How to Choose Fishing Rod and Reels

Before choosing expensive equipment or tackle, such as a fishing rod, be sure that it will perform the task you ask of it and give you pleasure in its use. There are many factors to take into account, such as the species you hope to catch, and the size, the casting weight and distance involved, line strength and so on. Having determined the suitability of the rod, you then need to ask yourself whether its action is to your liking. For example, you may never have been a fan of fast-tapered rods, but if you need to pick up line at long distance in order to set the hook, you have to compromise, and a fast-tapered rod is the best for this.
Rod actions
There are three types of action. The first, "through action", is where there is a uniformly smooth curve through the blank when playing a fish, and there is no doubt that maximum angling pleasure is to be had with a rod of this type. Where a little more backbone is required, "progressive action" rods come to the fore: with these a modest fish will still give a pleasing bend in the rod but there is a progressive power build-up in the butt to control larger specimens. Lastly, there are "fast taper" rods, that are very stiff in the butt and have very flexible tips. These are designed for ultra-long casting and fast line pick-up.

An all-round coarse angler will need several rods in his armoury to deal with different angling circumstances. The list in the list above is recommended, but there are many other excellent manufacturers and rods for the angler to choose from. Buy one rod at a time and expand your range gradually.
The "test curve" is the weight required to pull the tip of the rod to an angle of 90 degrees to the butt. It gives an indication of the weight the rod is capable of casting.
Reels
There are three basic types of reel that any coarse angler needs in his or her fishing bag.

Fixed-spool Reels
These are the most common in popular use. For barbel and tench fishing, feeder work and Stillwater float fishing, the Shimano Aero GTM 4010 is a good choice. It has three spools of varying line capacity. The reel features a double handle dyna balance system. This is delightful in use, giving a smooth, vibration-free retrieve. Tapered spools and a two-speed crosswind line lay system ensure that casting is smooth. The GTM 4010 is fitted with a fighting drag system, a two-stage clutch mechanism allowing clutch tension to be varied during a fight.
A delightful little reel to use in conjunction with the Shimano Aero Quivertip rod is the Aero 2000.This is very light, well balanced and has the most delightful clutch.
For carp and pike fishing, where fast runs often take yards of line, the larger GTM 6010, holding a much greater capacity of heavier lines, and which features the baitrunner system, is recommended. This allows fast-running fish to take line in free spool manner with the bail arm closed -important in preventing tangles.

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See my previous post:How to Choose the Right Fishing Line