Fishing Rods for Right Fishing Experience

Today’s fishing rods have incorporated modern features that are not typical of the more primitive cane pole. Modern fishing rods contain reels, which aid in the retrieval of fish caught.

A much-sophisticated feature is the spinning rod where the entire shaft of the rod except the handle can move around on its axis to allow flexibility when fish caught on snare bait struggles through the water.

Like the classic cane fishing rods, the fishing gadget is thick at the handle (bottom) and is tapered and thinner at the tip. This very basic design allows handling stability and flexible movement of the entire length of the shaft.

Types of Fishing Rods

A fishing rod can measure 2 to 16 feet (2 and 5 m) and vary in capability to tolerate strain in fishing activity. The length has a lot to do with withstanding force exerted by the fish to the pole and determines for the most part the performance of rods used for angling.

Cane Poles

Cane poles are one of the longest and less sophisticated gadgets in fishing. It is usually made of bamboo or other flexible wood material with the most basic line or string attached to it. They range anywhere from 6 to 16 feet long.

Unlike other more sophisticated fishing rods, cane poles do not usually contain reels or its equivalent for reeling in or retrieving fish caught on bait. This very same action is known as angling.

The cane pole was the first rod used and it was the fore father of our modern day rods. It is still around today and I have many fond memories of going fishing with one when I was very young. I’m not giving my age out, but the children’s “Snoopy Fishing Rod” was not around yet!

Spin/Bait Casting Rods

Casting rods are rods designed to hold a casting reel, which are normally mounted above the handle. Bait casting rods also have small eyes and a forefinger grip trigger. They are very similar to spin casting rods, to the point where either type of reel may be used on a particular rod. The main difference between the two, are that bait casting rods tend to have smaller eyes and the spinning rod has large eyes.


These types of rods are the most popular today. They can be used either for heavyweight or lightweight fish, to me, are the best for trout, walleye, and bass fishing. They vary in measurements from 5 to 8 feet and come in a variety of actions.

These rods are commonly used in bass fishing competition because of their flexibility and tolerance to stress.

Ultra-light Rods

These rods are used to fish for smaller species, they provide more sport with larger fish, or to enable fishing with lighter line and smaller lures..

Ultra-light spinning and casting rods are generally shorter (4’ – 5’), lighter, and more limber than normal rods. Tip actions vary from light to heavy, depending upon the target fish. These rods are popular when fishing for pan size fish such as crappie, bluegill, perch, and other small species.

Ice Fishing Rods

These are typically very short spinning rods, and vary between 24 and 36 inches long. They are used to fish through holes in the ice of frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.

Surf Rods

Surf rods look like a spin or bait casting rod with long grip handles intended for casting two-handed. Usually around 10 to 14 feet in length, surf casting rods need to be longer in order for the user to cast the lure or bait beyond the breaking surf where fish tend to hang out, and sturdy enough to cast heavily weighted lures or baits needed to stay on the bottom in rough water. They are almost always used when fishing from the beach.

Fly Rods

Fly fishing rods are long, thin, flexible fishing rods designed to cast a fly, usually consisting of a hook tied with fur or feathers. Instead of a weighted lure, a fly rod uses the weight of the fly line for casting, and lightweight rods are capable of casting the very smallest and lightest fly.

Each rod is sized to the fish being sought, the wind and water conditions and also to a particular weight of line: larger and heavier line sizes will cast heavier, larger flies. Fly rods come in a wide variety of line sizes, from #0 rods for the smallest freshwater trout and pan fish up to and including #16 rods for large saltwater game fish.

Fly rods tend to have a single, large-diameter line guide, with a number of smaller looped guides spaced along the rod to help control the movement of the relatively thick line. To prevent interference with casting movements, most fly rods usually have little or no handle. However, the spey rod, a fly rod with an elongated rear handle for two handed casting, is often used for fishing either large rivers or saltwater surf casting.

For more fishing articles and tips, please visit The Fishing Expert.

The Basic Fishing Supplies

Fishing is a nature-oriented sport that allows you to relax. Many people want to experience fishing, but are unable to buy the appropriate supplies for their adventure.

There are many fishing stores around, but majority of the stores try to sell unnecessary fishing supplies to gain more from the innocent fishing novice. Here are some of the basic fishing supplies you need for any kind of fishing in any location.

1) Hooks – In a variety of shape and sizes, these are one of the most important parts of your fishing gear. Fishing hooks are affordable, so you could stock an assortment of hooks for each kind of fishing. Majority of hooks are shaped like a letter “J.”

