If you are an angler, you should understand at least the basic mechanisms of the tools you use. This knowledge is very helpful when you need to talk about these tools with other fishing enthusiasts. A general understanding of the parts can also make you a better angler. In this post, you will learn about different parts of a fishing rod and reel.
Types of Fishing Rods
Whether you are considering bass fishing, troll fishing or catching salmon, you will have to
choose the right fishing rod. It is important to be familiar with different types of fishing rods. Here are a few types of fishing rods available on the market:
Spinning Rod
Of all types of fishing rods, spinning rods are the most common and the most popular type. Novice anglers like them because they are really beginner-friendly. They are affordable, and they allow long casts.
Spinning rods are lightweight and small, and hence easily identifiable. If you talk about accuracy, spin casting reels are not so good as spinning reels. A spinning rod is very easy to use, and a beginning angler gets comfortable with it within a short time.
Spin Caster
It comes with a stationary spool, just like a spinning reel. However, spin casters are less accurate than other types of fishing reels. For beginners, this fishing rod is by far the best choice. Even children can use them without adult supervision.
All the components are kept inside an enclosure. As a result, there is no risk of the line getting jammed or twisted. Spincast rods made of fiberglass are the best in quality.
Bait Caster
For the reel operation, the bait caster is particularly useful. It is perpendicular, not parallel to the rod. This is the reason why this reel is also known as a revolving-spool reel. With a bait caster, it takes some practice to master the tackling method. The process of achieving fishing accuracy is usually slow and gradual.
You can catch any type of fish with this advanced rod. For heavier fish, this rod is ideal. When it comes to choosing fishing lines, this rod gives you more freedom. However, you may take some time to learn how to use various types of fishing lines.
Parts of a Fishing Rod
In its basic form, a fishing rod is a long rod attached to a line. The length of the rod varies according to its purpose. Now we are going to discuss the parts.
Blanks
Blanks are also known as barrels. They are the main sections of fishing rods with attached components. They have a couple of sections and the sections are slotted together. These hollow tubes are mostly made of graphite composites, fiberglass or other synthetic materials.
Of all the parts of a fishing rod and reel, blanks are of special importance. To make it easier to assemble and disassemble, the blanks have several sections. Some blanks come in three sections and some come in two sections.
Handle
Also known as grip, the handle is mostly made of wood. Some handles are made of synthetic materials such as PVC. The rod’s size and purpose determine its length. For example, long handles are not needed for spinning rods.
Sea fishing rods need sturdy and long handles. When you need to land a big fish, you will need a two-handed grip. When casting, you will find long handles convenient. They are also useful for surfcasters.
Butt or Cap
The cap is located at the end of the rod. It is made of rubber, cork or plastic. When you are not using the rod, it is supposed to be held upright. The butt protects the rod from elements. The butt is a permanent fixture, and it is attached to the handle. This is not one of the essential parts of a fishing rod and reel, but this part is important.
Reel Seat
Some rods are of a plain length wood or cork as a handle. They have simple rings, and the reel is attached to the handle. Other rods have aluminum or plastic reels. These reel seats are available with many different types of rods. If you prefer an open, traditional type reel, you can easily find one made from durable materials.
If you have an unadorned, plain handle, you will be able to mount your reel where you want. Molded reel seats are designed in a slightly different way. While tightens a screw ring, another is slipped into a socket.
Hook Keeper
This is a simple ring that allows you to move the rod around freely. It prevents the line from swinging. Sometimes you will need to change positions along a riverbank or around a lake. You will have to try other places when the fish are not biting.
If you have this simple device, you do not need to disassemble your rod and tackle. The hook can be easily attached to the reel. You do not need to worry about the hook being snagged. This is one of the simplest yet useful parts of a fishing rod and reel.
Eyes
Also known as guides, eyes are used to thread the line. The rod length determines the spacing, number and size. They are mostly made of bass. They are protected from elements by chrome or nickel. If you choose an expensive eye, you will probably get it with a ceramic ring.
The ring has enough strength, and it makes it easier for you to move the line. The process of casting and reeling in becomes smooth.
