Important Factors to Look for While Choosing Red Drum Fishing Rod


Fishing rods for red drum

Searching for the best performing red drum fishing rod might seem like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many options available, you might get confused and frustrated while trying to choose one for yourself. With that said, I’ve put together some important factors to consider when choosing one, along with some great rods I’ve noticed which I will provide in the end of this article.

When selecting a red drum rod, the main factors that should be considered are: rod action, rod length, weight class, construction material and power. If chosen wisely, with the right reel and line, you will end up with the best possible combo, which won’t ever let you down.

Like red drum reels (best ones for reds are provided in this article), fishing rods are also among the most important fishing tackle components. They tend to play a key role in the success or the failure of angler’s attempt to capture reds or any fish in general. When selecting these components, you must keep an eye out for some crucial factors. As we progress, I’ll be highlighting some of these factors. If you are a beginner, you should pay rapt attention. Professionals are also advised to be attentive as no knowledge is a waste!

Important Factors to Look for While Choosing Red Drum Fishing Rod

Novice anglers have a ridiculous buying pattern as far as a fishing tackle is concerned. They simply walk into a tackle shop and select any tackle that pleases their senses (I’ve seen that so many times myself). However, professionals adopt a very different and effective approach. They purchase rods according to some important factors, which I’ll be sharing with you shortly.

Fishing is more than grabbing a hook and a rod, then submerging it in water with the hope of catching a fish. We don’t live in that era anymore. Fishes of today have evolved. They are smarter, and some of them (the aggressive ones like bass and redfish) requires the best technique and tackle.

When fishing for a specific fish, like red drum, it is very important that your arm yourself with a tackle that suits the fish you intend to capture. In the case of redfish, you need to make use of a tackle that can match this fish’s behavior and habitat.

Selecting a poor rod will definitely result in poor performance. Below are some of the results of selecting a poor rod:

  • Fish coming off the hook
  • Line breaking
  • Poor casting performance
  • Missed hooksets
  • Deficient lure action

The above mentioned are what you get when you go for the wrong fishing rod for red. On the other hand, below are some of the benefits of using a rod that boasts of some of the factors I’ll be highlighting.

  • Fishes remain hooked when caught
  • Good casting distance
  • No more missed hooksets
  • Enhanced lure action

This isn’t just restricted to a red drum rod; when you don’t select the right red drum bait and tackle, you also tend to suffer the consequences.

Let’s now delve into the crux of this article.

Remember – Fishing Rods are not the same!

Visit a tackle store and stare down the aisle; you’ll notice several rods of diverse thickness and length. This makes it a little hard to select the best red drum rod.

However, these rods are designed to serve one style of fishing or another, and being aware of these variations is important in knowing the perfect rod to select.

Below are the important factors to consider when selecting a red drum rod:

  • Rod Action
  • Rod Length
  • Weight Class
  • Construction Materials
  • Power

Rod Action:

Rod action is simply the speed in which a rod retracts to its natural position from a fixed position. It is a feature that is used to ascertain how flexible a rod is. A rod with optimum fast action will only flex towards the tip while a moderate action rod may flex along the whole rod length.

Below are some types of rod action:

  • Slow
  • Moderate
  • Fast
  • Extra Fast
Rod Action

A moderate-fast action rod is effective for “chunk and wind” baits in open water (such as gold spoon) or casting big baits over lengthy distances.

On the other hand, an extra-fast action rod is great for deepwater jiggling speckled trout and feeling those tender trout bites during the winter season.

A fast action rod is best suited for red drum fishing because it has a rigid backbone, and it is designed for handling bigger fishes that are aggressive. Light action rods also allow you to feel more during your struggle with a fish; thus, the ultralight tackle when targeting bigger fish can give rise to an awesome angling sensation.

Use faster rods for baits that come with a lone hook that needs a rigid, harder hooksets. Also, use slower action rods for moving baits that are equipped with treble hooks.

Rod Length:

Rod length is also very important when selecting a rod for your red drum fishing trip. Unlike rod power and action, rod length is quite diverse, as it can be as short as a few feet or as long as ten feet.

Check the Length of the fishing rod

Shorter rods are very accurate and lightweight, but they cannot cast far or gather as much flexibility as longer rods. On the other hand, longer rods can quickly pick up slack and throw baits farther but are known to be less accurate, and they weigh more than their counterpart.

Longer rods are effective for red drum fishing because they can cover more water and cast a great distance. When it comes to strength, shorter rods can effectively handle bigger fish, but it is not ideal for casting. So the rod you’ll select will depend on how you wish to fish. However, if you are fishing in close combat, a short rod is great. Generally, a short, strong rod (around 5-7 feet) is ideal for red drum fishing.

Hint: With a good rod and one of the best red drum reels, you should catch lots of reds provided you use the right techniques, and you fish in the right spot.

Weight Class:

A rod’s weight can be evaluated by the max line weight recommended and is usually indicated on the rod in K.G. or Pounds.

Light or a Heavy Rod

Fishing with a rod that weighs 5kg signifies that you are after a fish using up to 5kg rated fish line. Lure weight is also indicated on the rod stating the max casting rate for the rod. These measurements should help you choose the reel size and line weight to match with your rod.