2) Rigs – These are used for catching different kinds and species of fish. The two most common rigs are the Bobber and Crappie. Bobber rigs are suitable for catching Bluegills and are best for beginners.

3) Sinkers – As the name suggests, this fishing equipment is used to cast lighter lures, to quickly drop the bait to the bottom of the water, and to keep bait used with a bobber at a predetermined depth where the fish are located.

In fishing stores, you will find numerous variations of sinkers. They come in different sizes, weights, and shapes. The current speed and the water depth will determine the weight of the sinkers you will need for your fishing trip. They are very affordable and you can also purchase them in a variety pack.

4) Bobber – It is also called a cork or a float, depending on what it is made of. The bobber’s purpose is to let you know when a fish bites your bait. The commonly used bobbers are pencil, slip bobbers and balls. They come in different sizes to fit all kinds of baits and sinkers. The best bobbers are those that are smaller. The wind will blow the bobber around if it is too large and can scare the fishes off if you are fishing close to the surface.

5) Swivels – This kind of fishing equipment is used when you are fishing with bait such as a spinner or a minnow. These kinds of bait tend to twist and turn, which can deform and weaken your line. By using the swivel and connecting it between your line and bait, it will allow the lure to spin around without tangling up the line. Swivels are affordable and come in different sizes to fit the bait and hooks you use.

Other supplies are the tackle box and your bait. The bait would vary depending on the kind of fishing you wish to do.

Now that you know the basics, you could easily enjoy your fishing trip affordably and safely.

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What Lures Should I Use?

Spoons

Considered the most simple of all other lures, they got their name because they look like the head of a spoon. They act for the bait fish by doing a flickering and wobbling movement or action. Spoons are excellent for starters in lure fishing; easy to use and very affordable.

Spinners

The spinner is basically a blade wherein it does a rotating action on a spindle when being retrieved or taken back through the water as well as it gives off a flash as light is being reflected on the revolving blade, characterizing the bait fish’s scales and movements. This is a lure that is flexible because only can one verify and know the retrieve depth by the period or time frame one leaves before one starts a retrieve, one can also alter the speed of the revolving blade around the spindle, by either speeding up or slowing down one’s retrieve. For the Trout and Mullet, a smaller size is recommended, and a larger spinner with the pike liking, along with the treble hook in a red wool.

Surface lures

These lures are used on the water surface and considered to be the most explosively thrilling of all lures as one can actually see the fish jump out of the water and take the lure, the anticipation and the expectation of one looking forward of the take is an exciting experience. The fish can be completely seen exiting the water when they take a surface lure. Since these lures are being retrieved on the surface of the water, they can be a good choice in areas that have a lot of weeds or snags.

Suspending plugs

Having neutral buoyancy and resistance, when the plug has dived or dropped to the required depth and left alone, it will continue on being suspended to that depth. For this reason, this type is perfect for pursuing your prey hidden near the weed beds, rocks or banks. When yanked in order to imitate life, it can cause a crashing attack from your target. They also come pre-made to dive and stay at any depth that you desire.

Floating drivers

A necessity for all lure anglers, they cover a wide scope in diving depths; beginning from just beneath the surface up to fifteen feet or more. The diving depth is established on the point of view of the vane or fin to the body of the lure. The lesser the angle to the body of the lure the deeper it can dive. The shape as well as the size of the vane and the lures body contributes to the movement of the plug in the water.

Sinking plugs

These are excellent for deep water fishing, wherein the retrieve can start soon as the preferred depth is reached. This is accomplished by counting down before one starts the retrieval process. Therefore, the same depth will be reached whenever one casts. The distance that the lure has sunk down in a particular time, will give a suggestion of how deep or how far down the fish are situated when they strike; thus this is called the sink rate of the lure.

Soft baits

These are soft rubber baits that come in various shapes and forms, with many various sizes and colors. These are can be used for sea or fresh water fishing and can be used on a weighted jig head handled in the same manner as the jerk bait, being managed as a plug is used.

Jerk baits

Having no movement of its own when in the water, the angler gives life to this lure; whenever the rod trembles or shakes or jerks, this lure can appear to have life. This lure for the most part, mimics an injured or wounded fish that the prey fish find tempting, and be compelled to thrust or lunge at.

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Learn To Fish: It’s Fun!

