You’ve fallen in love with the vibrant colors and smooth texture of a brightly painted fishing rod. But how long does it last? How many fish do you catch with it before needing to change out the fishing pole?
There are a number of factors that determine how long a fishing rod will last you. The most obvious one is the material that it’s made of. Natural fibers like bamboo and heavy duty plastic are known for breaking down after just a few uses. On the other end of the spectrum, graphite fishing rods that are coated with layers of UV-radiating varnish can last for years of consistent fishing without any signs of wear.
Fishing Rod Material Matters
The most durable fishing rods are made of materials like graphite, fiberglass, and kraft pine. These are all highly resistant to damage and degradation. Even the strongest winds and heaviest rains won’t ruin these types of fishing rods. But, if you regularly pull in large fish, then you may want to consider an action fishing rod that is catered to powerful fishing enthusiasts. If all this talk of durability has made you yearn for an adventure on the water, then you may want to consider a rod that is built for surf fishing.
Fishing Rod Shape Matters
Another crucial factor that affects the durability of a fishing rod is its shape. There are specific fishing rod shapes that are more suitable for certain types of fishing compared to others. For instance, a V-shaped rod is ideal for fishing through tree cover because it has a lower profile than other types of fishing rods and it slices through the water easily. You also need to watch out for the material the fishing rod is made of when selecting its shape. Bamboo and light duty plastic fishing rods are best suited for floating fishing on smooth waters. You can also choose between the smoothness (roundness) of the rod’s end to affect the way it bites into the water when cast.
Fishing Rod Length Matters
The length of a fishing rod affects how easily you can bring it back to the boat. The shorter the rod, the easier it is to transport, store, and set up at the dock. However, this comes at a price. Shortening a fishing rod makes it weaker and less capable of delivering a strike. You’ll also need to be more attentive to the way you handle and reel the rod because the effort required to get the desired catch is directly linked to how long the rod is. For instance, a rod that is six (6) feet in length is easier to handle than one that is 9 feet long. The same is true for its strength. The greater the length of the rod, the greater its strength. However, if you’re a first-time angler, then you may want to consider a shorter rod so that you have more control over how you’re handling it.
Fishing Rod Size Matters
The size of a fishing rod is measured by its diameter. The larger the diameter of a fishing rod, the greater its strength. In other words, large diameter rods are best suited for large fish and strong winds. Naturally, you also need to watch out for the type of fish that you’re trying to catch when choosing the size of a rod. For example, you may want a medium diameter rod for fishing in lakes because they’re often times smaller than the oceans. The same is true for the type of wind that you encounter. Large diameter fishing rods are generally associated with strong winds and huge fish. If you’re a first-time angler, then opt for a smaller diameter rod so that you have more control over how you’re handling it.
Fishing Rod Color Matters
The color of a fishing rod often dictates how it will perform. Bamboo fishing rods that are brightly stained attract more fish than their counterparts that are white or dark brown. The same goes for plastic fishing rods. You should always opt for a rod that is either white or yellow. These colors are associated with fast fish and an easy bite. If you’re a beginner angler, then pick a rod that is either white or yellow to give you an easier time when bringing in your first fish.
How Do You Clean A Fishing Rod?
Just like any other fishing equipment, regular cleaning is essential for keeping a fishing rod clean and fresh. This is especially important if you’re a freshwater fisherman. The same is true if you’re a saltwater fisherman who neglects proper cleaning of his fishing rods. Most importantly, proper cleaning detaches any unwanted organisms or parasites from the surface of the rod. After every fishing session, thoroughly clean the fishing rod with freshwater, saltwater, or a mixture of both. Never use soap or detergents when cleaning freshwater fishing rods because they might end up harming the fish. When cleaning saltwater fishing rods, always use a brush and not a cloth or sponge because the salt water tends to ruin the fibres of the fabric quickly.
In most cases, cleaning a fishing rod is as easy as brushing it off a few times with freshwater or dock water. However, if there are slimy creatures or algae growing on the surface of the rod, then it needs to be scrubbed with more vigor. The best approach is to take a bit of dock water in your hand and, using a light pressure, begin scrubbing at the top of the rod. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire length of the rod, give it a quick rinse with freshwater.
What’s The Best Way To Store A Fishing Rod?
Just like any other type of fishing equipment, storing a fishing rod is also a crucial step in maintaining its cleanliness. This is especially important if you’re a freshwater fisherman who plans on using it frequently. Storing a fishing rod vertically keeps its shape intact and prevents it from deteriorating quickly. Just like other types of fishing equipment, the materials used to make the rod also dictate how it should be stored. For example, graphite fishing rods that are stored in an upright position retain their original shape for longer than those stored horizontally. When stored upright, graphite fishing rods should be kept in a cool, dark place with proper ventilation. These are all important factors to keep in mind if you want to store your rod for the long term.
As a general rule of thumb, smaller diameter, shorter, and more slender rods should be stored upright while larger diameter, longer, and thicker ones should be stored horizontally. This way, the former two types of fishing rods will retain their original shape better than the latter two. If you’re planning on traveling with your fishing rod for the summer, then you may want to store it in a cool, dark place with proper ventilation. This is because heat causes the internal components of a fishing rod to deteriorate quickly. The same is true for direct light exposure. Make sure that your fishing rod is always stored in a place that’s away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This article lists some of the most important tips on how to store a fishing rod, so take the time to read them. This way, you’ll be able to keep your fishing rod in good condition for as long as possible.