Consider length, grip and action for the best spinning rod

Spinning rodsare popular with both novice and seasoned anglers, as they allow the user to cast a lightweight lure to a longer distance than other rods.

There are several important considerations to keep in mind when looking for a new spinning outfit, with the most important factors being the length of the rod, the comfort of the grip and the action.

Usually made from graphite or fibreglass, spinning rods tend to range between five and nine feet in length.

As with other rods, the type of fish you intend to pursue should determine the specifications of the equipment you buy.

A six to seven foot rod will be ideal for catching bass or trout, while longer spinning rods with handles for two-handed casting can be used for certain types of saltwater and salmon fishing.

People who are planning to tackle larger fish may need to invest in a heavy-duty spinning rod.

For this purpose, fibreglass rods are usually preferred to graphite models, as the former material offers greater durability.

According to Sport Fishing, graphite outfits provide increased sensitivity for anglers but are not always equipped to withstand extreme strain for long periods.

"Fibreglass rods are still the best choice for anglers who know they'll be putting sustained heavy pressure on big fish, like grouper," rod expert Rob Crowder told the publication.

Checking how snugly the handle fits in the palm of your hand is another way to choose between spinning rods.

You are likely to be spending a lot of time on the water with your rod, so it is of utmost important that the equipment is comfortable to hold and easy to manoeuvre.

Typical spinning rods feature six to eight-inch foregrips and 12-inch butts, while rods for pursuing larger fish will usually require longer foregrips of up to 12 inches.

Grips are usually made from ethylene vinyl acetate foam or Hypalon, with the former material offering lightness and the latter providing more durability.

Anglers looking for a new spinning rod will also need to consider the action of their purchase.

This term is used to describe a rod's responsiveness to bending force, or how much it can move when fighting a fish.

Rods are manufactured in five basic actions - ultra light, light, medium, medium heavy and heavy.

In a typical spinning rod, most of the action should be located in the centre and towards the butt end of the rod, rather than the tip.

Sport Fishing explains that the recent development of composite material rods, which mix graphite and fibreglass, has allowed manufacturers to create fast-action rods that provide more "backbone" in place of excessive flex.