Tie Rod Ball

Tie Rod Ball

Choosing the Right Rod and Reel

The variety of fishing gear is endless. Dozens of reels to crank when the clerk isn't looking and dozens of rods to twitch without hitting another customer.

   Here's what I do: before I go into the sport shop I decide what I am going after. And I do just that. But, aside, I usually end up with cans of to-die-for pretzels and elk jerky, too.

   Picking the right reel for the job is easy if you know what fish species you'll be going after. I'm lucky, I use the same rod and reels for bass, walleye and yellow perch.

   I prefer a spinning reel over the baitcaster. That's what I grew up with and that's what feels best in my hand. I also like the control it gives me when casting and fighting a fish.

   Most freshwater fishing is easily done with a spinning reel but what about size? How big or small of a reel should I purchase for my next trip to Lake Erie?

   Reel manufactures like to assign numbers to their products. The number usually denotes its size. The larger the number, the larger the reel.

  Look for reels with numbers such as 200, or 2000, 2500 or 3000 (my choice). These reels are prime sizes for most river and lake fishing. Larger reels such as 4000, 4500 or 5000 usually denote saltwater reels, made for 8, 9-foot rods for surf or pier fishing.

   There is one exception to this rule, I've found. And that's the size of the fisherman who will be using the reel. A large man with big hands might think a 2500 Shimano is too small to operate. Then obviously go with a larger reel.

   Price-wise, it's a jungle out there. Reels can cost anywhere from $10 up to $600. I've never owned a $600 reel and probably won't. I tend to stick in the $60-$120 range.

   When you pick up a reel read the information on the box. It will tell you a lot about what's inside. Reels with more stainless steel ball bearings will likely last longer, but cost more.

   But price and longivity go hand in hand. Buy a $60 reel and you might have to purchase one every two years. Buy a $120 reel and it might last four years. In the long run, the cost is the same.

   Generally, spool your reels with 8-12-pound test line.

   Now that you've decided on a reel let's stroll over to the rod rack. It's here that I spent the most money. I want strength, sensitivity, light weight feel, quality guides, a real cork handle and a reel seat that won't cut into my hand. Keep this in mind and you will choose wisely.

   Some manufacturers still offer fiberglass rods, but most turn out varying grades made of graphite and other binding materials. Why graphite? It's strong, light and sensitive. Take care and it will last 5-10 years.

   Choosing the length of the rod is pretty much subjective. Some anglers like a shorter stick, while others want more tip to fight their fish. If you can afford it buy both and you'll know soon enough what's right for you.

   As I indicated earlier, I am sold on the smaller reel such as a 2000 Diawa or 2500 Shimano spinning reel.This size is perfect for a 6-foot or 6'6" rod.

   Unless you are sold on a custom built fishing rod, stick with well known companies like Berkley, Fenwick, Zebco and Shakespeare. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's also offer some good stuff under their name.

   As with reels, the more you spend the better the equipment. It's up to the individual to decide what's best for his/her budget.

   Under the weight of a fish, A good rod should always have a gentle curve from near the handle to the tip. This means the weight is being distributed equally up and down the shaft.

   So, when I go shopping I take along a one-pound weight tied to some fishing line with a snap swivel on the other end. When trying out a rod, snap the weight on to the tip's eye then lift slowly and observe the curve. If there isn't any, the rod is too stiff. If the rod tip goes to the floor, the rod is too limp. You want something in between.

   All rods are marked as to their strength. Look just above the handle and you will find some writing. Letter "M" mean a medium rod; "MH" means medium-heavy; "L" light. You get the idea.

   Remember, though, a Zebco medium probably won't be the same as a Berkley medium. Check it out.

About the Author

Capt. Tony Denslow is a retired news journalist who now operates a sportfishing charter business on Lake Erie.

