Choose the right
Fishing Rods

There are several hundred fishing rods on the market, which makes it difficult for the recreational fisherman to choose the right one. For general fishing, spinning rods are probably the best for beginners. A light to medium rod should be versatile to handle many freshwater and saltwater fish.

Beginners can learn to cast in less than one hour. Anglers can use these rods for trolling and deep sea fishing. They work good for casting lures and bait.

St.Croix rods are highly rated quality rods. They have easy to use cork handles and the shafts are lightweight with good strength. The price range is about $150-300.

A lower priced popular rod is the Shakespeare Ugly Stik. It is sturdy, lightweight and provides good performance. The Ugly Stik is available for several types of fishing. The price is about $35-50.

Consider the following when looking for rods:
1. It should be about 5.5 - 6.5 feet long and capable of casting 1/4 ounce to 1/2 ounce lures.
2. Graphite models are usually lighter and stronger than fiberglass models.
3. Cork handles seem to be more sensitive for detecting soft biting fish.
4. Guides through which the fishing line runs should be stainless steel to prevent rusting.