Are you just getting started with fishing? If yes, one of the few things that you might get confused with is the different types of fishing rods and how to choose the suitable one. To start with, fishing rods are long, flexible poles employed by anglers to catch fish.
Furthermore, there are many different types of fishing rods out there. Interestingly, every one of them has its strengths and weaknesses. That’s so because the fishing rods are designed to meet the specific needs of anglers.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about the different types of fishing rods available out there. Furthermore, this post will also serve as a guide for you to choose the suitable fishing rod, depending on the type of fishing you’re using. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
7 Most Common Types of Fishing Rods
As previously stated, there are several different types of fishing rods out there. While we won’t be sharing everything, here’s the list of the 10 most common ones.
- Casting rods
- Spinning rods
- Fly fishing rods
- Surfcasting rods
- Boat rods
- Ice fishing rods
- Telescopic rods
Now that you’ve seen the list, let’s take the fishing rods one at a time and see what they have to offer and why you should choose one over the other.
1. Casting rods
Casting rods, also called baitcasting rods, are a fishing rod type designed to cast the line and bait with a fishing reel. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that casting rods can utilize any of the two types of fishing reels available out there; baitcasting reel and spinning reel. However, most of the poles often come with a baitcasting reel.
The baitcasting rods pack several different features. First, they have a reel that sits on the top of the pole, which helps in winding and stowing your fishing line. Apart from that, a casting rod also has a handle, line guides, ball bearing, and a few other components that serve different purposes.
Casting rods offer anglers many amazing benefits; one of them is that it enables you to cast further. However, the fishing pole, like the rest of the fishing rods out there, isn’t without its issues. That said, let’s have a quick look at the pros and cons of casting rods below.
Pros
One of the advantages of using a casting rod is that they are capable of casting further. Compared to other types of fishing rods, baitcasting rods offer better casting distance, allowing you to land bigger fish.
Furthermore, by using baitcasting rods, you can achieve accurate casting and gain more control over your bait. That’s not all; casting rods are also pretty much durable and ideal for landing different fish species.
Cons
No doubt, baitcasting rods offer anglers many amazing benefits. However, one of the disadvantages that come with having them is that they can be more expensive than most other fishing rods. Apart from that, it’ll take some practice to get better at handling the fishing pole.
2. Spinning rods
Another common type of fishing rod that you can consider buying as a beginner is the spinning rod. They are versatile, lightweight, flexible, and extremely easy to use.
Unlike casting rods which come designed for baitcasting and spinning reels, the spinning rods are only engineered to match spin-cast reels. Furthermore, the rod holds the reel right under the pole, with the guides facing downward.
There are several different types of spinning rods, depending on the lengths and rod action. You can always use a spinning rod to catch different fish species, including trout, panfish, largemouth bass, salmon, and many more.
Pros
One of the benefits of using spinning rods is that they are pretty much easy and intuitive to use and control, which is key to fishing. Furthermore, spinning rods can handle different fishing conditions, especially the wind. The fishing rods are flexible and versatile, meaning you can use them, irrespective of the fishing technique you’re using.
Cons
Although spinning rods are very easy to use, you need to understand that it’ll take some practice to handle them in difficult water conditions. Besides, the fishing rods don’t allow for a very precise cast when compared to the baitcasting rods.
3. Fly fishing rods
The third fishing rod on this list is the fly fishing rod. This fishing rod type has three different functions; casting, line control, and striking to land your catches.
The casting aspect of a fly fishing rod means that the fishing equipment is capable of casting with power and accuracy. Furthermore, a good fly fishing rod provides anglers with great line control.
Depending on the rod’s action, there are different types of fly fishing rods.
The first one is the fast action fly rods, which provide more power for a longer cast – all thanks to its tighter loops. Furthermore, fly rods are stiffer; this allows for more fighting strength to land bigger fish species. The problem, however, is that it becomes pretty much difficult to achieve a short cast with fast-action fly rods.
