Which fishing rods

Fly rods are specifically designed for use with a fly reel when fly fishing. Fly fishing is very different to other traditional forms of fishing.

The first thing to consider when choosing a fishing rod for a child is the size. While target species and fishing environment should still factor into your decision, an all-rounder rod, or rod and reel combo, such as a light, spinning rod and reel combo is usually a good choice when buying for kids — after all, it will probably need to be replaced with a larger model as your child grows.

For a quick reference, check out this infographic which breaks down the major rod types, explaining where they are most commonly used, the type of reel they are best suited for and the relationship between rod action and power.

This is a great a start to choosing your rod. Now you need to consider the length of the rod, action, weight class, and the materials used in its construction. At the most basic level, a modern fishing rod is a long pole which tapers from the butt to the tip.

Action describes how much a rod flexes along its length and how quickly the rod tip returns to a neutral position when flexed. Most rods on the market are progressive tapering from butt to tip to allow for an even rod action. The action of a rod can also be influenced by whether the rod is a one-piece, two-piece, telescopic or a travel rod made up of multiple pieces. While it is undeniable that a one-piece rod offers the ultimate performance in fishing rod action, it may not be the most practical rod to suit your lifestyle.

A 5kg weighted rod suggests that you are targeting fish using up to 5kg rated fishing line. Lure weight is also sometimes marked on the rod indicating the maximum casting weight for that rod. First line guide is large, larger than on casting rods, because of the reel type used and the way that line gets through. Not all spinning rods are the same, and depending on a fish species you are planning to catch, you can choose among various levels of strength and flexibility.

Spinning rods are mostly used with lighter lures and lines that are also suitable for spinning reels. When fighting fish, these rods are a bit more fragile , due to line guides position. Of course, there are some stronger models on the market that can handle a lot. Fly rods do not have a lot of things in common with any other rod type mentioned here. These rods are very light , because they are meant to be held and cast all day long.

Reels that go with them are fly reels that just accommodate the line, and lines are weighted to enable casting, because there is no lure weight to pull it out. Reel seat is located lower than the handle, which is unique for this rod type. Reel makes a rod balanced in fly fishing , and that is the main reason for this position. These rods have classifications in accordance with the line weight, not the lure weight as other rod types.

There is no casting or covering large distances. These rods are shorter , because you do not need a lot of length when standing over a hole. Many of them are lightweight and sensitive to enable anglers to feel even the smallest bites. Although very short, anglers can choose in a small size range, to get the best one for their needs.

Ice rods are also made in a way that they can withstand very low temperatures without cracking when frozen. When ice fishing, you should choose equipment made specifically for this purpose, and that includes ice fishing essentials for the angler, as well as fishing lines suitable for extremely cold conditions. Casting rods are used with baitcasting reels , and this is not the best option for beginners.

Using them requires a bit more experience. These rods come in various lengths and strengths , and are used with baitcasting reels. Baitcasting rods accommodate reels on the upper side , and the reels are not hanging below like on spinning reels. Line guides are placed along the upper rod side , and because of that, these rods can handle a lot. For casting heavy lures and fighting large fish , these rods are the best choice. Casting rods, when used with suitable reels, offer more precision and speed , which is why anglers often choose casting rods over spinning ones for lures like crankbaits.

Anything that is going to be used in the sea has to have parts made from materials that are corrosion resistant. That includes the reel seat and the line guides. Sea fishing rods come in various lengths and strength , and the majority of them is on the longer side. For sea fishing, anglers can choose among different types of sea fishing rods , depending on a fish species and lures. Sea rod is basically a term that covers all the rod types suitable for sea fishing.

The most popular sea rod is the surf rod which is going to be mentioned in the end of this list. Some other specialized sea rods are made especially for sharks, tunas and other large species , and some of those are meant to be used from boats , not from the shore. Rods for saltwater are usually stronger , enable a bit larger casting distance, and can withstand greater forces.

Trolling rods are a special type of rod meant to be used when trolling on a boat. These rods are designed to drag a lure or a bait behind a moving boat. Rod handles are usually longer than on other rods, so that they can safely be placed into rod holders.

