The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Rods - Which Type of Rod to Buy and Why

[imperfectionangel]

I'm new to fishing and I'm going to go fishing for Stripers at the Tennessee River. So I was wondering what kind of rod and reel, fishing line, and baits would be the best for fishing these kind of fish. Thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@imperfectionangel Get yourself a 6 1/2 or 7 foot, one piece rod, medium/heavy action. If you are on a budget, the Ugly Stik is a very good performing rod and reasonably priced. As for a reel, the Pflueger president reel is a decent brand and for casting the Pflueger patriarch is a very good reel.

Fluorocarbon line is best and use 12 - 15 lb test on your spinning reel or 20 lb test on your bait caster. The Python Darter is great for casting as are bucktails & regular jigs.

[yourmomsfavmailman]

I know this is probably a dumb question/s , but i'm new to fishing game. Can you put any kind of bait on any rod / reel like a spinner or a lure or live bait or artificial? And do you always need a leader for your line? And how long is the leader? If somebody would answer me i would appreciate it very much. Thanks.

[thundermistlures]

@yourmomsfavmailman Glad to hear you are getting into fishing! You can use various baits with any Rod/Reel. If you use braided line, it's always best to use a leader and the leader length can be twice the length of your rod.

Hope this helps and we think you would really like our Thundermist Fishing Tips Web Site as it is loaded with tips and advice on many topics. If you get a chance, be sure to check it out! Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water.

[PINCHESGRINGOS]

Now i know more thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@PINCHESGRINGOS  You're welcome! Good fishing!

[yugiohzeldaguy]

what about carbon fiber rode

[simsim3232]

Anyone recommend an inexpensive rod and reel combo??? I just want to do some river fishing, spinning for trout. Perhaps a Pflueger Trion GX-7 Spinning Combo or a Shakespeare Two-Piece Medium Heavy Action Ugly Cat Spinning Combo 7-Feet - might be to heavy though? Can't find a Ugly stik combo that is medium. Would prefer 2 piece to get into the car......or perhaps should buy a reel and rod separately - thanks for any help guys.

[thundermistlures]

The Pflueger/Trion combo'd with a 2 piece, Cabela's Tourney Trail IM7 graphite spinning rod, would make for a decent outfit.

Otherwise, if you wanted to buy a rod & reel separately, a medium action, Ugly stik would do you well. You can then match it up with your Trion GX-7 spinning reel.

Either way, you can not go wrong. Good luck with your new outfit and thanks for writing in.

[Hockeyfreek100]

What is my best rod to get . Ive got a cottage up in geogian bay in ontario and i fish for mainly bass and pickeral . So can someone please help me for buying a good rod for those types of fish? Thankyou to whoever helps me

[thundermistlures]

@Hockeyfreek100 There are so many rods to choose from, but if you want 1 good rod, at an affordable price, get an Ugly Stik, by Shakespeare. Get a one piece, medium action (or medium heavy) 6 foot or 6 1/2 foot rod, with a cork handle. This rod will do you well.

Thanks for writing in and good lcuk on the water!

[dreammoney101]

@Hockeyfreek100 abu garcia 

[Dgeenerationlevi]

what kind of rod should i use for fishing in a boat in sea and pier fishing?

[thundermistlures]

@Dgeenerationlevi There are many rods to choose from - the Ugly Stik by Shakespeare is a very good rod and economically priced - otherwise, another very good inshore rod is the salt striker rod, from Cabelas.

Thanks for tuning in and good fishing!

[Moe7133]

@thundermistlures How much would a $300 rod compare to a $50 rod in term of sensitivity, strength, etc... Would it improve my fishing game a lot. I am looking to invest on something expensive, but I am just not sure on if it's worth it? Same goes for reel too?

What brand would you recommend at $400-$600 combo deal?

I'm looking to fish Large Mouth Bass. I will probably buy 2 rod/reel. One for finest/worm and the other for swim/crank bait.

[thundermistlures]

@Moe7133 You will typically get more sensitivity & strength from a more expensive rod, as compared to a $50 rod. You can get some really nice rods in the $100 range - take a look at the St. Croix series of rods - they have a nice range to choose from. G.Loomis is more "top of the line" and they also have a nice selection to chose from - you can't go wrong with either of these. As for reels, check out the line up from Pflueger and Diawa. These rods & reels will make you a fantastic combo.

[IzChua77]

I saltwater fish. Anyway thanks man.

