Types of Baitcasting Rod

Baitcasting rods have triggers that hang below their handles and generally are used for larger fish species such as bass, muskies, northern pike and walleyes. The rods are available in many lengths and strengths, and fishermen pair them with round or low-profile baitcasting reels. Anglers use baitcasting equipment because it allows them to use heavier line and lures than they could with other rods.

  1. Power

    • Baitcasting rod power refers to the weight it takes to cause flex in the fishing rod. There are five powers of baitcasting rods: ultralight, light, medium, medium-heavy and heavy. Fishermen use heavy power baitcasting rods when they fish for big fish with heavy lines and lures. Such rods can handle heavy lures and provide good hook-setting power because it takes a lot of weight to cause the rod to flex, which allows for a firm hook-set. On the other end of the spectrum, light and ultralight rods are good when anglers target small species such as crappies.

    Action

    • There are four baitcasting rod actions available: slow, medium, fast and extra fast. An extra-fast action rod has little flex between the tip and the butt, while slow-action rods have a consistent flex throughout the length of the rod. Medium-action baitcasting rods flex at about the halfway spot on the rod, while fast-action rods flex two-thirds up the length of the rod.

    Material

    • There are two main materials used to make baitcasting rods: graphite and fiberglass. Graphite rods are most sensitive and stronger than fiberglass rods, and most anglers use nothing but graphite. Fiberglass rods have more flex and are less sensitive than graphite rods. Most anglers use them only in specific situations, such as when they fish with crankbaits.

    Length

    • Baitcasting rods are available in a variety of lengths, ranging from 5 feet to 9 feet or more. Anglers who target muskies with jerkbaits, for example, often use 5-foot baitcasting rods. Anglers who target fish with crankbaits, on the other hand, often use longer rods because the rods allow the lures to dive deeper, and also have a slower action, which reduces the number of fish that throw the hook. The most common length of baitcasting rods is 6 or 7 feet.