Different Types of Fishing Rods Explained: There many types of fishing rods that are available on the market. Fishing rods differ in type, model, brand, size, and weight, etc. But for beginners, this can sound more like confusion rather than an advantage. So, in this guide, we have tried to explain the different kinds of fishing rods and their features.
We are keen to share our experiences of shopping for fishing rods. And, we hope that this guide will help beginners pick the right fishing rod.
Different Types of Fishing Rods
Fishing leads you to amazing experiences, emotions, sights, and places once you learn how to fish. But you need to first pick the right fishing rod for a great fishing experience.
As a beginner, an essential thing to understand is what type of fishing rod or pole suits you. We shall discuss the various types of fishing rods suitable for beginners so that it becomes easier for you to pick the right fishing rod. Also, a fishing pole for trout may be different than a fishing pole for bass.
Spinning Rods
These are made of graphite and most cost less than $100. The rod fits right into the target and picks anything the size of a large salmon, blackjack, pike, or bass.
Spinning rods are great for fishing trout as well. If you go for a spinning rod, then you can buy an affordable fishing reel by reading out Best Spinning Reel Under 30 reviews.
Most spinning rods come in two or four pieces and are strong enough for any beginner to use with comfort. Spinning rods are great for newbies.
Casting Rods
Casting rods vary from the other types of fishing rods. To use a casting rod, you would need a casting reel. A combination of these two makes the bite easier for the fish and helps you catch your target with lesser effort.
Baitcasting rods help beginners to learn angles too. Selecting the baitcasting rod for beginners has always been a topic of debate.
But we can tell you one fact, most experienced pros will advise you to go for baitcasting rods for fishing. The reasons for its popularity could be strength and durability. Moreover, the price is pretty easy on the wallet.
Cane Poles
Cane Pole is a common term that you may have heard often. It is a beginner’s choice for various reasons like comfortable to carry, convenient to handle, and simple to operate. You will enjoy using it the most by buying a local ticket to fishing in your nearest area.
The only concern while using these poles is the restriction in their range. You may have to carry a few rigs extra to reach the deeper side of the canal or lake. Our advice is not to use these for a long course of time.
Float Fishing Rods
Float rods are simple to use. Many beginners prefer to you these as they are quite reasonable at bargain stores. When you go to pick it up, try a rod that is no longer than 10 feet and can easily handle fishing lines.
We recommend using the best copolymer fishing line with most fishing poles and float fishing rods are no exception.
You don’t have to be a pro when you have the float road. Float fishing rods help you to catch the most common species of fish. Check the brands at the store; some companies release attractive offers on seasonal occasions. Try the Savage Gear LRF or a similar company as they are quite known in the market.
Fly Fishing Rods
If you have a small budget for fishing rods then a fly fishing rod is the ideal choice. A range of these with an amazing kit exists at the stores. These are affordable.
One of the ideal advantages of carrying a fly rod is that you can use them for fishing on rivers or fishing on still waters. Beginners who wish to try fly fishing can go for 6 to 9 feet fly rods.
If you are a beginner, you can go for the Best Fly Fishing Combo Under 300 which comes with all the required equipment for catching fish. Shakespeare has an amazing variety of these at great value.
Surf Fishing Rods
If you visit the market, you will find an amazing range of surf fishing rods for beginners. Try to pick one if you are planning to visit the harbor area or breakwaters for some serious fishing.
Check the length of the rod that you intend to buy. For something like a mackerel, you may need a rod of at least 10 ft. in length.
Our advice for beginners is to avoid sea fishing or deep water fishing. These trips usually require big boats and a crew.
Conventional Fishing Poles
Conventional fishing poles come with rollers and you cast the fish with these. When you cast, the reel will release freely for straight unwinding.
Generally, a conventional rod is mounted from the top and the amount decreases as you reach the tip of the rod. Not many beginners prefer to start with conventional fishing rods.
Travel Fishing Rods
Travel fishing rods have some fascination for beginner fishermen. Many beginners fall for this three-piece stick. Travel fishing rods are light as a feather and strong as a wooden stick at the same time. It is specialized in catching fish at different angles and shall help you to get used to the art of angling as a starter.
All-Rounder Poles
Some fishing poles come with interchangeable options. These help you to clear all confusion about which rod to select for different types of fishing.
The rods are easily available and known as all-rounder rods or twin-top rods. Such all-rounder fishing poles are great for beginners as they adjust according to your needs and requirements.
So these are the many different types of fishing rods that are available. Now, let us look at some of the features of fishing rods. Understanding these features can help you pick the right kind of fishing rod.
Features of a Fishing Rod
Apart from your personal considerations such as offers, budget, availability, and brands, there are certain other features that you need to be aware of while buying a fishing pole. Now we shall discuss those features which you need to consider while evaluating different types of fishing poles.
Online User Ratings
Check the user ratings given for the fishing rod. Many users would have given ratings to the respective fishing rods along with their review comments.
These ratings can help you decide which fishing rod may be ideal as per your expectations. Apart from the user rating, there are product ratings that need a check too. For instance, power rating, and action rating.
Fishing Rod Length
The length of a fishing rod begins from the tip and reaches until the end. Normally, any good fishing pole must range between 5 to 14 feet in length.
If you are a backpacker, you may like reading the Best Backpacking Fishing Rods guide for our top picks. Backpacking fishing rods can be easily assembled and dissembled while carrying for your convenience. Shorter fishing poles are ideal to catch short prey and longer for heavier fishes.
Fishing Rod Weight
The weight of your fishing rod will decide how much weight it can carry while you pull it back. Most fishing rods have a pound rating which you can check before buying.
As a beginner, you will anyway not get into deep water and try catching heavy fish. Thus, it would be wise to look at different types of fishing rods that are suited for lightweight fish.
Fishing Reel
Your choice of rod would also determine the reel you will attach to it. E.g. If you go for a baitcasting rod, then you should check out the Best Baitcasting Reel Under 50 review to find a quality baitcasting reel at a great price. Reels perform the activities of casting. In the fishing tool and equipment store, you will find plenty of reels to choose from. A good reel is one that is smooth to pull back and easily catches your prey.
Pro tip: you must first decide the type of fish you wish to catch and then choose the reel accordingly.
Last Updated on December 9, 2023 by Victor Mays