Tips on choosing the right fishing pole

Fishing poles come in a wide variety of types and serve many purposes, which makes it important to choose the right pole and length for the right type of fishing. There is no one perfect fishing pole for all types of fishing, but if going for only one pole, a medium light-action rod of about two metres in length is the best all-purpose pole. It can catch panfish without tearing the hook out of the mouth and sizable pike and other species. Still, there are poles that are better for different types of fishing, so let's look at factors that should influence your buying decision.

• Rod action refers to amount of flex and bend a fishing pole has and impacts the way strikes are detected, hooks are set and fish are reeled in.
• Some rods have more flex in their tips but have more stiffness along their length. Such rods make it easier to detect strikes and set the hook in larger species. They also help increase casting distance.
• When doing more casting than trolling, a rod with a fast action will improve fishing range and results.
• When trolling or doing less casting, slower action rods with less flex typically perform better by fighting the drag created by the water.

• Pan fishing generally requires a lighter, shorter rod of about 1.5 metres in length and with a fast action.
• The shorter, lighter poles allow fishermen to feel the lighter strikes better while also using lighter line test to pull in more fish.
• When going for larger species, such as pike, bass, trout and others, a medium action rod about two metres in length can work well.
• Fishing in deep lakes and deep seas requires even longer poles, 2.5 metres or more in length, to keep the lines and lures away from the boat and withstand the heavy drag created by the deep waters.

• Many times, where someone fishes will dictate how long a rod to use.
• If casting from a shoreline that is surrounded by a lot of trees, bushes and shrubs, a shorter pole can help to prevent lines and lures from getting caught and tangled in the brush.
• Fishing in small ponds and streams can negate the need for longer poles.
• Fishing in streams, rivers and deeper waters generally requires longer rods with heavier actions and less flex to manage the greater stress from catching larger species in fast-moving or deep waters.