Choosing the Perfect Sea Fishing Rods - 5 Essential Tips

Shopping for sea fishing rods can seem daunting if you have little experience with sea fishing, or have only previously fished in fresh water.

Follow my simple pointers below and you'll be on your way to catching bigger sea fish with the least effort.

Here are 5 essential things to consider while researching to buy sea fishing rods:

1. Think about where you're going to be fishing.

Will you be mostly fishing from the ocean shore? Will you primarily be deep sea fishing?

Think about this carefully. Your fishing destination determines the types of fish you intend to catch and the techniques you'll use.

If you've only fished in freshwater before now, you'll certainly need a stronger rod for fishing in the sea. Sea fish such as marlin and shark are stronger than fish that live in rivers, lakes, or even estuaries.

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. Consider the material your new rod will be made from.

Graphite or fibreglass are generally good choices for sea fishing rods.

Both materials are strong and light. They aren't affected by the salt in sea water and so resist corrosion, rust, brittleness.

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

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

An alternative material is fiberglass. Fiberglass sea fishing rods are much more flexible than graphite which makes it easier to fight stronger fish for a longer period of time without getting tired.

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

3. Consider the tackle you're going to use with your rod.

No type of fishing rod is worth a dime without tackle, and saltwater 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.

The tackle you require will be greatly determined by where you're fishing, what fish you'll be catching and what techniques you'll be using.

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. Do your research.

The vast array of styles, brands, materials and accessories available is staggering.

My advice: don't skimp on your research.

Use the internet to browse the available range. Check out online fishing stores to find out what you can get for your budget.

Buy magazines and read the advice and reviews. I spotted 4 magazines dedicated to saltwater 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.

Take your time to fully research your options before you buy, with my simple pointers in mind.

Good luck researching and buying sea fishing rods!

Find out more about why quality sea fishing rods are the most vital piece of equipment in your sea fishing arsenal on Lori Rocha's Sea Fishing Rods blog.