How long should a saltwater/freshwater fishing rod be?
Posted on Sep 29, 2010 under Freshwater Fishing | 5 CommentsI want to get a fishing rod for my 13 year old that he can use in saltwater and freshwater. I am pretty sure on what rod and reel but if you have any suggestions then be my guest. My son is 5 ft tall and my budget is $220. Also I would like if it would last a while.
September 29th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
8 feet. 220 is a lot for just a fishing rod. i seen some at sports authority and theyre like below a hundred dollars.
September 29th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Look for a large spool Garcia reel or a spinning reel that is on sale where you pay for the reel and they sell the rod for 1 cent. That’s how I got mine. The rod needs to be at least 6 ft long, 6.6 is better. And you will be way under your budget
September 29th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
For a 13 year old the best length would be 6ft. This would be the best because well, he is only 13 and also with a 6ft. rod it is much more accurate when casting especially when trying to get into tight spots when fishing in a lake or river. $220 is a bit pricey when looking for a good rod fr a 13 year old. My brother bought his 14 year old son a $40 rod from walmart a couple years back when we went down south and he is 16 now and he still uses it. It was actually a pretty good rod too because i remember my nephew catching a 2ft black tip shark which weighed about 15 lbs. The most important thing is taking care of it. The BIGGEST thing when saltwater fishing is thoroughly rinsing the rod and reel after use because the saltwater will deteriorate the line and rust the rod very fast if left. Also, i’ve had many rods which i had to throw out before their time because of just letting them lay in the garage anywhere or in the yard. buy a $40 rod and reel and take care of it.
September 29th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
7 feet long if you are going to try to use it for both fresh and salt. ONE PIECE.
medium to medium heavy action rated somewhere in the vicinity of 8 or 10 to 20 pound line. medium to fast tip.
spend the most your budget can handle on a good spinning outfit. one of the better PENN reels would be a good investment. keep it (and the rod) clean and it will last a long time.
graphite is the most popular material used nowadays on the rods. aluminum will hold up best for the reel.
DO NOT get one made with any magnesium. that stuff and saltwater absolutely do not mix.
go to bass pro shop and check out some of their better combos.
good fishin’.
September 30th, 2010 at 12:14 am
Which one? Because you can’t have both… sorry.
Salt water fishing rods should be around 6-7 foot and they need to be very heavy…. which is going to be a pain in the rear for fresh water fishing.
Also what is he going to be fishing for?
Don’t buy him a $220 fishing rod right off the bat. Plus no one has just ONE rod you need several for different types of fish, different types of lures and bait, and different types of water. There is really no such thing as a good saltwater/freshwater fishing rod because they both require different types of poles.
If he’s going for blue gill and crappie I reccomend a 5’6” pole with a light to medium light action.
If he’s going for bass/walleye/nothern then I reccomend a 5’6”-6’6” pole from anything to a light to heavy action (which ever he personally prefers most go with medium heavy)
Also salt water rods are different from most freshwater rods as they have different reels. This is why you can’t buy one rod that works for both.
I don’t reccomend spending more than $50-$75 bucks a pole and get a variety not just one. If he treats them right they will last a long time. Ugly sticks are great in my oppinion and have been better than most exspensive poles I have ever owned.
-Connor