How to Balance a Fishing Pole

A balanced fishing rod and reel is one of the keys to a successful day of fishing. Anglers who use a mismatched rod and reel will be uncomfortable when they fish. A rod and reel combination that is not in balance also reduces the sensitivity of the whole outfit, which makes it less likely anglers will feel fish that bite softly. Before buying a new fishing rod and reel, anglers should ensure that the two feel comfortable and balanced when combined.

Things You'll Need

  • Reel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select rods and reels that are designed to be used together. Use spinning rods with spinning reels. The rods have line guides that hang below the rod, and that become progressively larger between the rod tip and rod handle. Spinning reels hang below the fishing rod and have a metal bail that protects the spool. Fish bait-casting and spin-casting reels on bait-casting rods, which are the type that have a trigger-shaped plastic piece that hangs below the handle.

    • 2

      Check the side of the rod for writing. Most fishing rods have written on them the optimal size of fishing line they can handle. Select a reel that accommodates the same size of fishing line. Spinning reels generally have optimal line sizes written on their spools. If the reel does not, check the box on which the reel was sold.

    • 3

      Combine the rod and reel you have chosen.

    • 4

      Hold the rod horizontally. If you have a bait-casting rod and reel, straighten your index finger and place it directly underneath the reel. If you have a spinning rod and reel, straighten your index finger and place it just in front of where the rod and reel come together. Allow the rod and reel to balance on your finger. If the rod tip moves quickly downward, the rod is too heavy for the reel. If the butt moves quickly downward, the reel is too heavy for the rod.

    • 5

      Combine different rods and reels until they balance on your finger. While they may not balance perfectly, you do not want one end of the rod or the other to move quickly downward.

    • 6

      Hold the rod and reel combination in your hand once you are satisfied with the way it balances. Make sure it is comfortable to hold and that you would be comfortable fishing with it for an extended period of time.