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CTA Outer Tie Rod Remover & Ball Joint Separator $57.95 Pulls tie rod ends without hammering or prying 2-1/2? / 64mm spread and 2-1/4? / 57mm reach to service tie rods, gears, pulleys and ball joints

SG Tool Aid SGT61900 Tie Rod End Ball Joint Lifter $37.99 Heavy duty all metal constrction. for use with hand tools only. Instructions included. This labor saving tool quickly separates tie rod ends and ball joints from suspension components. Eliminates broken grease reservoirs. No need for excessive hammering. Powerful lever action breaks loose even the most stubborn joints. Works on virtually all tie rod ends and compact car ball joints. Dimension: 5.3 L x 3.9 W x 3.8 H.

Tool Aid TA 61900 Tie Rod End/Ball Joint Lifter $33.44 This labor saving tool quickly separates tie rod ends and ball joints from suspension components. Eliminates broken grease reservoirs. No need for excessive hammering. Powerful lever action breaks loose even the most stubborn joints. Works on virtually all tie rod ends and compact car ball joints. Heavy duty all metal construction. For use with hand tools only. Instructions included.

SG Tool Aid Tie Rod End / Ball Joint Lifter. Each $22.6 Manufacturer: SG Tool Aid. Each. Features and Benefits: This labor saving tool quickly separates tie rod ends and ball joints from suspension components Eliminates broken grease reservoirs No need for excessive hammering Powerful lever action breaks loos

Steering Tie-Rod (SET) $4 Steering Tie-Rod (SET)

Tie Rod (set) $4 Tie Rod (set)

Tie-Rod (set) $4 Tie-Rod (set)

Tie-Rod Ends $2.5 Tie-Rod Ends

Tie rod Set $4 Tie rod Set

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1990-2001 Acura Integra Tie Rod End Boot Energy Susp Acura Tie Rod End Boot 9.13103G $3.66 energy suspension tie rod dust boots round style black set of 2 allows for the replacement of damaged tie rod end boots instead of having to replace the entire tie rod fits tie rod end ball joints with at least 12 mm largest ball stud shaft diameter and 30.5 mm top-of-socket diameter made of hyper-flex performance polyurethane for higher firmness and exceptional resistance to oil coolant and road contaminants features a 5-pont sealing action design that prevents contamination as well as loss of lubrication auto parts warehouse has extensive energy susp tie rod end boot catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all energy susp tie rod end boot orders over $50.00. our secure energy susp tie rod end boot catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your energy susp tie rod end boot needs. energy susp tie rod end boot are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next energy susp tie rod end boot purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

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Steck Manufacturing STC71465 Tie Rod Pliers $49.78 Features and Benefits Tie Rod Pliers unique design with a socket end and pointed spindle end allow easy wheel pivoting Temporary steering fix saves tow drivers up to 15 minutes allowing them to secure car on roll back Allows mechanics to drive vehicles from lot storage to repair bay Tough alloy steel CClamp locking pliers provide a quick temporary steering repair for vehicles Tie Rod Pliers provides temporary fix by reconnecting the ball and socket tie rod ends.Tough alloy steel CClamp locking pliers provide a quick temporary steering repair for vehicles with outer tie rod end ball and socket separation failure. Tow Truck drivers can properly center the loading of the vehicle eliminating the frustration and time currently required to stop load process to redirect the damaged wheel as well as unloading vehicles from roll back wreckers to lot storage.

KD Tools Pneumatic Tie Rod / Ball Joint Separator Kit. Each $33.2 Manufacturer: KD Tools. Each. Features Benefits Works with hand and pneumatic air systems to remove tie rods, ball joint, and pittman arm assemblies Includes most popular sizes: 1-1/8", 15/16" and 11/16" Chrome plated to protect against corrosion and i

Lisle Ball Joint / Tie Rod / Pitman Arm Seperator Set. Each $43.72 Manufacturer: Lisle. Each. Features Benefits: For separating ball joints, tie rods, Pitman arms and other uses. Six tools in one for exceptional versatility and value. Kit consists of three forks and two handles; one for hammering, the other for use wi