[thundermistlures]

@IzChua77 For salt water, we like to use the Cabelas Salt water striker rods - they are an excellent rod.

Thanks again for writing in and hope you have a great time on the water!

[IzChua77]

Can you recommend me a rod for crankbait? Thanks.

[thundermistlures]

@IzChua77 Not sure what your budget is like, or if you are fresh or salt water fishing, but the Ugly Stik by Shakespeare is a very good rod, at a good value. A 7 foot rod would be perfect for cranking.

[MrSmian]

i have a 9 foot two piece fiberglass rod which i use for catfishing just some catch and release fishing really. the hole where the top piece slides into the bottom piece is cracking i mean when you slide the top half into the lower half the lower half where it connects is cracking and this rod is only about a month old its for medium to heavy fishing is there a way i can fix that? i did use 30 pound braided but i just recently switched to 30 pound mono for a smoother cast 3oz weight at the end

[thundermistlures]

@MrSmian It would be best to return the rod, as opposed to trying to fix it. The store should take it back and replace it for you. Once the 2 piece rod cracks in that area, that's trouble.

If you can not return it, you can try to use an epoxy on the cracked area, like Flexcoat 5 min Expoxy.

Good luck - hope things work out for you. Thanks for writing in and good fishing.

[MrSmian]

@thundermistlures what kind of epoxy can i use to try and repair it? and its a mako calypso rod i just put 30 pound braided spider wire on it 110 yard is that enough?

[thundermistlures]

@MrSmian The name of the epoxy is 5 minute epoxy, by Flex Coat. Do a Google search for Flex Coat, 5 minute epoxy, and it will come up. Also, 110 yards of line shoudl do you just fine....good fishing.

[thundermistlures]

@Fishinginthenorth A medium heavy rod would be ideal for pike and walleye...not to heavy but yet with enough "back bone" for solid hook sets - good choice!

Thanks for writing in and good luck on the water.

[az4139]

I ordered one from walmart....its a casting rod 6.6 medium action along with pinnacle platinum plus reel.... Thank you....hoping to see your's new video soon

[thundermistlures]

@az4139 ...sounds like you ordered a nice combo - 6.6 ft medium action is a good all-around choice, good for many species.

We have more videos coming your way, so stay tuned!

[az4139]

Hi'' Thanks for your training videos...I'm a beginner & this helps me a lot, I have a Question, How is Shimano Volteaus Rods?

[thundermistlures]

@az4139 Glad you are enjoying our videos and thanks for tuning in. We have not used the Volteaus rod yet, but have heard that it is very strong and yet sensitive - should be a nice rod.

[alfacoro]

Hi I am looking to buy a new rod and reel well two rod's and one reel I am using my dad's old rod and they are not that good I am looking for a rod a reel for carp fishing legging and a rod for smaller float fishing, I have about £150 for the rod and reel and about £50 to £70 for the other rod can I get anything that is any good or do I have to spend hundreds I know a bit about fishing not not a lot about new equipment plz help thanx

[thundermistlures]

@alfacoro As for a rod, you should be able to buy an Ugly Stik, by Shakespeare at a decent price. They are excellent carp rods for the price. For a reel, look into Pflueger reels, President model. Get a larger size as carp will fight and take a lot of line off your spool. Size 6740 or higher should be perfect.

Thanks for writing in and good fishing.

[gpl123365365]

okula is a good brand for fishing

[thundermistlures]

@gpl123365365 Thanks for writing in and good lcuk on the water

[RecklessPladapuss]

hi, im a teenager and i fish alot. ive just been using an ugly stik, but please give me a rod/reel recomendation.

[thundermistlures]

@RecklessPladapuss The president reel by Pflueger is an excellent reel and economical as well - it is an excellent reel.

As for rods, ugly stik has a cork handle version rod which actually is very good. Not sure what your budget is, but the St. Croix Avid Series rods are really nice and the Shimano Compre rods are also nice.

Good luck with your new rod and reel and until next time, good fishing!

[KSindustries]

please tell me what rod and reel that is

[thundermistlures]

@KSindustries Ivo was showing his Quantum Energy rod and Quantum Energy reel.

Thanks for tuning in and good luck on the water!

[Oliver200101]

Hey, the video was really informative but Im still a little bit hazy. Ive been coarse fishing for half a year just using maggot or expander pellets, catching fish no more than a pound each on commercial water. My rod is pretty bust and Im buying a new one this wknd. I reckon I need a 8foot 3piece simple graphite rod. No hardcore stuff. Anything else I should look for?

