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The Different Types of Fishing Rods

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Regardless of whether you’re a professional or a beginner, you need a quality fishing rod. If you’ve been looking for one, you must have noticed that there are so many different types.

Many of these poles are made for different species, locations, and methods. For this reason, you’ll find some rods to be longer and more flexible, while others are shorter and sturdier.

Continue reading to find out what are the different types of fishing rods and which one is best for your rod equipment.

Fishing Rod Types

Spincasting Rods

These are made for a spin casting reel that’s usually mounted above the handle. Spin casting rods have a forefinger grip trigger and small eyes.

However, because they look a lot like bait casting rods, you can actually use either type of reel with it. A while ago we called them either spin casting or bait casting, but at this point, we usually refer to them as simply casting rods.

Many people don’t see any difference between the two and, more so, you can use either type for either fishing style. Anglers think casting rods are great for carp fishing since they’re used for long distances.

Baitcasting Rods

Though these look somewhat the same as spin casting, they are a bit more challenging to use. Spincasting type is best for beginners, while baitcasting is more suitable for skilled anglers. Professionals and others alike usually also prefer them for many reasons one of which is accuracy.

These are quite sturdy and powerful allowing you to use a heavier line and cover.

Ultra-light Rods

These are quite versatile and allow you to use smaller lures and lighter lines. They are great for most of the smaller species, though some models can also handle some larger fish as well. Originally designed to bring excitement to the game, these are now widely used for fishing many different species.

Ultra-light spinning rods are shorter at about 4 to 5.5 feet. They weigh less than most and are more limber. Also, these carry 1 to 6-pound test fishing line and their tip actions can be slow and fast depending on what you use them for.

Use them to cast light lures such as crappie jigs, wet flies, tubes, spinners, trout worms and anything else that weighs around 0.4g. In most cases, anglers use them for trout, crappie, bluegill, bass, perch, bream, roach, tench, pumpkin-seed and many other kinds of panfish.

Ice Fishing Rods

Ice fishing rods is a short spinning rod that’s about 24 to 36 inches long. It’s widely used to fish through holes in the frozen waters such as ponds and lakes. These are essentially just solid pieces of wood with a carved handle and a couple of line guides.

They also feature two opposing hooks for you to hand-wind the line around.

Their design has changed over the years, and though they are made to look more modern, the way you use them has remained the same.

There’s a couple of popular ice fishing rods that we recommend such as the 13 Fishing Tickle Stick and the Shakespeare Wild Series.

Fly Rods

Fly fishing rods are a specific type of fishing rod that is used for fly fishing. They are typically longer and more flexible than other types of rods and are designed to help cast flies further and more accurately. Fly rods are also generally lighter weight, which makes them easier to use for long periods of time. They can be used in a variety of different environments, from small streams to large rivers.

For beginners, fly fishing rods can be a little bit difficult to use at first. However, with practice, they can be a very effective tool for catching fish. Fly rods are most commonly used to catch trout but can be effective for other types of fish as well. They are a great option for those who want to fish in more remote areas, or who are looking for a challenge. Brands such as Wild Water and Moonshine are some of the popular fly fishing rods in the market.

Surf Rods

As the name implies, these rods are used for surf casting. They resemble big bait and spinning casting rods being intended for two-handed techniques thanks to their long grip handle.

This type has to be between 10 and 14 feet long for you to cast the lure to where the fish congregates which is never so near the shore. It also has to be sturdy and powerful so can cast the heavy baits and lures efficiently and accurately. Some people use them to throw heavy lures as far as 100 yards away.

Trolling Rods

Trolling rods are designed for anglers who want to troll for fish. Trolling is a type of fishing where you slowly move your boat along while casting your line out in front of you. Trolling rods are heavier and longer than regular fishing rods, and they have bigger reels that can hold more lines. This allows you to cast your line farther out into the water. Trolling rods are also designed to be more sensitive so that you can feel when a fish bites your bait.

Many anglers prefer to use trolling rods when fishing for large fish like salmon or walleye. Trolling rods can be used with a variety of baits, including lures, plugs, and artificial bait. They can also be used with live bait, such as minnows or worms. Some anglers use trolling rods to catch crappie and bass as well.

Trolling rods are a great choice for boat rods because they are durable and can handle larger fish. They are also easy to use and provide a lot of control when fishing in open water. If you are looking for a good boat rod that can handle big fish, then a trolling rod is a good option to consider.