Ferrules
Ferrules are plastic or metal joints and they are used to keep the sections of the rod in place. Ferrules are delicate, and to put it frankly, easy to damage. To make sure they are not bent or squashed, you have to be careful when handling them. Ferrules are very useful, because they make it possible to assemble the rod.
They are fused or cemented on the blank, and incorporated into the sections. They come with male and female joints, which are pushed together. The joints are tight, but they are easy to take apart.
Parts of a Fishing Reel
Spinning reels are popular with anglers who use smaller lures and lighter lines. These reels are also called
open-face reels. Spinning reels have a fixed spool and come in many different gearing ratios and sizes. Novice anglers are often advised to use spinning reels, because they prevent backlashes. Here are some parts of a fishing reel:
Handle
The handle of a spinning reel is on the side of the reel. This allows you to use either your left or right hand to operate the reel. When you are hooking a fish, to retrieve the line you have to rotate the handle. This is one of the most important parts of a fishing rod and reel.
Body
The body of a fishing reel has a support arm, a gear box and a foot. The body is made of aluminum, graphite or plastic. It is good to mention here that plastic bodies are cheap but they are not reliable. Aluminum bodies are strong. You can consider graphite bodies because they are pretty durable.
Gear Box
The gear box is located inside the body, and it connects the spindle and the handle. It amplifies spindle rotations. 3:1 is a common ratio for the gear. That means, the spindle will rotate three times if you rotate the gear one time.
This gearbox is one of the most important parts of a fishing rod and reel. To understand gear ratio, you must have a fairly good understanding of this gear box.
Spool
Spools are made of graphite or anodized aluminum, and they are used to hold the fishing line. The line is wrapped around the axis and secured to the spool. The gears rotate the spool on the spindle. During the cast, the line rotates freely. This is one of the most important parts of a fishing rod and reel.
Bail
It is a semi-circular part of wire attached to a hinged joint. To release the line, it is flipped forward. To retrieve the line you have to rotate the handle. The bail goes to its stating position automatically. A bucket wrap is attached to the bail. As it turns, it moves with the spindle.
Drag Adjustment Knob
A set of washers is known as the drag system. With this system, the spool is held to the shaft. The spool has an adjustment knob, and this knob is used to control the amount of friction. This knob is an important part of the set.
These are the basic parts of a fishing rod and reel. Depending on the brand and design, the number of parts can be fewer or more.
Maintenance of Fishing Rod and Reel
To make sure your fishing rods and reels perform properly, you have to take care of them. To some extent, their durability depends on their maintenance. You can take care of them in many ways. Now we are going to show you a few ways. Fishing rods need proper care and maintenance, simply because they are very important components.
Storing Fishing Rods
Proper storage of fishing rods is of utmost importance. Find a clean, dry area and store them straight. There are racks specially designed for this purpose. You can store them horizontally or vertically. If you keep them vertically, make sure all of them are placed vertically.
Cleaning Fishing Rods
The durability of fishing rods to some extent depends on how you clean them. It may sound a bit intimidating, but the effort is worth it. After each use, make sure you wash the rods. Use a cloth or brush to wash the rods carefully. You can visit a tackle shop to buy epoxy rod finishes.
Use only recommended lures and weights. For most rods, you will find the recommendations listed on the handle. A rod should not be used for hooking off a snag or pushing a lure. If you do it, you may be left with a cracked or broken rod.
Maintenance of Your Reels
Reels have many working parts and that’s why they need special care. Consider the pound-test range when using line. To prevent the rack from getting jerky or sticky, back it off after fishing. Make it a habit, because it will lengthen the durability of your reels.
After use, make sure you wash each reel. Use warm water to wash your reels. Use a moisturizing agent when the reels are dry. CRC and WD-40 are two effective moisturizing agents.
Conclusion
As an angler, you should have knowledge about the parts of a fishing rod and reel. This knowledge will help you get the best out of them and take care of them. We hope you have found this post helpful, and you will apply the knowledge.
As always, good luck and happy fishing!
