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