Magic Sticks: What Makes a Fishing Rod that will FISH! 

Thanks, Pete. Here's to hoping the YT platform can support such labor intensive videos.

Hey, Brian. Unfortunately logic can take a long time/experience to take hold in my brain. As a primarily DIY kinda guy, I tend to have a lot of sorting out to do. Still at it too. :) All the best, Paul

Hi, Luke. Thanks. Great to hear. It’ll be some time yet before I get through bass, at my current rate of production. I’d like to do stream trout next. I doubt I’ll live long enough to cover the rest! :)) All the best, Paul

That's how it works. See an empty slot in the tackle box? Gotta fill it. Full box? Time for a new box. Got empty slots! ...

Hi, Charlie. LOL. Me too! I've actually been building two this winter. Cheers, Paul

Hi, Mr E. Great to hear. Yes, I have ideas about rods. Building some this winter too, as I further home in on an idea. Paul

Hi, Dennis. Gee, thanks. :) You've made my evening. Paul

Subs? I'm guessing it's a few things: The most popular fishing channels are lifestyle/entertainment vlogs. I'm not wanting to put my time into that, although if I can earn the time I'd like to do some "behind the scenes" pieces too. The pure fishing info channels tend to be focused on tackle and lures. My focus is on the fish and waters, aquatic ecology: physiology, behavior, limnology, etc. And how this affects, even controls, our fishing. More "why" those tackle and lures work, or don't, rather than just what and how. It seems that most fisherman appear to understand water and fish in terms of tackle and lures. This makes sense bc that's how we make contact with those fish. And tackle talk dominates the forums and videos on fishing. More rarely do people spend their "fishing talk time" on the fish and aquatic systems, and the science that's been applied to figure out how it works. This is not surprising since much of it requires a lot of background. The articles produced read like lawyer-ese full of jargon, each "term" actually representing nested bodies of work in themselves. Most people simply do not have the time to wade in. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my tackle too. I've worked in the industry, and knowing what and how to use tackle, how to be a versatile angler, is a big part of the path to catching fish more consistently. I'll certainly be hitting some of these topics too. But since there's a lot of good tackle info out there, I won't be redundant there. I'm more interested in how and why things work, whereas most anglers don't often care why as long as it does. I am assuming that anglers would be interested, if they had a clearer path to that kind of info. As an example, I'm working on a piece on the nitty gritty of presentation, but from the fish's side of the fence. When I do something on tackle, like this piece on rods, I'm going to be focused on the nuts and bolts of why things work, or don't. I'm a why kinda guy. It's a gift/curse that was bestowed on me by my very first fish at age five. I'm hopelessly hooked, and I have and will work VERY hard to quench that need to know "what the heck is really going on down there!" Through my writing, and lately through YT, I've been giving it my best shot at explaining how and why things work the way they do out there. So... I don't know how well I'll be received on YT. Again, I'm hoping/expecting that most fisherman would like to know more about how nature works, what underlies "the stuff that works". If not, I'll find some other way. I may slip more over into other critters, which will simply have a much larger audience. Been working on this type of stuff for a very long time. Once, while being interviewed for a research position, I was asked by the PI why I was interested in science and understanding nature. I replied, "Because I want to see the face of God." That may sound like hubris, and I understand more and more that it is, but its driven by honest passion. Thanks for the encouraging comments. Glad to have you along. Hopefully it'll be an interesting and inspiring ride.

I was told as a young weefisherboy, lures catch anglers & patterns catch fish. Keep doing the work you are doing, it is good. I for one will follow.

Yes, exactly. Although, lures are part of any pattern. (Thank goodness! :) ) There are patterns out there. It's not all random. But I realized long ago that "chuck-n-wind" tended to give random results. I couldn't abide that. :)

The Nature of Fishing I’m amazed you don’t have more subs as well. This is easily one of my favorite channels, it’s exactly what I always wanted but rarely find. Happy to hear you’ll be doing a video on line soon. I’ve been switching back and forth a lot lately seeing what I like (just like rods!)

Thanks, sporkcrx. I've been dying to do a piece on line. It really is the most important link. I did the rod one first bc I built two this winter: My finesse stuff really needed an upgrade. Funny, or sad, in that I started out bass fishing as a finesse guy -following Charlie Brewer back then. I wont be able to get to it right away though; Other stuff already on deck. And, I am still prioritizing my documentaries. I should get to it sometime this spring though. Oh... and I wont be recommending any particular brands, but what I provide should help you when you go to choose. And, you can always fire out questions, either as a comment or at thenatureoffishing@gmail.com.

Thanks, Jim. That's what I was hoping to hear. It can be a confusing topic; Rods are not "simple levers". And, oh we love them so! :) Which can lead to strong opinions. Hope this helps clarify the topic some.

Thanks, Michael!

Thanks, Ed. Sometimes... you've just got to do things yourself. :) Paul

Hi, John. Thanks. Lots to learn. It's a real, wide, world out there. More to come. Just dying to get to it. Work is presently in the way. Cheers, Paul

Hi, spidey. Thanks! That's my challenge, informative and well explained. The first is the easy part. Cheers, Paul.

