Fishing is a great way to explore the world and have a lot of fun. Many people just stay in their own backyards to fish, staying in areas they are the most familiar with. But when you are looking to catch some of the big fish and go on an adventure, you need to have the best types of fishing rods ready to go.
With so many to choose from, it is hard to know where to go. Let’s take a look at some of the best types of fishing rods available for all anglers to choose from.
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Different Types Of Fishing Rods Explained
When it is time to go fishing, there are many types of fishing rods you can choose to get. The right one will depend on whether you have experience with fishing, a specific type of fish you want to catch, and more. Some of the most common types of fishing reels that you can choose include:
Telescopic Rods
As a beginner, the telescopic rod is a good option to choose. They collapse into smaller sizes, making them easier to store and transport when not in use. They also come in different lengths and work well in rivers and deeper water when it is time to enjoy a little bit of fishing out in the lake. There is a freshwater and saltwater version, so choose carefully to find the one that works best for you.
Learn More: Are Telescopic Fishing Rods Any Good?
Spinning Rods
The spinning rod is perfect for beginners who are ready to catch some great fish. These pair with a spinning reel, and due to the reel hanging below the rod, the line guide will be on the bottom. Not all of these are the same, and the angler will need to choose based on the amount of flexibility and strength they want in the rod. Lighter lures are some of the best for these, and they are more delicate when fighting fish, so be careful with the type of fishing you do.
Fly Rods
Fly rods are very light because the angler is supposed to hold and cast them all day long. The line on these will be weighted to make casting a little easier since a lure weight will not pull it out. The reel will be lower than the handle to balance out this type of fishing, and there are different lengths that the angler can choose based on the fishing conditions.
Related Article: 6 Best Beginner Fly Rods
Ice Fishing Rods
When it is time to ice fish, there are special ice fishing rods to try. These are shorter rods because length is not as important for this while fishing in the ice. They are lightweight and sensitive, making it easier to tell when even a tiny bite nibbles on the end of the line. These are designed to handle the frigid temperatures that may occur when ice fishing.
Learn More: Ice Fishing Tips
Casting Rods
When you want to go catch the large fish, ones that provide a bit of a fight, the casting rod will have some of the power that you need. This rod offers a lot of speed and precision, along with a bit more of the strength that you are using. They accommodate the reels on the upper side, making them sturdier than some of the other lines that you want to use.
Sea Fishing Rods
This is the rod you need when it is time to hit the sea and bring in the big fish. It is strong and resistant to corrosion, which makes it a great option to catch tuna, shark, and other large species from your boat. These rods are known for being stronger than some of the others and will be able to handle a longer casting distance.
Read More About: What Is Deep Sea Fishing
Trolling Rods
These are best when you want to drag a lure or bait behind your boat while it is moving. They are great for catching big fish, including catfish, and are often stronger than some of the other options. A skilled angler is necessary to use this rod and get it to get the fish that you want. Most are designed with trolling or baitcasting reels on them.
Find Out About: 6 Best Trolling Rods On The Market
Surf Rods
The surf rods will be the type to use when fishing from the shore or if you want to wade through the shallows. They come in different strengths and lengths, but they do provide a large casting distance when you need it. The longer ones are good when the angler wants to go after the bigger fish. The guides and reel seat are corrosion resistant to keep them safe, no matter what you go fishing for.
Related Article: Best Time To Surf Fish
What Materials Are Fishing Rods Made Of?
The material of the fishing rod you want to choose will be important too. You want something that is durable and meant to last, something that will not break apart for the work that you would like to do. Some of the most common types of materials used in fishing rods include:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a material used in fishing rods for many years. It is strong and meant to last, perfect when you want the rod to take a beating. These fishing rods are simple to make, helping to keep the rod nice and affordable. They are also pliable, which will provide limited feedback and makes it harder to tell when a small bite occurs.
Graphite Rods
These rods are a lighter alternative to the fiberglass rods of the past. They are popular, but many anglers may not understand how they work. These are sensitive to bites, and the lightness that comes with them makes them a lot of fun to take on that fishing trip.
Composite
When an angler worries about the performance of their fishing rod most of all, then the composite rod is going to be the best choice. These mix together the best of both worlds, giving you lots of flexibility without the weight or issues with sensitivity. They work when the angler would like to fish in many types of water.
Different Types of Fishing Poles
As you look at the information above, you will notice that there are two main types of fishing poles that you can choose for your fishing adventure, the freshwater pole and the saltwater pole. Recognizing which one is going to be the best for you will ensure that you get one that helps you catch the best fish. But what are the differences between the two?
Learn More: Fishing Pole Vs Rod (Key Differences Explained For Anglers)
Freshwater Poles
A freshwater pole is more likely to be made out of reed or cane and will help them best when fishing in freshwater areas. The crappie, catfish, and fly-fishing poles are examples of this type. These poles are often designed to go after a specific species of fish, so research what you want to catch before making the decision.
Pros
Cons
Saltwater Poles
Saltwater poles are the ones that can work in the oceans or at least the surf found on the coast. They have many designs to help the angler get the fish that they want. The weight capacity is the biggest distinguishing factor in these poles. If you are fishing in the ocean, get a pole that can handle at least 100 pounds of fish.
Pros
Cons
What Materials Are Fishing Poles Made Of?
Fishing poles are made out of different materials compared to fishing rods. Some of the most common materials used include:
Fishing Rods & Poles: Types Of Actions
The action of your fishing pole is important for how well it will perform. This action is defined by the material and the shape of the rod. This basically discusses how much your rod is going to bend. The action will also control the speed that the rod goes from loaded back to the original position. Some of the types of actions for a rod include:
Fast Or Heavy Action
Fast action rods will bend right below the tip. They are very sensitive to small nibbles and can send the vibration to your hand. They also snap back to normal quickly. This is ideal for single hooks, worms, and large jugs. Because they have fast tips and strong backbones, these rods will pull out fish from heavy cover. This works well for large fish too.
Medium Action
A medium action pole is going to bend right on the top half of the pole. They will provide good capabilities for hook-setting and will allow for far casting. They do move slower than fast action rods, so a multiple-hook setup will work on them. This also provides more time for the fish to bite on the bait.
Slow Or Light Action
Then there are slow action rods. These will bend all the way to the bottom of the rod. This is a good one for smaller fish, and you will have fun getting trout and panfish with this rod. These are the ones you need for an impressive cast, and you have to be careful with the lure size. Small lures are usually the best.
Common Fishing Rod Questions
What type of lever is a fishing rod?
A fishing rod is known as a class three lever. The load is going to be the big fish that you catch at the end of the line. The beam is the rod itself, and then the force will be the person reeling the fish using the handle of the rod between the two ends.
What is a 6 foot plus rod good for?
Each rod that you use will be a different size. Knowing the size that you need will factor into some of the work that you want to do while fishing. A six foot rod is good for short and accurate costs. They will pinpoint the accuracy more, then this type of rod is going to be the best.
What are short fishing rods called?
The shorter and lighter fishing rods are going to be great for catching smaller fish. They will be good in freshwater as well, allowing them to have some fun with simple fishing. This type of rod is often the best for beginners who may need some help getting started before they advance to some bigger rods.
Conclusion
When a beginner goes out fishing, they may assume that there are just one or two options for rods that they can choose. They may be a little overwhelmed when they find there are literally hundreds to pick from, and they may not know where to start. Use some of the tips above to help you understand which rod and pole you can use based on your skill level and the type of fish you would like to catch.