Different Kinds Of Fishing Rods With Advantages And Disadvantages

 
Different Kinds Of Fishing Rods
 

Fishing is a popular outdoor sport, and just like any other sport, this, too, requires the use of the right equipment and gear. If you do not pick the right gear, you may not have the best catch ratio. One of the essential gear in fishing is the rod. There are different kinds of fishing rods available, but the choice of the rod that you pick depends on three factors:

 

  1. Where do you generally fish
  2. The type of fish you like chasing
  3. The bait you will use

 

Once you know these three aspects choosing from the different types of fishing rods will be streamlined. Primarily, when you scan through the different types of fishing poles, you will note that they differ from one another in strength, length, weight, width, flexibility, and activity.

 

First, however, you must know what kind of fishing rod is ideal for what situation. Here, in this article, we have ​​fishing rod types explained for your easier understanding.

 

So, let us get started and address the different types of fishing poles one by one. That’s not all; we will also provide you with some options to buy in each category.

 

Hope with these fishing rod types explained; it would be easier for you to make a selection.

 
 

Table of Contents

 

Different Kinds of Fishing Rods Compared

Features Where to use? Suitable Fishes Buy Now
Casting Fishing Rods
  1. Reel mounted close to handle
  2. Needs practice to master
  1. Lakes and streams or open waters
  2. For larger fishes with big lures
  1. Panfish
  2. Yellow perch
  3. Larger fish, such as walleye, lake trout, salmon, northern pike, blue catfish, and striped bass
  4. All warm water species
  1. Entsport E Series – Camo Legend
  2. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod
  3. St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod
Spin Fishing Rod
  1. More comfortable than the casting rods
  2. Perfect for beginners and professionals
  3. Reel mounted on bottom
  4. Not suitable for harsh waters
  1. Lakes, rivers and boats
  2. Use with light lures
  1. Trout
  2. Bass
  3. Pike
  4. Walleye
  5. Steelhead
  6. Salmon
  7. Saltwater fish
  1. Cadence Spinning Rod
  2. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Rod
  3. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod

 

Telescoping Fishing Rods
  1. Easy to transport
  2. Can be expanded or reduced to size.
  3. Assembly is quick and straightforward
  4. Long and flexible
  1. Can work in saltwater and freshwater lakes
  2. Fit for surf fishing
  3. Can be used for backpacking sometimes

 

  1. Bream
  2. Bass
  3. Trout
  4. Salmon
  1. PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod
  2. KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods
  3. Sougayilang Telescopic Fishing Rod
Fly Fishing Rods
  1. Uses artificial bait made from feather or similar items
  2. Longer than other different types of fishing rods explained
  3. Suitable for fly reels
  4. Usually thinner than the spinning rods
  5. Available in floating, sinking, sink tip, and other variations

 

  1. Moving water
  2. Oceans
  3. Lakes
  4. Rivers
  1. Trout
  2. Tuna
  3. Marlin
  4. Bass
  5. Pike
  6. Carp
  7. Salmon
  8. Sharks
  9. Steelhead
  1. Wild Water Fly Fishing  Rod
  2. Wakeman Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
  3. Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod
Ultra-Light Fishing Rods
  1. Meant for small fish
  2. Extremely lightweight
  3. Compact
  4. Great for backpacking and hiking trips
  1. Can be used for all kinds of bodies depending on the category of the ultra-light rod.
  1. Trout fishing
  2. Small warm water fishing
  3. Camping
  4. Backpacking
  1. Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
  2. Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
  3. BERRYPRO Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rod
Pen fishing rod
  1. One of the smallest kinds of rods.
  2. Can be fitted into the pocket
  3. Extremely compact and lightweight amongst all different types of fishing rods explained
  1. These can be used anywhere to chase smaller fishes.
  1. Panfish
  2. Perch
  1. Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set
  2. MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod
  3. Docooler Fishing Rod Mini Fishing Pole Retractable Pocket Pen
Surf Fishing Rods
  1. Helps you cast a far line
  2. Thick and sturdy
  3. Between 12-15 feet long
  4. You should be experienced to use these rods.
  5. Available in both casting and spinning styles
  6. Durable to constant onslaught of saltwater’s corrosive effects and ocean waves
  1. Can be used on a beach, pier, surf, or other shore areas.
  2. Can be used for fishing from shore, small boats, or larger ships.
  1. Shallow sea fishing for all kinds of species
  2. Beach fishing
  1. Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
  2. BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Graphite Spinning Rod
  3. Fiblink Surf Spinning & Casting Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Travel Fishing Rod
Trolling Rods
  1. Best to drag the lure in moving water to catch a big fish.
  2. Stiffer rods with large reels, which assure greater line.
  1. Perfectly suited for moving boats
  2. You can use it for boat fishing in both lakes and ocean.
  3. Can be used for inland lake and stream fishing.
  1. Bigger fish, such as mackerel and tuna
  1. Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods
  2. Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod
  3. Fiblink 1-Piece/2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod
Ice Fishing Rods
  1. Small in size
  2. 2-3 feet in length
  3. Meant for smaller fishes
  4. Does not take a lot of precision to master it.
  1. Perfect when you have to fish in the ice only.
  2. Ideal for fishing in the smaller holes.
  1. Crappies
  2. Smelt
  3. Perch
  4. Medium fish species, such as pike and walleye
  1. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo
  2. Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod
  3. Fiblink Graphite Ice Fishing Rod

 

Different Kinds Of Fishing Rods Available In The Market

1. Casting Fishing Rods

In this fishing rod, you can position the bait onto the hook. Here, the reel handles point in an upwards direction and whenever a fish pulls the line, the line gets slightly bent from the point of the rod guide.