Hi, LM L. You bet! Thanks.

Hi, Ben. Thanks! Yes, I'm into content. :) All the content I've always wanted to have. Sometimes you just have to do stuff yourself. :) I make the graphics myself, using various free programs: Google Drawings, Pixler, Gimp, and Unity. In fact, I wear all the hats here, and long ago blew my budget. Working to rectify that. Wish me luck. Cheers, Paul

Hey, Ken. :)) Super! I bow and offer a big sweep of my arm to another Why-kinda-guy". No better question, if you want to get to the heart of things. Hey, we've been asking that biggest of questions since we were two yrs old! Time we got some answers. :) Yeah, I've had that effect on a number of couples over the years. "You going fishing again?!" "Yeah, Paul says we can't miss this one!" Luckily only one divorce happened in all that time. And, turns out the fishing wasn't the issue. Phew! So, where do you live? There are few places with no bass. I'm in CO, trout country, but we still have some bass waters. Good luck in your search. My wife is starting to look ahead to retirement, and is considering bass in her search; Bless her! Cheers, Paul

Thanks TOBer. There is so much I had t leave out. Another video sometime. What I'm really keen on is detection sensitivity. I guess it fits my overall theme of, "wanting to know what the heck is going on down there." I'll eventually be putting something out on detection alone. And something on fishing line -which is THE most important part of our tackle. And a piece on presentation is already in the works.

Thanks, KB.

Thanks, Wil.

Hi, Pete. Thanks. Yes, long ago I got tired of being confused with such seemingly complex things as fishing rods, and fishing lines, and... other important stuff. :) Hope you and those bream are getting on. Cheers, Paul.

Hey, BN. Thanks for that. I've had a big spike since Feb. I'm wondering if the YT Search & Discovery unit may have bumped me up. TNF would certainly meet their criteria. Regardless, I am getting viewed some now. It's time to put another push on, and get some more of my content out; My to-do list is a mighty long one. Currently, working on VFJ19, then finishing up the next doc. Thanks, again, BN. Cheers, Paul

@@thenatureoffishing7591 anytime man. I haven't got everything together to start putting out any content, which sucks because I'm in northern Alabama and it's starting to pick up alot lol. That said, i know how tricky it can be early on, which even with your library and time your still really starting, and i mean that in I think this is about to become really big. The only thing that may help would be to include some smaller vids to keep posting consistency up, since it simply seems that's what they want from their creators, more regular posts, more views, more ads watched. I would never attempt to throw out anything and forsake the quality work your putting out though. They seem to kinda leave creators in the dark on some of that trending info among all the info they do provide. I know the descriptors play a big factor as well, hence all the channels with vids you see with a hundred key words in the description lol. I really do think it's great work though. Here our alligator gar are just now losing their bad rap from early public access vids that didn't have the information we can gather now. The tech to track is small enough it doesn't affect the fish hunting or living in general like it would have say in the 80's. The info on the rod sensitivity and vibrations are spot on, from crappie fishing you learn usually to watch your line, because the vibration has to go through it first before it can reach the finger on the blank. It's plenty of stuff that after fishing for awhile we all take for granted knowledge, but your doing good at informing like your speaking to someone that has never even touched a Paw Patrol rod lol, without coming off as pretentious.

@@thenatureoffishing7591 lol and just to be sure, I'm not criticizing your vids lengths at all, if anything I'd want them even longer lol. I was just saying if you can somehow find simpler vids over that ten minute mark or even perhaps the live stream q and a sessions I'm sure many of your subs would love. I doubt product review and recommendations would fit well with what your attempting to do, plus trust me when i say people become stronger convicted to brands in fishing than anyone has achieved in religion i believe lol. If i come up with any ideas that might be easier to produce in between these in depth vids I'll post them to you. Just making sure you know to keep doing what your doing because it is great.

Oh, no worries there. You are coming across just fine. And I appreciate the suggestion. I understand what your saying and agree that I need to work in some shorts. I do have a long list of topics that can be handled in a short time frame. However, the editing time I have available to me is being spent on bigger topics; One's I'm hoping will establish TNF as offering something beyond the usual YT fishing channel. I like the Q&A idea as well. That would be fun. Things will develop as I go. Appreciate it, BN.

@@thenatureoffishing7591 anytime man, looking forward to it all and trust me, no matter what we tend to place above it time really is always our most valuable commodity lol.

