How to Set Up Fishing Rod: A Beginners Guide

by VGD Marketing LLC December 28, 2021

When you charter with Reel Coquina, our experienced crew is here to help set up fishing rods. But if you'd like to take your fishing skills to the next level, they'll be more than happy to show you how to set up your fishing gear.

basic fishing line set up

What Is a Fishing Rod?

At its most basic, a fishing rod is a pole with a fishing line and baited hook at the end. The rod is used to cast your bait or lure into the water and then retrieve it when a fish bites. A rod can also include other terminal tackle depending on what type of fishing you're doing.

The Different Parts of your Fishing Rod

The fishing pole is the main part of your rod and comes in different lengths and weights.
The main fishing line is the line that connects your pole to your bait or lure. The mainline is the thickest and most substantial section of your fishing rod.
A fishing hook that connects to a snap swivel or a leader to your main fishing line.
A fishing snap swivel is a type of connector that attaches a leader to your main fishing line and keeps the hook from tangling or twisting.
A leader line is a short length of the fishing line connecting your swivel to your bait or lure.
A fishing reel. A fishing reel is attached to the bottom of the rod for winding up the fishing line. The reel comprises a reel spool that holds the line, a drag system to control the fish's fight, a reel seat, and a reel handle that you turn to rewind the line.
The rod tip is the top of your fishing pole. The tip allows you to cast further and more accurately.
Fishing weight is a pice of led that you can add to your line to help sink your bait or lure.
The hook is the part of your fishing rod that catches fish.

Fishing Rigs

A fishing rig is a configuration of how you attach your fishing line, bobber, weights, snap swivels, lures or bait to your fishing rod. There are many different types of rigs, depending on what kind of fish you're looking to catch and where you want to fish.

Every rig has different functions, and specific rig names might come in various styles. Let's take a look at what you'll need to know about the most common fishing rigs.

The Different Types Of Fishing Rigs

There are a few different fishing rigs to choose from, depending on what kind of fish you're looking to catch and what type of water you'll be fishing in. Let's take a look at some of the most common:

The bottom fishing rig.

The bottom rig is made by tying a circle hook to the end of your main fishing line and then adding a sinker (or weight) to the other end. The weight will slide along the mainline as you move it, but once it reaches the weight, it's called "bottom fishing." This type of rig is excellent for the Gulf of Mexico and the west-central region of Florida

Bottom Fishing Rig uses heavy sinkers and hooks suspended near or on the bottom. This rig is used for fishing on the bottom on reefs, wrecks, and ledges.

The trolling rig

This type of rigging is highly versatile because you can fish in different depths and keep your bait moving in the water. The trolling rig requires a rod with a conventional reel.

Trolling Rig is used when you want to fish, dragging lures and/or baits behind the boat, and usually heavy leader and crimps are used.

The Different Types of Fishing Rods

The type of fishing you're doing will determine the components of your rod setup. There are many different types of fishing rods on the market today. Here are a few :

Spinning rods - Ideal for casting
Conventional rods - Used to fish baits on the bottom
Trolling rods - Designed for anglers trolling from a boat.

Choosing a fishing rod is about personal preference. What works for one person may not work for you. The best way to find the right fishing rod is to visit your local tackle shop and experiment with different types of rods until you find one that feels right.

In Summary

Reel Coquina hopes this guide has helped you learn how to set up a fishing rod and better understand fishing rigs and how they're used.

There are many benefits of fishing. It is fun for people of all ages, and there are different types of fishing rods and rigs for different types of fishing.

If you're looking to learn more about fishing and how to set up a fishing rod, call us and book a fishing charter in St. Pete, Florida with Reel Coquina!