Behind a successful fishing trip is knowing what fishing rod to buy and bring with you. One of the most important things that you must be aware of when shopping is the fishing rod weight explained available.
Take the time to read through this beginner-friendly fishing rod weight explained guide and familiarize yourself with various fish rod weights. Trust me! You do not want to be a “fish out of water” by walking into a store clueless. This article will helpful for you!
Fishing Rod Weight Explained: Essential Facts & Explanations
For every fishing rod sold in the market, there is a weight rating. This refers to the rod’s resistance to bending. Another way to understand this is to see it as an indicator of how much weight is needed for the rod to bend. Generally, if you are catching small fish, you opt for a light rod and vice versa.
But, there is more to it. The “right” rod also has to correspond to the weight of the line and lure, as well as the size of the reel. That is why you will often see at least four components in the “weight rating” imprinted on the handle of a rod.
So, let’s imagine that you are in a store and you pick up a rod. On it, there is “S762M”. First, the “S” tells you that the rod you have chosen is a spinning rod instead of a “C” casting rod.
“76” gives you the length of the rod, which is 7’6″ long. Rods that are longer grant you more casting distance and power, especially when handling large fish. Your responses are quicker, and you can enjoy more control if the fish is giving a “fight” when caught.
A long-handled rod is preferred in a wide fishing area because you get better leverage over the line and lure without needing big movements to strike.
Choose a long rod if you are fishing in a wide body of water
On the other hand, a shorter rod is suitable for maneuvering in tight areas, like narrow streams. With a short rod, you can conquer complex landscapes with overhanging trees and intrusive bushes. It is also more convenient to carry around.
“2” means that you will get two pieces in this rod. Finally, “M” stands for medium weight or power.
Then, following the “S762M” will be the recommended line weight and lure weight in pounds and ounces, respectively. For instance, you might see “Line 4-12lb Lure 1/3-1/8oz”. You will notice that fishing line weight is described in a range of pounds of tensile force. As you will find out in the parts below, the line weight can influence the rod’s action and power.
With these in mind, you can select the line and lure for your rod. Once you have added the two to your basket, you can also get the appropriate reel.
See more at: Best 2 Piece Spinning Rod You Shouldn’t Miss
How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod? (Fishing Rod Weight Explained Chart)
Now, you have grasped the “broken the mysterious code” on the rod. However, knowing that an “M” power rod does not tell you what you should check out at the cashier. You will also have to skim through a fish rod weight chart to identify the best one for your needs.
Essentially, you must choose a rod depending on the weight or size of your fishing lure and the fish you intend to catch.
As you can see, there are different classes of rod weights, from ultra-light to extra-heavy. Ultra-light rods can only accommodate small fish, like panfish and mini trouts. A bit stronger than these are light rods that handle medium-sized perch, bass, and trouts.
Next is the most common rod weight used in the fishing community. It can handle big freshwater catches, including catfish, pike, and salmon. For muskies and “Instagram-worthy” catfish, you will have to get heavy rods. Last but not least, the extra heavy rods are suitable for “giant” fish.
However, fishing can sometimes be spontaneous, and you do not always get the fish you ask for. If, for example, you expect that you will be able to catch some panfish on your upcoming trip, you can also get a light rod so that you will not limit yourself to only ultra-light species.
The rod weights align with the ideal line weight and lure weight. You must coordinate the three variables to optimize your performance. If you have a heavy rod with a light line, you will likely encounter a line breakage and lose your catch.
In addition, you will not be able to fully flex your rod if the line weight is a lot less than what is recommended. When it comes to supporting your rod power, the same logic applies. Your line might be snagged during a cast if your lure is too heavy compared to your rod power.
Take advantage of the chart we offered! Just trace your finger through the rod weight chart to pinpoint what you will have to get.
Conclusion
For a practical and fun fishing experience, choose your rod, line, lure, and reel appropriately. Hopefully, with our guide fishing rod weight explained for beginners, you will get the proper companions, and your first fishing trip will be nothing but satisfying catches.
Let us know how your fishing rod search goes in the comments! We always look forward to hearing from our readers.
