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There are fishing poles, and then there are fishing poles. There is a Rod for every fishing situation, and knowing the difference will certainly pay off in the long run.

While many may argue that the term “pole” refers to a relic of a tool while a “rod” is a more sophisticated piece of fishing equipment, the fact remains that the two terms are generally interchangeable. Whether called a pole or a rod, the tool has been fashioned in the same manner for many years, with the basic materials of graphite, carbon, fiberglass, bamboo or composites proving to be the main improvements. Another is in design, with different poles being used for different purposes. While there are many, the main types of fishing Rods are fly fishing Rods, spin casting poles and bait casting rods.

Fly fishing poles or rods need to have a lightweight and flexible nature . Bamboo fly fishing rods offer excellent quality, but generally are an expensive purchase. Graphite rods are the most highly sought types on today’s market as they are strong, lightweight and yet flexible. Usually between 7 and 9 feet on length, the size of the stream or lake dictates which pole length should be used. The term “rod weight” actually describes the line size used on the pole, and can range between 1 and 15. This method of fishing is generally for a more experienced level, as it requires a fair deal of effort for the angler. This is because it is the line being cast rather than the lure.

Spin casting is a relatively easy skill to acquire, and is recommended to many beginners primarily for that reason. Shorter than most, the spin cast rod also requires high flexibility. The reel is the tool that needs the most practice, as it is a technique; however, it takes most people just a few minutes to learn. Located on the top of the fishing pole, the spin cast reel is within easy reach and control of the angler. The size of rod and line will vary depending on the type of fish being pursued; bass would need a heavier weight than a panfish would require.

During professional fishing tournaments, bait casting is the common method. Bait casting rods are heavier and longer, and stronger to be able to combat the fighting foe at the end of the line. This type of fishing pole is also very popular with bass fishermen due to the short time it takes to land their bass using the strong and powerful line. The reel also sits on the top of the pole, and is able to handle the heavyweight line needed to bring in “the big one”. Bait casting poles and reels take much more practice to master, and is considered to be more for the experienced angler.

Fishing poles vary widely to meet many needs, as is evident by those on the market today. There is a pole for every situation, and for many fishermen, having several poles means they are ready for any situation.

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There are many kinds of fishing equipments in stores, numerous fishing methods in books, and fishing advices online. To make it all simple, here are the basic things you need to know for your first time fishing adventure.

1) How to fish with bait

• Tackle. To plunk the bait, you should purchase lead weights. The weight of the lead would vary depending on the current of the environment.  Anglers commonly use and recommend bank sinkers with a number-two hook.

To avoid sinkers to slide, you would need a swivel to act as a stop. To protect the knot, you could use plastic beads between the swivel and weight. Using two appropriate swivels could allow you to rig the sliding sinkers.

• Bait. The commonly used bait for all kinds of fishes is worms. Another popular bait is chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting soft and allowing the bait to stay within your hooks.

Some of the commonly used baits are cut-baits which include skin from fried chicken, fish entrails, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, shrimps and crayfish tails.

2) How to fish – There are three basic methods for fishing.

• Plunking – It is the most common method used. Use a suitable amount of weight for you to be able to take hold of the bait in a position which is against any current. An option in plunking is to use minimal weight for the bait to move along with the water current.

• Back bouncing – It is done by lifting the bait out the bottom and raising the tip of the rod for one to two feet. Allowing the bait to walk with the current, you should free the back reel or spool. Repeat the steps when the lure settles down on the bottom. Back bouncing is effective in deeper water like fishing in a boat.

• Drift-fishing – It is a simple method wherein you cast upstream or downstream. This may vary depending on the current’s amount. You should count the appropriate depth and start reeling.

3) How to fish from a boat – It is important to determine in which location you would perform your fishing. Deeper water needs heavier jigheads compared when fishing on shore.

• With heavy weight which keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with any current.  A good technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with a fishing device called bottom-walker.

Fishing is easy as long as you’re enjoying the trip.  Bring some of your family and friends along and make your first time fishing a memorable one.

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• The Basic Fishing Supplies

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Fishing is a nature-oriented sport that allows you to relax. Many people want to experience fishing, but are unable to buy the appropriate supplies for their adventure.

There are many fishing stores around, but majority of the stores try to sell unnecessary fishing supplies to gain more from the innocence of the fishing novice. Here are some of the basic fishing supplies you need for any kind of fishing in any location.

1) Hooks – In a variety of shape and sizes, these are one of the most important parts of your fishing gear. Fishing hooks are affordable, so you could stock an assortment of hooks for each kind of fishing. Majority of hooks are shaped like a letter “J.”

2) Rigs – These are used for catching different kinds and species of fish. The two most common rigs are the Bobber and Crappie.  Bobber rigs are suitable for catching Bluegills and are best for beginners.

3)  Sinkers – As the name suggests, this fishing equipment is used to cast lighter lures and to quickly drop the bait to the bottom of the water where the fish are located. Together with the bobbers, the sinkers are used to hold your line at any given point.

In fishing stores, you will find numerous variations of sinkers that come in different sizes, weights, and shapes. The current speed and the water depth would determine the weight of the sinkers you will need for your fishing trip.

4) Bobber – It is also called a cork or a float. The bobber’s purpose is to let you know when a fish bites your bait. The commonly used bobbers are pencil, slip bobbers and buttons. They come in different sizes to fit all kinds of baits and sinkers.  The best bobbers are those that are smaller. The wind would blow the bobber back to you if it were too light and would scare the fishes off when it is too big.

5) Swivels – This kind of fishing equipment is used when you are fishing with bait such as a spinner or a minnow. These kinds of bait tend to twist and turn, which would likely your line deformed.  By using the swivel and connecting it between your line and bait, it would allow the lure to spin around without tangling up the line. Swivels are affordable and come in different sizes to fit the bait and hooks you use.

Other supplies are the tackle box and your bait. The bait would vary depending on the kind of fishing you wish to perform.

Now that you know the basics, you could easily enjoy your fishing trip affordable and safely.