What kind of fishing rod is suitable for fishing in lakes and reservoirs, or in open water? It is common to see anglers using 8-meter or 9-meter long rods in lakes and reservoirs. However, casting and reeling with a long rod for extended periods can be very tiring. Does a long rod really have an advantage over a short rod? Not necessarily. The choice of fishing rod also needs to meet the requirements of fishing in lakes and reservoirs. In this article, we will share with anglers whether to use a long rod or a short rod.

Choose fishing rods based on the season

Let's first talk about the seasons. In spring, fishing in shallow waters, a short rod of 4.5 meters is sufficient. As the weather warms up in spring, fish hiding in deep water will return to shallow areas in search of food. In summer, fishing far requires longer rods of 5.4 meters or more, as fish often hide in deep water to avoid heat. In autumn and winter, rods longer than 4.5 meters are needed, as fish will also hide in deep water when the weather is cold. When it warms up, you can choose the rod length based on the temperature. Different seasons require different choices of fishing rods. For example, in stepped terrain with significant water depth differences, it is reasonable to choose a short rod for fishing. If the water depth is appropriate, you can fish near the shore where there is floating grass. As long as the rod length avoids interference, there are often fish hiding near the floating grass. You can also fish near the floating grass with a longer rod, and you may have unexpected catches. In backwaters with suitable water depth, you can try slightly longer fishing rods, but they shouldn't be too long or heavy.

Choose rod length based on water depth

In different regions, the depth of lakes and reservoirs varies. When the water depth reaches 3 meters, the rod length needed should be over 5.4 meters. When the water depth exceeds 4 meters, a rod length of 6.3 meters is required. Choosing the length of the fishing rod based on different water depths is important. Long rods for deep water also have requirements for the line setup and rod hardness. It is essential to choose the appropriate softness and hardness of the fishing rod. Using too thin a fishing line with a long rod can lead to line breakage when catching fish. A reasonable choice of line setup and the softness or hardness of the rod is necessary to catch big fish.

Choose fishing rods based on the terrain of the lake or reservoir

In natural water bodies, the environment is often complex, with gentle slopes, steep slopes, points, backwaters, flowing mouths, and stepped terrains. These are common terrains that present differently in the water. When choosing different terrains, it is necessary to use different rod lengths reasonably to avoid fish schools. For example, in flat terrains, you can also use fishing platforms to reach the desired fishing distance. Flat terrains can also be explored to find fish schools. The water level will rise and fall in different seasons, which affects fish foraging.

Summary of rod selection

In natural water bodies, the hiding places of fish are closely related to water depth and terrain. It is not true that a longer rod will always catch more fish. Only by continuously adapting during fishing and understanding fish behavior can you make reasonable choices regarding fishing rods, seasons, and water depths. These are crucial factors. As long as you assess the fish behavior and terrain well, the choice of fishing rod is flexible and for reference only. For leisure fishing, do not use overly heavy rods to avoid injury.