Types of Fishing Rods: Choose the Best

Who doesn't love to fish sitting in a peaceful environment surrounded by waters? Probably, no one. In fact, the thought of such a scenic background is enough to excite someone.

But before going fishing, the 1st thing that you must have an idea about the type of fishing rods so you can choose the best and perfect one for you. Now, the question may arise, if I know the tricks of catching fish, why I need to know the different types of fishing rods? Is it even necessary?

If you are thinking like this, you have the wrong concept as your fishing skill depends on the kind of rod you use and how you use it. If you know any experienced fishermen, you would see that they use a particular fishing rod for their fishing. It is because each rod is specially designed depending on the fish species, area, and tasks.

Hence, to know what kind of fishing rods are available? How powerful is your fishing rod? And are you sure you have picked the ideal fishing rod for you? Stay with us as, by the end, you will definitely get all your answers.

8 Different Types of Fishing Rods

Fishing is a fascinating and relaxing thing. But if you cannot catch a single fish, or even if you can, it is not the one you wanted; then it takes no time to take you from being happy to sad. That's why you must know about the varied kinds of fishing rods available as only the right one will give you a guarantee of a good outcome.

Below is a list of different types of fishing rods explained below, so you get a better understanding of the fishing rod types and uses and thus can choose the one that suits you the most:

1. Telescopic Rods

The first on our list is telescopic rods. You will be surprised to know, but it is a fishing rod that is a dream to use for every experienced and proficient fisher. Don't believe us; then, you can ask any skilled fishermen about their dream fishing rods. You will get your answer telescopic rods without any doubt.

Now the question may arise why it is a dream fishing rod among plenty of fishing rods available. Knowing the answer, you will understand why it is the favorite one, and you may never know it might become your favorite too.

Well, it is a compact, well-structured design and easy to use, store and carry facility. You can say, kind of an all-rounder fishing rod. Wait, it is not the end; there are more on the lists.

By the name telescopic, you might have guessed a bit. Still, let me give you a clear idea it is unique because when it is in a closing position, it is only 1 or 2 feet long, but when you open it can be as long as 20 feet. Kind of magic, right!

Due to its extreme extending ability, it is named like the telescope it is named as telescopic rods. Moreover, the rod's assembling is too easy and quick that anyone can do comfortably at any time.

Another thing that differentiates them from other fishing rods is that they are without any eyes. Along with being long, they are also extremely flexible, which makes it an ideal option for fishermen or any other people who just love to go surf fishing. But before using this rod, you need to have a good amount of experience in line casting. Otherwise, telescopic rods are not for you. Even if you use it, you will get your expected output.

Hence, choose the telescopic rods when you are experienced enough.

2. Fly Rods

As the name goes by, the fly rods are mainly designed for those people who are more into fly fishing. You can find these rods in various sizes and structures ranging from 6 feet to 15 feet.

They are so flexible that they can fly back and forth when you just adjust the fishhook and the bait. Generally, fly rods are made for trapping the small-sized fish that resides in the lakes and river. But it doesn't mean that they are less effective in catching the big-sized fishes.

Another specialty of this rod is that it can be used in any water body, even the ocean. However, it takes time and lots of practice to master casting art using the fly rod.

You can easily catch several big fishes successfully until you keep investing in the large-sized fly rods. As for trapping the large ones, you need something more powerful and flexible enough to help you roll. The larger the fish, the more effort and struggle you will have to endure.

Compared to other fishing rods, the fly rods are pretty different from those rods available in the market. If you have bought a fly rod, you will find that the rod's bunt part is absent.

The main reason behind these missing parts is that it facilitates the cast line process and makes sure that the line doesn't get twisted even for a bit while doing the casting. Many rods have these issues.

Luckily the fly rods have solved these problems, so one doesn't have to worry about the line getting entangled anymore. As a result, you can continue doing your fishing happily and without any worries.

Another critical point of these rods is that it needs a heavy fly line to ensure strength, sturdiness, and power in the line. Otherwise, you will not get your desired output if you use a light fly line.

