Buying A Used Fishing Rod: What You Need To Know

Buying a brand new fishing rod can be pretty expensive, leaving many fishermen considering the purchase of a used rod. However, there are a few things to think about when venturing into used fishing rods. For example, it’s most important to check the overall quality of the fishing rod before you consider buying it. The condition of the rod is indicative to how long it will last you going forward and if it’s what you’re looking for in a rod.

Specifically check the joints and make sure everything fits together perfectly. If the joints are worn out, the rod will wobble during casting and have the potential of cracking when reeling in your catch. Make sure to also check the rod rings, which if in bad condition can damage the fishing line and negatively impact the fisher’s distance of casting. In addition to the condition of the fishing rod, you should also consider how much any repairs would cost if they become necessary now or if you think something might become an issue in the immediate future.

Spending a few hundred dollars on a user fishing rod seems like a cost-effective purchase. However, if you need to put another few hundred dollars worth of repair into, you would have been better off just purchasing a brand new fishing rod from the beginning. For veteran fishers who know exactly what type of fishing rod they want to help them catch specific types of fish, buying a used rod can be a detriment to their skill level. In fact, taking a used and potentially damaged fishing rod out for a day can end up just being frustrating and unproductive.

There are five things you should know about a fishing rod before you purchase it, especially if it has previously been used. First of all make sure you know the length and duration of use. A ten year-old fishing rod is a riskier purchase than a rod purchased six months ago and only used twice. Also ask what water the rod was used in and to catch what types and weights of fish. This will help you determine the wear of the rod. Also inquire about the action it has and most importantly why the seller is getting rid of the rod.

Through the inspection and questioning process you will be able to tell whether or not purchasing a used rod is a good decision. You should also weigh the benefits and features of the used rod against the benefits and features of a new, customized rod that you could purchase designed exactly how you want. Remember to always look, inspect and ask before you leap into purchasing a used fishing rod.