Choosing the Perfect Sea Fishing Rods: 5 Essential Tips

It can difficult to make the leap from fresh water to sea fishing. Finding the right sea fishing rod for the job can certainly seem like an added complication.

Don't worry, help is at hand. Bear the following simple points in mind and you'll be enjoying sea fishing success in no time!

These are my 5 valuable tips for choosing the best sea fishing rods:

1. Location, location, location

Will you be fishing primarily from the beach, or mainly from a boat in the deep sea?

It's important to be clear on this when researching. Where you'll be fishing will determine the fish you'll be fishing for and thus the type of rod you'll require.

One thing for sure is that you'll need a heavier, stronger rod for sea fishing, because the fish are naturally heavier, larger and stronger than freshwater fish.

Fishing for, say, sea bass or marlin, requires a stronger rod that can land heavier fish, whereas you could get away with a lighter rod for fish like grouper, flounder or snapper.

2. What should the rod be made of?

Sea fishing rods are usually made out of either fiberglass or graphite.

Both these materials are resistant to the damaging effects of sea water. They are also durable and easy to handle.

Graphite isn't very flexible but it is strong and relatively light.

You've maybe fished with graphite rods before, but those made for sea fishing are longer, wider and denser.

Fiberglass is also an effective material for sea fishing rods. It allows for longer fishing time and greater flexibility.

The only compromise with fiberglass rods is that they generally don't last as long as graphite. For me, that's an acceptable compromise. My personal favorites are fiberglass rods.

3. What tackle do you intend to use?

No type of fishing rod is worth a dime without tackle, and sea fishing rods are no exception. Certain rods work well with certain kinds of tackle, and certain types of tackle work well with certain kinds of fishing rods.

What tackle you use is decided very much by the locations you'll be fishing in and consequently the types of fish you'll be catching.

4. Take account of the fishing techniques you'll be using.

Different fishing techniques are required in different fish habitats for catching different fish. Deep drop? Shallow drop? Bottom techniques?

Think carefully about the techniques you'll likely be using before buying your rod.

5. Be informed.

For the beginner, the sheer range of available sea fishing rods can be simply mind-blowing! There are a huge number of brands to consider, as well as the different materials, related tackle and accessories.

My advice: don't skimp on your research.

Take advantage of some of the well-stocked fishing tackle e-commerce stores to help get a feel for what's out there. You'll soon find out what's available within your budget range.

Buy magazines and read the advice and reviews. I spotted 4 magazines dedicated to sea fishing in my local store alone yesterday.

And, if you have the chance, talk to experienced fishermen (or women). You'll receive no better advice than from people who are experts with sea fishing rods.

Follow my pointers above to make a good, informed choice.

Happy fishing!