Every angler has a special rod preference. It may be because of how stiff it is, how it wiggles, how beefy it is, how long it is, or just because it looks good.
Rods may also be called Poles, Shafts, Wands, Meatsticks, or… Some anglers may also give them a more personal name. Perhaps named after an old girlfriend or character.
Your favorite rod may have been a special gift, made by a friend, or cost an arm and a leg. It may have been the tool you used to catch a great fish or just feels good in your hand.
Great rods also require great reels and lines. A rod case will protect it. It is also possible to own many Best Rods.
Best is a relative term and depends on how, when, or where we fish.
Spinning rods So many choices. Ultra-Light is fun but requires a great partnered reel. Pick a rod that matches the fish you pursue.
Ice fishing rods short rods are for shanty use. I prefer longer 4–5-foot poles.
Surf Rods 12–16-foot rods are common. They are needed to manage long casts and bigger fish.
Snagging Rods Paddlefish are strong and huge. You need a rod to manage them and cast heavy treble hook rigs.
Baitcasting Rods Bass anglers have several pre-rigged and ready to go.
Boat Rods These rods are often thicker, stiffer, and used for jigging.
Fly Rods Everyone has an opinion. They range from 6 foot to long Spey Rods. A 5-6 weight 9-footer is a standard for most fishing.
Trolling Rods These rods need to handle potentially huge fish. Trolling means heavy weights, planer boards, and hard use.
Selecting a Best Rod takes experience. Every fishing rod will feel and perform differently. Finding a rod to fit your style and skill level takes time. Once a rod begins to produce fish, it will also increase your confidence in the rod.
Fishing big water, deep water, fast water, or dead water requires different tackle. Do your homework and get opinions from your friends or mentors. For some anglers, the most important part of the fishing rig is not the rod but rather the reel, and quality line. You can also find great rods at less expensive prices.
Once you find a Best Rod choice, get multiple rods in the same range. Pair them with the same reels, with the best drags, which fit the similar rods. No matter what rig you grab, they will be similar and comfortable.
I have several Winston Fly rods in different weights and lengths. Thes made in Montanan rods are amazing and expensive. When I perform casting seminars at events and outdoor shows, I never take my favorite casting Winstons. Instead, I use Temple Fork fly rods. They look nearly identical and feel almost the same. These Lefty Kreh designed; cheaper rods also come with a warranty. If you blindfold me, I cannot tell a Winston apart from a TFO rod, but they are several hundred dollars apart in price.
Whatever rod you select, use it often. Rods that just collect dust will never become your “Best”. Mastering any rod takes time and experience. Over time, that rod will become your Favorite and Best Rod.
Tight lines and Bent Rods!
Montana Grant