If you are more interested in the below things, then a fly rod is the ideal one for you:

3. Casting Rods

This rod is made to offer the accurate outcome you desire when you choose to fish in an open or running river. It lets one accurately set the bait position on the fishhook so that a fish will undoubtedly get trapped, and you will not feel even a percentage of boringness.

They are designed mainly for a heavy-weight line that is needed for catching a power-impact fish where you need to put in a lot of energy and struggle. In other words, they feature a robust drag system for protecting the line compared to the most horrible abuse a big-sized fish can put a person into.

Cast rods are the standard choice for bass anglers. However, you will find fishermen catching other fishes using it, such as muskie, tuna, shark, etc., that need a stronger rod for dragging it. They are also available in various shapes and sizes, ranging from short and thick fishing rods for the big-sized fish to more trim options for longer casts.

Hence, if you are thinking of buying a casting rod, you will find the below 2 choices available to you:

You will find several small eyes in the baitcasting rod, particularly the eye placed near the roller. In contrast, the spin casting rod has many eyes like the baitcasting, except that it has a large eye compared to the bait cast fishing rod. Here, the large eye is given to be used combined with the spin-cast rod's reel to gain the expected result you have envisioned.

If you find yourself falling in the below things, then a casting rod is the perfect one for you:

4. Spinning Rods

Spinning rods are somehow similar to casting rods. Still, you will not be able to differentiate between both by merely looking as both look quite similar and several common features. Well, there is a huge difference between both of them.

However, you will find that the spinning rod is much lighter and less long than a casting rod if you have used both. Additionally, you will find that it has a large eye to lessen the line's resistance, which will prevent it from having a crack to getting warm.

The size of these types of rods differs from 4 feet to 9 feet long. The no. of eyes may also differ based on the size of the rods. Still, the least no. of eyes is 5, and the highest it can have been 9.

Another thing is that the reel of it is placed underneath the rod. It is done to reduce the force on the wrist while line casting. Hence, offering you a comfortable darg-and-flick stroke casts the fishhook and flies in the water surface to do its designated work.

The light-weight lines give a better performance when used for breezy days and small-sized fish. The fishes caught using spin rods are panfish, trout, croaker, speckled, and many more that you can catch easily using a light fish line.

Other than light and heavy power, they are also available in ultralight power. But don't be in the misconception that the ultralight power of spin rods is fragile. Instead, they are capable of catching giant monster fish.

A spinning rod is the ideal one to go for in case of the below things:

5. Surf Rods

One of the exciting fishing is while catching fish from those water bodies that have waves. But to feel that excitement and make your fishing experience enjoyable, you need to have suitable fishing rods with you.

That's why fish manufacturers came up with a unique idea and have especially made a dedicated fishing rod for surf fishing. And also have named it surf rods. So if you are a surf fishing lover, then undoubtedly, this rod is for you.

They are made extremely thick, strong, and long, ranging from 7 feet to 15 feet, so you can easily cast the line from a long distance. Many rods of these kinds come with a telescoping facility and a heavier sink to ensure that it doesn't get bend or float in the moving water when you do the line casting among the strong wave. Additionally, they are easy to carry and load anywhere at any time.

But for using this rod, you must be skilled enough to use it because fishing in the wavey water is much different from those with short waves. Hence, choose this rod only when you have enough experience in line casting. Otherwise, you will not be able to handle it properly.

6. Trolling Rods

Trolling fishing rods are an ideal option when you're looking for a fun experience along with doing fishing. It is more like playing a game with your fish as like tom and jerry play with each other.

It is typically positioned at the frontal bait part and then is used to catch big-sized game fish. The trolling rods are thick, robust, and durable to make you the winner in the battle between you and your target fish.

Another leading specialty of these fishing rods is that it is made enough longer. So you can put sit or do anything else by keeping it in a holding position with the help of its rod holder. After these, you just need to wait to get the target. Once a fish gets trapped, it will start moving, and the next job of yours is to bring that fish from the water with the reel.