Here you can check how to make a fishing rod holder DIY. Blanks are thicker and stronger to be able to withstand greater forces that occur when trolling.

Most of them are made to be used with baitcasting or trolling reels , although some of them can be paired with spinning ones. Here you can check best spinning reels for catfish and other big fish You can find various types of trolling rods , and anglers can choose among those with roller guides, or those made for a specific specie like salmon.

Surf rods are meant to be used when fishing from the shore , or while wading through the shallows, and in the ocean. That will sometimes require large casting distance. Surf rods come in various lengths and strengths , and what makes them different from other types are some design features. One of them is an extended butt section. Another is that parts like line guides and reel seat have to be made from corrosion resistant materials to prevent rust and saltwater damage.

Length of the surf rod is one of the important features that contributes to casting distance. Also, longer ones are more suitable for larger species , to give anglers more leverage when fishing it.

Now you know what are different types of fishing rods , but there are a few more things I have to mention. First of all , think about what kind of fishing activities would you like to practice when choosing among different types of fishing rods. Secondly , you should consider action and power of the rod. Beginners often confuse these two features, and I will explain the difference a bit later on.

Another feature to consider is the length. Longer rods are a bit harder to handle, especially if fishing from a boat or in thick vegetation. Those who want to fish for carp will have a carp rod that is much longer than the rod used by anglers who fish for crappies. If you have the opportunity, go to the nearest tackle shop and try to hold a rod. See if the handle is comfortable and how sensitive the rod is. Line guides should be well made. But to keep things flexible and give yourself room to grow and try out different environments, we think investing in a simple yet multipurpose tackle bag is a good place to start.

In comparison with the tackle boxes of old—whose fold-out compartments resembled hardware storage more than outdoors equipment—a well-constructed tackle bag with individual compartments, carabiner loops, and a supportive shoulder strap will lessen the load of hiking to remote spots or bringing necessities with you while wading into a river.

We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. And though he agreed that there is likely no single bag that will suit anything from fly-fishing to deep-water trowling, he had a few suggestions for what to look for.

His tackle splits its time between a classic and unfortunately discontinued L. Bean tackle bag which straps easily to the front of his kayak and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. The numerous loops and side compartments make it easy to keep essentials like pliers and multi-tools within reach, alongside a convenient water-bottle holder. I brought my cheapo Shimano FXS rod on several trips to test beside the others. We also considered several high-end models to determine if paying a lot more would get you a much better product.

I was a big fan of St. The line lay is impeccably even, and despite being largely plastic, the Spheros is sturdy where it counts. Note that the Cabo PTSE sizes 60 and up are superior to the 40 and 50 sizes, which have inferior anti-reverse clutches. The Shimano Baitrunner performed well, but its lack of durability took it out of the running after we did our teardown test. After just a few weeks of use, it showed some early signs of corrosion.

The and sizes are absolute brutes. That said, most or size reels are probably outmatched by pound fish. Imagine holding a spool of line, rope, or wire between your hands. Taking the tag end of the line or rope or wire , a friend runs away from you as fast as possible.

If you apply little to no pressure to the spool, your friend can run freely, without friction. By holding it tighter, of course. If your friend weighs, say, pounds and continues to run, applying that pressure will put a great deal of strain on your hands—if you try to bring your friend to a stop with your bare hands, the spool will tear your fingers to shreds.

If you were to buy a cheap pair of synthetic wool gloves, you could perhaps apply more pressure and slow your friend down, slightly. On a fishing reel, the drag is a stack of circular washers that can be made of anything from felt to cork to carbon fiber to metal in higher-end gear. Felt and cork, as you tighten the drag or apply more resistance , will heat up and disintegrate under continuous strain, whereas carbon fiber and metal will fare far better.

Our pick. Shimano Saguaro Good for lure fishing This rod is a dependable workhorse, especially when casting heavier lures, but it may be too stiff for bait and bottom fishing. Buy from Amazon. Everything we recommend. The competition Footnotes. Why you should trust me. Who this is for. How we picked. Key features of a fishing rod. Key features of a fishing reel. How we tested. Flaws but not dealbreakers. Runner-up rod: Shimano Saguaro.

Upgrade rod: Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite.