Fishing is fun and enjoyable. However, with the correct use of the appropriate fishing gear, you might sometimes lose your control and temper. This is especially true if you cannot do the right way of using those fishing tools. Here, we will share the proper way to hold a fishing rod which will definitely help you achieve the right grip that you want.
As we go along, you will also learn some of the basic information regarding the fishing rod. Moreover, you can also get some tips and tricks here to have a good catch.
Fishing Rod Basic Information
A fishing rod is generally a fishing instrument that contains the handle, reel seat, and shaft. This typically links the reel along the line in order to have a well-managed presentation of bait, lure, and fly. Moreover, a fishing rod is very much important in terms of casting, setting the hook, and playing the fish.
Generally, to be successful in fishing means to properly deal with the situation and know the appropriate rod to be used. Fishing rods actually do have various types which are also suitable for a specific application. Moreover, some other manufacturers of fishing rods develop this fishing gear with scores. There are also others that come with specialized subcategories under each major type.
Fishing Rod Basic Components
The general components of a fishing rod include the handle, shaft, and the reel seat. However, the materials for such different components may vary. The other term for shafts is the blank in which you can find the attachment of the rod guides. Yet, there are fishing rods that do not use external guides.
Fishing rods also entail either a one- or two-piece configuration. Meanwhile, there are others that contain three or more pieces. Moreover, those fishing rods that contain less configuration can be basically used for specific applications.
Further, the prices of the fishing rod also have a wide range which may be really costly for some of those that are of high quality. Yet, the expensiveness of the fishing rod is not an indication of its quality. Actually, you can also find good-quality fishing rods at mid-range prices.
Major Components
Every major part of the fishing rod is really essential in terms of fishing activity. Below is the list of major parts of the finishing rod.
BUTT CAP
Basically, you are able to find the butt cap at the lower part of the handle, on its middle, and the end. This is present generally around the fishing rod handle. The materials of this part are aluminum, rubber, plastic, and wood.
HANDLE
This is usually where the hand holds the fishing rod. Usually, the foam and the cork are the materials of this part. The handle can be seen in various sizes.
SEAT OF REEL
Actually, the seat of the reel acts to keep the fishing rod close to the handle. Luckily, there are many modes of application to attach the reel. Additionally, some of the rods may have foot rings, while others have hood settings which act to screw up the rod’s reel foot.
FERRULE
The ferrule generally linked the two sides of the fishing rod together. Once the ferrule has been broken, the rod also breaks as well.
Fishing Rod Categories
There are generally four different categories of fishing rods used in freshwater fishing. Here is the list of those freshwater fishing rod categories:
BAITCASTING
Basically, baitcasting rods come with one-piece units. The heavy-duty baitcasting rods contain a telescoping butt and are generally bigger in size. Compared to spinning rods, the baitcasting rods are actually stiffer.
In addition, the guides of this fishing rod size range from small to medium. The handles, on the other hand, are straight or may contain a pistol grip. Generally, the baitcasting rods are commonly used with reels or a level wind.
SPINCASTING
Similar to the baitcasting rods, they resemble these rods very closely, yet, they are somehow complicated to use. Moreover, the spincasting rods are not stiff like the baitcasting rods. This actually makes this rod act lightly during its use with light lures. The materials of the spincasting rods are generally fiberglass, in which some also have telescopic features.
SPINNING
Basically, the application of this fishing rod covers the wide range of fishing activities and is really uncomplicated to use.The guides are generally wide in terms of diameter in order to manage large line spirals. In addition, its handles are typically straight and the reel seats can either be fixed or adjustable.
FLY
In terms of casting a very light object using a big diameter, heavy line, it is actually applicable to use the fly rods. Moreover, its usage is more on casting a particular weight line in which the bottom of the handle cradles the fly reel. Yet, there are some fly rods that contain extension butts for the purpose of leveraging to be able to fight big fish.
In North America, most fly rods used measures 7 ½ to 10 feet. However, the guides of the fly rods are shorter with a length range of 5 feet up to 12 or 14 feet.
A guide on the proper way to hold a fishing rod
One of the amazing activities or hobbies to be enjoyed is fishing. Those who are really fond or already used to this kind of activity seem to look after the appropriate types of fishing gears. Moreover, prior to buying quality fishing gear, it is of great importance to know the basic foundations of fishing. Basically, you just need to understand the proper way to hold a fishing rod.
The proper way to hold a fishing rod #1: Wrap the fingers around the handle
In case you want to have a good catch, remember that the key to achieving it is to know the proper way to hold a fishing rod. Perhaps, the right process starts with putting the finger around the rod in the right way. In order to do that, put one hand on the rod.