[thundermistlures]

Respond to this video........we also have many great tips on rods, reels and fishing line on our Thundermist Fishing Tips web site....... 

[thundermistlures]

@mrfryguyry Get yourself a one piece 6 1/2' to 7' rod, medium to medium/heavy action. A nice small reel, such as a Pflueger spinning or baitcaster reel - keep it small as you do not need a lot of line capacity and you want it small/light for all day comfort while casting.

We also have a great video showing you a very easy way to clean a pike ending up with 5 boneless fillets, so check it out if you get a chance.

Thanks for writing in and good fishing!

[NLlockpicker]

do you need a special rod for baitcasting reels, because you hold the rod up side down then?

[thundermistlures]

@NLlockpicker Yes, you will need a bait casting rod for a bait casting reel. We have a great article on this subject at our Thundermist Fishing tips web site. Bait casting rods are built with the eyes facing up & spinning rods they face down. They are built to also bend that way.

The eyes on a spinning reel also go from large to small and the bait caster rod has all consistent size eyes, as the line comes straight off the reel.

Check out Thundermist Fishing Tips .com Thanks, Good fishing

[paimei0708]

Great video learned a lot!!!

[thundermistlures]

@paimei0708 Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for tuning in!

Good fishing.

[cybanva]

Good intro video. Looking to get my dad a fishing rod/reel for Christmas this year and I have NO clue what to get. Neither one of us has ever really fished but as I get older it seems more and more appealing for some reason (haha!). He's also mentioned it on more than one occasion so I think he's anxious to go. Anyway, hoping to find a video of yours that maybe explains the types of reels and casting techniques. Off to find it! Thanks for the info!

[thundermistlures]

@cybanva Glad you enjoyed the video and we do have some videos on rods & reels and what to look for - so I hope you find them.

One thing to keep in mind with the reel, is to be sure it has "instant anti reverse" which means there is no play in your handle...it will reel forward and when you stop, it stops (i.e. it doesn't move back at all)

Thanks again for writing in and glad to hear you are getting into fishing - you'll love it! (we also have our Thundermist fishing tips site you will like)

[ryherdbuckmaster]

all  i use is graphite n i got my dad into useing them now

[thundermistlures]

@ryherdbuckmaster Thanks for tuning in and for sharing your comments with us!

[joel5673ify]

I like to use a 1.5 m ofmer pro spinning rod for medium/large fish but I want to take up luring.What type of bait caster rod would you recomend to me for all round luring?

[thundermistlures]

@joel5673ify The Ugly stik is a very economical rod, which will last you many years. St. Croix rods are higher end, and their premier series would be perfect for you.

Another great rod to use would be a lamiglas rod. These rods are excellent (like the lamiglas, fiberglass, kokanee trigger rod)

Thanks for writing in & good fishing!

[fishfrog1998]

i fish pike, trout and walley i have 6'6 mh action 1pc graphite rod with a basspro megacast baitcaster reel with trilene xt tough red 14 pound test

[thundermistlures]

@fishfrog1998 Sounds like you have a great set up - just in time for some great fall fishing!

[chevynatoor]

i normaly fish with my 6'6" graphite medium action rod for bass fishing. It's line Wt: 6- 14 do think it can hold on a 14 pound bass without breaking the tip cuz the thip is very thin.

[thundermistlures]

@chevynatoor There should be no problem. Good luck!

[wildshotsintheair]

Where are you , USA or Canada..?

I love to fis Bass, in Ontario Canada..

or for Trout in ,British Columbia ,Canada..

not big northernt Pike fan..but when i do..I love to fish for Pike in ,Alberta Canada..

[thundermistlures]

@wildshotsintheair We are from Ontario Canada. You're fishing some great areas for those fish! Good fishing!

[WyteWoodFbs]

i do not agree with not being able to set the hook with a light action rod on bass.

i use a ultra light action rod by rapala and i can set the hook and 6 pound bass and bring them in no problem.

ill agree that it doesnt set it as good but i still barely loose those fish.

i have actually brought in a 7 pound pike with it and the bend was amazing.

the tip almost reached the reel.

[thundermistlures]

@WyteWoodFbs Nice to hear from you and that's great that you are having so much fun using light action rods and landing big fish. Hope your are enjoying your summer and keep up the great fishing!

