PICKING THE RIGHT TACKLE

   These days, there is so much talk about picking the right fishing tackle, rods, reels, lines, baits,etc., that it can be quite confusing to the novice angler! If you ever watch some of the pro fishermen, they have so much tackle that I wonder how they keep from stepping all over it! You must kept in mind that since these people are pros they probably have all their tackle given to them, for endorsements and advertising purposes, from all the big name tackle manufacters.
   For us every day anglers, things aren't always that easy for us to obtain the tackle that we would really like to have so, we must settle for less expensive rods and reels and instead of having a half dozen or more of each style rod, maybe we can only afford one or two!
   By last count I had 4 casting reels and 6 casting rods, 6 spinning reels and 7 or 8 spinning rods, 4 fly rods and boxes full of lures, hooks and miscellaneous stuff and junk! Much of my tackle has seen better days and a couple of my outfits are over 40 years old! I'm not extremely protective of my things so I don't take very good care of my stuff. The simple fact that they are good pieces of equipment has allowed me to continue to use them today!
   I haven't changed line on some of these reels for years, mainly due to the fact that there are only 3-4 outfits that I use on a regular basis. I do go over each and every outfit each spring and if I feel things need addressed, then at that time, I will do what is needed. Naturally, this is not the way to maintain your fishing tackle and I am advising you not to do what I do! You can look at the cost of tackle today as a major expense but one that will give you years of good service with the right up keep!
   I look at new tackle every day, either by visits to the area stores or on-line, and I try to plan what I'm going to buy or replace next spring. I really need some new casting equipment since this is my primary rod and reel combination that I use for my Bass fishing. I want to purchase a 7 foot casting rod that has a fast to medium action and good for lure weights up to 3/4oz. I will team this with a high speed reel that has at least 6 ball bearings and  6.3:1 retrieve.
   What I look for in new rods is #1) the feel of the rod. I don't want it to weight a ton because I might be casting this all day. #2) the recommended lure weights, which you will find on the lower end of the rod. #3) The action of the rod. A fast action rod will feel stiff through out the length of the rod with the exception of the rod tip. This will give the rod more backbone for horsing fish from cover. A medium action rod will have more of a bend from the tip into the mid portion of the rod. These will be better for crank baits fishing because of the give of the rod under the weight of a hooked fish. #4) I look at the number of guides on the rod. I actually think this may be the most important issue of all! The more the better and check to see the spacing of the guides are proportionally set down the length of the rod. Depending on a person's size should also be a key to determine the length of rod he or she will be comfortable using! A taller person will be more at ease casting a longer rod than someone with a shorter stature! The best length to start with is a 6 footer and work up from there. When a spinning rod is desired, all of the above should be taken into consideration. The average length of an all purpose spinning rod is a 6-7 foot rod. If an ultra light outfit is wanted, say to use for Bluegill and Crappie, a rod of light weight, limber body and length of 5-6 foot and a small reel with 4-6 pound test line is the way to go!
   There are many styles and makes out there and everyone has their preference. I feel if my guide lines are considered, any rod will work just fine!