Modern manufacturing methods have advanced so far that two part rods will be more than adequate for the vast majority of applications. The loss in natural feel will be minimal, and the ease of transporting the rod will be vastly enhanced. If you are interested in spin fishing, you will only need an extremely light rod, and these rods are typically under six feet long even in one piece. This type of rod can cast extremely light lures, and is popularly used in trout and bass fishing. If you are buying a fishing rod for a beginner, these rods are a good place to start.

Fly Fishing Rods
For fly fishing, you will need a rod which is lightweight and thin. These rods are typically made from carbon graphite fibers, and there is a variation in the flexibility of these rods which produces a trade off. The rods which are the most flexible are easier to cast because the fly will land more softly on the water, but the extended flexibility diminishes the distance at which the rod will be effective. If you are going to be fly fishing in windy conditions, it will be better to choose a less flexible rod to improve stability.

Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are also typically made from graphite, but are longer than the ultra light rods mentioned earlier. These rods are a good choice if you want to spend extended periods of time out on the water, because they are built for comfort. The rods are made so that the weight hangs below the rod, and is easily supported between the fingers of the fisherman’s dominant hand. These rods are very popular with Americans for trout and bass fishing, and are even available with longer handles so they can be used by two people working together.

Trolling Rods
For the more ambitious fisherman with a boat available, there are trolling rods which are dragged through the water as the boat moves. These are, as you would expect, very long and heavy in comparison with rods designed for use on the river banks. These rods are extensively used in salmon fishing, and greater numbers of them are being produced all the time as this type of fishing grows in popularity. As you can see, there are many different types of fishing, and the type you are interested in will be you primary consideration when buying a fishing rod.

When you are starting out you won’t have any trouble finding items to add to your collection. There’s a lot of affordable fishing equipment from the 1800s onward available to add to your collection, so you won’t find it hard to spot items you want to add to your personal collection. You will find basic gear like the rods, reels, and tackle as well as historic items like pictures of anglers and fishing licenses from the mid-1900s.

Typically, most anglers would like to have a vintage reel. Today, reels are made of metal alloys but during the past, different metals like iron, brass, and steel were used. Rod and reel design has also changed over time and you might want to collect examples showing how they evolved over time.

Another popular collectible is fishing lures. Many of the earlier models are much more colorful and attractive than ones used today. Fishing flies open up even more possibilities.

You also need to plan how you will store and display your collection. Some of the larger fishing collectibles can be used to decorate cabins and rec rooms. Small bits of tackle can be added to display cases or frames that keep them dust-free and help preserve them.

In addition to collecting antique fishing gear, you might want to consider collecting gear from around the world. Most of this gear will be homemade using materials easy to find locally. Even today in many parts of the world fishing is not a sport but a means of survival. People fish in order to eat better and the gear they use reflects that need and the local economy.

In collecting these items, just follow what your heart’s desire. There are no rules about what you should collect. What matter is: you have a portion of the past.

Some vintage fishing gear guides available from Amazon include:

• Captain John’s Fishing Tackle Price Guide
• Classic & Antique Fly Fishing Tackle
• Collector’s Guide to Antique Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Collectibles: Identification & Price Guide
• Old Fishing Lures & Tackle: Identification and Value Guide

When shopping for your next fishing rod, always remember to consider three important factors. Check out the materials used, its flexibility and the length of the targeted rod.

Materials
Although you can find fishing rods made of boron, titanium, wood or bamboo, today most rods are made from fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass and graphite rods are lightweight, flexible, and able to withstand considerable strain. These two materials have their own set of benefits. The fiberglass rods can be used in almost all fishing conditions. Fiberglass rods are very durable because fiberglass wears better than graphite. The graphite rods are the most popular rods even though they are a bit pricey, because they are more accurate.

Action
Its flexibility is another consideration when selecting a fishing rod. Pay close attention to the amount of action of the rod when shopping. The action measures how flexible or stiff a rod is when you cast or reel in your line. There are three actions that you can consider the slow-action rod, the medium action rod and the fast-action rod. Fast-action rods have the least amount of bend or flex, while slow-action rods bend nearly to the handle. If you are a beginner, look for a medium-action fly fishing rod which falls between the two extremes.

Length
The last factor to consider when shopping for a fishing rod is its length. Remember that a shorter fishing rod will have less action since they create less torque when reeling and casting. If you are a beginner, you may want to add the longer rod so that this can provide you with a good casting distance. The medium-sized rod that measures between eight to nine feet can provide for better action, control and strength.