Fishing is a fun and tranquil sport that lets you spend quiet time with your friends, family and with Mother Nature.

Fresh water fishing is a sport involving the catching of fish in lakes, rivers and streams. It involves a lot of patience, challenge and a lot of acquired skill over time. Anyone can participate in this fun activity, including the kids.

To start, you have to check your State’s fishing requirements and make sure if a license is needed for you to fish. If it is required, you must acquire one by checking with a sporting goods store. They will help you on how to get one, and some will even provide it for you.

During the time that you are in your favorite sporting goods store, you can look around and buy the right fishing equipment that you will need for your trip. Considering that you are a beginner, make sure that you budget well the cost of the equipment, not deciding on expensive equipment; buy only the basic things you will need.

When in doubt as to what is needed, ask for the help of the store personnel, but do keep in mind that you need to stick to a budget. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask how to use each piece of equipment that is offered to you. Artificial lures for bait can be used or you can simply look for worms in your back yard, this is also a fun job for children.

An inexpensive fishing rod and reel will be enough along with a fishing line, hooks, weights, a bobber (this keeps your line afloat), fishing lures and a net. Polarized sunglasses are also essential, they will help you to see clearly through the water and lessen the glare.

Then if you don’t know the good locations to fish, ask about local “hot” spots, or check your State’s fishing regulations for information about fishing locations around your State.

The time will surely come when you will be a better fisherman; then you may decide on upgrading your equipment. In the meantime, keep things simple.

It is always advised that you avoid fishing alone. Always be with a friend, if an emergency strikes, there will be someone who can call for help.

It is wise to start fishing in shallow waters. Aim your cast in shady or rocky areas where the water is deep, this is where the fish are expected to be found. Keep in mind that this is all practice first.

As your skill level develops and increases, you can then attempt deeper waters. But before going, take the time to practice casting to familiarize yourself with your rod and your reel.

What better place to practice than your back yard. To do so, mark off an area using a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your cast. Rehearse and study your movements to discover a method that will work for you. Bear in mind, cast with your wrist, and not with your arm.

Fishing hooks are very sharp and needed to be handled with care to avoid injury. Before casting, it is important that you should look around you and stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people with your hook.

When the right time has come and you go fishing for real, keep in mind to cast your line always ahead of the fish, making your bait land slowly, with as little splash as possible. The fish will see well at a close point, but cannot see behind.

If your casts are going in a disorganized manner, move closer to the water so you can gain better accuracy.

Watch the bobber closely for any movement. If and when a fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under water. This signals that you got a fish on the line. Don’t get too excited. Remain calm.

Keeping your line tight, slowly reel in your catch. Place the net near and use it to bring the fish out. Remove the hook from the fish with great care.

If you have an undersized fish (as noted in the state’s regulation book), quickly return it to the water. Likewise, if you have no intention of eating your catch, do not waste it and return it to the water. Releasing the fish will supply the water with more fish, giving future fishermen the thrill to experience a catch.

Lastly, look around you and feel the calm, restful and serene view of the area.

Have fun!

For more fishing articles and tips visit The Fishing Expert

Fishing as a Family Activity

Many people love to go fishing, instead of playing tennis or golf. Others make it their primary sport activity together with their families and friends to relieve boredom and stress. Surveys say that more than 50 million Americans love to go fishing and make it their lifestyle option instead of other sports.

In Alabama, fishing represents a substantial impact on the state economy. Hundreds of millions of dollars are represented and about 20,000 people who list fishing as their source of livelihood. However, most people consider it as a form of relaxation and a family activity. In general, it is a lifestyle option.

In the book titled “The Incomplete Psychology of Everyday Fishing;” psychologist Paul G. Quinnett dedicated an entire chapter about fishing as a source to relieve stress. In the chapter, “Ethics of Fishing” he points out that a person must appreciate and enjoy the benefits of nature. He also highlighted that fishing correct is a way for an individual to become more disciplined in his lifestyle.

“Family Life First,” an organization dedicated to introducing how to spend useful family time to parents for their children, have factual data that in the past 20 years, 25 percent of a child’s playing time has decreased. Outdoor activities, where most children spend their playing time, have also declined by 70 percent. Since 1969 to 2006, 35 percent of family time activities have lessened proven by the study of the White House Council of Economic Advisers.

