Fishing Rod Types

Fish species vary from environment to environment, so each fishing trip you take will require the appropriate fishing rod. For example, saltwater fishing requires heavier rods than the freshwater variety due to the ocean's harsh currents. However, some freshwater fishing rods need more flexibility due to various casting techniques, such as fly fishing. A fishing rod's casting distance and lifting capacity are factors to consider when choosing the right equipment.

  1. Deep-Sea Fishing

    • Deep-sea fishing rods are heavier than freshwater fishing rods. The ocean's wave action requires deep-sea fishing rods to be stronger and bulkier. Also, seawater fish (such as marlins, sea bass and swordfish) tend to be larger than freshwater fish. Deep-sea fishing rods can measure as long as 10 feet, and they have heavier tips than those of freshwater fishing rods. The eyes on deep sea fishing rods are wider than freshwater fishing rods to accommodate thicker fishing lines.

    Fly Fishing

    • For fly fishing, fisherman rely on fly fishing rods. Fly fishing rods cast heavier lines than other fishing rod types, but the poles on these rods are long and thin. Due to the technique for this type of fishing, fly fishing rods require more flexibility than other types of fishing rods. When fly fishing, fishermen cast the line in attempts to fool fish into thinking the lure is a fly just landing on the water. Fly fishing can occur in fresh or salt water.

    Spin Casting

    • For freshwater fishing, spin casting rods are among the most common fishing rods for beginner fishermen. The reels on spin casting rods sit above the rod's handle, making these rods easier for fishermen to use than spinning rods (on which the reels sit on the underside of the rods' handles). Most spin casting rods measure approximately 5 to 6 feet long and are lighter than deep-sea or ice fishing rods.

    Ice Fishing

    • Among the cheapest fishing rods on the market are ice fishing models. Fishermen are not mobile while ice fishing, since ice generally covers most of a frozen lake. Thus, ice fishing rods do not require long lengths or heavy lines. Most ice fishing rods measure less than 4 to 5 feet long. Ice fishing rods in stores usually come with reels, but fishermen also have success from homemade rods without reels.

    Surf Rod

    • The largest type of fishing rod is a surf rod, which measures between 8 and 15 feet depending on the model. Surf rods are designed to cast lines past the wakes caused by motorboats. The reels on surf rods are larger than those on other types of fishing rods to facilitate this type of rod's long fishing lines. Surf fishing lines are usually thicker than other types of fishing lines, allowing fishermen to catch large saltwater fish.