How to Set up a Fishing Rod

Catching a fish fills you with a thrill that is second to none.

That is why fishing remains a favorite outdoor activity for many people.

There are fascinating rods available, and if you are new to fishing, you will be amazed by the comfort that a modern fishing rod can offer.

Knowing how to set up a fishing rod is a great skill that will enable you to take advantage of fish-filled water whenever you can.

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How do You Set Up a Basic Fishing Rod?

One of the factors that make fishing such an engaging activity is the fact that you can make it a very complex sport or stick to it being a simple hobby.

Depending on how you want to approach fishing, you can make it exactly what you want.

However, regardless of how intense you want to dive into fishing, it is always worth your while to learn how to set up a fishing rod.

There are some basic skills and techniques that will ensure that your rod is ready for use and that you can lure fish effectively.

Here are the steps you can follow to assemble your fishing rod and fishing reel.

  • The first step to mastering the setup of a fishing rod is identifying the different parts of your preferred fishing pole. By knowing and understanding your rod and reel parts, you avoid the risk of damaging them when you assemble them. Rods with two or more components have joints called ferrules, where the sections can be fitted together. You will be able to slide the male ferrule into the female ferrule to secure the two parts.
  • Your rod’s handle is known as a grip because it offers you some grip space to hold onto your rod. Your rod will have a thick part that is close to the handle. That is called the butt. At the very top of your rod, you’ll find the tip, and it is the most flexible part of the rod. Along your rod, you will notice rings. They are called guides and their purpose is to guide your fishing line.
  • Start to assemble your rod by placing the male ferrules into the female ones. If you feel that there is some resistance, don’t force it. Instead, check whether you have the correct parts. Also, check whether any mechanisms are preventing the joining of the two pieces. Some rods have been designed with unique locking mechanisms that can easily be damaged if you force them.
  • Start to attach your reel. If you look at the bottom end of your fishing rod, you will notice an opening on your reel, known as the reel seat. You can attach your reel by putting the reel seat over the reel’s butt end. You will notice that it threads onto your fishing reel. End this step by rotating until everything feels secure.
  • The next step will be to thread your pole. You will find a silver overhead section on your reel, which is called the bail arm. You will need to lift it to pull the thread and start to thread your fishing rod. It is easy to raise the bail arm by applying just a little bit of pressure to it. However, if you need to use a lot of pressure to lift your bail arm, take a step back and make sure that you have the right piece of equipment and that nothing is preventing it from lifting.
  • Now just continue to thread your line through the lines on your fishing rod. You must start with the guide closest to your rod and end with the one on your rod’s tip.
  • Next, you can close your bail arm by flipping it back down. If you aren’t sure if your bail arm is closed, you can tug on the line, and if it has been closed, the line shouldn’t come out.

Now you have completed all the steps needed to set up your fishing rod.

However, before you grab your tackle box and head for the water, there are a few more things you need before your fishing rod is ready.

Where do You Put Weight on a Fishing Rod?

The size of your weight will depend on what type of fish you plan to catch.

If you plan to catch larger fish, you will need enough weight to make your hook sink low enough for those larger fish to see.

However, regardless of the size of your weight, it has been suggested by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service that you should place your weights at least 6 but not exceeding 12 inches from your fish hook.

How do You Set Up a Hook and Sinker?

When it comes to successful fishing, your hook is your most important piece of equipment.

This is good news since it is also the most affordable and straightforward equipment piece on your fishing rod.

Several kinds of hooks differ in size and materials.

There are also special hooks to be used with artificial lures.

You can use common bait rigs to make your hooks look very appetizing for fish.

If you are asking which hooks are the best, it would largely depend on the kind of fish you plan to catch.

Your sinker is essential to balance your hook and make it easy for fish to see.

Your sinker should be suitable for your hook, so it is a good idea to purchase them together.

Additionally, fishing kits usually come with a slip sinker that can match your chosen hook.

You can also talk to your local fishing supply store about appropriate sinkers for your preferred hooks.

So how do you set up your hook and sinker? To do this properly, you need to master a basic fishing knot.

You will also need a few swivels.

They are fishing devices that make it much easier to attach your hook, sinker, and bobber.

A swivel has two rings that connect to a point that pivots.

A few kinds of swivels are available, including a snap swivel, a three-way swivel, a barrel swivel, and a regular swivel.

Most anglers find that a regular swivel is sufficient to attach all the parts needed to reel in fish.

Usually, your sinker will be placed between you and the line, so run the sinker up the end of your fishing line until you are happy with its position.

Then proceed to tie it into place using a solid knot.

You can use an improved clinch knot to do this, or if you don’t know how to make an improved clinch knot, you can make any of the common fishing knots that you know are strong.

Next, you can run your hook through the line and secure it with a strong knot. Finally, cut off any loose ends.

How to Set Up a Fishing Pole with a Bobber

If you plan on using a bobber, you will need to place your sinker between your bobber and your hook.

On average, your bobber is between 6 and 12 inches from your hook.

Bobbers bring two advantages to your fishing. Firstly, a bobber can keep the bait from laying on the bottom, and, secondly, they can let you know when fish are biting.

Setting up your bobber will be the same process as your sinker and hook, except you will place it first, followed by the sinker, and lastly, your hook.

A three-way fishing rig is a great and convenient way to attach all parts without dealing with tangled lines.

These days you can find bobbers in all shapes and sizes.

The most common bobber is a circle bobber since they are very affordable and easy to see in the water.

However, many people love using a cork bobber since you can get a great experience from a cork float.

How to Set Up a Lure on a Fishing Line

The last part you need to do before you head over to catch your first fish is to set up a lure.

First, of course, you need something that will attract fish to your line.

Setting up your lure is very important to avoid a situation where you get a great bite, but the fish gets away.

You will see a considerable lure selection at your local fishing supply store, and the lure style you need will depend on the lure type and the type of bait you plan to use.

If you are in doubt, ask the staff at your fishing supply store about the best lure for your rod.

If you are doing some unique style fishing, like ice fishing, discuss it with the staff.

Should you already have a rod for lake fishing, you can ask about the best lure to suit your rod.

Here are the steps you need to take to set up a lure on your fishing line.

  • Start by threading the fishing line through the lure you have chosen. When you are done threading it through, you should leave at last 20 centimeters of line so that you can secure it properly.
  • Now you can wind your fishing line back and wrap the line around your lure. You can stop once you have wrapped the line five times around your lure.
  • You will notice a piece of line, and you can tuck that through. Then pull it back so that it runs towards your lure. Next, loop it through the big loop and tuck it within the line itself. This will cause it to be underneath your fishing line so it won’t pull loose when a fish bites.
  • You can end this process by fastening the knot. To do this easily, you will need to hold both the line and the end of your fishing line. Once it has tightened and is secured, you can cut off any loose and excess ends. These days monofilament fishing lines are the most common because they are affordable and strong. They are also easy to tie.

Conclusion

Now that you have finished your fishing pole setup, you are ready to take your first fishing adventure.

It is advised that beginner anglers join angler groups to find out where the great spots are for fishing.

They should also practice their preferred knot in fishing so that it becomes easy and enjoyable.

Before you know it, you will be winding up your spinning reel and reeling in some great catches of the day.