Due to its easy use and different technique, many people have started using it. Many users have said that it is possible to catch the same amount of fish using trolling rods like the famous spinning rods. Therefore, if you are a curious and passionate fisherman, you can include the trolling rods in your fishing rods list.

It is perfect for the following people:

7. Sea Fishing Rods

This rod is especially for those who love fishing in the sea. In fact, they are made specifically for use while fishing in boats and ships. The fishing rod for the boat is shorter in length compared to the rod designed for the ship.

Hence, buy accordingly based on your need to make your envisioned dream come true. These rods are mainly used to catch big-sized and game fishes. That's why they come with a tough and durable fishing line so that you don't need to have struggled while catching a large fish.

One vital thing you need to consider while buying these rods is that the original and robust sea fishing rods have large eyes. A sea fishing rods in case of the following things:

8. Ice Fishing Rods

Ice fishing rods have a kind of calm and peaceful feeling about ice fishing. The cold breeze and the environment add a kind of enthusiasm and thus improves the fishing experience once you attempt to catch fish swimming in the cold water under you.

Similarly, many people don't even like the idea of catching fish in the ice area and do it only when they are forced to do or have no other options available. The only reason behind this is that they don't have the right fishing rod with them.

Hence, if you want to enjoy fishing on the ice, start using the ice fishing rods without any further delay. Generally, these rods are quite thin and smaller in length ranging from 25 to 37 inches. They kind of look like a child's toy or a pistol and are ideal for catching small fish. But nowadays, many are designed with a firm structure sp that you can also catch big-sized fishes with it, such as pike, lake trout or even muskie, etc.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Rod

Let's look at the below crucial things that you need to consider while choosing a fishing rod for yourself. Certainly, it will help you in identifying what you need:

Telescopic vs. 2-piece rods

Spin and cast fishing rods are available in 2 varied options, either telescopic or two-piece fishing rods. The difference between the telescopic and the two-piece rod is that the telescopic one can be bent in a small structure that makes it easy to carry, assemble and store anywhere and thus is perfect for traveling. In contrast, the two-piece cannot be folded and needs a lot of space to carry and store.

But if you think about the performance, then undoubtedly two-piece gives way better result than the telescopic rod. That's why, in the case of the beginner, the ideal to chose is the one that has telescopic spinning rods as it will be easier for than to handle. On the other hand, two-piece are preferable for experienced anglers due to their outstanding performance.

Rod Size

Generally, the rod size is written near the handle and is given based on the line power and bait weight to be used along with it. Once you set what type of fishing you plan to do, the next thing you should do is select a rod size that will serve all its goals.

The ideal rod size to buy for a beginner is within 6 feet to 7 feet.

Moreover, buy a reel with a rod that can stand the same line power and bait size. Otherwise, the mismatch may affect your fishing, and you would have to change it later.

Rod Action

It means the no. of stretch that the rod does while it is in a bent position. Usually, a pole can be folded along the entire length of its backbone (slow) or at the angle (fast-paced).

Generally, the kind of rods used for casting the baits is fast-paced as it will result in a better casting length and precision. In contrast, the boat and trolling rods are either medium or slow action as their superior flexibility is specially designed to fight with large-sized fishes successfully.

Rod Power

It is frequently mistaken with the rod action as both of them are related to the folding characteristics. The rod power means how much pressure is required to fold it, while rod action means where it occurs. So both are 2 different things. Basically, by rod power, it denotes the amount of resistance a fishing rod undergoes for being in a folded position:

The larger fish you plan to target, the more strength you will need to apply on the rod. In contrast, the smaller the fish will be, the less strength it will require, which indirectly increases your compassion.

Material

It is a crucial factor that you must consider while purchasing a fishing rod as the rod's sturdiness and stability directly depend on it. Generally, a rod is made with the following 3 kinds of materials:

Fiberglass

Fiberglass material is the oldest among all other materials used in the creation of fishing rods. And it is still being used due to the extreme strength and durability it offers, especially for heavy-weight saltwater fishing.

