Fishing rod and reel combos come in a lot of different sizes, and labels such as weight, and actions. What these terms refer to are the weight of line that the rod can hold, as well as the whipping action of the tip of the rod. If the rod is labelled as heavy action, it is a heavier duty rod with more backbone and tip than smaller rods will contain. However, if the rod is labelled something like medium/fast, the labels are referring to the rod handling medium action, usually 8lb test to 20lb test lines, with the fast part referring to the whip action of the tip. With this being a fast action rod, means that you are going to have a lot easier time loading up the rod to launch smaller, lighter weighted lures than you would have with a heavy/slow action rod. You want to match the rod and reel combo you choose up to the type of fishing that you are going to perform with it.
photo credit: Colynn
Fly fishing rod and reel combos are usually more expensive than spinning rods and reels, mainly because of the length, and extra care that goes into ensuring the rods perform as necessary. These longer rods take a much great skill during production to ensure casting smoothness and accuracy. After all, casting with a fly rod is all about placing the small fly in the precise spot you meant to put it in, giving you the best chances at hooking up.
If you are an offshore, inshore, or deep sea fishermen, you are going to want to make sure that the combo you pick up is for saltwater. Saltwater rod and reel combos are labelled as such, because they have protection in them to keep the harsh saltwater off the metals, as well as using materials that stand up better to corrosion. Taking a freshwater reel into the saltwater even for just a few trips, without cleaning it properly afterwards, is a recipe for disaster. What you are going to find out is that the reel is going to quickly rust, causing it to lock up beyond repair, and that the rod material is going to deteriorate quite rapidly, usually causing your rod to snap when you least expect it. This is why you have to make sure you differentiate between the models of rod and reel combos when you are looking at them, to ensure you aren't replacing them shortly after your purchase.
Related posts:
