Rods

Choosing a lure rod is about the fishing you actually do. Length, action, power and balance all make a difference, from close range around an estuary or harbour to needing extra reach on the open coast, a rock mark or surf beach. There is no single right answer. It can be a bit of a minefield, so if you're not sure, ask me before you buy.

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Choosing a lure rod for UK fishing

Advice from Ben Field, Art of Fishing

I've been selling lure rods since 2010 when we opened our first little shop in St Merryn. Since decades before that, I was always in love with using and trying different fishing rods across all different types of fishing that I do.

And don't forget, if you need any help at all, please feel free to pop your details into the Rod Finder form, and I will send you over some personal recommendations.

Rod weight and balance

I would open rod weight up a little bit for bass rods. More like 100-160g depending on the style and length of rod.

Length

For mainstream bass fishing, 8'6" to 9' is probably the length that covers the widest variety of fishing. That is bass specific though.

For close range bass fishing, especially where bottom contact or precise lure movement matters, I would sometimes go as short as 7'.

Casting weights

For mainstream bass fishing, casting weights can run anything from roughly 20g to 50g, with occasional reasons to go lighter or heavier.

Action and power

For most UK lure fishing, I would say a regular fast or fast action is the more versatile choice.

LRF rods

Most LRF rods run from 6' to around 7'6" for most people. Eight foot rods can be useful, but are more rarely needed.

For sea fishing, especially from harbour walls or anywhere above the water, I strongly believe in using 7' or longer. It helps keep the tip closer to the water and the line out of the wind, while also giving you more control to pull a hooked fish away from the wall or cover.

Around 7' is probably the most versatile place to start if you do not know exactly where you will be fishing.

LRF rods generally cast up to 10g, and need a reel that balances the rod properly.

Boat and mixed fishing

For boat lure fishing, I would normally look at a shorter rod. Around 7' to 8' is ideal.

A 10' rod rated around 2-3oz can cover both lure and bait fishing if that is what you want to do, but there are always going to be limitations from a lure fishing perspective.

Picking the right one

Lure fishing rods vary massively now. From LRF through to heavier pike fishing, the job you need it to do matters more than anything.

I've seen a lot come and go over the years and helped literally thousands of anglers choose one. If you're not sure, ask me before you buy.

Further reading