, so check it out first.

Spinning Reels:

Spinning Reels

Spinning reels use a different method of casting and fishing from that of baitcasting. In spinning the spool is fixed and offers no initial resistance thereby eliminating the chief cause of backlash. Since there is no inertia to overcome at the start of the cast, extremely light lures can be easily cast. The advantages to a beginner are that they can learn to cast in a fraction of the time it takes to learn how to baitcast.

There are two types of spinning reels: closed-face and open-faced. While closed-faced reels are great to teach children how to fish, most anglers prefer open-faced reels.. Spinning reels come in a variety of weights. Selection of the reel should be based upon the rod the line it is to be matched with. Again, it is best to use the lightest reel possible in order to reduce fatigue.

As in casting reels, gear ratio controls the speed at which you retrieve a lure. A spinning reel should have at least a 4:1 gear ratio. The gear ratio combined with the spool diameter controls how much line can be retrieved with one revolution of the handle. A minimum of 15 inches per reel revolution is a must, 20 inches or more is better.

Line capacity is also important in choosing a spinning reel. Different line capacities are shown on the spool. Again, capacity is generally shown by test weight of the line but some brands show the better indicator of diameter.

Many of the same parameters that applied to casting reels such as pick-up points, anti-reversal, etc. also apply to spinning reels. The drag on spinning reels is more efficient than the drag on casting reels. Typically spinning involves using lighter lines (6- to 10-pound test) than baitcasting, the drag is very important. Most spinning reels come with a front or rear drag. Spinning reels have changeable handles so you can reel with either hand.

Maintenance:

As with most fishing equipment, proper maintenance can make all of the difference in acceptable performance. Reels should be wiped down after each use and stored in a dry place. It is recommended that reels be disassembled and cleaned at least once a year.

Fishing Tip: The new, lighter and stronger line can present problems for the average angler. Often it is appropriate to only fill a spinning reel with some flurocarbon lines no more than three-quarters full. Otherwise the line "comes off" after the lure has hit the water and snarls things up. In addition, Roger has suggested with some merit that the spinning reels with a high number of bearings do not stop as quickly as reels with fewer bearings. I have switched to 5 ball bearing reels from reels with 9 to 11 bearings and have seen the number of snarls decrease.

Ref: http://www.getreadytofish.com

-see you when i see you-

A MAN CAME BACK LATE FROM WORK

• A Man came back from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 4 – year old daughter waiting for him at the door.
• “Daddy, may I ask you a question?”
• “Yes sure, what it is?” replied the man.
• “Daddy, how much do you make an hour?”
• “That’s none of your business, why do you ask such thing?” the man said angrily.
• “I just want to know, please tell me, how much do you make an hour?” Pleaded the little girl.
• “If you must know, I make $20 an hour”
• “Oh,” the little girl replied, with her head down looking up, she said,
• “Dad, may I please borrow $10?”
• The father was furious,
• “If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed, think about why you are being so selfish.”
• “I work long hard hour’s everyday and don’t have time for such this childish behavior,”
• The little girl quietly went to her room and shut the door.
• The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little girl’s questions.
• How dare she ask such questions only to get some money?
• After about an hour or so, he had calmed down, and started to think he may have been a little hard on his daughter.
• Maybe there was something she really needed to buy with that $10 and she really didn’t ask for money very often.
• The man went to the door of the little girl’s room and opened the door.
• “Are you asleep?” he asked.
• “No daddy, I’m awake” replied the girl.
• “I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier,” said the man.
• “It’s been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you, here’s the $10 you asked for.”
• The little girl sat straight up, smiling, “oh, thank you daddy!” she yelled.
• Then, reaching under her pillow she pulled out some crumpled up bills.
• The man, seeing the girl already had money, started to get angry again.
• The little girl slowly counted out her money, then looked up at her father.
• “Why do you want more money if you already have some?” the father grumbles.
• “Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do,” the little girl replied.
• “Daddy, I have $20 now, can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow, I would like to have dinner with you.”

It just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life.

We should not let time slip through our finger

Without having spent some time with those who really matter to us,

Those close to our hearts.

H.A.R

-see you when i see you-