By: Michelle Armstrong
You can ask 100 anglers what’s the best way to catch fish and you are likely to receive a hundred different answers. Ask the same anglers what’s the most important tool they use to catch fish and the answers will get more similar. Some will say, the hook, the line etc. But certainly the majority will say: the rod. What you choose to handle, your reel, line, hook, and bait might be one of your most important fishing decisions. A good (or mediocre) rod can make or break a good fisherman. Each and every rod is designed to handle a certain “type” of fishing, presentations, and baits. We won’t get in to all of that right now.
I’ve competed and fished for over 25 years. Sometimes side by side with some of this countries’ top anglers. When choosing what rods meet our requirements, we mostly think alike. Most important, is my rod sensitive? Can my rod support my hookset? Can my rod fight fish AND get them in the boat? Can my rod, repeat, and endure this, time after time? I have found few rods that can answer yes to that set or questions. I have been through more than my fair share of fishing rods. Back in the early 2000’s, I even had a rod manufacturer, create a rod line in my name called the Michelle Armstrong Extreme Series. They were wrapped in camo, “real” camo. And they were amazing. But like many rod companies, they didn’t survive the big industry. For a girl, I have a pretty mean hookset and have snapped many rods right off the bat. I’ve had fish get off because the rod couldn’t put up a good enough fight etc… I am most certainly NOT going to bash any rod manufacturer so don’t ask me to. However, I will give praise, where praise is due. Bass Pro Shops is my happy place, so it’s not a surprise that one of my favorite rods can be found there. I have several Johnny Morris Platinum Signature rods. They answer “yes” to all of the above. I love the sensitivity these rods offer. My “go to” of this series are the spinning rods. But the casting rods are wonderful as well. Next in my rod locker, I have many, and let me stress many rods made by Powell. They answer “yes, yes, and YES” to my needs. They offer three different lines, The Max, The Inferno, and The Endurance. Most of my arsenal is made up of the Endurance line with a few of the Inferno’s thrown in. My ultimate favorite is the Endurance 735 (I have 2 want more).
I have to add, the above answered questions are crucial, but there is a little nugget that we all don’t see coming. That is the effects this sport had on one’s body. It is no doubt a strenuous, repetitive sport. Over the years, as a “seasoned” angler, I had developed some issues such as tennis elbow and tendonitis while using certain rods. Countless hours casting and reeling, all while having a foot on the trolling motor, head mostly down, fighting waves, what do we expect? My Johnny Morris rods are lighter that most I’ve used. Since partnering with Powell, the pains in my arms have been remedied. Not to sound like a geriatric infomercial, these things certainly make a difference in how long you can expect to participate in this sport…and enjoy it.
Make sure your rod answers yes to your needs. It is one of your most important fishing decisions.
Now grab your rod, and go catch fish!
