Choosing a Salt Water Fishing Rod texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout The fishing rod is an angler's scepter. It is the single most important piece of equipment. A good rod is essential for delivering the bait, lure or fly, manipulating the lure during the retrieve, achieving a good hookset, and fighting the fish. Different situations require different rods. Although some rods are more versatile than others, no rod can do everything properly. A well-versed angler should be proficient with several different rods. Here are some basic guidelines for choosing each. Spinning rods Spinning outfits are probably the most commonly used among South Texas bay fishermen. The reasons for this are many, although it is primarily due to the fact that spinning rigs are easily mastered and can deliver light lures in high winds. A good, all around choice for fishing the flats is a seven foot, medium action spinning rod rated for use with 10 to 16 pound test. Many times extreme shallow water requires using lighter line. For this scenario, it is best to choose a medium light model rated for 6 to 10 pound test. Some new saltwater converts are not comfortable with seven foot sticks and prefer shorter rods. Keep in mind that shorter rods usually equate to less casting distance and for all practical purposes, 6 ½  foot rods are the shortest length that should be used on open water. Conversely, don't go too long. Eight foot rods can offer great castibility, but are often awkward in a boat and can tire a caster out over the course of a full trip. Graphite is the preferred material for rod blanks because it is light, sensitive and fairly durable. Older model graphites, such as IM6, are available for modest cost, whereas modern, high-modulus rods can cost as much as you are willing to spend. Graphite/fiberglass blends can be good performing rods at reasonable cost, so long as the blend leans heavier to the graphite side (i.e.: 96% graphite). The components should be corrosion resistant (stainless steel, titanium, etc.). Guides should be oversized. Cork handles are comfortable and “classic” looking, although some fishermen prefer the durability of EVA foam, particularly on rods that are subject to rough treatment. Casting rods Casting rods, although standard issue on the Upper Texas Coast, are rarely seen on the Lower Laguna Madre. Although they have a more limited window of opportunity due to our consistently high winds, casting rods do have their place. The two scenarios where baitcast outfits have a distinct advantage are working topwaters and muscling fish from heavy cover. Topwater plugs are usually heavy and aerodynamic, allowing them to be cast into wind with relatively few problems. For this duty, a 6 !/2 to 7 foot, medium heavy rod rated for 12 to 16 pound test is about right. A shorter, stiffer rod will illicit a response from the plug, even on a long line. This allows the fishermen to effectively work a plug without becoming fatigued. This same rod works well for pulling fish out of heavy cover, such as jetty rocks, docks or bridge pilings. However, lighter jigs and spoons do not work well with sticks of these specifications. If you are looking for an all-purpose casting, or “popping”, rod, choose a seven footer with a medium-light action, rated for 8 to 12 pound test. Surf rods There are two types of rods used for surf and jetty action. Most people associate long-heavy spinning rods with surf fishing. For fishing natural baits, or making long casts, these are the best choice. These rods range from 8 to 12 feet long and are generally either medium or medium heavy in action. Don't choose a rod that is longer than you can comfortably cast. An 8, 9 or 10 foot model is usually a good choice. For bottom fishing, it is usually necessary to choose a medium-heavy action suited for 15 to 25 pound test line. This stout tackle is necessary to deliver the two to four ounces of lead used to hold the bait down. When fishing for jack crevalle, sharks or bull reds, it is also necessary to fight the fish. However, for the standard bottom-dwelling fare of whiting and sand trout, it is a bit much. When the currents are light, try fishing for these smaller fish with standard bay tackle. The other group working the beachfront and jetties is comprised of plug fishermen looking for specks, reds, snook, tarpon or jacks. While casting spoons or Mirrolures for speckled trout in the surf, use the standard seven foot medium or medium light spinning or casting rod used by bay fishermen. However, fishing from the jetties for snook, tarpon, jacks or big mangrove snapper requires a bit heavier rod. For this purpose, a 6 1/2 to 7 foot, medium-heavy casting or spinning rod that is rated for 12 to 20 pound line is a better choice. Fly rods Several different weights of fly rods have applications in our bay and beachfront waters. A couple of things are consistent when choosing a fly rod for use in South Texas saltwater. First, use a rod that is either 8' 6” or 9 feet long. Since our water is wide open, there is no advantage to the shorter rods, although some anglers are just more comfortable casting them. Secondly, the rod needs some backbone. Due to our ever present winds, medium-fast and fast action rods perform best. As far as weights are concerned, an eight weight would probably be the most versatile. This rod is capable of handling literally any fish that will take a fly in the bay. A good eight weight can also hold its own against snook, mid-sized jacks and baby tarpon along the jetties. When fishing ultra-clear, skinny water, it is sometimes best to use a six or seven weight in order to achieve a more subtle presentation. On the flip side, if you are going to be trying to consistently wrestle big snook from cover, or plan to routinely tangle with major jacks, a nine or ten weight would better serve your needs. That rod is also a good choice for mid-range tarpon, although the true bruiser `poons require an 11 or 12 weight. In any instance, make sure the rod is fitted with oversized, corrosion resistant guides, saltwater proof reel seat, full-wells foregrip and fighting butt extension. texas saltwater fishing, texas fishing, wadefishing, wading, bay fishing, speckled trout, redfish, snook, tarpon, texas redfish, texas speckled trout