Construction Materials:

Though selecting the material of your fishing rod is not a primary choice for novice anglers, it is still worth mentioning.

Fishing rods are designed using two major materials: fiberglass and graphite. These materials have pros and cons. Graphite, for example, costs more, and they are very sensitive. Pro anglers sometimes make use of graphite rods because they can feel a fish when it attacks. Though graphite rods boast of high quality, they are known to be brittle, a little.

Fiberglass rods, on the other hand, are strong. Most new anglers prefer fiberglass rods because they are inexpensive; they are strong and designed for everyday use. Some modern rods are designed to have both materials, adorned a rigid fiberglass core encompassed by a graphite outer layer.

When fishing for reds, fiberglass, or a rod that incorporates the two materials (fiberglass and graphite) will come in handy. Such rods boast of strength and sensitivity required to capture this awesome game fish.

Live bait is effective as far as reds are concerned. Thus, it is important to learn how to catch reds with live bait to increase your chances of success when you hit the water.

Power:

The power of a fishing rod is its ability to handle different sizes of fish. Put differently, the power of a rod indicates how much force is required to flex the rod.

Red, as you know, are aggressive eaters. They can grow to a length of 37 inches and can weigh over 60 pounds. These features make them one of the most challenging game fishes to catch. So would you instead capture this fish with a poor rod or one with optimum strength? I think you’d go for the latter.

Here is how rods are rated:

  • Ultra-Light
  • Light
  • Medium-Light
  • Medium
  • Medium-Heavy
  • Heavy
  • Extra Heavy
Rod Power

An ultra-light rod is designed to handle small fish, such as bluegill; since it is so light and sensitive it makes it easy to feel the bite of this little fish.

On the other hand, a heavy power rod is best suited for a fish as big and aggressive as redfish. You require that extra force or energy in a heavy power rod to combat and catch a fish of that size.

An ultra-light rod isn’t designed to handle big fishes; thus, there are chances that it will break if used to catch a fish as big as bass, red drum, puffer, or red lionfish.

So, when preparing to go on a red drum fishing trip, ensure you purchase or equip yourself with a rod with optimum power. In the battle against reds, you need a rod that can match this game fish’s hostile nature.

Below, as promised, you will find the best rods for red drum which, in my opinion, won’t ever let you down:

Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod

Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod

You can check the price on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Features:

  • The Cadence Vigor spinning rod is constructed from lightweight 30-ton carbon to give you an extremely sensitive blank. 
  • The stainless-steel guides and LS inserts provide exceptional casting performance and durability.  
  • The Vigor rods are only available in two-piece actions which make transportation, backpacking and storage much easier. The joint itself is perfectly cut from each blank that performs as well as 1-piece rods. The vibrations still travel through the rod and don’t stop at the joint so anglers can feel the slightest of bites when fish are picky. 
  • The premium components and wide variety of lengths and actions make the Vigor spinning rod a must have. The Vigor is ideal for gamefish including freshwater fish like bass, walleye and trout as well as popular inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. The full cork handle and EVA split-grip handle will give you maximum comfort while on the water.
  • Cadence products offer high-performance premium features at an unbeatable value. Fishing with quality, dependable gear should not mean breaking the bank. Our experienced team works to prove that every day. All Cadence products come with a one-year warranty and a best-in-class customer service team to make your ownership experience as smooth as one of our reels.

Ugly Stick GX2

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

You can check the price on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Features:

  • Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction
  • Durable Ugly Tuff one piece stainless steel guides
  • Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity
  • Durable and lightweight EVA grips
  • 7-year warranty
  • 6′ Medium Power Spinning Rod
  • 2 piece rod construction

Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rod

Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rod

You can check the price on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Features:

  • The Longitude Surf Rods are built with durability and comfort in mind. Equipped with a sensitive graphite composite blank and enough back bone to cast heavy baits a long way yet feel the lightest of bites
  • Components built to withstand harsh conditions and the rigors of all day fishing. Aluminum oxide guide inserts are braid compatible and the double footed stainless steel guide frames keep your line running straight
  • The butt section of the Longitude Surf Rods are wrapped in premium cork for a non-slip fore and rear grip feel for all day casting. The stainless hooded reel seat keeps your reel in place as you cast and wind down on big fish
  • Longitude Surf Rods are available in five different lengths to cover your needs. Whether you are looking for a more compact surf rod, or a long rod to really launch your baits from the shoreline, Longitude has you covered

Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod

Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod

You can check the price on Amazon by clicking on this link.

Features:

  • Durable glass fiber rod blank construction
  • Reinforced double footed guides
  • Long lasting ceramic guide inserts
  • Package Dimensions: 46″ L x 5″ W x 5″ H

Conclusion:

If you are a novice angler, you’d have a plethora of choices to make. And in fishing, the choices you make regarding your tackle will determine if you’d be successful or not when you hit the water. Before you purchase any gear, you need to identify the species of fish you wish to target. This will help you choose a tactic and an effective gear as well. As soon as you know the fish, you are targeting, selecting a gear shouldn’t be hard.

As you go through the fishing rods on the counter or wall of that tackle shop, keep the factors mentioned above in mind. Doing so wouldn’t just help you select the best rods; it will also help raise the possibility of you being successful when you hit the water. Cheers to your success in advance!

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