Thanks, Carlos. Yes, agree100% There is energy traveling up the rod, from the line. That is what we are feeling. Yes, rod descriptions are often... not terribly helpful. It's equally bad with line, and with lures... descriptions can often read like snake oil remedies lol. I think the soft "sensitive" tip thing means that it will move if a fish pulls on the line. But as you state, this can absorb some of that energy before it gets down to your hand. So, a soft tip moving may mostly be a visual thing. I used to catch tiny fish on tiny hooks by laying an UL rod down on a dock or pier with only a bout 6 inches of the tip hanging over the water, and watch that tip. It quivers and I pick up. Presto! A 3inch long fish of many species, some I would never have got to see otherwise! Another reason soft tips could be called "sensitive" is bc they load easily so can cast very light lures. But this has little to do with detection sensitivity. Thanks for the comment. Just great to talk fishing with someone who thinks about such things. :)

Thanks, Mark. Fun comment.

Thanks, Brian. Hmmm... there are so many good choices out there. Every company has really good stuff now. Your budget factors in too. I would suggest though that I'd rather have a couple good rods than a bunch of so-so ones. You are pretty safe at or above the $50 price range, that seems to be roughly the cutoff. With longer rods, approaching 7ft, $80 is probably a better cutoff. That said, I know some guys who really like the Berkley Shock rods at about $40. I haven't used one but do have a lot of respect for both those anglers who recommended, and Berkley as a company. What would be most important, first, is choosing the right power and action for the type of fishing you will be doing. Guess I should put together a quick (if that's even possible) video on rod categories. In the meantime, I'd suggest getting on a discussion board, like BassResource, and ask. You'll get a ton of recommendations. And then doing some shopping around for prices. Even better if you have a good tackle shop near you, so you can see for yourself how different rods feel. Compare the $20 rods with the $150 rods, and you'll get the picture. Rest assured that there a LOT of good rods in between those prices. Hope this helps.

Hey, Raffael. The real world has a way of adding stuff to our lot. :))

Hi, cc. The main purpose is funnel the line spewing from the reel allowing it to flow smoothly for the cast. The second purpose is to distribute the force when the rod is loaded. An ideal "guide train" keeps up with the "harmonics" the rod blank undergoes during the cast. Hope this helps. Best, Paul

Sounds pretty much like my rigs too. My rods are on the shorter side too, in part bc I've always done a fair amount of fishing fro the shoreline. Most are 6, 6-6, or 7, UL through MH/H. My bass aren't terribly big here either. I start the season with UL, L, M rigs and as vegetation grows I go to MH stuff. And yeah, I still have my old pistol grip 5-1/2ft Skyline. Still love that rod. Versatility and familiarity count for a lot.

Hi i, softening the blank is generally used to cast lighter lures, add casting accuracy, and protect small hook gaps from tearing out of fish. Trouble is, such ratings can vary a lot across manufacturers. One companies Mod-F could be another's F. Often best to hold the rod in your hands to know. Even better to fish with it. Paul

HI, Emanuel. A bit like that around here too. :) Cheers, Paul

Hi, ij. I use them all. It's seasonal. In summer, when cover is dense, it's mostly MH. Right now as we slide into winter, it's L and M. But, depending on cover, water clarity, I can be relying on H, or UL. I've been doing this awhile so I've acquired those options over the...decades. If I had to choose one power it would depend on what my waters ask for most. If it were smallmouths in more open water, it would be a M power. If largemouths in cover it would be a MH. Action? I am leaning more and more toward more moderate actions, with appropriate power. A few of my long-time favs, have such actions. Hope this helps. Cheers, Paul

@@thenatureoffishing7591 thanks your information in this vid is very good learned alot

@@instantjizz One more thing... Rod choices are mostly based on line strengths I'll be needing. I gear up every fishing day starting with the line(s) I'll be needing. Then I choose the rods. Then the reels. Literally in that order. If you haven't already, see my line videos, 1-3. There are three, and could be more!, bc line is SO important.

@@thenatureoffishing7591 i will check thos out thank you.

Hey manifestgtr. Yes. Talking about them ends up breaking into engineering and mathematics. Knowing some of the parameters can save us some headaches out there: Why am I missing strikes? Why am I missing hooksets?Why am I losing fish? ... Why am I not catching fish like my buddy is?? I guess it depends on how much we want answers to these questions. That said, it's easy to go overboard, with all the choices and talk out there nowadays. I didn't set out to learn about fishing rods. It just comes with the territory. Paul

The Nature of Fishing Yeah, absolutely. The first few times I heard about “fast” rods back in the day, I thought they were talking about lightweight, easy to cast rods or something along those lines. Like reels, all of these parameters just end up becoming part of your greater understanding. It’s vast and difficult in the beginning but as you live with it and gain an understanding of what these things actually mean on the water, they go past “specifications” and become a lot more meaningful.

Yeah. The math, the ability to abstract, that kind of stuff, can yield a better understanding. But not all of us are so inclined. Maths were not my strength. I had to come to those understandings empirically. "Specs" are not always all that helpful. I've been building some rods lately, customizing blanks, bc I too have my own ideas. Slow going, hacking chunks off of existing blanks out there. Someday, I might be able to talk some manufacturer to do that experimentation for me. Regardless, there are a lot of good fishing sticks out there, across a range of prices. Heck, I used to catch plenty of fish pre-graphite! Horrors!! :))