Choose the Right Bass Fishing Rod for Your Situation!

Baitcasting rods are generally used for heavier lures and for fishing in heavy cover. Spinning tackle is used more for light line and finesse type fishing. Do you want a longer bass fishing rod for distance casting, or a shorter rod which gives you more accurate casting for tight situations.

Decide what kind of action you want. There are many types available today. Light action rods work best for throwing light lures. The rod actually works like a whip, sling-shotting the bait for the angler. That way you can achieve greater casting distance with less effort. Heavy action rods work well for making short casts while fishing around heavy cover. These rods are often very stiff and have a lot of backbone, allowing you to horse fish out of cover quickly.

There are three main types of construction used in bass fishing rods - fiberglass, composite, and graphite. Fiberglass rods are very durable and flexible. But they’re also heavy. Fishing one of these all day can really add to the fatigue factor. They are also getting harder to find today. Not quite as durable as most fiberglass rods but more lightweight and sensitive are the composite rods. They are are a combination of graphite and fiberglass. Full graphite rods are the lightest, most sensitive rods. They tend to cost a bit more than other rods, but can really pay off in a day's fishing. Kistler Rods are custom made and are some of the best quality rods you will find.

The bottom line is make sure the rod feels right to you and

The right bass fishing rod will make you a better angler. The fishing rod is one of the most important tools for catching and landing bass. How many times have you thought it was a bite but weren't quite sure?

Sensitivity is one of the most important factors when choosing a rod. With a sensitive bass fishing rod you will be able to tell what is happening with your bait. Graphite rods are generally more sensitive than fiberglass rods but there have been advancements in technology that have made some fiberglass rods as sensitive as many graphite rods. The following will give you some guidelines to use when choosing a rod for your fishing situation.

Buzzbaits and Spinnerbaits

With buzzbaits and spinnerbaits a lightweight rod is important, since you will be casting continuously. A 6-foot rod will give a little more casting accuracy, but a 7-foot rod will give you more hooksetting power, leverage and casting distance. A fiberglass rod will give the fish time to inhale the bait before you set the hook. The tip needs be flexible enough to cast the lure accurately.

Best rod: Lightweight, sensitive, 6 1/2-foot- to 7-foot rod with a medium action and a medium/soft tip

Crankbaits and Topwater Lures

Crankbaits and topwater lures also require continuous casting, so weight is an important factor. Sensitivity is also important. After you get used to the bait you're using, a sensitive rod will help you feel what type of structure the bait is contacting. A 7-foot rod is good for distance and for casting larger baits. A 6- to 6 1/2-foot rod is more accurate. Crankbait and topwater rods should be made of fiberglass, which allows the fish time to inhale the bait before you set the hook and will keep the hooks from coming unbuttoned.

Best rod: A lightweight, sensitive, 6- to 7-foot fiberglass rod with a medium action tip or a light action tip, depending on the weight of the lure.

When fishing deep water, the two most important factors are sensitivity and weight. Sensitivity is crucial to feel the more subtle bites and weight is important because you will be holding the rod up in the 9 to 10 o'clock positions for long periods of time. Use a 6 1/2- to 7 1/2-foot rod, depending on your preference and type of structure you are fishing. Graphite rods are lighter, more sensitive and faster than most fiberglass rods. You want a fast rod with a medium backbone to get a good, fast, hookset.

Best rod: A lightweight, highly sensitive rod, 6 1/2 feet to 7 1/2 feet, made of graphite with a medium action and a medium light tip.

Flipping and Pitching

Weight is important when holding the rod up for extended periods of time. Flipping rods are designed for removing fish from heavy cover in shallow water. Use a 7 1/2-foot rod because it is a little easier to pitch the baits. Pitching and flipping go together. Make sure the tip has some flexibility. This flexibility will make it easier for you to make quiet entries into the water and makes pitching much simpler. Your flipping stick should be made of lightweight graphite and have a stiff backbone to pull those fish out of heavy cover.

Best rod: A lightweight 7 1/2-foot graphite rod with a stiff backbone and a medium fast tip.

The right rod can make a difference! Choose them wisely!

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