Surely you will know someone who loves to fish or you will have seen the idyllic picture of a father fraternizing with his children thanks to fishing marathon fishing charters. And it is that beyond a sport, it is a hobby that, in addition to strengthening ties, requires mental and physical discipline.
Of course, if what you are looking for is to get started in this practice, you will have many doubts related to fishing rods, the basic equipment you require or even the different locations to fish divided by zones and by modality in which you can carry out this hobby.
That is why Business Insider Spain has prepared this fishing guide for beginners with which you will solve those first doubts generated by the art of fishing.
Fishing rods: fishing places, types and characteristics
When it comes to fishing, it is possible to do it in the sea, on the beach, in a river or in a lake. Regardless of this, you must take into account the types of fish that are in the place to know the type of rod and the bait to choose.
Currently there are 2 main types of rods: telescopic —or hollow rod— and reel —open ring ( spinning ) , semi -open ( baitcast ) or closed ( spincast ) or artificial fly ( fly reel ). Being the closed reel the optimal one for beginners.
Telescopic rods are much more practical, although they only perform remarkably in shallow waters, unlike reel rods: more common and with greater functionality —but require additional items—, both for surface and deep fishing.
In addition, each rod model has its own characteristics: action and power, which directly affect the fishing experience.
In this way, the action of the club — flexibility — is divided into: extra fast, fast, medium and slow. Categories that affect the parts of the rod that can be bent, going from the tip of the pole to almost all of it as the action slows down, which will make fishing easier.
The power, on the other hand, is related to the weight of the bait that the stick can support —specified in each model—. It is divided into seven categories: ultralight, light, light-medium, medium, and medium-heavy, heavy and extra heavy.
It is very important to follow the weight guidelines between the maximum and minimum established, since a bait that is too heavy can break the rod, and one that is too light can break the line - also known as line.
Models of rods according to the type of fishing
- Sea fishing rods — generally bottom fishing both on the coast and in the vicinity of a pier.
- Rod for corrido fishing —or for large specimens in depth—.
- Rods for cast fishing — spinning or surfcasting —.
- Rigid classic cane.
- Fly fishing rod. —of surface, since it has a float —
- Classic or naked fishing rod — no auxiliary tackle needed.
Rod size
The size depends more on the type of fish to be caught than on your own height; especially since it must withstand the bite of the animal, its weight and its strength.
How to assemble, prepare and launch a fishing rod?
If it is the first time that you find yourself before a rod, it is advisable to look at the instructions. Once familiar with the tool you must align the bushings and adjust them to the guides. The next point is to adjust the spool, so you have to rotate it until it engages. Finally you have to leave the line taut.
When preparing the rod, first of all, you have to place the reel, adjust the line and proceed to wind it - it is important that the reel rotates freely - before placing the hooks, the floats, the knobs and the pearls.
After that, it is time to cast the rod. The first few times you face the launch it makes a certain impression; but the truth is that it is simpler than it seems by following a few small guidelines.
The first thing you should do is tie the knob at the end of the line and progressively wind the line halfway. After that, he grabs the rod with both hands, leaving the reel between them – somewhat reminiscent of holding a pool stick.
Thanks to this, you will control the line with the index of the hand that you have above the reel -depending on whether you are right or left handed and the position of the lever of the reel-, and you will control the rod with the other hand when putting it in the lower part of the handle.
Now, you must proceed to cast, so you must advance the opposite foot to the hand that you placed above the reel while with both hands you carry the rod over your shoulder and then stretch them in front of you until the stick is parallel to the water.
You should try to be as abrupt as possible, as the impact can scare the fish away.
The most popular brands
- Plusinno.
- Abu Garcia.
- SHIMANO.
Handle
The most common materials are foam or cork to provide a comfortable and durable grip.
Materials
Fishing rods are mainly made of carbon fiber —resistant and light—, hollow fiberglass —present in cheaper models—, and solid fiberglass —provides solidity—.
Although, you can buy find graphite rods, less common and that provide great resistance.
Mango
Its placement determines how the fishing rod is. It can be telescopic, ideal for storage when expanding at your convenience. It is also possible to find a classic handle, which provides solidity, but requires more space for storage and transport.
On the other hand, you can go for the reverse handle or the spigot. Both offer good continuity of the rod, the first standing out for its automatic recovery.
Rings for fishing rods
These guide the line along the rod, so a greater number of rings improves control when casting the rod.
Basic accessories for fishing
Fishing weights
These are weights designed to throw the bait, sink the bait or fix the buoy in a certain place, and their placement is about 15 centimeters above the hook.
Buoys for fishing
Its function is to keep the bait in the place where we have launched it, in addition to preventing the bait from sinking. In addition, there are various shapes of buoys: round, oblong or feather, among others.
Basic fishing equipment
Except for the bare fishing rods , the rest require auxiliary gear , so you should take into account whether you choose to buy a rod or a pack —something more expensive as it includes fishing accessories—.
Bait
Crabs and worms are an excellent alternative for fresh water - since they are alive, they should be traversed in 2 places. However, in salt water it is convenient to include some small fish - hooking them by the jaw. These can be found at any specialty store.
Among the most popular baits are sardines, squid, limpets or the worm itself or crickets.
Fish hook
There are various hooks, each one more suitable for a specific type of fish. This depends on its structure, divided into 3 large sections: arrow, curvature and leg; of its number of points, its length and its opening.
For example, sea fishing requires hooks with a longer shank so that the fish can be easily dislodged.
Likewise, in freshwater fishing in which worms or earthworms are used, the hook must have a smaller opening, since being alive, they can be detached.
On the other hand, 3-prong hooks are ideal for cast fishing —whether spinning or surfcasting—.
Hemp or fishing line —fishing line—
Different types of line vary in line thickness and strength; the larger the line, the more resistance it presents in exchange for less flexibility.
That is why, depending on the rod, the capacity of the reel and the fish to be fished, you should opt for a more or less fine line, especially since a thick line can be spotted by the fish and make them flee, unlike a fine line.
For its correct installation you must tie it by one of its ends to the reel by means of a solid knot. At the other end you will have to thread the thread through the hole of the hook.