Spinning Rods

A spinning rod is a type of fishing rod that is used for casting light lures, such as spinners, spoons, and jigs. They are also used for live bait fishing. They are generally considered to be the best all-around rods for most fishing applications. They are especially popular for trout, bass, and panfish fishing.

Spinning rods are relatively short, typically ranging from 5 to 7 feet in length. This makes them ideal for casting in tight quarters, such as in heavily wooded areas or around brush piles. They also have a light action, which makes them perfect for casting lightweight lures.

Spinning rods are a popular choice for beginner anglers, as they are relatively easy to use and forgiving. They can be used to cast a wide variety of lures, making them a versatile option for many fishing applications.

Telescopic Fishing Rods

Telescopic rods are the most popular type among surf fishers. This is mostly due to their practicality because they are collapsible. These are the favorite type of many anglers because they are the best travel rods on the market.  When it has more eyes, it means its stress and weight distribution is better throughout the parabolic arc. Notice how short are the sections and how many eyes they have because this affects its casting and fish fighting abilities, and overall durability.

These collapse down to size as little as a foot and a half. When you extend it, it’s about 20 to 30 ft. long. The fact you can turn such a long fishing pole into such a small one makes it ideal for transporting. These are simple to carry in a car, bus, subway, etc.

Telescopic are made of carbon, graphite, fiberglass or a composite of these. They slip into each other with ease and are quite durable. The eyes are almost always made to help make each section stronger. Some telescopic rods have different grade eyes you can see in conventional models. Some are even eyeless, and those are usually made of graphite and/or carbon.

One thing you should remember is not to open these the same way you’d open a closed fishing pole into an open position. Whipping these out rapidly is almost always a bad idea. If you do this, you’ll struggle to close them afterward.

When closing it, make a gentle twist back and forth while slightly pushing all of the sections together. Most quality models come with a protective tip cover that also protects the guides. Also, make sure to remove all the sand and dirt from the joints because they could eventually damage them if not.

Picking the Right Material

Graphite Rods

Graphite is a material that is often used in fishing rods because it is strong and lightweight. It can also withstand corrosion from the water, making it a good choice for rods that will be used near or in the water. Graphite rods are also sensitive to touch, which makes them ideal for catching delicate fish. However, graphite rods are also more expensive than other materials options.

Fiberglass Rods

Fiberglass is another popular material choice for fishing rods because it is strong and relatively lightweight. It also has good resistance to corrosion, making it a good option for rods that will be used near or in water. Fiberglass rods are also less expensive than graphite rods, making them a more affordable option for budget-minded anglers. However, fiberglass rods are not as sensitive to touch as graphite rods, making them less desirable for delicate fish.

Carbon Fiber Rods

Carbon fiber is a newer material that is becoming increasingly popular for fishing rods. It is very strong and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for rods that need to be both durable and portable. Carbon fiber rods are also resistant to corrosion, making them a good option for use near or in water. Additionally, carbon fiber rods are very sensitive to touch, making them the perfect choice for delicate fish. However, carbon fiber rods are also the most expensive option on this list, making them a less affordable choice for budget-minded anglers.

Bamboo Rods

Bamboo is a material that has been used for fishing rods for centuries. It is strong and lightweight, making it a good choice for rods that need to be both durable and portable. Bamboo is also resistant to corrosion, making it a good option for rods that will be used near or in water. Additionally, bamboo is very sensitive to touch, making it the perfect choice for delicate fish. However, bamboo rods are also the most expensive option on this list, making them a less affordable choice for budget-minded anglers.

How To Pick The Right Rod

There are different types for various kinds of fish, lures and fishing methods. So, you should consider several factors in order to get the one that fits your needs the best.

You should first think about the kind of lure you’ll use. This is because some lures are too heavy or too lightweight for certain rods. Accuracy will suffer if you choose wrongly.

Power is another thing to consider as heavier action rods need more pressure in order to bend. Light action rods usually require less effort and pressure. For this reason, they are categorized as heavy, medium and light. High-end brands usually have in-between levels, too.

Pay attention to the material as graphite is the most sensitive and lightweight. It’s also stronger and usually more expensive. Fiberglass is widely used though graphite is almost always a better choice.

You should take good care of your fishing pole in order to get the most of it. Use a corrosion inhibitor to lubricate the reels. It’s also important to store it away from environmental elements.

Final Thoughts on The Different Types of Fishing Rods

Some rods are better than others for the particular method you’re using, and species you’re targeting. For this reason, it’s important you consider all the factors before you opt for one of the many types.

Having a good fishing pole is crucial, so make sure to take your time with researching and selecting your next rod.