Moreover, ensure that the hand is holding on the handle. Subsequently, fold the fingers on the rod’s handle. In addition to that, use the thumb to have a perfect grasp within its side. The rod should basically extend toward the outside.
The proper way to hold a fishing rod #2: Place the bottom palm over the fishing rod
The next process on the proper way to hold a fishing rod is to achieve a perfect grip around the fishing rod. Basically, put the bottom part of the palm surrounding the highest part of the fishing rod. Moreover, as a proper way to hold a fishing rod, you must fold the finger within the middle area up to the bottom part of the fishing rod. This should generally extend towards the tip.
The proper way to hold a fishing rod #3: Proper positioning of the forefinger
Finally, place the forefinger in a perfect position. This way of following the proper way to hold a fishing rod will enable you to achieve an ideal hold. Moreover, the forefinger should rest on the highest side of the rod. Keep in mind that the thumb should be placed at the position that usually enclosed the side of the fishing rod.
✎ Proper way to hold a fishing rod – Important Note
You may basically find the V-like shape after doing the three primary steps of the proper way to hold a fishing rod. It is usually formed through your thumb and the forefinger. Basically, this will line up straight from the fishing pole up to the end. Moreover, this is an indication that you achieve the perfect grip by following the proper way to hold a fishing rod.
The proper way to hold a fishing rod – Additional Tips from the Expert
Aside from the proper way to hold a fishing rod, the additional tips below will help you to have a great hold of it.
TIP #1: One way to remember the proper way to hold a fishing rod is to always put the left hand in the front area of the reel prior to the positioning of the right hand. You can basically do this when you are properly holding a fishing rod while waiting for the fish to bite it up.
TIP #2: The major part responsible in guiding the line of the reel in a correct manner is generally your hand. Always remember that your hand must remain in the front area of the fishing reel most of the time.
TIP #3: Another important thing to keep in mind regarding the proper way to hold a fishing rod is to keep your hand behind the fishing reel at all times. Remember that this position provides more power to your grip.
TIP #4: Always maintain the left hand and land on the right placement. Typically do this every time you swing on the fish. Generally, this will provide the power that you have established over the hook. Moreover, this also quickly moves directly right from the shoulders to the forearms, as well as the biceps.
✎ Proper way to hold a fishing rod – Important Note
Primarily, it is really important to keep in mind that you could never achieve a proper way to hold a fishing rod perfectly on the first try. So, it is better to keep on practising to be able to enhance your skills in fishing. Giving a perfect hold will offer a good fish-catching without any brainer.
You may also read Finding the Best Inflatable Raft for Fishing – Top 5 Angler Picks!
Fishing Rod Repair Tips
Generally, a good grip is easily achievable if you simply follow the steps on the proper way to hold a fishing rod. However, once committed a single mistake will result in fishing rod mishandling, a loose grip, or failure to have a good catch. And worse, you may even have a broken fishing rod. To be able to manage this scenario, here is a guide in repairing a damaged or broken fishing rod.
1. Collect all the things required in repairing
Initially, prepare the following tools and materials to repair a broken fishing gear:
- Epoxy
- Old rod with the same size
- Coatings (two-part)
- Rod winding thread
2. Determine the real damage
Essentially, it is really crucial to check the break for you to be able to come up with an action plan for your repairing session. In case the crack is right near the blank and not close on the guides, it will not cause some headaches at all. Basically, you don’t need to remove and replace any part to accomplish the task.
Aside from that, you must also identify the type of break that the fishing rod acquires. Check if the fishing rod break is of a clean and smooth type. Generally, this type of damage is easier to manage. On the other hand, a crush or shatter types of the break just only need a longer insert and more focus on the epoxy.
3. Prepare the insert
Basically, you have to measure the broken piece of the rod. Once you determine the length of the insert, create it using the old rod.
4. Join the two pieces through an epoxy
In case everything fits in, it’s time to put an epoxy and join the two pieces together. Moreover, coat the insert through an epoxy. Afterwards, gently slide it off in one part of the broken rod. It is advisable to push it until it entirely covers the broken area. An important reminder here is to clean up everything prior to the setting-up of the epoxy.
5. Wrap the broken part
Wrap the damaged area generally using a rod thread. Cover it tightly as much as possible while holding the thread simultaneously all throughout the process.
6. Apply the coatings
Generally, the method of coatings application is during the turning of the rod. Using a coat, cover the whole wrapped part in a nice manner. Do this continuously for a few minutes even if the coat application has been done. This is to ensure that no runs remain.
Final Thoughts
Achieving the proper way to hold a fishing rod cannot be simply done in the first place. You might generally commit mistakes as part of the learning process. But, that’s definitely okay! The only things you’ll need is to follow the right way of doing the process and to patiently practice and practice until you achieve a perfect grip.