[Reptilesandfish]

@WyteWoodFbs probably cause it was a rapala rod since rapala knows best when it comes to fishing but thundermistlures is also a great for tips and information about fishing..

[Reptilesandfish]

whats the best fishing rod/reel for fishing things like walleye pike and bass? along with line for that reel..i need help cause i go to a bridge called 9th street bridge in my town and its like a dam in a way cause then after the "dam" is a bridge and goes out to lake huron and i dont get whats best for that bridge i love fishing but id like your help! its also murky water so whats best like a firetiger/clown or something darker? thnx

[thundermistlures]

@Reptilesandfish A good all-around rod woudl be a 6 foot, graphite rod (the Ugly Stik by Shakespeare is a good choice).

A good reel would be a spinning reel with instant anti-reverse - the Pflueger, president spinning reel is a very good one and economical as well (model 6730x or 6735x)

When fishign murky water, gold based lures work best as they have great reflective qualities in murky or stained water. Otherwise, bright colors will also work - try peal white - it also produces well.

[Reptilesandfish]

@thundermistlures thnx im looking for a graphite rod thats at least 6 foot....i cant find the spinning reel..but i love shakespeare a lot so im glad you said shakespeare i find it the best rod but i need a newer one cause mines a button one and it doesnt reach far..so im proud to say im gonna try and find a ugly stik from shakespeare but do you have a suggestion of graphite rods 6ft +? thnx ill try those lure colors tomorrow! ill let you know!

[thundermistlures]

@Reptilesandfish Quantum makes a very good, affordable graphite rod - look for their Quantum Energy PT Series, you will like it! If you can, get yourself a one piece rod...they are more sensitive and durable.

Good luck on the water tomorrow.

[newriverratsam]

FWIW, the "action" is the tip, either fast extra-fast, moderate.

The "power" is light, medium, medium heavy, heavy, etc.

Action=tip

Backbone=power

[thundermistlures]

@newriverratsam thanks for writing in and sharing.

Good luck on the water and good fishing!

[FishingMan26]

Hello Thundermistures, I was wondering what kind of rod I should get. I fish for mostly bass, northerns, walleyes, and the occasional muskie. What type of rod should I get? I want a rod that is around $40 to $75 and is sensitive. I went to my local sports store, and the medium heavy is a bit heavy. What do you think? Thanks!

[thundermistlures]

@FishingMan26 In that price range, you should be able to buy a nice Ugly Stik, by Shakespeare.

Find yourself a 6 foot, medium action rod, with a cork handle, preferably one piece.

This rod has great value and will do you well.

Thanks for writing in and good fishing!

[FishingMan26]

@thundermistlures Is this a nice rod for what I said, it is orginally $150 on sale for $65. What do you think about this rod instead of the ugly stick.

[thundermistlures]

@FishingMan26 Not sure what rod you are referring to, but in general, if it is a $150 rod and it's on sale for $65, it sure sounds like a good deal for a decent rod.

[GEARS0FEVIL29]

what would be a good rod for some salt water and some fresh water like in fresh water i would go for bass to musky and in salt water id go for stuff like flounder to striper

[thundermistlures]

@GEARS0FEVIL29 There are so many rods to choose from, but if you are looking for a good salt water and fresh water rod, the Ugly Stik woudl be a good choice.

Get a 1 piece, 6 1/2 foot, medium/heavy action rod and thsi will be good for your fresh water Muskies as well as flounder & striper.

Cabela's also makes a very nice rod called the salt striker.

Thansk for writing in and good luck on the water!

[someting29]

What should I use for walleye?

[thundermistlures]

@someting29 Get yourself a good medium action, 6 foot, graphite rod - one piece would be best.

Good luck on the water!

[spartonfisherman]

good info

[thundermistlures]

@spartonfisherman Glad you enjoyed the video & thanks for writing in!

[thundermistlures]

@spartonfisherman Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking time to write to us!

[asianboy9821]

Thanks for the tips!

[airgunman1]

what about for catfish?

[thundermistlures]

@airgunman1 Foe catfish, we like to use a medium heavy, one piece, graphite rod...6 1/2 or 7' long would be perfect.

Thanks for writing in and good fishing!

[WillieWonka928D]

Good info guys

[thundermistlures]

@WillieWonka928D ...glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for tuning in!

[markdaforth]

thank for the info

[thundermistlures]

@markdaforth Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for taking to to write to us!

As always, good luck and good fishign!