Essential Gear: Rods & Reels Basics

ESSENTIAL GEAR:
RODS & REELS BASICS

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Choosing the right fishing rod and reel is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, factors in having success out on the water. Being able to place your bait in a precise location, without spooking any fish, can have a huge impact on whether or not you are getting bites. Use the wrong rod or reel and you might not be able to cast as far or accurately as possible. Use the right combo and you can land a cast on a dime and work your bait the way it was intended, which will also produce you more bites, catches, and fun.

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RODS

The fishing rod is more than just a slick-looking stick — it's the essential tool that gets your bait in the right place. On top of that, the right rod allows you to properly work your juicy bait. But to choose the right rod you will need to know the two main types; spinning rods and casting rods. So read on.

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SPINNING RODS

Spinning rods vary in lengths and actions for catching a variety of fish. You can use shorter ultralight or light action spinning rods with thin line for panfish or trout. Medium and medium-heavy action 6- to 7-foot rods are ideal for finesse bass fishing tactics. Long heavy action rods with elongated grip handles for two-handed casting are best for surfcasting for saltwater fish or steelhead and salmon fishing.

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CASTING RODS

A casting rod is equipped with a reel seat that positions a spincast or baitcast reel above the rod and all the rod guides face upward. When fighting a fish on a casting rod, the rod bends over with the guides facing up so the force of the fish pushes the line down on the eyelets and the rod blank. This prevents a big fish from pulling the eyelets off of the rod. Long casting rods with straight handles are designed for power fishing bass tactics and trolling or surfcasting for large fish such as blue or flathead catfish, salmon, striped bass and many powerful saltwater fish.

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REELS

Fishing reels are what holds, and winds your fishing line. Traditional spinning reels come in three different model options, each designed for specific scenarios. Spinning reels — the most common and versatile. Casting reels — holds a lot of line and works well with bigger lures. Spincast Reels — User friendly and entry-level reels that are cheap and kid-friendly.

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SPINNING REELS

Spinning Reels are open-faced fishing reels that are mounted to the bottom side of the rod. With each turn of the reel handle, the fishing line is rewound onto the reels spool horizontally. Spinning reels are the most common fishing reel and help anglers target species of all sizes.

Spinning reels come in a variety of sizes and price points to fit your fishing applications and budget needs.

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CASTING REELS

Casting reels are closed face reels that are mounted to the topside of a fishing rod. With each crank of the handle, the fishing line is rewound onto the reel in a vertical position. Casting reels are more common when fishing with heavier lines and larger lures.

Casting reels are the hardest conventional fishing reel to master.

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SPINCASTING REELS

Spincasting or spin cast reels are closed face reels mounted to the topside of a fishing rod. With each crank of the handle, the fishing line is wound back to the reel in a horizontal position, similar to the spinning reel.

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