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Types of Fishing Rods

The fishing rod can be dated back to 2000bc and possibly earlier….wow, wouldn’t you love to find one of those at a rummage sale!! Today, the basic design (a “stick”) remains the same but a whole lot more sophisticated.

This article will only address the general features of fishing rod types and designs. First, let’s discuss the different components of the fishing rod.

Fishing Rod Components

Knowing the different components that make up the fishing rod will help you feel more confident in rod selection and use. Below are the basic parts of the rod and a brief description of each.

The Rod Blank is the most important and versatile component. It can be made from several different materials (or a combination of) and available in numerous lengths, colors, powers, and actions.

The Grip, or handle, is the part your hand(s) clutches to as you cast, reel, and fight that trophy catfish. Grips are available in various sizes, lengths, and materials. Sometimes there is a butt cap installed behind the rear grip.

The Reel Seat is the component that the fishing reel attaches to. Normally, there are 2 slots or hoods that the reel foot fits securely under.

Next, the Hook Keeper is usually a small wire loop that the bait hook can attach to when the rod is not being fished. It is normally located close to the Fore Grip.

The Guides are the "eyes" the line passes through from the reel to the tip of the rod. The number of guides on a fishing rod is mainly determined by the length and action of the rod. The guide that is on the tip of the rod is known as the “Tip Top”. Normally, the diameter of each guide becomes progressively smaller from the reel seat to the tip.

Fishing Rod Actions

Fishing rods fall into different "Action" catagories established by where the rod bends when stressed. Fast Action (Stiff) rods bend closer to the tip and are stiffer toward the butt. Medium Action rods bend somewhere in the middle of the blank, whereas, Slow Action (Light) rods bend closer to the butt so that most of the rod bends.

Fishing Rod Power

The amount of force required to bend the blank is known as the rod's "Power". The line size and the weight of the lure/bait should be matched to the rod's power in order to make skillful casts. A number of rod manufacturers supply this information on the rod itself.

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Types of Fishing Rods

Casting Rods

Two different reels are commonly use on casting rods, the spincast reel and the bait cast reel. The reel seat on the casting rod is such that the reel sits on top on the rod; consequently, the guides are usually on top also, with the exception of the "Spiral Guide" rods. The grips come in various lengths from a one handed pistol grip to a long grip used for casting with two hands and leverage when fighting frisky fish! Common lengths of the casting Rod are between 5' and 8' which, normally, dictates the number of guides. These rods are available in an array of actions, from fast to slow and everything in between. Casting rods come in various powers.

Spinning Rods

The spinning rod is unique in that the reel seat is position so that the reel hangs under the rod; consequently, the guides are under the rod also. The diameter of the guides are larger at the reel end and get progressively smaller towards the tip of the rod. This allows for a long and fluid cast. The grips are normally straight and their length increases in proportion to the rod's length. The spinning rod and reel combo is quite easy to master which makes it a good choice for the beginner fisherman.

Conventional Rods

Conventional rods are built to catch large saltwater fish using a number of different applications. These rods have a sturdy backbone and can handle the abuse of 50lb+ fish....which is perfect for large blues and flatheads.

Boat & Trolling Rods

These gutsy rods are made with quality components and have a strong backbone. The usual lengths are 6'6" to 8'6" and have braid safe guides with some having 2 or more roller guides.

Surf Rods

Surf Rods are very long (8'-15') and have long handles for 2 hand casts. These rods are designed to cast 100+ yards so the fisherman is able to place his bait beyond the breakers. Surf rods can be applied in certain catfishing situations, such as, making long casts from the lake bank to fish deeper water or the river bank to reach the main channel.

Fly Rods

The most important part of a Fly Fisherman's Arsenal is the Fly rod which is fashioned to deliver accurate displays of the Fly. The most versatile fly rod length is around 9 feet which can handle most Fly Fishing situations. The Fly Reel is situated under the Rod as are the Line Guides. Fly Rods have been responsible for landing fish as small as Perch and as Large as Tarpon.

Custom Rods

Custom rods are very individualized in that each component is selected to create a rod that is matched to the fisherman's preferences. Custom built rods cast more accurately, are evenly balanced for less stress during long fishing events, have little to no twisting action when fighting fish, and can be very esthetic to the eye! Click on "Custom Rods" for more Information.

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Conclusion

There is a Fishing Rod for every type of Fish and Style of Fishing. Below are a few helpful matches of Rod Actions to Fish Species:

Ultra-Light - Sun Fish, Pan Fish, Bluegill

Light - Sun Fish, Pan Fish, Bluegill, Crappie, Small Bass

Medium Light - Bass, Trout, Walleye, Crappie

Medium - Red Fish, Bass, Channel Catfish, Carp

Medium Heavy - Pike, Musky, Snook, Salmon, Bass, Channel Catfish

Heavy - Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Salmon, Tarpon, Tuna

Extra Heavy - Sailfish, Shark, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish

My goal is to helped you gain insight to Fishing Rods, their Uses, and the Best Selection for Your Style of Fishing. I hope you stay Safe and Have an Awesome time on the water Fishing....In that Order!

God Bless

Bill

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