Reel Rod
![]() |
Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
The variety of fishing gear is endless. Dozens of reels to crank when the clerk isn't looking and dozens of rods to twitch without hitting another customer.
Here's what I do: before I go into the sport shop I decide what I am going after. And I do just that. But, aside, I usually end up with cans of to-die-for pretzels and elk jerky, too.
Picking the right reel for the job is easy if you know what fish species you'll be going after. I'm lucky, I use the same rod and reels for bass, walleye and yellow perch.
I prefer a spinning reel over the baitcaster. That's what I grew up with and that's what feels best in my hand. I also like the control it gives me when casting and fighting a fish.
Most freshwater fishing is easily done with a spinning reel but what about size? How big or small of a reel should I purchase for my next trip to Lake Erie?
Reel manufactures like to assign numbers to their products. The number usually denotes its size. The larger the number, the larger the reel.
Look for reels with numbers such as 200, or 2000, 2500 or 3000 (my choice). These reels are prime sizes for most river and lake fishing. Larger reels such as 4000, 4500 or 5000 usually denote saltwater reels, made for 8, 9-foot rods for surf or pier fishing.
There is one exception to this rule, I've found. And that's the size of the fisherman who will be using the reel. A large man with big hands might think a 2500 Shimano is too small to operate. Then obviously go with a larger reel.
Price-wise, it's a jungle out there. Reels can cost anywhere from $10 up to $600. I've never owned a $600 reel and probably won't. I tend to stick in the $60-$120 range.
When you pick up a reel read the information on the box. It will tell you a lot about what's inside. Reels with more stainless steel ball bearings will likely last longer, but cost more.
But price and longivity go hand in hand. Buy a $60 reel and you might have to purchase one every two years. Buy a $120 reel and it might last four years. In the long run, the cost is the same.
Generally, spool your reels with 8-12-pound test line.
Now that you've decided on a reel let's stroll over to the rod rack. It's here that I spent the most money. I want strength, sensitivity, light weight feel, quality guides, a real cork handle and a reel seat that won't cut into my hand. Keep this in mind and you will choose wisely.
Some manufacturers still offer fiberglass rods, but most turn out varying grades made of graphite and other binding materials. Why graphite? It's strong, light and sensitive. Take care and it will last 5-10 years.
Choosing the length of the rod is pretty much subjective. Some anglers like a shorter stick, while others want more tip to fight their fish. If you can afford it buy both and you'll know soon enough what's right for you.
As I indicated earlier, I am sold on the smaller reel such as a 2000 Diawa or 2500 Shimano spinning reel.This size is perfect for a 6-foot or 6'6" rod.
Unless you are sold on a custom built fishing rod, stick with well known companies like Berkley, Fenwick, Zebco and Shakespeare. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's also offer some good stuff under their name.
As with reels, the more you spend the better the equipment. It's up to the individual to decide what's best for his/her budget.
Under the weight of a fish, A good rod should always have a gentle curve from near the handle to the tip. This means the weight is being distributed equally up and down the shaft.
So, when I go shopping I take along a one-pound weight tied to some fishing line with a snap swivel on the other end. When trying out a rod, snap the weight on to the tip's eye then lift slowly and observe the curve. If there isn't any, the rod is too stiff. If the rod tip goes to the floor, the rod is too limp. You want something in between.
All rods are marked as to their strength. Look just above the handle and you will find some writing. Letter "M" mean a medium rod; "MH" means medium-heavy; "L" light. You get the idea.
Remember, though, a Zebco medium probably won't be the same as a Berkley medium. Check it out.
About the Author
Capt. Tony Denslow is a retired news journalist who now operates a sportfishing charter business on Lake Erie.
