If you are looking to get a new fishing rod for kayak fishing, one of the first things you need to consider is the length of the rod. In fact, some might say the rod length matters even more for kayak fishing than other fishing methods because of the limited space you have on a kayak.
You do not want to go kayak fishing with too long or too short of a fishing rod. If the length is too much, you will have trouble handling it inside the kayak. It might catch on your shirt or poke your belly, which can be very distracting. On the other hand, if the length is short, you will not be able to catch fish efficiently.
In this article, we will give you a complete guideline on choosing the perfect fishing rod, along with what the proper length of the rod should be for the best results. So without further ado, let us jump in.
What is the Proper Rod Length for Kayak Fishing Rod?
The length of the rod is its most important aspect. This one factor will affect every bit of the performance you get out of the rod. Sadly, there is no straight answer to this question. The appropriate size of the rod depends on the user and the type of fishing you are planning to do.
If you want to get a rod that allows you to cast further and more accurately, the ideal rod length would be around 7 to 7.5 inches long. However, the issue with this size is that you cannot do skip cast very accurately. The additional length can make it really hard to control the fishing rod.
For people who like to do standing fishing in the kayak, a longer rod is a better choice. But if you prefer to sit down on the kayak, you can go with a shorter rod. A short rod might not give you the best balance, but its shorter butt will not get in the way when you are sitting down.
Even if you are going for a short fishing rod, make sure it is still above 6 inches. The best practice is to take a few different fishing rods of different sizes with you when you are going fishing. That way, you will be able to switch between the different rods depending on the situation.
The best part about fishing with a shorter rod is the ability to skip cast. You can easily cast under trees or docks with a shorter fishing rod. With a longer rod, it is usually a lot more difficult, and even professional anglers might have a hard time with it.
Shorter rods are also better in terms of accuracy, especially if you are sitting down. Because of how easily you can maneuver your casting with a shorter fishing rod, it is usually a better choice if you are kayaking near shallow waters.
Other Things to Consider when Choosing a Kayak Fishing Rod
As we said before, although the rod length is an important factor, it is not the only one you need to consider when buying a fishing rod. Here are a few other aspects you want to check when investing in a rod for your next fishing trip.
1. Power and Action
Since you are fishing, you will definitely catch a fish once in a while. That is when the power and action of the rod come into play. Both of these factors determine how the rod will act when you are trying to reel in the fish. A unit with poor action will break if you fight too hard.
The higher the power of the rod, the more rigid it is. This means with a powerful fishing rod; you will have to apply more strength to bend it. On the other hand, action refers to the sensitivity of the fishing rod. With a fast action fishing rod, you will be able to detect the nibbling of the fish instantly.
Although the two elements stand in opposite spectrum, you need to find a balance of both when choosing your fishing rod.
2. Material
Most fishing rods use either graphite or fiberglass as their construction material. Although both materials are great choices for your fishing rod, you need to understand what advantages and setbacks one holds over the other before you make your investment.
The best thing about graphite rods is their lightweight yet rigid nature. This material lets you feel the vibration through the rod if a fish nibbles on the bait. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is quite heavy. But what makes it special is its flexibility. It can bend to accommodate the pull of the fish, which can make it perfect for certain situations.
3. Handle
The handle is another obvious factor that you need to consider when buying a fishing rod. You need to consider both the design of the handle and its construction material to know its quality. The material choice for the handle is usually between cork and foam.
Both cork and foam are soft and lightweight. However, when it comes to durability, foam handles usually win out.
When it comes to design, you have the choice between a long handle or a split handle. If you prefer casting power or have oversized hands, a long handle might be better. Split handles are not for everyone, and you should try one out yourself before going with it.
Final Thoughts
Fishing rod is one of the must have kayak fishing accessories. There are many intricacies when choosing a fishing rod for your next kayaking adventure.
It is wise to take multiple fishing rods to meet all your purposes. Without the proper knowledge and research, you will find it difficult to make full use of the fishing rod.
We hope our article could help you understand the proper rod length and other important features that play a part in your experience with a particular fishing rod.
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