| Purchasing a rod can be one of the most difficult parts | | | | rod blank is fashioned. Graphite rods generally come |
| of getting started in fishing. There are a dizzying array | | | | with a modulus between 33 million and 60 million. The |
| of options available, all claiming to be superior to the | | | | higher the modulus, the stiffer the rod will be. The |
| rods next to them. Before you jump into a decision | | | | higher modulus rods will also be lighter, faster, and |
| you will regret, it always pays to educate yourself on | | | | more sensitive. As a trade-off however, high modulus |
| just what it is you need to, and therefore should, | | | | rods are more brittle than lower modulus fishing rods. |
| acquire. | | | | Sensitivity is also an important factor when choosing a |
| The first step in acquiring a fishing rod is to purchase a | | | | rod blank. As a general rule, the deeper the water that |
| blank. This refers to the rod proper, which is a shaft of | | | | you are fishing in, the higher sensitivity you will want, so |
| varying materials on which you mount a reel and some | | | | that you can feel the more subtle bites. The last thing |
| line. Shafts can be purchased in three different | | | | you want is to have to go home and tell the story |
| materials: graphite, fiberglass, and bamboo. Bamboo | | | | about the one that got away! |
| rods are generally used for fly fishing and can be quite | | | | One factor that affects sensitivity of your rod, besides |
| expensive. Fiberglass rods are generally for beginner | | | | material of the shaft, is the handle construction. Usually |
| use, and are the type you find at your local Wal-Mart | | | | the handles are made from cork or foam. You should |
| or other department type stores. Graphite is the | | | | ensure that the handle feels comfortable in your hand |
| material of choice for serious fisherman, and can be | | | | and that it is not too soft, otherwise you may not be |
| found many places online, or at your local sporting | | | | able to feel those aforementioned subtle bites. Also, if |
| goods stores. For this article, we will concentrate on | | | | you are fishing with any type of artificial bait, it is crucial |
| graphite rods. | | | | to be able to feel the movement of the bait through |
| Fishing rods come in varying strengths and will be | | | | the rod to ensure that you are enticing the fish in the |
| measured in terms of modulus. Modulus refers to the | | | | proper manner. |
| density of the weave of the material from which the | | | | |