|
|
Fishing Rod with a Reel $24.99 Fishing Rod with a Reel - Photographic Print |
|
|
Fishing Rod and a Reel $24.99 Fishing Rod and a Reel - Photographic Print |
|
|
Fly Rod & Reel $19.97 Fly Rod & Reel Magazine is the most comprehensive magazine about fly-fishing on the market. Each issue features commentary and advice from experts such as John Gierach, Joan Wulff, and Darrel Martin. |
|
|
Fly Rod And Reel $11.97 Fly Road and Reel specializes in fly fishing. Tap into the most trusted source of fly fishing wisdom available when you read Fly Rod and Reel magazine. Fly Rod & Reel is the most informative fly fishing magazine available today. It features commentary and advice from experts.Expert advice from top fly fisherman, honest reviews of equipment, tackle and bait, fantastic travel destinations and profiles of fellow anglers give you a complete picture of the sport you love. Fly Rod and Reel is the voice of conservation and the sporting way of life.Fly Rod And Reel is part of the Fishing family of magazines. It is generally sold to individuals and businesses and quite often can be found in a reception room or waiting room of a company or a professional office like a dentist, doctor, health club, gym, or beauty and hair salon. A full year magazine subscription to Fly Rod And Reel includes issues delivered right to your mailbox. |
|
|
Close-up of a Fishing Reel on a Fishing Rod $24.99 Close-up of a Fishing Reel on a Fishing Rod - Photographic Print |
|
|
Catfisher Rod & Reel Toy $29.57 Realistic fishing rod casts up to 40 feet. Includes 2 detachable kitty lures with Zoom Around the Room high-test organic catnip. Sturdy fishing line. Entices kitties to play for hours. |
|
|
For Reel $14.99 For Reel |
|
|
Bamboo Play - CatFisher™ Rod & Reel Cat Toy $17.95 The Catfisher Fishing rod & reel is a great way to play with your cat! With a true-to-life casting reel featuring two catnip-scented mouse “lure”, the CatFisher Rod & Reel turns cat lovers into cat “fishermen,” letting them cast their reels up to 40 feet from the comfort of their own sofa. Rod is collapsible for easy storage and contains a mini “tackle box” in the handle that holds a second, catnip-scented mouse “lure.” Great Quality 2 Detachable mouse "lures" Casts up to 40 feet Detachable mouse with Catnip Collapsible rod Extra mouse "lure" stores in handle |
|
|
South Bend Competitor Spinning Combo Rod and Reel $50.78 This excellent rod and reel combo will have you pulling fish from the water quickly and often This high quality set will allow anyone to enjoy fishing.Features include:85 inch 2piece spinning combo.Single ball bearing.Graphite spool.Prespooled with line.5.2:1 gear ratio.Fiberglass blank.Ceramic guides.Graphite reel seat |
|
|
Muzzy Archery 1064 Rod Attachment for Reel Seat $34.41 This Rod attachment screws into they accessory hole at the end of our reel seat to help fight those big fish and is recommended if you are shooting safety slides with spincast style reels. |
|
|
Shimano Forcemaster Rod and Hyperloop Reel Fishing Set. $59.99 This great value Shimano Forcemaster Rod and Hyperloop Reel Fishing Set offers excellent value for money without compromising on quality. Ideal for commercial and club waters, this lightweight carbon rod comes in 2 sections and has a 1 ball bearing reel. This set comes complete with carry bag to protect the equipment and for ease of transportation.Coarse fishing outfit.Carbon.Duplon rod handle.Weight of rod fully assembled 0.75kg.Rod length 2.9m.Gear ratio 4.6:1.2 sections.1 ball bearing fixed spool reel.Size of line 0.12mm.Size H1720, W155, D90cm.A carry case.Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee. |
|
|
Zebco Cool Coarse Rod and Reel Combo $23.99 Good looking and great value this Zebco Cool Coarse Rod and Reel Combo is made from fibreglass and breaks down into three handy sections. Suitable for coarse fishing - freshwater fish other than game fish - the 12ft match rod weighs 370g has a casting weight of 12 grams (0.4 oz) and a travel length of 1.25m. The reel offers a reliable fishing level with a gear retrieve ratio of 5.2:1 and a spool capacity of 195m of 0.30mm line. Comes with a 2 year manufacturer's guarantee. |
|
|
Elderly Man Wear Fishing Hat, Holding Rod and Reel Smiling $24.99 H. Armstrong Roberts Elderly Man Wear Fishing Hat, Holding Rod and Reel Smiling - Photographic Print |
|
|
Free Shipping Fishing 1pcs Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Epoxy FRP glass huaba3.6m/4.5m $31.29 1pcs Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Epoxy FRP glass huaba3.6m/4.5m |
|
|
Rod & Reel Fishing Rod Teal $8.98 Designed by Hautman Courtesy of MHS Licensing for VIP Exclusive/Quilting Treasures, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home décor accents. Colors includepeach, black, grey and teal green. |
|
|
Three Rod and Reel Spincast Family Pack $105.97 Perfect for the fishing familyCombo includes three 5 1/2-foot rod and reel combosIncludes assortment of brand name terminal tackleReels include one ball bearingPre-spooled with 100 yards of monofilament lineHow To Fish booklet |
|
|
Youth Fishing Rod and Reel Outfit (Case of 30) $664.86 This spincast fishing rod and reel set is perfect for a kid's fishing excursion. This fishing set comes with everything you need to get started. Features a medium action hollow, 2-piece glass rod with wire frame guidesMounted 30 size double handled reel loaded with 6-pound lineAdult quality product is just downsized for youthFeatures an assortment of five bright colors with six of each color Great starter kit for youth fishers, groups and family outingsIncludes 30 rods and spinners |
