Rod, reel selection is key to angling success
It is hard to deny that for new anglers, there is almost a jovial, kid-in-a candy-store type of feeling when it comes to picking out lures and other tackle. It seems, however, the same feeling does not translate when it comes time to select a rod and reel.
Rods and reels serve as the baseline for an angler's approach. Without the proper combination, the chances of angling success are greatly affected. As a general guide, it is wise for newer anglers to look for good all-around combos before graduating onto more complex ones.
One of the first things to learn about rods and reels is the attributes used to describe them. For rods, this includes power, action and length. For reels, gear ratio and line capacity are the most important to consider prior to use.
Power explains the amount of strength a rod has on a scale from ultralight to extra heavy. Action focuses on the rods bending ability when put under strain. The faster the action of a rod, the sooner it bends when a fish strikes. Finally, length measures how long the rod is, which has implications for both the power and action of a rod.
Gear ratio is the key point to consider when choosing a reel and can be very confusing to those who are new to fishing. Essentially, gear ratio explains how much line gets wound back onto the spool with every full rotation of the handle. The most common ratio for reels is around 6.4:1, which is a great all-around ratio.
When picking out a combo for the first time, taking a modest approach is the most effective way to go. When choosing a rod, a medium power, moderate action rod can be used proficiently in most fishing situations in our area. Reel-wise, a spinning or bait casting reel with a moderate gear ratio (think 6.4:1) is perfect.
When purchasing a combo for the first time, remember to make sure the rod and reel match in style. By this, be sure that if you are buying a spinning reel, you pair it with a spinning rod and not a casting rod. Crossing a spinning reel with a casting rod or vice versa can lead to headaches and lessened performance from both the rod and reel.
As an angler progresses, there is value in advancing one's arsenal of rods and reels. In the same way that golfers need different clubs in different situations, anglers can benefit from having rod and reel combos with different powers, actions and lengths at their disposal. By learning and understanding the attributes, it becomes easier to pinpoint the right combo for any angler in any situation.