02/12/08… When it comes to choosing the right rod, nowadays it may be harder and more frustrating than ever. After all, any rod could technically do the job. However, there is more to it than just going to the store and picking up any rod. Each style of rod plays a critical role. Fishing rods can be best compared to golf clubs. One can use a putter only for each hole, however that individuals score will not be his best. That being said, it is important to discuss about the two styles of fishing rods (spinning and baitcasting), the different powers in rods, and what rod is best for what lure.

Spinning Rods are what many fisherman are aware of and most likely started of with when they were first introduced to this sport. Spinning rods are great for light line and finesse tactics. Line from 6-14lbs. is generally used when it comes to bass fishing. Lighter line is best used in open water situations where the water is clear and when the bass are finicky. Baitcasting Rods are commonly used on the pro curcuit where power fishing applications are applied. Baitcasters are great for hauling out those big brutes out of heavy cover. Heavy line can be used such as 40-65lbs braid. Baitcasters are also great for getting pint-point accuracy in ones cast. Although, baitcasters do take a while to get used to, once mastered it it sure is a joy to use.

Medium power rods are great when a lure requires a lot of give in the rod. When looking for a spinning rod medium action is pretty much the norm. Not much back bone, thus not very powerful hook sets. Medium-Heavy rods are used for when an angler wants a little more back bone and a softer tip. These rods are used for casting long distances, yet still has the capacity to set the hook when the lure is far out. Heavy powered rods are great for pin-point accuracy when it comes to baitcasting. These rods are pretty much all back bone to turn that big basses head away from the cover her calls home.

Here are some examples of lures and which rods they should be set up with: Jig=Heavy powered baitcasting (needs the backbone for a good hookset). Frog= Medium-heavy to a heavy baitcaster ( need to be able to pull the fish out of the slop and pads) . Jerkbait= Medium spinning (needs light line for clear situationto get most action out of the lure). Texas rigged worm= Medium-Heavy baitcaster (can cast the light worm a good distance). Crankbait= Medium baitcaster (to help absorb the hit of the fish, which will prevent from ripping the hooks out of the fishes mouth).

I hope the information I provide has given you the incite and made you more aware as to what rod will be best for you on the water. When you have the right tools, it can make all the difference in the world. Remember that the more information you have when it comes to choosing the right rod the better choice you will make.

‘Till next time: May your fish be Monsters and your hook sets be Massive!

Peter Natev

Where do you look for fish when you arrive at your Local River or stream? Where do fish usually like to hide out in a river system? It has taken me a few years to figure out this riddle but as we grow and learn more about fish patterns and behavior we are able to narrow this down somewhat. Here are some of my favorite places to locate fish in a river or stream.

Choppy water known as dancing pyramids, are known to hold many feeding fish of all types. Where slow water meets the faster water, a series of small or medium sized, stationary, dancing waves will form. This is where food will drop to the bottom of the river or stream and large lazy fish will inhabit these patches of water provided there is enough depth. More often than not, if depth and cover are not sufficient, fish are still known to feed in these places at dusk or into the night.

Overhanging objects such as trees or bushes. It is common sense that a fishes main predators attack from above, Eagles and Hawks are common here; and fish prefer some type of overhead cover. Overhanging foliage or deadfall will provide fish protection as well as the shade they need on a bright hot summer day. I will throw minnow imitations into these areas with awesome hook up success. If the water is shallow I will use minnow imitation that I can keep on the top of the water column.

Why is it you see a fisherman out casting immediately after a rain storm in the dry summer months? Rising water is the primary reason I fish right after it rains. Many rivers or streams seem to slow down and not produce during low water and hot summer days. If you plan your trip to arrive at the river after it rains, you can have great success this way and fishing at this time can rival the best fishing you had in the spring season.

These locations in a river or stream may hold many fish, large fish for that matter. The proper lure may aid in this search. Confidence in your skills and ability to locate trout and catch them is by far the best lure you have in your tackle box! A fisherman must have complete confidence in what he or she is doing and the lure you are using. What I am speaking of is a mental attitude and it can make a world of difference in catching many fish or not catching them at all.

To be truly successful at trout fishing or any other type, you must work at it. There are no miracle tricks, no secret lures on the market, and no half measures to the thrill of a fish striking your hook. This is why your attitude must always remain positive. You must truly believe that the next cast or retrieval speed will be the correct one! Believe me, it is not easy for me to be confident at all times, because I can’t really trick myself into thinking I have it. Instead it is crucial that you work at developing a mental attitude that is positive and proves to be so important to success.

The main objectives here are, never get too discouraged and continue to believe that your approach is the best one for YOU. If you happen to fail one day, go home a review the procedures you were using that day and the places you were fishing. Tell yourself that the next time you fish will be different than the last. Above everything else, reassure yourself that the reason that you love fishing is that your prey can be so unpredictable. Let’s face it, if trout fishing were routine you would soon get tired of it?