A spinning rod and reel combo is a matched set of gear configured for a specific type of fishing. A good combo is sturdy enough to handle your fish, feels comfortable in your hand and will last years.
Assessing your potential combo requires careful consideration of action, power, length, and composition. Evaluate each component to determine the best value for your money.
Power
When selecting saltwater spinning rods, it is important to choose a rod that has the right power for your intended application. Spinning rods can be broken down into several categories of power, based on the amount of pressure needed to bend the rod.
The most common ratings are ultra-light, light, medium, and medium heavy. The heavy rods are very thick and powerful, used for casting large and/or heaviest baits.
Rods may also be classified based on their composition. Fiberglass rods are tough but can be heavy, while graphite rods offer sensitivity and lighter weight. They can be made from composite materials as well, which attempt to balance durability and sensitivity. The other factor to consider is the pound-test rating. This indicates the maximum amount of line that the rod can handle.
Length
The length of a spinning rod can be a key factor in how quickly it can make casts. Longer rods can achieve greater speeds, while shorter rods will require more effort to throw.
The action of a spinning rod describes how much it bends when put under load. Manufacturers often describe the action of their rods using words like fast, medium, or slow. However, these ratings can be misleading.
Rods can also be described by their stiffness, which is called modulus. Modulus is a measure of the density of graphite used to make the rod. Manufacturers use different grades of graphite to create rods with varying degrees of stiffness. Some manufacturers even combine different graphite to make rods with unique actions. They can also use different types of carbon to strengthen the backbones of their rods.
Action
The action of a spinning rod refers to how much the rod bends when a force is applied, like when you are casting a lure or changing a hooked fish’s direction. This can be measured by putting the rod tip down on the floor and bending it.
Spinning rods are usually made from either fiberglass, graphite or composite materials that combine the best features of both. Graphite is light and sensitive but can also be brittle, while fiberglass is tougher but weighs more than graphite.
Spinning rods are usually power rated in terms of light, medium-heavy or heavy. A light-powered rod can wiggle a small worm through thin cover, while a medium-heavy powered rod will be able to heave larger baits out of thick lily pads or milfoil.
Weight
Spinning rods offer the ability to cast lighter lures and are ideal for finesse techniques. Some models are even made to work well for freshwater bass, while others are designed for heavier cover and heftier fish like snook.
The first step in choosing a spinning rod is to determine what type of fish you will be targeting. Often, the model will include a recommended pound-test and lure weight range to help you choose the right rod. It is important to stick to the recommended range to avoid overmatching. Power and action are also important factors to consider. Power refers to the strength of the rod, while action describes how much the rod bends. A fast-action rod will bend mostly at the tip while medium and slow-action rods will bend more throughout the entire length of the rod.
Reel
A dependable, high-quality reel should be included with the spinning rod combo. A good reel can increase the effectiveness of a bait and make casting more accurate. It can also allow you to cast more lures and cover more water. It can even help you achieve greater speeds.
Some manufacturers offer a variety of different reel configurations with their rods. You should choose one that reflects the fishing techniques you plan to use. You should also look for a model that is waterproof.
Spinning rods are ideal for bass anglers because they can handle heavy lures and thick cover. They are less prone to tangles than baitcasters and have better balance for smaller, lighter lures. However, the quality of a spinning rod depends on many factors, including power, action, and length.