Fishing Poles

What would fishing be without a pole? Fishing poles are arguably the most important component to successful fishing. Fishing poles and rods are made from natural bamboo, fiberglass, composite materials, or most commonly graphite. They are designed for casting distance, flexibility, strength, and sensitivity. Fishing rods vary depending on the type of fishing, but commonly used rods include fly rods, spincasting rods, and spinning rods. There are also deep sea rods, ultralight rods, surf rods, ice rods, and telescopic rods, to name a few.

Fly rods are longer, thinner, and more flexible then other types of rods. They are used to cast a "fly line", which is heavier than standard fishing line.

Spincasting rods are designed to hold a spincasting reel mounted above the handle, and are a great choice for the novice fisherman or woman due to their ease of use.

Spinning rods have the reel and guides located on the underside of the pole, and range from 5 to 8.5 feet.

Deep sea rods can be up to 10 feet in length and are usually thicker in diameter.

Ultralight rods are used with lighter line and smaller lures to catch smaller fish. They can be 4 to 5.5 feet in length.

Surf rods can be from 8 to 15 feet in length and are designed for use with larger reels for greater casting distance.

Ice rods are very short spinning rods from 2 to 3 feet in length.

Telescopic rods are designed to collapse for easy traveling.

Manufacturers rate fishing poles on a number or areas; mainly action, power, length, number of sections, guide type, and fore and rear grip length.

Action - The point at which the fishing pole flexes. Described as slow, medium, fast, or a combination.

Power - The ability of the pole to handle weight. Described as Ultra-Light, Light, Medium-Lite, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, or Ultra Heavy.

Length - Short or long. Shorter poles are useful for both ocean and freshwater fishing; longer poles are used for casting longer distances.

Number of Sections - Most rods are designed in one or two pieces, but some, such as telescopic rods, may have four to six.

Guide Type - Guides are placed above and below the rod to guide the fishing line down the pole. Also referred to as "eyes". Common types include boat rod, fly rod, roller, and single and double foot guides.

Fore and Rear Grip Length - Grips may be made of PVC or cork; common grips include pistol, drop shot, and trigger grips. Longer grips may allow for more control.