Fishing is popular with many individuals entering the arena. However, it may look more complex than it is. Since you need to learn a lot of tricks to master the art of fishing, with rods and poles grabbing the top spot.
Therefore, you must learn about different types of fishing rods before you hit the waters. Imagine getting a large fish tied to a small rod; you could even miss your rod to a giant-size catch.
So, you must carry the right pole or rod with you on your next expedition. Moreover, different environments and target species also require different fishing rods.
Hence, if you are stuck deciding which rods suit you the best, you have come to the right place, as we will discuss every aspect of the fishing rods.
Different Types of Fishing Rods Explained
Since fishing is a vast field that requires certain gadgets to succeed, one of them, and the most important, is fishing rods. Therefore, if you are new to the game, you must learn about fishing rods to succeed.
Broadly speaking, fishing is divided into three categories.
● Casting Rods
● Casting
● Fly fishing
Kinds of Rods According to Material
Fishing rods are made of different kinds of materials. Therefore, many people categorize them based on material. For instance, fishing rods made of bamboo, graphite, fiberglass, or composite can be found.
Furthermore, each material has unique qualities and influences the bar’s activity, ability, and angling mode. Therefore, before you buy any rod, ensure that you know the application of each type of rod to avoid losing your rod mid-fishing or returning home empty-handed.
Types of Fishing Rods
Let us now move on to learning more about different types of fishing rods in detail. We will also see each one’s pros, cons, and limitations.
Casting Rods
Casting rods are also known as spin cast rods, as they have a casting reel mounted over the handle. These are some of the easiest fishing rods widely available in the market. Since they offer an easy-to-use method, they are ideal for newbies.
Further, it has a straightforward push-catch line discharge that offers easy control over the throw of the rod. Likewise, they are the cheapest rods available in the market.
Moreover, casting rods suit crowded fishing places and hotspots like riverbeds.
Spinning Rods
These are also easy to use and, hence commonly available in the market. Since they have a spinning reel, they are versatile and equally useful for casting and bait fishing.
Further, it has a reel hanging underneath the rod, unlike the casting rod. However, these are more systematic, as you need your second and third fingers to control the joints of the bars. One of the key advantages of a spinning rod is that you can hold it in your dominant hand, offering more control.
Therefore, spinning rods have an edge over the casting rods and are useful in sports angles including pike, trout, and bass.
Ultra-Light Rods
Although ultra-light rods are shorter and lighter in build they pose a challenge and thrill in finding a fish, because of their made, these are ideal for catching small fish like trout and sorts of panfish.
However, many anglers use them to catch larger fish as well, thus making them a versatile rod. Since it is lightweight and less inclined, luring more fish toward the bait is ideal. Moreover, you can use wet flies, spinners, and plastic worms as bait for this fishing rod.
Fly Rods
Fly rods are built for fly-fishing and have a lightweight draw and a fake fly castled to a line. You can use it to catch numerous fish including salmon, trout, pike, carp, and even marlin.
Moreover, you can get different-sized bars, so you must select the one according to your fishing expedition. If you plan for a relatively bigger fish, choose a heavier rod and vice versa.
Telescopic Fishing Rod
These have a short reach with an extended bar. So, it comes IN handy if you travel by public transport, bicycle, or minimal auto.
Moreover, these are better suited for surf angling, as they require long rods that can reach 14 inches long. However, you must remain extra careful with your telescopic rod as it erodes if exposed to sand.
Surf Rods
If you plan to fish from the shoreline, surf rods are made for this purpose. However, they are larger and have long hold handles to provide maximum reach in the sea.
Moreover, these are built with sturdy material and have a 3-4m range. Therefore, they are equally handy in tough and unpleasant waters.
Trolling Rods
These are manufactured for people who love to fish from a boat. Trolling rods offer motion pull resistance to keep fish calm in the water. Moreover, these are ideal for ocean and great lake fishing.
Further, these are stiff and offer relatively fast action. This means you can easily wind them when required as you troll off a fast-moving boat.
Types of Fishing Rod Materials
Let us now explore different fishing rods based on their material as different materials are used to assemble fishing rods.
Fiberglass
These are the least expensive rods; however, these are generally heavier than other materials. Therefore, these are perfect for larger fish. However, these will also alert the fish that you are around for hunting.
Graphite
If you want more finesse, graphite rods are built for you. Moreover, these are light in weight and are faster action-packed rods. Likewise, their material offers more flex at the top and little at the bottom. Graphite rods are expensive.
Composite Rods
As the name suggests, these are composite of both fiberglass and graphite. Therefore, these bring pros to both rods and are ideal for medium-sized water fishing. Moreover, its price also ranges between both rods.
