[header] How to balance a fishing rod [title] Determine whether your rod and reel really need to be balanced. [substeps] Rigs using moving-bait presentations don't need to be balanced because they are fished tip down. A balanced rig is more important when fishing with still-presentation lures, like worms and jigs. 
These baits are fished with the rod tip at a 10 o'clock position. A balanced fishing rod keeps the angler's hands in a relaxed position that allows them to detect small changes in line tension.