Any fruitful time to interact with your children is time worth investing. Fishing is a way to connect. The quality time you get is really worth the effort. The experience you get by catching fish is what makes it wonderful to enjoy and that is the important part of fishing. There are numerous public fishing lakes that have plenty of fish just waiting to be caught. All children can experience the excitement and adventure of fishing. They will always remember the very first time they caught a fish, and the parent who showed them how to catch it. Children gain enjoyable learning experiences from fishing and that makes it a great family activity.

Alabama, for example, promotes its lakes and open banks as places best for fishing. You do not even need a boat to catch fish. You may bring your family with you and spend the time being together and enjoying the fun of fishing. Fishing is one of the best family activities you could have together.

For more fishing articles and tips visit The Fishing Expert

The Recreational Value of Fishing

Many people consider that fish are only a medium of survival, or to some extent a food supply; yet there is another angle that is little known. The manufacturing industry utilizes more than two billion pounds of fish and fish by-products every year. This is slightly more than is used for food.

What most people do not know is that fishing continues to provide a superb recreational activity, making it one of the most preferred hobbies.

In fact, fishing as a hobby is continuously growing and that is why the estimated number of people who acquire fishing licenses each year is more than 12 million and growing every year!

Why is it a Great Hobby?

It is a means of providing something to free the mind and body of the worries of the day. It has also been proven to help in mentoring troubled teens, replacing negative thoughts and activity with more positive traits and pursuits. Fishing is truly a wholesome sport.

The use of all types of fishing equipment has added something that no other feature could possibly accomplish. Thousands of youngsters are enthusiastic to learn how to cast a fly or plug bait.

These youngsters have an interest in fish and fishing and they desire to fish in a lawful and recreational manner.

Boiled down, fish and fishing may be considered one of man’s essential resources. It is hoped that further realization of fishing as a hobby will develop the necessary knowledge of the true recreational value of fishing, the fish, and the general conservation of all natural resources as well as the value of good sportsmanship and developing good citizens.

The Fishing Expert

Fishing Equipment That Works For You

Do you know what a floater is and where to use it? Before you head out for the lake on your fishing adventure, it is a good idea to learn what fishing equipment is right for you. Even though, some types of fishing may just need a hook, bait, casting rod, and a fishing line, all sorts of lures and flies are suggested for specific bodies of water and various fish.

Here are some suggestions to help you know what to look for and if it is right for you.

Hooks for Different Fishing

Hooks are an important part to any fishing trip. Hooks come in five different types that you can choose from. Their size and shape varies, designed to let you catch alternate types of fish. Be careful, since there are hooks are made to let the fish come off on your fishing line. Other hooks will snare the fish until you reel it in. Within any fishing guide, learning how to use different hooks is basic to your success to attract fish to your hook.

Also important when fishing are your lures, weights, floaters, and other fishing equipment. Whether you go to a deep water lake,a fast stream, a constantly flowing river, or a still pond, each require different equipment, in order for you to get the maximum catch.

Different Baits

Fishing bait can be live, frozen or even artificial. When you choose live bait, be sure to sort out the right one, so you do not waste your money. Another option is frozen bait, which an excellent when you are planning fishing adventures ahead of time. By looking at the expiration date on the container, you can be sure that the frozen bait will be in prime condition when your trip starts.

You may think about using artificial bait. It can be more convenient then other fishing bait, since it often has a longer life span. When you goal is go out and have fun fishing, convenience is an important point, no matter what bait or other fishing equipment you are going to buy.

Tackle Box Storage

All of your equipment can be easily stored in your tackle box. In a well equipped tackle box, you will be able to access that special hook or fishing line that you need quickly. You can also put other things in your tackle box that you might need later on. Its a good idea to find out not only what kind of equipment to buy, but also the best way to store it. That way you will always have your hooks, lines and other items in working condition at all times.

Fishing Equipment Help

In order to educate yourself on questions like how a fly and a lure are different, or what equipment is best to use in a stream, check out the Internet for a good fishing guide. Once you have your guide, your fishing trips are bound to only get better and give you more catches to brag about.

Tom Straub is a accomplished author, and publisher of the Best Fishing Times web site, where you can read more on Fly Fishing and a dozen other fishing topics.

Fishing Expert

Welcome to my new fishing blog. I will be posting articles and tips to improve your catch and fun so you enjoy your time fishing even more. This is one of the best and most relaxing sports that I know of and I hope to provide useful information that you can use whether you are a seasoned or novice fisher. So sit back, enjoy, and have a great time the next time you go fishing!

Sincerely,
Dennis