Different Types of Fishing Rods Every Angler Must Know

Like ambition needs discipline for making it a reality, a sage fisherman needs the right kind of fishing rod for a flawless fishing experience. There are numerous types of fishing rods that are designed for specific types of fishing. Fishing rods come in different sizes, actions, lengths and configurations depending on what kind of fish you are after, what kind of bait you want to use and where you want to fish.

There is a variety of fishing rods for you to choose from and we are here to help you understand the differences among them and their uses.

Materials Frequently Used To Make Fishing Rods

Judging by stone inscriptions, we know that fishing rods have been present since 2000BC. So it is safe to say that they have been around for a really long time. Traditionally, rods are made from wood or bamboo but with time it has gone through many rounds of modifications. Most modern fishing rods are made of Fiberglass and carbon fiber now.

Three materials are frequently used for making fishing rods:

• Fiberglass Rods:

Fiberglass rods are suitable for novice anglers as they need little support with average weight and have strong rod power. Fiberglass is highly flexible and so they flex in a parabolic arc. It is much heavier than graphite but less sensitive and weak. Fiberglass rods bend from tip to butt when you lift a weight at the end of the line. Fiberglass rods are slow or medium action rods. It is particularly useful for recreational fishing as it is more durable and less expensive than graphite rods.

• Graphite Rods:

Graphite rods are rated as fast or extra-fast action. It is a rod for the hardened fisherman. Graphite rods come in different degrees of stiffness. It is lightweight and can handle most angling situations.

• Bamboo Rods:

Bamboo rods give you a smooth, fluid back cast. It is a rather conventional material for fishing rods but it includes the most elevated quality worked from Tonkin stick.

Now that we have a good understanding of the unique qualities of materials that are used in fishing rods, let’s look into different types of fishing rods and what style of fishing experience they offer us:

08 Different Types of Fishing Rods

#1. Fly rods

Fly rods are very lightweight, highly flexible rods that are specially designed for fly fishing. Fly rods are used to cast artificial flies as bait. They have more power than any other action type rods.

Typically, fly rods are used for smaller species inhabiting in freshwater. However, bigger fly rods can be used to fish bigger fish species.

Unlike any other fishing rods, Fly rods do not have butt piece. As fly fishing requires the casting of the line, fly rods have heavy fly line so that it does not get entangled while casting. The heavy fly line gives you durability, flexibility and security which means you don’t have to worry about snapped lines – perfect for fly fishing.

#2. Casting rods

Casting fishing rods are used to fish in open water or running streams. Casting rod makes it easy for you to lure a fish by accurately positioning the bait on the hook. There are two forms of casting rods:

Baitcasting rod

This type of rod has multiple small eyes- one very noticeable near the baitcasting reel. Baitcasting rod allows you to have absolute control over the line and hook. One of the notable benefits of this rod is enhanced casting distance.

Spin Casting rod

Spin casting rod also has small eyes including a big one near the reel. The large eye is to be used in conjunction with the spin casting reel for the rod to reap the result you want.

Both kinds of casting rods have their specialty. In comparison, baitcasting rods can handle heavier lines and allow longer cast than spin casting rods. So, beginners usually go with a spin casting rod.

#3. Spinning Rods

Spinning rods are lighter and shorter in length than casting rods. It has a large eye on the rod to minimize the friction of the fishing line. As a result, the fishing line becomes more durable and less prone to heating and snapping.

Spinning rods vary in lengths and actions for catching a variety of fish. You can find spinning rods ranging from 4 feet to a maximum of 9 feet in length. The number of eyes also varies according to length (usually 5 to a maximum of 9 eyes). The reel is suspended under the rod to ease the pressure built on your wrist when you are casting the line. Spinning rod allows you a simple drag-and-flick action that casts the hook and fly into the water.

There are two variations of spinning rods concerning the weight of spinning rods:

Ultra-light rods

Ultra-light rod is a form of a spinning rod that gets paired with ultralight spinning reels. This type of reel is sized to handle the lightest of fishing lines. This fast action rod helps you cast and present the smaller lures used in ultralight fishing. Ultra-light rods are suitable for catching small baitfish and also panfish, or in situations where rod responsiveness is critical. 

Ultra-heavy rods

Ultra-heavy rods are used in deep sea fishing, surf fishing, or for heavy fish by weight. A heavy action allows an angler to drive a hook into a fish’s mouth. Heavy or fast actions better suit baits with single hooks, including a spinnerbait, jig, or Texas rig soft plastics where a strong hook set is required.

#4. Sea Fishing Rods

As the name suggests, sea fishing rods are meant for the fishermen who enjoy the ambience of the sea while fishing. The length of these rods varies according to your need. When fishing from a boat, you need shorter rod and when you’re cruising on a ship, you need a longer ship.

Sea fishing rods are primarily used for catching game fish and big fish. So, they come with resilient and thick heavy-duty fishing lines. Sea fishing is marked by exciting struggles with the big fish, hence, the superior keg of sea fishing rods.

Now you know which fishing rod you want to take on your voyage into the seas.

#5. Telescopic rods

Every avid angler stargazes about getting a telescopic rod. The greatest appeal of a telescopic rod is its ability to crumple down to a short length. It offers immense portability unlike other rods. You can take it almost anywhere with you.

Telescopic rods are around 2 feet when closed. But once you extend it, it can go up to 20 feet! Unsurprisingly, telescopic rods do not have eyes. They are flexible at the top. Telescopic rods are suitable for surf fishing.

#6. Trolling rods

What is more interesting than fishing? Yes, you’re right. Trolling with a fish. You get to play cat and mouse game as you lure fish to the bait with the help of a trolling rod. Trolling rods are designed to drag baits, lures through the water to attract large fish like salmon or tuna. Trolling rods are long in length and sturdy.

Fishermen these days prefer spinning rods over trolling rods as they can give you similar results. However, if you are a curious ardent angler looking for fun, make sure you add a trolling rod to your arsenal of fishing.

#7. Surf rods

As you can already guess, surf rods are designed for anglers fishing saltwater or brackish waters along coastal beaches and bays from the shore. Surf rods are made thick, sturdy and long to withstand the struggle of surf movement. Surf rods are usually 12 to 15 feet long. These rods can support your casting and spinning style easily.

Surf rods generally have a heavy sinker so that the line does not float in the moving water. The long keg of a surf rod lets you hold the rod with both of your hands while casting the line.

#8. Ice fishing rods

The tranquility and quietness of ice fishing attract so many longing souls. Ice fishing grants the most unique fishing experience of all. And ice fishing rod is just as unique as the experience itself.

Ice fishing rod is short; it is only 25 to 37 inches in length with only a few eyes attached to the rod. A conventional ice fishing rod does not have a reel and so you have to utilize the two opposing hooks that are mounted on the fishing rod.

Frequently Asked Questions