1997-2001 Buick Century Tie Rod End AC Delco Buick Tie Rod End 45A0707 $37.22 ac delco tie rod end sold individually features an advanced-technology and performance-tested low-friction polymer upper bearing material that helps eliminate endplay and helps provide smoother easier steering better return-to-center with precision-finished and zinc dichromate coated heat-treated ball ends for increased corrosion protection and smoother travel case-hardened full ball-type studs offers tighter overall fit auto parts warehouse has extensive ac delco tie rod end catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all ac delco tie rod end orders over $50.00. our secure ac delco tie rod end catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your ac delco tie rod end needs. ac delco tie rod end are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next ac delco tie rod end purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

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2002-2004 Buick Century Tie Rod End AC Delco Buick Tie Rod End 45A0868 $43.09 ac delco tie rod end features an advanced-technology and performance-tested low-friction polymer upper bearing material that helps eliminate endplay and helps provide smoother easier steering better return-to-center with heat-treated ball ends that are precision-finished and zinc dichromate coated for increased corrosion protection and smooth operation throughout the travel case-hardened full-ball type stud for tighter over-all fit 2 required per vehicle auto parts warehouse has extensive ac delco tie rod end catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all ac delco tie rod end orders over $50.00. our secure ac delco tie rod end catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your ac delco tie rod end needs. ac delco tie rod end are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next ac delco tie rod end purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

1996 Chevrolet G30 Tie Rod End AC Delco Chevrolet Tie Rod End 45A0423 $37.25 ac delco tie rod end sold individually b 2 required per vehicle /b features an advanced-technology and performance-tested low-friction polymer upper bearing material that helps eliminate endplay and helps provide smoother easier steering better return-to-center with heat-treated ball ends that are precision-finished and zinc dichromate coated for increased corrosion protection and smooth operation throughout the travel case-hardened full-ball type stud for tighter over-all fit auto parts warehouse has extensive ac delco tie rod end catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all ac delco tie rod end orders over $50.00. our secure ac delco tie rod end catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your ac delco tie rod end needs. ac delco tie rod end are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next ac delco tie rod end purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

1999 Cadillac Escalade Tie Rod End AC Delco Cadillac Tie Rod End 45A0422 $34.55 ac delco tie rod end sold individually b 2 required per vehicle /b features an advanced-technology and performance-tested low-friction polymer upper bearing material that helps eliminate endplay and helps provide smoother easier steering better return-to-center with heat-treated ball ends that are precision-finished and zinc dichromate coated for increased corrosion protection and smooth operation throughout the travel case-hardened full-ball type stud for tighter over-all fit auto parts warehouse has extensive ac delco tie rod end catalogs.we are now offering free shipping on all ac delco tie rod end orders over $50.00. our secure ac delco tie rod end catalog is available every hour of everyday. shop with confidence for all your ac delco tie rod end needs. ac delco tie rod end are in stock and available today. save upto 60% off dealer price on your next ac delco tie rod end purchase. our online catalog contains a wide selection of the oem and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

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2004-2005 Buick Rainier Tie Rod End AC Delco Buick Tie Rod End 45A0886 04 05 $83.79 AC DELCO TIE ROD END -- 16 mm threads; Features an advanced-technology and performance-tested low-friction polymer upper bearing material that helps eliminate endplay and helps provide smoother, easier steering, better return-to-center; With heat-treated ball ends that are precision-finished and zinc dichromate coated for increased corrosion protection and smooth operation throughout the travel; Case-hardened, full-ball type stud for tighter over-all fit; 2 required per vehicle.. Auto Parts Warehouse has extensive AC Delco Tie Rod End catalogs.We are now offering FREE shipping on all AC Delco Tie Rod End orders over $50.00. Our secure ac delco tie rod end catalog is available every hour of everyday. Shop with confidence for all your ac delco tie rod end needs. AC Delco Tie Rod End are In Stock and available today. Save up to 60% off dealer price on your next AC Delco Tie Rod End purchase. Our online catalog contains a wide selection of the OEM and aftermarket parts you need at unbeatable prices

Tie Rod $69.99 Tie Rod; 1.25 in. OD; 5/16 Wall Steel; Black Wall Powder Coat;