Fishing Poles

Fishing Poles

Fishing poles (rods), whether made with natural bamboo, graphite, composite materials, or fiberglass, are designed for casting distance, flexibility, strength, and sensitivity, and cater to every type of fisherman (or woman) and every type of fishing. Types of rods may include:

Deep sea rods - Generally thicker in diameter, these poles are longer (up to 10 feet), have heavier tips, and eyes which are designed to handle thicker line and larger fish.

Fly rods - Longer, thinner, and more flexible, these rods are designed to cast a “fly line” which is generally heavier than a standard fishing line.

Spincasting rods - Entry level rods that are designed to hold a spincasting reel which is mounted above the handle.

Spinning rods - Ranging from 5-8.5 feet, these rods are designed with both reel and guides located on the underside of the pole.

Ultra-light rods - Generally much shorter (4-5.5 feet on average) ultra lights are used for smaller fish, lighter line, and smaller lures.

Surf rods - Range anywhere from 8 and 15 feet. Surf rods are designed to handle much larger reels which allow them to cast the longer line distance.

When purchasing a fishing rod manufactures will list the following criteria:

• Action: A rod’s action describes the point at which the fishing pole flexes. Fast rods will always carry their curve at the top of the pole (the tip), and when that big fish pulls your pole tip to the water slow rods will bend closer to the handle.
• Power: The power of a rod describes the ability of your pole to handle weight. Power may include Ultra-Light, Light, Medium-Lite, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, or Ultra Heavy.
• Length: Though ice fishing rods may measure only 24 inches in length, the average fishing rod will range anywhere from 5 to 20 feet. Where length is concerned, shorter fishing rods will range from 5-7 feet and can be used in both ocean and fresh water fishing.
• Number of sections or pieces in your pole: Most fishing rods are designed in one or two pieces.
• Guide type, and number of guides: Fishing rod guides which are placed above or below the rod, guide the fishing line during casting and retrieving, and may be made out of any number of materials. Types of rod guides, also referred to as “eyes,” can include boat rod, fly rod, roller, and single and double foot guides.
• Fore grip and rear grip length: Fishing rod handles can be made from both PVC and cork.

To help determine what type of fishing rod you need, use line weight and the rod manufacturer’s suggested lure weight as a guide for the range of the fish you are attempting to catch.