Fishing Rods

To beginner anglers, it may seem that there cannot be much variety on the traditional fishing rod. However there are many variations on the design of the fishing rod and it is useful for beginning anglers to be aware of the different options available.

Possibly the most common type of fishing rod used by recreational and sport anglers is the Spinning Rod. These are versatile fishing rods and can be used for both large and small fish, as they are both strong and flexible. Spinning rods are also well suited for casting and retrieving , and are commonly used in freshwater fishing to catch trout, walleye, bass and even larger species.

When fishing on the open ocean, a stronger tool than a spinning rod is required. This is where Jigging Rods come into their own. They are strong enough and heavy enough to withstand the considerable pull exerted on them by the force of the water and the wind. Boat fishing on the open ocean usually demands heavy lures and sinkers, and strong lines. Jigging rods are specially designed to handle these forces, while remaining flexible enough for casting and retrieving. Another option when boat fishing is a boat rod, a thick and heavy variation on the spinning rod.

The art of fly fishing has its own set of techniques and therefore requires a unique rod. In fact there are three types of fly fishing rods – bamboo, graphite and fibreglass. The bamboo fly fishing rod is the most common as it is both lightweight and very flexible. The graphite rod is slightly stiffer, and requires a more refined technique. More experienced fly fishermen like to use graphite rods due to their strength. The fibreglass fly fishing rod is heavier again, and is sometimes considered too heavy for the art of fly fishing.

Surf fishermen require something slightly different for their art. As they require some of the longest casts in recreational and sport angling, they also need longer fishing rods. Surf rods are the longest fishing rods available, and are also the heaviest. Surf anglers aim for large fish, and surf rods are designed to cope with this. Most surf rods measure between 3 and 4.2 metres.

Carbon fibre rods are designed for coarse fishing and are constructed from a combination of carbon fibres. Game fishing rods are similar, in that they are also designed for catching large game fish. These rods are commonly used in saltwater fishing, and are very rigid and thick. The design of the Tenkara rod mixes features from other rods, such as fly fishing rods and carbon rods. Tenkara rods are flexible, light and versatile.

Trout fishing is very common, and has its own rod specifically designed for the task. Trout fishing rods are about 3 metres in length and are made of graphite or occasionally fibreglass. They are light, particularly in comparison to bass fishing rods, and are designed for freshwater conditions.

This is only a small selection of the many types of fishing rods that are available. There are rods suited to just about every possible combination of fishing technique, fishing conditions and fish species. This also means however that when choosing a fishing rod, it is very important that you consider the conditions in which you will be fishing, and the types of fish you expect to catch. Your rod should be suited to the line, reel and sinker that you intend to use. It should be appropriately strong for the typical masses of the fish you will be catching, and flexible enough for the fishing technique you intend to use. Fishing rods have benefitted from the latest advances in material technology, and the right kind of fishing rod can greatly enhance an angler’s fishing experience.