People who don’t fish tournaments wonder why we have so many different types and lengths of rods. It’s not because we like to buy fishing rods. I compare it to golf and the different clubs used for various purposes. In fishing, there are dozens of different presentations and techniques that are accomplished better with specialized equipment.

One component of a rod that is important to consider, but often overlooked, is the length of the handle from the butt to the reel seat. Match it to the presentation you’re going to be making with that rod. For example, if you’re buying it mainly to cast under overhanging trees along a river, or for pitching, a long handle might get in the way.

You don’t necessarily need a long handle for flipping, either, except that you can brace that long handle under your arm and against your body to get a fish out of heavy cover fast. A long handle is also helpful when you’re deep-cranking ledges or fishing a heavy umbrella rig. You’ll wear out quickly if you can’t brace the handle against your hip for leverage while you’re reeling.

When shopping for a rod, study it from tip to butt and consider what it’s designed to do and how it fits you and your fishing style. Then buy the best rod for the job.

—- Keystone Light pro Chad Grigsby, Maple Grove, Minn.