There are many differences in both freshwater and saltwater fishing rods that often go unnoticed by most anglers

There are many differences in both freshwater and saltwater fishing rods that often go unnoticed by most anglers. Graphite and fiberglass composite fishing blanks come in many different choices of rod guides, handles, grips, reel seats, fishing line classes and lure weights. When matched to the appropriate fishing reel, these options are designed to enhance performance and minimize weight, as well as assist in the transferring of pain from the angler's arms and back, to the fish.

Fiberglass fishing rods are normally more parabolic and have a softer feel than graphite rods. I tend to prefer fiberglass for casting live baits and light lures. The softer action, or backbone, allows the rod to load evenly during my cast, creating a pendulum-like motion that is wider and with some practice, will cast further distances. Fiberglass fishing rods are also ideal when targeting fish with soft mouths, as the rod will absorb most of the tension from your hook set further down into the rod from the tip.

Graphite rods are my choice for deep water jigging or when I want to make quick work of a fish. The tremendous lifting power of this type of fishing rod is advantageous when fishing in deep water, heavy structure or when trolling. The stiffness of a graphite fishing rod is not only felt by the angler, but also transfers directly to the fish, as every tail beat can be felt through a graphite rod. The disadvantage is that graphite rods do not cast particularly well. They have a tendency to sling baits and lures on a flat trajectory, rather than casting them in a pendular lobbing motion.

Fly rods are typically designed with a medium to slow taper, with the backbone of the rod towards the middle section. This is necessary in casting lightweight flies, both wet and dry. The importance of casting when fly fishing leads manufacturers to go to great lengths in refining reel materials and technology that enhance their casting ability, strength and sensitivity. High quality fly rods are represented by the most recognized names in fishing like G-Loomis®, St.Croix®, Okuma® and more. In fact, fishing rods are so strong these days that they are being utilized to set new line class records for different saltwater species around the world.

Spinning rods are probably the most mismatched rod that I have seen. Anglers are constantly confused as to how to properly hold the rod, as well as which way to attach the reel. To make it clear, a spinning rod is a fishing rod with guides that get bigger in diameter as they approach the reel. Spinning rods should be held with the guides hanging below the rod, towards the ground. The reel should also hang below the rod, and if right handed, the handle should be on the left side of the reel. The guides of this type of rod are bigger near the reel due to the way line unravels from a spinning reel.

Unlike spinning rods, conventional rods have the guides of the rod mounted on top and have a gradual decrease in diameter as you approach the tip. Conventional rods have smaller guides because of the straight unwinding, with the spool of the reel in free-spool, of fishing line when casting from a conventional reel. Conventional rods can also come with roller or rolling guides, typically used for big-game fishing or trolling. The reel should sit atop the reel seat, with the handle on the right side for right-handed anglers.

There are many small, but very important differences in fishing rods that are designed to enhance the performance of the rod. Anglers should familiarize themselves with these differences and how they are designed to better your chances of successfully landing a whopper size fish. The best choice for your fishing application, whether saltwater or freshwater, begins with a properly matching rod and reel combo, so if you prefer to use spinning reels, get yourself a spinning rod in graphite or fiberglass. If you are proficient in casting, try a conventional combo and benefit from boilies the advantages of a conventional reel. Either way, knowing how to take advantage of the latest technologically advanced fishing rod and reels will enable even the novice angler an opportunity at a fish of a lifetime.