The ocean deep is a sport fisherman’s Mecca. It houses an incredible number of different species, some of which are among the biggest and fiercest predators on planet Earth. No matter what type of fishing you want to do or what kind of fish you want to catch, the sea has something for you. But, in order to make the most out of your excursion, you need to have the right sea fishing rods. The right rod can mean the different between hooking some truly enormous fish and seeing one get off the line for another “one that got away” story. A good rod in the right situation can even make the whole fishing experience more fun by turning even the smaller ocean quarry into good sport fish.
Traditionally, steel and aluminum have been the materials of choice in rods for sea fishing. These materials react less with the corrosive salty air from the ocean giving them more strength and a longer life span out on the open waves. However, with today’s more advanced technology, most rods will hold up under ocean conditions if you care for them properly and make sure to rinse them off after each use. The traditional large, stiff sea fishing rod is even not necessary any longer. Stronger, more pliable materials have made even lightweight rods strong enough to use on some of the smaller fish in the ocean.
Heavy Sea Fishing Rods
A Surf Fishing Rod
The heaviest, longest, and stiffest saltwater fishing rods are used mainly for surf fishing. This is because they need to give the angler a strong base to throw the line out as far as possible past the surf to where the fish are. These rods can be nine feet to upwards of twelve feet. They are also useful when using large sinkers or big baits.
One important aspect to not overlook when you are buying your rod is to think about the reel that you are planning on using. You need to match up your rod with the reel that you are using. Therefore, if you are using a long rod like this, you need to be using a heavy spinning reel or heavy conventional tackle.
Medium Strength Rods for Ocean Fishing
Rods that are medium strength can be used with both medium baitcasting and spinning reels. Baitcasting tackle can be used for several purposes, including some light bottom fishing for halibut or flounder or trying to pick off an unway tarpon or other lighter fish. They are used especially for redfish and spotted sea trout in the Gulf of Mexico by many anglers. Using a medium rod in conjunction with spinning tackle is mostly used for casting with bait. Spinning tackle is not as good with bottom fishing in this scenario because the power that is necessary to bring the fish off the bottom is simply not there with spinning tackle.
Light Strength Rods for Saltwater Fishing
If you really want a challenge, try using light or ultralight rods while you are out saltwater fishing. Try to get a saltwater version of a light rod however. These types of rods have long butts that allows for double-handed casting. Double-handed casting allows for both more distance and accuracy when you are tossing out your line. If you are fishing from the shore, you will definitely want to take advantage of the increased distance you can get with a two-handed rod. These type s of rods also help you to fight the fish better by allowing you to brace the rod against your waist instead of simply holding it in your hands. This puts the strain on your midsection instead of your wrists and lets you fight the fish for a much longer time before you tire out.
Fishing with light action rods is much more difficult and requires a higher degree of skill because you cannot simply muscle the fish up to shore. They can be used if you are fishing in saltwater bays, estuaries, and even in some lighter bottom fishing. If you’re lucky enough to be fishing in warmer, tropical waters, you can even fish flats for bonefish and barracuda.
Unfortunately, most light saltwater rods today come in only one piece. This means that it is becoming more and more difficult to find a rod that can be taken apart for traveling.
Whatever style or type of fishing you want to do, there is are ocean fishing rods for you. The problem is finding the right one. Make sure before you go out and try to find a reel you know what type of fish you are looking for, where you intend to fish, and what bait and techniques you plan on using. If you do your research you should be able to find the right rod for your situation.
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