  Both the translational diffusion coefficient $D$ and the electrophoretic
mobility $\mu$ of a short rod-like molecule (such as dsDNA) that is being
pulled towards a nanopore by an electric field should depend on its
orientation. Since a charged rod-like molecule tends to orient in the presence
of an inhomogeneous electric field, $D$ and $\mu$ will change as the molecule
approaches the nanopore, and this will impact the capture process. We present a
simplified study of this problem using theoretical arguments and Langevin
Dynamics simulations. In particular, we introduce a new \textit{orientational
capture radius} which we compare to the capture radius for the equivalent
point-like particle, and we discuss the different physical regimes of
orientation during capture and the impact of initial orientations on the
capture time.