|
|
Zebco Carp Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. $29.99 The Zebco Carp Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a brilliant set for carp fishing and can also be used to do predator style angling. This easy to transport rod can be broken down into 3 sections, perfect for packing away neatly for your next tripCarp fishing outfit.Fibreglass.Neoprene rod handle.Weight of rod fully assembled 0.8kg.Rod length 3.3m.Gear ratio 5.2:1.3 sections.Test curve 2.5lb.1 ball bearing rear drag reel.Size of line 0.28.Includes 2 x 100m spools of 0.28mm line and .Size H10, W16, D120cm.EAN/MPN/UPC/ISBN: 4029569167456. |
|
|
Zebco Corp. Zebco Corp. Spongebob Rod And Reel SBOBFE-06-FB6 $12.29 Spongebob rod and reel Exclusive floating combo floats if accidentally dropped in water Kid-sized, soft-touch handle Flexible guides won't break Casting plug on-pack Flatboard packaging Brand #: Zebco Corp. SBOBFE-06-FB6 UPC: 032784595403 Keywords: fishing combo rod reel combination & |
|
|
Rod & Reel Plaid Sky $8.98 Designed by Hautman Courtesy of MHS Licensing for VIP Exclusive/Quilting Treasures, this cotton print fabric is perfect for quilting, apparel and home décor accents. Colors include sky blue and white. |
|
|
Spinning Reel HUI HUANG Redman RD4000 5BB fly sea fishing reel fishing reel daiwa fishing free shipping $64.84 Spinning Reel HUI HUANG Redman RD4000 5BB fly sea fishing reel fishing reel shimano daiwa fishing rod 2pcs |
|
|
South Bend Worm Gear Fishing Rod Spinning Reel Orange Comb $35.02 Bring the joy of fishing to your friends and family with this excellent Worm Gear Fishing rod and reel combo set. This is a great combo set with all the features and durability to get anyone involved in fishing young and old alike.Features include:. 64 inch 2piece spinning combo . Rod features: . Fiberglass EVA handle . 4 ceramic guides plus tips . Graphite Reel Seat with Aluminum Hoods . Reel features: . Ball bearing drive . Graphite spool . Graphite body spooled with line. Recommended for ages 13+ |
|
|
South Bend Worm Gear Fishing Rod Spinning Reel Blue Comb $37.38 Bring the joy of fishing to your friends and family with this excellent Worm Gear Fishing rod and reel combo set. This is a great combo set with all the features and durability to get anyone involved in fishing young and old alike.Features include:. 64 inch 2piece spinning combo . Rod features: . Fiberglass EVA handle . 4 ceramic guides plus tips . Graphite Reel Seat with Aluminum Hoods . Reel features: . Ball bearing drive . Graphite spool . Graphite body spooled with line. Recommended for ages 13+ |
|
|
Cajun Archery 4693 Cajun Fishing Rod Reel Mount $34.58 Fishing reel seat with solid glass rod with a 17 overall length. Will screw into any standard 5/16 x 24 stabilizer bushing hole on the front of most compound bows in the market today. |
|
|
Shopzeus USA zeusd1EPST2816360 Catfisher Rod Reel Toy $42.15 BambooFatCat CATFISHER ROD REEL TOYRealistic fishing rod casts up to 40 feetIncludes 2 detachable kitty lures with Zoom Around the Room hightest organic catnipSturdy fishing lineEntices kitties to play for hours:end792196100144BambooFatCatCATFISHER GARDEN MITTDesigned for ultimate Kitty Activation our Garden Mitt brings em running and keeps em entertained for hours Its all in the bait our mightyfine Kitty Lures which contain our worldfamous Zoom Around the Room hightest organic catnip#033; Plus our kitty lures are removable and interchangeable with all of our other Catfisher items#033; Collect em all and have a ball#033;Slip it on your hand and dangle the lures in front of your cat Its an exercise in bravery but kitties just cant resist the irresistible movement of the Garden Mitt#033; |
|
|
Free Shipping 1pcs mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat lures Carbon T15 XSTR $51.24 Free Shipping 1pcs mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat lures Carbon T15 XSTR |
|
|
Free Shipping 1pcs 1.8m mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon X QIANG lure 1.8m $35.54 Free Shipping 1pcs mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon X QIANG lure |
|
|
Free Shipping fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line 1.8m/2.1m/2.4m/2.7m/3.0m $27.32 fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line 1.8m/2.1m/2.4m/2.7m/3.0m |
|
|
Free Shipping 1pcs Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Glass fiber Epoxy FRP glass C358 2.1m/2.4m/2.7m/3.0m/3.6m $45.42 Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Glass fiber Epoxy FRP glass C358 2.1m/2.4m/2.7m/3.0m/3.6m |
|
|
Free Shipping 5pcs/lot mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon YD1112 CHI 4.5M $100.6 Free Shipping 5pcs/lot mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon YD1112 WU 4.5M |
|
|
Free Shipping fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line 3.6m/4.5m $31.64 fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line 3.6m/4.5m |
|
|
Free Shipping 1pcs1.8m mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon X ZHI lure 1.8m $36.85 Free Shipping 1pcs mumujiuri Fishing Rod fishing rods Reel Seat Carbon X ZHI lure |
|
|
Free Shipping fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line fishing lure1.8m $26.17 Free Shipping fishing combos fishing set 1pcs rod+1pcs reel+1pcs line1.8m/2.1m/2.4m/2.7m/3.0m fishing lure |
|
|
Lees Tackle / Lee's Rod and Reel Hanger Set - Shimano Tiagra 80W - Bright Gold / MC0075-3081 $47.48 Lees Tackle - Lee's Rod and Reel Hanger Set - Shimano Tiagra 80W - Bright Gold - MC0075-3081 |





US $.99




















































































