How do I start fishing?

[bendopolo]

An Ugly Stick is a servicable rod but not a fine rod. The problem being the weight of the blank as it nears the tip increases. This is because the tip is solid. It causes a strange 'feel' to the rod. Just doesn't feel right to me. On that note you should still buy one. It will become your loaner rod for your friend that wants to fish. They are hard to break and thats the advantage. Fishing rods have improved so much in the last few years. You can find rods for $29.00 that would have cost a $100.00 a while ago. Two piece is OK too, but a one piece always is lighter and transmits vibrations better. Seven feet seems to be the most useful length. If you plan to shore fish you might want to go longer but not heavier. Both Bass pro and Cabelas sell 'Crappie style' 8 to 12 foot rods that are really useful reaching out over bushes and trees. Fishing is like golf in that to do it correctly you will require more than one rod for the different situations you might find yourself in. The good thing is that just a few reels can match up to ten rods for different trips. We are getting ahead of ourselves but I want the right way from the begining. My two 'go to' rigs are a 7 foot 6-15 pound test fast taper and a 7 foot 10 to 20 pound fast taper rod with two 2500 size Shimano reels. I fish the first with high quality 6 pound line and the second with the same high quality 10 pound line. Suffix, Cuda, Triline, whatever make sure you don't get cheap line because the only one you are screwing will be yourself. Learn to tie an improved clinch knot(Look it up) and go fish.
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