Fishing tool
Fishing Rod Selector
Get a rod length, power and action for what you are fishing for, and a plain explanation of what each of those three actually controls.
How this tool works
Your answers are matched against a rules table built from published tackle guidance and manufacturer specifications, then adjusted for water type, bait and experience level. A small set of hand-written rules covers the combinations where that arithmetic would give a poor answer.
The same rules produce every recommendation on this site, so a species page and this tool can never disagree. Nothing is generated on the fly by a language model, and nothing is influenced by a product. Read the methodology.
- Power ratings are relativeOne brand's medium heavy can feel like another's medium. The line and lure ratings printed on the blank are far more comparable than the word.
- Action matters more than most people thinkSingle hooks want a faster action so you can drive the point home. Treble hooks want a slower one so the fish cannot lever them out.
- Length trades accuracy for distanceLonger casts further and gives more leverage; shorter is more accurate under cover. Neither is better in the abstract.
Rod size guide
Prefer to read the numbers yourself? The full chart covers every size with what each one is used for.
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Open toolLine Selector
Choose line type, strength and leader.
Open toolRelated guides
- Fishing Hook Size ChartEvery size from #28 to 12/0 with what each one is used for, and why the same number differs between brands.
- Fishing Reel Size ChartSpinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reel classes with typical line capacity and what each size is for.
- Fishing Line Size ChartPound test against typical diameter for mono, fluorocarbon and braid, and how to compare them fairly.
- Fishing Rod Size GuideWhat length, power and action each control, and how to read the specs printed on a blank.
Hook sizes by species
- Hook size for bass
- Hook size for trout
- Hook size for crappie
- Hook size for surf fishing
- All species guidesWhere each fish holds, how it feeds, and setups by technique.