For numerous anglers, the choice of selecting which fishing rod they’re going to purchase and fish with, comes down to how it feels when they pull on the rod tip or shake it in the store.  Not a particularly logical way of selecting the most important piece of tackle you fish with, day in and day out.  Chances are if you are selecting your rods this way, you probably rarely; if ever, get the right rod or action desired.
 

When you look into purchasing a fishing rod, you should look at the following specifications:  material used to make it, length, length of the reel seat, type of guides, what lure weight and line weight is appropriate for that rod, rod weight, power rating, type and style of guides, number of pieces, power rating, manufacturing country, and what it retails at.  This is all homework that you should do to decide if it is the right rod.


After researching the rod specifications, it’s time for some on the water analysis.  You should gather several different lures appropriate for that rod and technique which the rod was specifically built for.  You should check out how the rod reacts when you retrieve a lure by itself and most importantly when you hook a fish until it is landed.  For example, if you are fishing with a crankbait, do you lose any fish because the rod is too stiff causing the treble hooks to tear loose when the fish jumps or pulls away?  Different rods have different action, rod manufactures normally label the specific technique the rod was built for making it easier for anglers to select a rod.  A word of caution here, sometimes what rod manufactures label as a certain type rod are not what you,  personally would use for that technique. 

Another aspect in selecting a rod is the warranty.  Quality rods and custom built rods normally come with a limited lifetime warranty and service policy.  If a rod should fail due to breaking, materials, or workmanship as determined by the manufacture the rod will be replaced at no charge.  Only the manufacture can determine if the rod is to be replaced and normally requires a copy of the receipt and warranty card of proof of purchase.   Of course, the warranty is limited to the rod blank and not the components; however, few if any cover misuse, neglect, accidental breakage, or normal wear and tear.   Some rod manufactures cover guide breakage or bending, if returned postage is paid by the customer.

So do you buy a rod off-the-rack or a custom built rod?  It’s another decision you have to make.  Custom built rods cost more, but they are more sensitive, well balanced, lightweight, and built with quality components.  Do you take care of your rods and not abuse them, so they normally last a long time?  You will find the benefits of quality and sensitivity, outweighs the cost factor. Custom Fishing Rods, your Choice, your Rod.

Photo above shows two custom built fishing rods by TigeRodz (www.TigeRodz.com).