In the wilderness, a decent fishing rod (and knowing how to use it) can mean the difference between living and starving. If the SHTF, you almost certainly won’t have the luxury of popping to your local store to pick up a couple of pizzas and a tub of ice cream – it’s likely to be what you can forage, and if you can add high protein fish to your diet, you may survive long enough for the fan to look a bit cleaner.
When faced with all the different types of fishing rods, construction and materials available it can seem confusing, so we’ll try and break it down.
Length
Rods are measured from tip to the end of the butt, and are available in sizes from four feet right up to fourteen feet. The longer length is more suited to shore fishing or areas where you need to have an extended cast, such as large lakes, whereas the shorter ones are better for bigger freshwater fish, as they allow for easier mobility.
Weight
The weight of the rod is related to the weight of the lure it can carry, or by the pound test – this refers to the weight of the line.
The action of the rod
The action is the point where the rod can bend – a light action means the bend is closer to the butt, whereas a heavy signifies that it bends nearer the tip.
Material
There are two main materials to choose from – fiberglass and graphite. The latter type are stronger, but more brittle than the fiberglass, which have flexibility in their favor, and are usually less expensive than the graphite rods. A combination of the two is perfect for mixed fishing, with a variety of locations and fish species.
The reel
Reels are either spinning or casting; spinning are ideal for beginners as they are less likely to tangle, and are good all rounders, whereas casting reels are better with experience, and tend to be used with heavier lures.
So, with the basics covered, lets go get us some rods. We’ve tried out the best on the market in a variety of situations, weather conditions, and with different species of fish in mind, and here’s our results.
1) Cadence Spinning Rod CR5-30
Overview
This 30 ton carbon spinning rod, constructed in three parts, feels solidly made and offers good durability. The balance is accurate, and with the combination body, this is looking impressive so far.
The Good
With a wide variety of options, from length to grip – carbon split grip and full grip are both included with the rod itself, Cadence have covered all bases. Ultra sensitive to every nibble, we managed to haul in a couple of big trout, upwards of 4lbs, which the rod coped with excellently. The price, too, is impressive
The Bad
Our only minor gripe is the hook keeper. It lies almost flush so needs a wiggle to take the hook, but that’s in no way a deal breaker.
2) ebco Dock Demon Spinning Rod and Reel
Overview
This is the perfect newbie rod – simple to use, easy to cast, and nothing to worry about. With a decent fiberglass body, 6lb prespool and a ball bearing drive, this does what it says on the tin.
The Good
Although this rod looks pretty basic, it handles impressively well for both beginner and more experienced fisher alike. The casting is straight and true, the reel spinning smoothly, while the rod itself feels tough yet flexible.
The Bad
Purely out of preference, we would change the 6lb line to something a little heavier, but that’s no big deal.
3) KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
Overview
This KastKing is a neat looking 24 ton rod, constructed from a graphite and fiberglass combo. This is essentially two rods in one, with twin tip spinning and casting rods for double the fun. It feels well made and very sturdy, is attractively designed and every component fits really well.
The Good
We took this ingeniously well designed rod both sea and freshwater fishing, pulling in bass, trout and more, and it felt good in our hands. The grip is comfortable and ergonomically designed, and coupled with the accurate casting, we like this rod rather a lot.
The Bad
KastKing, you’ve gone to so much effort to design a really great rod, you forgot to include a case – tsk!