Bamboo
It is a classic material for making a fishing rod and is not very popular today. Moreover, these are the cheapest rods and are ideal for offshore fishing.
How to Select the Right Fishing Rod?
Fishing rod selection is dependent on numerous factors. So, let’s look at all the factors that play a major role in the selection of the fishing rod.
Rod Length
Fishing rods are 6-12 feet long. The length of the rod depends on the type of fishing, species and angling conditions. Generally, short lengths are recommended for beginners for better control. However, pros can go for long rod lengths.
Likewise, Open Ocean would require a longer rod, while in-wood areas require a shorter rod length.
The Right Fishing Rod Length
Since rod lengths determine how far you can land your cast, the longer the length, the greater the reach. However, longer rods are difficult to manage. Therefore, most anglers agree that a 7-foot fishing rod is an all-rounder.
Power
Power is the pressure an angler needs to apply to force a bend on the rod. Generally, heavier rods need more strain on the wrist, whereas lighter rods need less power.
Moreover, the size and material of the rod also dictate power terms. Therefore, composite rods are the best for applying the perfect pressure.
Action
Action dictates how much and where a rod will bend. It depends on the rod’s shape and material. Further, action is categorized into fast, medium, and slow. Let’s learn more about each principle related to the action of a fishing rod.
Fast Action
A rod is solid and bends at the tip of the rod. Likewise, these bend at the highest part, beneath the tip. These are the lightest and best for sending even the slightest of vibrations. Since these can snap back quickly, they are ideal for hook setting.
Medium/Moderate Action
It bends deeper and flexibly at the rod’s tip and middle. Further, these offer extraordinary hook settings and allow longer casting. Moreover, they provide more time for fish to take a good bite.
Slow Action
These are the most flexible rods. Therefore, these bends to the butt end of the rod. However, these are challenging to set up with a hook.
Power and Action
Action indicates control over the fish, while power is the rod’s weight. Thus, the type of fish will decide the power and action of your fishing rod.
Power
Generally, power is directly related to the size of the fish. For instance, if you aim for large deep-sea fish, you need a high-power rod.
Action
It dictates your casting accuracy and distance. The smaller the size, the lighter the action required, and vice versa.
Line, Lure, Length, and Weight
The line of your fishing rod depends on the length and weight. Moreover, lure weight is measured in grams. Further, the bait decision also depends on the lure of the fish.
Most anglers use weight as the base for making other decisions regarding fishing rods. Since the rod’s circumstance makes or breaks your fishing adventure.
Here is a simple detail regarding deciding the weight and length of the fishing rod related to the type of fish under your radar.
Action Ranges and Target Fishes
● Ultra-Heavy: Sailfish, Shark, Tuna, and Halibut
● Heavy: Tuna, Sturgeon, Salmon, and Tarpon
● Light: skillet angle, bluegill, sunfish, Jacks, and Drums
● Medium: Bass, Catfish, and Redfish
● Medium Light: Bass, Walleye, and Trout
● Medium-Heavy: Pike, Musky, Snook, and Salmon
● Ultra-Light: Crappie, baits, and most little fish
Other Factors
A few other factors play a significant role in deciding different types of fishing rods. Here are two of them.
Rod taper and length
Length and taper have a significant impact on the action of the rod.
● If you target small fish, a long, thin, lightweight rod is the best.
● For bigger fish, you will need a short, solid rod.
● You can use an in-between rod for a good balance between action and power.
Weight class
The maximum line weight you can use is the weight class. Before deciding on a fishing rod, ensure you have researched the weight class and choose your rod accordingly.
Fishing Rod Buyer Tips
Here are a few tips regarding different types of fishing rods. These tips will help you decide what fishing rod will suit your requirements.
● A medium-sized rod is ideal for inshore fishing as it can catch fish under 20 pounds in shallow waters.
● Prefer a shorter rod if you are angling towards the bottom of the water.
● Fiberglass is affordable but heavier than carbon fiber.
● If you are a beginner, start with a casting rod.
Conclusion
Understanding and having the right equipment is critical for a successful fishing expedition. Since there are a large number of fishing rods available in the market, buyers need clarification. Moreover, understanding the nature of fishing also dictates different types of fishing rods.
However, we have made it possible for you to select the right fishing rod selection. Since fiberglass rods are cheaper and easy to manage, they are a perfect option for newbies. However, professionals can go for heavier and bigger rods.
We hope you are now perfectly placed to make the right decision with your fishing rod selection. Please leave feedback in the comments section.