Fishing basics--types of fishing poles and reels

Fishing poles come in a variety of different types and the pole you buy will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do with it.

• If you are going to go salmon fishing the you will need a salmon pole which is shorter, bigger around, and stiffer then other fishing poles. 
• The next step down from a salmon pole is a steelhead pole. These are usually 6 and half to 7 and a half feet long, more flexible, and smaller in diameter.
• Trout poles usually are between 6 and 7 feet long, although some can be shorter. They are typically about the diameter of your pinky finger and taper down until the tip, which is half the diameter. 
• A fly pole is a specialty pole that is typically longer and thinner than a trout pole. A fly pole is usually use in streams to cast flies, which are tiny lure made to imitate insects floating on the water, and used in a whipping motion.

Once you have figured out the type of pole you need the next step, unless there is already one on the pole, is a reel. There are many types of reels and the type of fishing you will do can make a big difference here.

• Closed-faced reels are what many first time fishermen will use just because it only takes your thumb to press the release button when you cast. Closed-faced reels will usually come as part of a combo when you buy smaller poles for kids or anyone starting to learn the craft. 
• Open-faced reels come in a few varieties:

1. The typical open-faced reel for trout fishing is upright with a round spool at the top. The use of these reels takes more practice to use than a closed-face since it requires you to hold the line as you pull back the release bar to cast. 
2. The open-faced reel for a steelhead pole is much the same as the one for trout fishing only it is slightly bigger to use a larger diameter line. 
3. The open-faced reel for salmon fishing looks like a spool of thread on its side. There will be rods on the outside that a guide for the line that slides back and forth to keep the line evenly distributed on the reel.
4. The fly fishing reel has kind of sandwich cookie look to it. They are usually open-faced although I have seen a few closed-face one that have a release button.