In fact, all the powerful sea fishing rods are made using the firm fiberglass material that is next to impossible to break. It is perfect for trolling rods, particularly when used with downriggers.

Graphite

The use of graphite material is new, and the leading edge of it over fiberglass material is that it is much lighter in weight and firmer. Its light-weight makes it just perfect for any fishing applications that need a precise cast of bait.

Moreover, one doesn't feel any casting tiredness by using it, even when you are fishing for several hours continuously. One of the shortcomings of this material is that it is much more fragile than fiberglass, for which it tends to break easily if much power is giving while catching a big-sized fish.

Composite

It is the combination of both graphite and fiberglass, which results in uniting both of their strong points and eliminating their weak points.

Handle

Generally, the fishing rod handles are created using either cork or EVA (Ethyl-Vinyl Acetate) foam. Both of these materials are good for meeting all needs. Hence, you can pick anyone based on your preference.

Caution Note:

Some corks come with pressed cork; they are not solid and long-lasting as the original cork.

Line Guides

It can differ a lot based on the selection of your fishing rod. Cast rods are of uniform size and have small line guides placed on the rod's front-facing the user. In contrast, the spin rods have larger line guides to the pole base, with the line guides getting smaller from the angle.

They are typically created using stainless steel and often have insets like zirconium or alconite that aids in lessening the resistance of the fishing line. Heavy-weight trolling and boat fishing rods tend to have a revolving inset inside the top-most line guide. In return, it helps eliminate the line guide's breakage or crack due to the resistance applied while struggling to catch a large-sized fish.

Hence, these are the key things that you must consider while choosing a fishing rod. If you can follow all the things as instructed, it is guaranteed you will be able to buy the best fishing rod for yourself.

The Bottom Line

For many people, fishing is their source of income, while it is a hobby for most. In both cases, it acts as a source of happiness for them. So, whatever may be the reason, it is a vital thing that needs no further telling.

However, if you are at a beginner level, the ideal one to go for is the spinning rods due to their easy casting mechanism. Once you specialize in fishing techniques, you can upgrade yourself to using other powerful fishing rods at any time.

Indeed, no one will not want to sit for a long time without getting any effective result, especially while you are fishing with full mood and enthusiasm because one gets the real happiness of fishing only when they can catch their targeted fish.

Hopefully, you have now understood the 8 different types of fishing rods along with the features to consider while selecting a fishing rod. So, what are you waiting for? Go to the market and pick the ideal one, as it will only give your desired outcome. Lastly, enjoy fishing!!!

FAQ

We have seen that people have a lot of questions regarding the varied kinds of fishing rods. That's why we have added a FAQ section, as it is pretty tough to answer them individually. Go through all the answers below, and you may find the answer you are looking for:

How many different types of fishing rods are there?

There are 3 kinds of fishing rods that are widely prevalent and used till now: graphite, fiberglass, and bamboo rods.

Fishing rods are recognized and differentiated based on the bait weight needed to move a fully loaded fishing rod and the pace that the rod takes to return to its original position.

What kind of fishing rod should I buy?

The type of fishing rod that you must buy depends on the water and the fish you want to catch. The small rod with 6 feet or less is the perfect one to go for is in case of dirty or grimy water, short distance, and where the pinpoint accuracy needs to be maintained.

In contrast, a long rod measuring more than 7 feet is preferable where you need to cover long distances, and pinpoint accuracy isn't such an issue.

Should I get a medium or medium-heavy rod?

A medium or medium-heavy rod with a large single fishhook is required when you do fishing using spinnerbaits. This kind of fishing rod comes with a fast speed that provides an ideal balance for giving a better cast while fishing with spinnerbaits.

What is a good size fishing rod?

Generally, the standard length of a fishing rod ranges within 6-12 feet and it varies from user to user depending on the species of the fish you want to catch and your fishing surrounding.

However, for a beginner level, something around 7 feet is considered a good size fishing rod. Hence, pick the measurement based on your requirements.

What power fishing rod do I need?

The power you need for a fishing rod depends on the size of the fish you are aiming at: