Fishing rod information

Updated February 2008

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Fishing rod links

If you're a frequent traveler, travel rods that can be broken down into four pieces and stowed in cases for easy carrying may be worth a look. Most travel rods come with switchable handles that can accommodate spin or fly reels, increasing an angler's choice of fishing. However, most experts warn that the portability and versatility of these rods results in a slight decrease in overall performance. Those who don't travel a lot probably should stick with one- or two-piece rods.

Spinning rods are so versatile that they can be used for the three most common types of fishing: trolling (pulling a lure behind a boat at a set speed), still fishing (fishing with bait suspended on the water body's bottom or higher up, usually from a boat), or casting (lures or bait). Rigged with a bobber and weight, spinning rods can even cast tiny, practically weightless flies. Because of their design, however, spinning rods and reels tend to twist fishing line when they are used to troll or still-fish. This can lead to annoying kinks and tangles that sometimes make it impossible to fish without going to the expense and trouble of re-spooling new line. If you plan to do a lot of trolling, you should consider getting a bait-casting or trolling rod and reel (also known as conventional rods and reels). If you plan to do a lot of still fishing from a boat -- especially in salt water, where the fish are bigger and the currents stronger ? consider looking for a boat rod, which is similar to a baitcasting rod, but heavier and more difficult to cast.

Learning to cast a fly with fly rod and reel is even tougher than mastering baitcasting (and it's usually harder to entice and catch fish with the artificial flies that mimic insects and small baitfish.) Still, some anglers consider fly fishing far more sporting than any other type of fishing. Be careful before investing in fly fishing, however. Many who have bought $700 fly outfits have since stowed them in the attic. If you're a beginner, consider buying fly-fishing gear used, or at least think about buying an inexpensive beginning fly fishing kit before wading deep into the sport. Experts recommend the Orvis Streamline rod (*est. $90) as a good starter rod.

We could only find one user review for the Popeil Pocket Fisherman (*est. $20) spin casting outfit, but we were interested to see that it is still available after 50 years. This unique invention was sold on TV in the 1950's in some of the very first infomercials. It consists of a short rod that folds out from a plastic handle which also serves as a mini tackle box containing hook, line, sinker and bobber. The lone reviewer at Walgreens.com says it's a long-lasting product that works well on camping trips where a larger rod would be inconvenient. He also recommends it as part of a disaster survival kit

"How to Buy Freshwater Rods," is a buying guide from FogDog Sports, the Internet sporting goods store.

Tackle Tour offers an informative article on "Buying the right rod?for You."

Frank Ross at Cabelas.com, an outdoor gear outfitter, has written a helpful article called "Spinning Rod Buyer's Guide."

Justin Hoffman at Bass Pro Shops has written a buying guide called, "The Right Fishing Rod for You." There are hundreds of additional fishing articles in this website's OutdoorSite Library.

Another buying guide is "Fishing Rod Buying Basics," by Ron Brooks at About.com. (Note that ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com.)

Fishing rod recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has worked with several manufacturers to recall fishing rods in the past, but these have all been children's sets that were made in China and painted with lead paint.

In 2005, Zebco and Shakespeare voluntarily recalled children's fishing sets sold nationwide from August 2001 through June 2005, priced between $9 and $13. No reports of injuries or illness were associated with these products.

You can keep track of recalls at the CPSC website.