Fishing Rods
Most fishing rods are made of fiberglass, although bamboo fly rods are available. Tubular or solid-form fiberglass rods are used. The former offers lighter weight and better balance. The solid models feature greater durability. Graphite, the most expensive rod type, offers more strength and a better feel to the fisherman. Rods come in one-, two-, three and four-piece models. This refers to the tip or rod section, not the handle. Thus a rod that has a handle that detaches from a single-rod section is not considered a two-piece rod. In the two-piece rod, the tip section itself breaks down into two sections. The three and four-piece rods are sometimes called "backpackers" and designed for fishermen who carry equipment a long distance.
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are similar to bait-casting rods except for the larger guides or rings on the rod to control the line. They feature a straight butt with the reel attached beneath the handle. The reel is attached by a "fixed seat" in most models, but slip-ring attachments are used, too. Although 6-½' to 7' spinning rods are most common, they also are available in longer and shorter models. Longer rods usually are two-piece or "backpacker" models in three or four pieces.
Spin-Casting Rods
Spin-casting rods differ from bait-casting rods in that they are longer (6' to 7'), have faster, more responsive tips and guides are usually of the larger spin variety. Longer rods are two-piece, ferrule jointed for easy carrying and storage.
Reels
Personal preference and ultimate use are determining factors in the experienced fisherman's selection of a reel. The beginner may need guidance, but the more experienced angler will have firm opinions on exactly what he wants.
Spin-Casting Reels
A spin-casting reel has a stationary spool. It, too, is mounted on top of the rod and controlled by a mechanical "thumb" or push-button. Enclosed in a housing with a front hole, the spool of a spin-casting reel lets out line like a spinning wheel during the cast. Flight of the lure can be stopped by pushing down on the button or lever. On the retrieve, a pickup pin rewinds the line.
Terminal Tackle
Terminal tackle includes items used at or near the end of the fishing line-hooks, swivels, floats, etc.
Fishing Hooks
Fishing hooks come in a wide range of sizes and designs. Among the most popular designs are Aberdeen, Kirby and Carlisle, with differences in the length and shape of the shank, angle of the point, amount of curve in the hook, etc. Sizes run from 6/0 to 1/0 to 1 to 14, in order of descending size. This means that a 6/0 hook is the largest and a 14 hook is the smallest. Fishing hooks are sold already snelled-with a leader attached. These are preferred by many anglers, despite greater cost.
Weedless hooks have a spring-loaded wire loop attached near the eye, pulled down to and hooked over the barb to prevent snagging. A split shot is the most common sinker. Others include pinch-on style and bass casting weights. The pinch-on is used with simpler fishing gear. Bass-casting weight is used for bottom fishing or trolling. Swivels prevent twisting or snarling lines. Better-quality swivels are made with ball bearings in tapered raceways.
Most floats are made of plastic materials, but cork is available. Better floats have spring actions for easy adjustment and attachment. Sizes range from ½" to 2-½" in diameter. Panfish floats run about 6" long and vary in body shape.
Fishing Lures
Fishing lures come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and construction materials. Every fisherman will have his favorites. The sporting goods salesman should know which fish in his area are hitting on what kind of fishing lures. Most casting fishing lures weigh from ½ to 1 oz. but artificial fishing lures used with spinning tackle often weigh from 1/8 to ½ oz. Saltwater spin lures or jigs may go up to 8 ozs.
Each fishing lure is classified as surface lure, subsurface lure or deep running lure, depending upon the depth at which it operates. In years past, only flies were used with fly-casting rods. Now miniature plug-style fishing lures are used with fly rods. Flies fall into two categories-"wet" for fishing just below the surface and "dry" for fishing on top of the water.
Fishing Lines
Selecting the proper fishing line is important and more difficult than it appears. A fishing line that is too light will break or stretch when fighting a fish. A fishing line that is too heavy puts excessive strain on rod and reel. In fly fishing, the wrong weight or type of fishing line makes successful fishing difficult.
Fishing line is either monofilament (single strand) or braided. Monofilament line is nylon, invisible to fish and always used with spinning rigs. Braided lines come with and without cores. This line is used primarily with bait-casting reels because it is easier to cast.
All fishing line, except fly line, is rated by the number of pounds of direct tension required to break it-the "pound test" rating. When extreme strength is required, as in big game fishing, wire line is used. In spinning and bait casting, the heavier the line, the poorer it will cast. It is important to balance the rod, reel and line to achieve proper performance.
Leaders
A leader is a piece of monofilament line, invisible to fish, that is attached to the fishing end of the line. The leader is usually 6' to 8' long and slightly weaker than the line. It is designed to break before the rest of the line so the fisherman will not lose much line in the event of break.
When using braided or fly line, the leader also is used to fool the fish, which can see a piece of braided or fly line. In fly fishing, the weight and design of the leader is matched to the line. The butt diameter of a tapered leader should be no less than two-thirds the diameter of the end of the fly line. A level leader is sufficient with heavier flies, such as streamers and bass bugs. Tapered leaders are used only in fly fishing.
Minnow Buckets
Floating and non-floating buckets are offered, with the former the more popular and expensive. A bucket usually has a two-part design with an outer shell that holds water and an inner bucket that can be lifted out, draining the water so minnows can be picked out of the inner bucket by hand. Most common sizes run from 10 to 20 quarts.
Landing Nets
Small landing nets usually have twine or a thong attached to the end of the handle for hanging on a belt. Larger nets, designed for use in a boat, have longer handles. Best models feature a floating handle for retrieval. Length or depth of the net itself varies form 18" to 36". Width of opening differs from one model to another. Handles can range from only a few inches to 4' or more.
Tackle Boxes
The simplest tackle box has a single tray that lifts out, while more complex models have an entire series of hinged trays attached to a split lid to open out flat or in a stair step arrangement. Some manufacturers have designed boxes with built-in lights for night fishing. The most popular boxes include aluminum tackle boxes, steel tackle boxes and plastic tackle boxes. |
National Retail Hardware Association