Another type of fly fishing rod is the medium or moderate action fly rod. They are ideal for beginner anglers, who are looking to choose their first fishing rod.
One of the advantages of medium or moderate-action fly fishing rods is that they are extremely versatile, meaning that you can use them for both shorter and longer distance casts.
Another type of fly fishing rod is the slow action fly rod – they’re primarily designed for anglers that fish smaller streams. They are very flexible but not good for long-distance casts.
4. Surf casting rods
Surf casting rods are fishing rod types designed for anglers trying to catch fish from the shores of saltwater. Most surf rods are long; this offering allows anglers to achieve long casts while surf fishing.
Surf casting rods offer a lot of amazing benefits to anglers; however, they aren’t without their issues. Here’s what you need to know about them below:
Pros
One of the advantages of long surf fishing rods is that they produce longer casts. Apart from that, the fishing poles are capable of keeping your fishing line right above the waves.
Cons
One of the disadvantages of longer surf fishing rods is that they can sometimes become more bulky and awkward to use. Apart from that, another issue with this type of rod is they are pretty much difficult to store when traveling or going for surf fishing trips.
5. Ice fishing rods
Occupying the fifth spot on this list are the ice fishing rods. If you don’t know, this type of rod offers most (if not all) of the features of open-water fishing rods. The only difference, however, is that they are specifically engineered for anglers who like targeting fish offshore in ice huts.
Like other fishing rods, there are different types of ice fishing rods available out there. They include ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy rods.
The ultra-fast rod bends only at the tip; it’s ideal for panfish. If you’re interested in landing bass fish, the fast-action ice fishing rod is ideal for you. The fishing rod, which also only bends at the tip, is perfect for catching Bass, Perch, and Panfish.
As for the medium-action ice fishing rods, they bend right to the middle of the blank and are ideal for landing various fish species, especially Walleye, Pickerel, and Trout. Unlike other rods, the slow action bends to the bottom of the handle.
Pros
Ice fishing rods are specifically designed for ice fishing. They are ideal, especially if you find yourself in a confined space inside an ice fishing hut. That’s not all, the fishing lines are also perfect for presenting your bait through a small hole in the ice. Furthermore, they are inexpensive and pretty much easy to use.
Cons
Like the rest of the rods on this list, the ice fishing poles also have their weaknesses. One of them is that the poles are small-sized, meaning you won’t get much of a cast-off from them like other rod types.
6. Telescopic fishing rods
Telescopic fishing rods are any type of rod that can fold easily. Most often, the rods come designed with carbon fiber or cork handles. However, you can also find a few of them available in foam materials.
Telescopic fishing rods offer several amazing benefits to anglers. However, they also have their issues like the rest of the rods. Let’s have a quick look at the pros and cons of this rod below:
Pros
One of the benefits of telescopic fishing rods is that they are portable. The fishing rods are transportable, meaning that you can always fish anytime you want using them. When compressed, telescopic rods will fish perfectly inside a carry-on bag.
Furthermore, telescopic rods are more rigid and divided into different sections. The benefit of that is the weight and stress of the fishing pole are equally distributed – this will eliminate the issue of snapping, especially when battling with larger fish species.
Cons
One of the disadvantages of telescopic fishing rods has a lot to do with manual error. If you open and close the rods rapidly, the pole might end up breaking or damaging quickly.
7. Boat rods
Boat rods are specifically designed for anglers that like deep-sea fishing. The rods can either be spun or cast. One of their unique features is that they are short and stout; this makes it easy for anglers to lower them easily into the water without necessarily having to cast.
Apart from being stout, boat rods are also heavy-duty. Well, that’s because of the materials (fiberglass) used in engineering them. Furthermore, boat rods are engineered to be robust with excellent handle material for comfort.
How do you pick the right fishing rod?
For the best fishing experience, one of the factors that you shouldn’t overlook is the fishing rod. How choosing the suitable one can sometimes be very challenging, especially for beginners.
