BEGINNER’S GUIDE: Types of Fishing Rods
Spinning Rod
This is the most popular choice among anglers. It is very versatile, beginner-friendly, and easy to use. Comes in a wide range of sizes, actions, power, and weights to match an angler’s preference. This rod is suitable to catch a large variety of species.
The spinning rod’s structure looks quite like a casting rod. Except for their guide positions and reel seat. The spinning rod’s guide faces down below to allow the line to flow smoothly off the reel and through the guides, making it easier for anglers to cast and retrieve their line. Although sounds perfect, a spinning rod is not a good option if you want to use a heavy line.
The rod reel sits on the bottom side of the handle. This allows the angler to have better control and power. Provides comfort while holding the rod for a long time while reeling it in at the same time. Although looks perfect, a spinning rod is not a good option if you want to use a heavy line.
Casting Rod
This rod is often used by beginners and recommended for kids because it is cheap, simple, and easy to use. The casting rod provides almost the same comfort and accuracy as the spinning rod. There are just some differences in terms of their features. It is stronger and can handle heavier lines.
The guide rings and reel seats are the opposite of the spinning rods. It faces upward. The reel of the casting rod is also different. It uses a bait-cast reel or a spin-cast reel. Among these two, the spin-cast reel is better to begin with as it is easy to learn and control, but it is very hard to fix when the line tangled because you must open its enclosed reel.
Surf Rod
Surf fishing rods are specifically designed for fishing in the ocean, from the surf, beaches, or shore areas. The length of this rod and the handle is longer and stronger than the normal spinning or casting rod and is ideal for casting long distances. Since it can handle larger and more powerful fish, it is capable to hold a larger reel, heavy lines, and heavy lures. You may need to take some time to practice how to cast properly according to your style.
Telescopic
Telescopic fishing rods are a popular choice among anglers who wants to do side fishing trips because it is a convenient and portable option for fishing. It is compact that some rods can be stored in a backpack and even on the trunk of a car. The rod’s length is adjustable according to your preference. It is collapsible, unlike other traditional rods, so you don’t have to worry about your rod being bent if you’re storing it in tight spaces. It is sometimes hard to do casting using this rod due to its telescopic function. The lock may sometimes loosen and/or collapse (if not properly tightened). Telescopic fishing rods may not be as strong or durable as traditional one-piece rods, also they are not as sensitive, which can make it difficult to detect lighter bites.
Boat/Trolling Rod
Trolling rods or Offshore Rods are used for moving boat fishing. These rods are designed and manufactured to be durable and able to handle the drag of heavy lures and lines and the bite of larger species. Big creatures mostly lurk from the deep sea, they fight toughly so you will need to equip your trolling rod with large reels that can hold long thick lines in case you got into a long battle. This rod type is strong and mounted with roller guides to support the line's movement efficiently. Trolling rods are best for those people who love to go on boat trips and into a challenge to catch a monster or what you called big game fishing. But the use of this rod is limited to trolling only.
Ultralight Fishing Rod
Ultralight fishing rods are a great option for anglers who are looking for a lightweight and sensitive option for catching smaller fish in shallow waters. These rods are typically made from graphite or carbon fibers, making them both lightweight and strong. Ultralight fishing rods are delicate and intended to cast micro weight lures. They are suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing and perfect to play with and entice smaller species. When choosing an ultralight fishing rod, it's important to consider the type of fishing and the species of fish you will be targeting. It uses ultralight reels and lighter lines too for a balance and nice controllable action.
While ultralight fishing rods have many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. They are not suitable for catching larger fish or may not be durable enough to handle the strain of fighting larger fish. Also, they can be more expensive and fragile than standard rods and may not be as comfortable to use for long periods of time, especially if you're fishing in windy conditions, because the lightweight design of the rod can make it more difficult to control the line.
Jigging Rod
A jigging rod is a type of fishing rod that is specifically designed for jigging, which is a technique of fishing where a lure or bait is repeatedly lifted and dropped in a jerking motion to mimic the movement of a small fish or other prey. Jigging is often used to target saltwater fish species such as tuna, grouper, and snapper.
Jigging rods are typically shorter and tougher than other types of fishing rods and are designed to handle the heavyweights of jigs and the force of a fish striking the lure. They usually have a sensitive tip to detect even the slightest bites and a strong backbone to handle a load of fish during the fight. It's also perfect for vertical jigging.
The length of a jigging rod can vary between 5 to 6 ft, and it can be made of different materials such as graphite, composite, and even glass fiber. They are also designed to be paired with specific types of reels, jigging reels, which are specialized in jerking motion and heavy drag.
Fly Fishing Rod
Fly fishing rods are specialized tools designed for catching fish using a fly fishing technique. They are typically made of high-modulus graphite or composite materials, which provide the perfect balance of strength, sensitivity, and flexibility. Fly rods come in a wide range of lengths and tapers to suit different types of fishing conditions.
One of the key features of fly fishing rods is their lightweight design, which allows for accurate casting and delicate presentations of the fly to the fish. They also have a high sensitivity level which helps the angler to detect the fish bite and set the hook.
Fly fishing rods are an essential piece of equipment for any angler looking to catch fish using the fly fishing technique. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, a good fly rod can make all the difference when it comes to catching fish.
Ice Fishing Rod
These rods are particular for fishing through the ice. They are made with high-strength materials that provide the perfect balance of sensitivity and power it needs to detect and reel in fish in the cold and harsh conditions of ice fishing.
It is shorter than traditional fishing rods and has a sensitive tip to help anglers detect even the slightest bite from fish. It has a short handle or no handle at all that allows anglers to fish through small holes in the ice. They are lightweight and fast action which is suitable for fishing on the ice.
Check out here Choosing the right material for a fishing rod and how to choose the perfect fishing rod for you.