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FISHING ROD ANATOMY
Fishing Rod Components
Knowing the different components that make up the fishing rod will help you feel more confident in rod selection and use. Below are the basic parts of the rod and a brief description of each.
The Rod Blank is the most important and versatile component. It can be made from several different materials (or a combination of) and available in numerous lengths, colors, powers, and actions.
The Grip, or handle, is the part your hand(s) clutches to as you cast, reel, and fight that trophy catfish. Grips are available in various sizes, lengths, and materials. Normally, there is a butt cap installed behind the rear grip.
The Reel Seat is the component that the fishing reel attaches to. Normally, there are 2 slots or hoods that the reel foot fits securely under.
Next, the Hook Keeper is usually a small wire loop that the bait hook can attach to when the rod is not being fished.
The Guides are the eyes the line passes through from the reel to the tip of the rod. The number of guides on a fishing rod is mainly determined by the length of the rod. The guide that is on the tip of the rod is known as the “Tip Top”. Normally, the diameter of each guide becomes progressively smaller from the reel seat to the tip.
Rod Action
Fishing rods fall into different "Action" catagories established by where the rod bends when stressed. Fast Action rods bend closer to the tip and are stiffer toward the butt. Medium Action rods bend somewhere in the middle of the blank, whereas, Slow Action rods bend closer to the butt so that the entire rod blank bends
Rod Power
The amount of force required to bend the blank is known as the rod's "Power". The line size and the weight of the lure/bait should be matched to the rod's power in order to make skillful casts. A number of rod manufacturers supply this information on the rod itself.
