In this video i am going to explain the specs on a fishing rod and break it down so you will better understand what to look for when it comes to selecting a salmon rod.
Salmon rods & Fishing rods in general, all come in different lengths, power, and action, and the type of rod you choose can make the difference between catching salmon/steelhead or coming up empty handed.
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There are 3 main power categories for fishing rods.
Light Power
Medium Power
Heavy Power
there are numerous manufacturers who also make variations of these categories, ie. Light/Medium, Extra Heavy
There are also 3 main action categories.
Slow Action
Moderate Action
Fast Action
again, there are also variations of these categories, which we will also cover.
The lengths or rods used for bank fishing for salmon ranges from 8’6″ to 10’6″ depending on the type of salmon fishing that you are doing (casting spinners, floating egg under a bobber, twitching jigs etc.)
Most all salmon rods have specs on them which can be found on the lower section of the rod, just above the handle. Typically you will find the manufacturers number, the rods length, a line weight, as well as a lure weight. Most rods will also tell you whether it is a light, medium or heavy rod, or a variation as mentioned earlier.
A light rod is easier to bend and when force is applied to the rod, the bend will typically all the way down to the lower section of the rod.
A medium rod has a bit more of a backbone and when force is applied to the rod the bend normally takes place within the upper 1/3 of the rod
A Heavy rod is much more stiff and when force is applied to the rod the bend is at the tip of the rod.
Not all rods will say whether it is a fast action, moderate action or slow..
the action refers to how fast the tip will return to its position after force is applied to the rod.
A light rod being easier to bend, as well as the bend extending further down the rod, means that it is going to take longer to return to its original position, therefore, a light action rod can be considered a slow action rod. Slow action rods are typically for targeting smaller species of fish.
A medium rod having a bit more backbone and the bend taking place just in that upper third of the rod means that it will return to it’s original position quicker than a light power, slow action rod would. These would be considered moderate/medium action. A medium to medium/fast is typical for medium size species like coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead.
A heavy rod is a stout rod and is much harder to bend than the others. Being a stiff rod means that the rod has more reflex and will quickly return to it’s original position, this is what makes it a fast action rod. Heavy rods or extra heavy rods are typically salmon rods for trolling.
Now of course there are still a couple variations but with this info you will now know what they mean.
I also cover questions like…
what is the best size salmon rod for casting spinners/lures? What does line weight mean on a fishing rod, what does lure weight mean? etc.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR THE REST…….
Check out the Angling Addicts PNW website for more Steelhead & Salmon Fishing Tips, Content, Salmon and Steelhead Spinners and MORE at https://www.anglingaddictspnw.com
**ITEMS SEEN IN TUTORIAL**
Salmon Fishing Rod / Salmon Fishing Pole
Okuma Celilo 9’6″ Medium Light Rod – https://amzn.to/2ZjRstf
Okuma Cascade Pro 9’8″ Medium Rod –
Lamiglas X11 9’6″ Spinner, Float, Drift Rod (ALL AROUND ROD) – https://amzn.to/3io8azr
Lamiglas Redline 9’4″ (bait casting rod) – https://amzn.to/3haWIFV
Braided Line For Salmon Fishing (either or)
PowerPro 30lb High-vis or
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