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Alaska Salmon Fishing Vacation Article
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Choosing Your Salmon Fishing Rod
from: Maxx Sports GuidesChoose the correct salmon fishing rod based on the type of fishing you prefer. There are two types of salmon fishing rods, including a fly rod and a spinner or bait rod, both which are very different each will have a different type of reel associated with the particular type of rod.
There are some salmon fishing rods available that are advertised as being dual purpose rods and they may be appropriate for some anglers, but most often more experienced fishermen prefer to have two specialized rods rather than a combination rod.
Fly Rods
Fly salmon fishing rods are longer, more flexible and usually less heavy through the butt and handle than a bait rod. It's always a good idea to purchase a double handed fly rod to allow casting with both hands or either hand, perfect for the heavier rods, lines and reels needed for going after the big sized salmon.
Fly fishing rods for salmon will usually be 10 - 15 feet in length, which gives additional height to the casting action when wading into deeper waters or fishing from a boat. Children, ladies and shorter men should choose rods under 12 feet, and taller men plus anyone fishing in large waterways may want to move to a 14 or 15 foot rod.
The rod, regardless of its length, should be flexible and bend the length of the rod and then snap very quickly back into place, making casting accuracy possible. A good fly rod will be fairly slender to eliminate wind resistance but will also be heavy enough to withstand the fight of a 10-30 pound salmon.
Bait Rods
A bait salmon fishing rod is designed to have a sturdy butt end to allow optimum control of the fish as it fights in the water. A medium to heavy rod is required for larger fish, with a heavy rod being the salmon fishing rod of choice for using downriggers and trolling in boat fishing.
Bait rods need to be heavy in construction but still sensitive enough to let the angler "feel" the fish at the end of the bait. Keep in mind the longer the bait or spinner rod is the heavier it will be, which, 7 - 10 foot salmon bait rod, but it's generally an issue of comport rather than an absolute rule.
Graphite is typically used in the construction of salmon fishing rods but other compounds such as e-glass may also be used to increase the flexibility while not compromising on the strength.
In addition to the rod itself the handle must be comfortable to grip, even in the cold water that often accompanies the salmon fishing seasons. The guides should be smooth and centered and make of a rust proof material such as aluminum oxide. Remember, the pull of the fish against the line will be directly applied to the guides, so construction of this important part of the rod is critical to landing the fish.
Alaska Salmon Fishing Vacation News