“You get a line and I’ll get a pole, Honey,
You get a line and I’ll get a pole, Babe.
You get a line and I’ll get a pole,
We’ll go fishin’ in the crawdad hole…”
The Crawdad Song
Back when “The Crawdad Song” was first sang the method in which people acquired fishing poles was simple – they usually made them from a twig or piece of bamboo. However, today’s fishermen have an infinite variety of choices when it comes to pole thickness, material, length, etc. This is a mixed blessing as the greater variety also makes the decision a tougher one especially for novice anglers. So, since it is vitally important to have the right equipment in any sport or activity, we would like to give you some general tips on choosing the right pole for Louisiana charter fishing.
To begin with, rods come in different strengths. In general:
- Ultra-Light rods are for small fish like Crappie
- Light rods are for fish such as bluegill, Jacks, etc.
- Medium Light, Medium and Heavy rods are for fish ranging from Bass, Trout, Catfish, Pike, and Salmon
- Heavy and extra heavy rods are for fish such as Tuna, Sturgeon, Salmon, etc.
The next factors to consider are a rod’s action and length. Basically, action describes how much the rod bends when pressure is applied to the tip. A rod’s length – the distance from the tip to the butt – should match the type of lure one is using. For lightweight lures a shorter rod is best; for heavier lures a longer rod is preferred. The final factor to consider is material. Modern rods are made from fiberglass, graphite or a combination of the two. Graphite rods are light but are more brittle than fiberglass rods. Fiberglass rods are heavier but are more expensive. Rods made from a combination of both graphite and fiberglass is preferred by many fishermen. In the end, our Louisiana fishing guide can help you by putting you right where the action is and where your choice of rod will be the most effective.