For you to choose the best fishing rod, you need to put certain factors into consideration. One of the factors that contribute to your success on the water is the ability to position your bait and cast the fishing rod properly. However, that wouldn’t be possible unless you opt for the best fishing pole.
Here are some of the things that you need to consider when choosing a fishing rod.
First, you need to be sure of the type of fish you’re planning to catch. This is very essential, as every fishing rod out there have its specific functions. Apart from that, you also need to ask yourself the following questions:
- What type of water are you fishing for – freshwater or saltwater?
- What fishing techniques are you opting for – pier fishing, surf fishing, kayak & boat fishing, fly fishing, or ice fishing?
- Are you going to be traveling from one location to another?
You need to answer all the questions above to be able to decide the type of fishing rod that is best for you. Furthermore, there are a few things that you need to check when purchasing a fishing rod. Some of them include the materials, rod length, rod action, power, and bait types.
Rod length
Rod length is one of the important factors that you need to put into consideration when choosing the right rod. If what you’re targeting is bass species, picking a rod length between 6 and 8 feet is ideal.
Surf fishing requires long fishing poles. So, if what you’re interested in is standing along the shores of a beach to do your fishing, going for a longer fishing pole is what you need. However, if you’ve decided to fish from a boat or kayak, the ideal rod should be short. That’s so because boat fishing does not necessarily require casting the rod. Instead, all you need to do is to drop the fish vertically downward into the water.
Rod action
Rod action is very essential when choosing the best fishing pole. For instance, if you’re fly fishing, a fast-action fly rod will be the perfect rod for a longer cast. They bend closer to the tip, this is why most bass fishers love choosing them. A slow action fly rod, which bends at the butt, will be the perfect fishing rod – if you’re fishing from the stream.
The bottom line, you need to understand what you want and go for the exact fishing rod action that suits what you’re looking to achieve.
Rod handles
Before purchasing a suitable rod, another factor that you need to consider is the fishing rod handles. That’s so because the way you feel when handling the fishing pole has a lot to do with how successful you’ll be landing your target fish. That said, some fishing rod handles come with cork, foam, and a few other materials.
Apart from the rod materials, the length of the rod is another factor that can contribute to your success in the water. A longer handle will enable you to put both hands on the rod and cast as far as possible. However, shorter handles are mostly ideal for casting shorter distances and holding the rod with one hand. The choice is yours; just make sure you opt for what makes you comfortable.
Rod Power
The rod power is also important when choosing a fishing rod. It’s the extent to which the fishing rod can bend during fishing.
Going for a very powerful fishing rod means the pole will bend easily during fishing. There are different categories of fishing rods in terms of fishing power. They include heavy power rods, moderate power, ultralight rods, and light rods. If you’re opting for heavy-duty power rods, it means your baits only require a little bend in the rod.
Are old fishing rods worth money?
If you’re familiar with old fishing rods, you’ll agree that most of them can cost as high as $2,000. So, here’s a quick question; are old fishing rods worth the money?
To answer the burning question above, we’ll say it depends on a few factors, such as the rod material, the maker, composition, size, construction time, age, and all.
If the old fishing rod is from a reputable maker, there’s no doubt that the value would have doubled now. Some of the most reputable fishing rod manufacturers in the industry include Marty Karsetter, Lyle Dickerson, H.S. Gillum, E.F. Payne, Thaddeus Norris, and F.E. Thomas.
Apart from the maker, an old fishing rod is worth the money if the materials used to construct them are top-notch. A fishing pole made of bamboo is very valuable compared to those made with fiberglass and graphite.
In case you don’t know, the cost of producing a fishing rod made with bamboo material is almost the same thing as those created with graphite and fiberglass. Yet, a bamboo product is much more valuable. The difference in the values of the three materials is due to the time it takes to construct each one of them.
That said, the bottom line is – old fishing rods are worth the money.