 

Casting rods are meant for serious fishing, to say the least. They work supremely well with bigger lures and aiming for bigger fishes.

 
 

Casting Fishing Rod Types Explained

Now that we have casting fishing rod types explained, you should know that there are two types of casting rods:

 

  1. Baitcasting fishing rod (Sometimes the term baitcasting rods is interchangeably used for casting rods)
  2. Spin casting fishing rod

 

The former is used with the baitcasting reels, and the latter is used with spin casting reels, but both are sold under the banner of casting rods.

 
 

When to be used?

When you go fishing in streams or open waters, fishing rod types that work well for you are the casting fishing rods. As established, amongst the different types of fishing rodsbaitcasting and spinning rods (mentioned in the next section) are some of the best suited for beginners.

 

The casting rods can come in handy when fishing for the:

 

  1. Panfish
  2. Yellow perch
  3. Larger fish, such as walleye, lake trout, salmon, northern pike, blue catfish, and striped bass
  4. All warm water species

 

Pros

  • It lets you cast with precision.
  • Rod supports the eyelets, so they are durable and do not break easily
  • It is smooth and easy to operate.
  • Suitable for beginners too
  • Better castability
  • Best to aim for bigger fishes and heavy lures

 

Cons

  • They may be easy to use but have a technique involved. So, there is a learning curve. If you do not master the technique, there will be a backlash.
  • If there is a tangle, opening the reel and fixing it is a pain.

 
 

Casting Rods to Buy

 

Entsport E Series Entsport E Series – Camo Legend 2-Piece 7-Feet Casting Rod 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Baitcasting Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod – Durable Lightweight Sensitive Quality Casting Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod Check price on Amazon

 

2. Spin Fishing Rod

Now that we have the casting fishing rod types explained let us move on to the spin fishing rods. For someone new, it is not easy to draw a line between the spin fishing rod and the casting rod. But, after you know the difference between the two, you will understand that they are two different fishing rods.

 

Spin fishing rods are relatively less heavy and shorter opposed to the casting rods and uses a spinning reel with it. Also, the reel on spinning rods is mounted at the bottom instead of the top like casting rods.

 

Typically, the spin fishing rods are somewhere around 4-9 feet long, and the number of eyes they have naturally depended on how long the rod is.

 

However, you can find anything between 5-9 eyes. There are light action spin fishing rods, mid-action spin fishing rods, and heavy action spin fishing rods.

 

As the reel is nestled below the rod, and you will employ your non-dominant hand to work with it.

 
 

When to be used?

This rod is perfect to use when you wish to work with lighter lures and are not aiming for something huge.

 

These fishing rod types can be used for fishing species, such as:

 

  1. Trout
  2. Bass
  3. Pike
  4. Walleye
  5. Steelhead
  6. Salmon
  7. Saltwater fish

 

Alternatively, these fishing rod types will also work fine for the smaller species.
 

Pros

  • It is perfectly suited for beginners.
  • You can quickly reel in fish to prevent mishappenings.
  • They don’t require as many guides as casting rods.
  • These are versatile and available in an array of sizes and weights.
  • Spinning rods work well with live baits.

 

Cons

  • Though professionals and experienced anglers can work with it, it is not the most suitable choice for trolling.
  • Not suitable for difficult water or heavy catches

 
 

Spinning Rods to Buy

 

Cadence Spinning Rod Cadence Spinning Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Ougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Check price on Amazon

 

Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod Check price on Amazon

 

3. Telescoping Fishing Rods

Now that we have the casting and spin fishing rod types explained let us move on to the telescoping fishing rod types. There are typically two categories in the best telescopic fishing rods. First are the long rods that can be crumpled down into a shorter version, and the other may be shorter ones that can be extended further.

 

This adds to the portability of the telescoping fishing rod types, and you can easily transport these fishing rod types to the fishing location. A few advanced telescoping fishing rod types can be used in all kinds of fishing situations. They are made from the same material as the conventional fishing rod types.

 
 

When to be used?

Amongst the ​different types of fishing poles, these are best suited when you have to travel a long route to reach your fishing destination. They also come in handy on backpacking, camping, and hiking trips.

 

If you travel via bicycle or have little space in your car, then, too, these fishing rod types will come in handy. You can use them in both freshwater and saltwater.

 

Typically, these fishing rod types can be used for fishing any type of fish, and you can adjust the reel and bait as required. Some fishes that can be chased with these rods are:

 

  1. Bream
  2. Bass
  3. Trout
  4. Salmon

 

Pros

  • They are extremely lightweight.
  • Compact and easy to travel with
  • Can be expanded or reduced to the size
  • Extremely versatile

 

Cons

  • Casting with these rods is usually not precise.
  • Require greater maintenance
  • Experience in line casting is needed to start using this rod
  • Durability issues since the parts are collapsible

 
 

Best Telescopic Rods to Buy

 

PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods KastKing Compass Telescopic Fishing Rods Check price on Amazon

 

 

Sougayilang Fishing Rod Telescopic Fishing Rod Portable Sougayilang Fishing Rod Telescopic Fishing Rod Portable Check price on Amazon

4. Fly Fishing Rods

By now, we have three different types of fishing rods explained. So, now let us move on to the fourth one, which is the Fly Fishing rod.

 

Fly rods are meant for fly fishing which is nothing but luring the fish in using artificial bait made of features or similar items. The bait resembles a flying invertebrate and tricks the fish in getting caught.

 

Fly rods are thinner and relatively lighter than most other fishing rod types. Further, compared to the different types of fishing rods,these can be found in six to eight feet height.

 

An exceptional thing that makes them stand apart from the other different fishing rods is that they cast fast and freely. It is primarily because of the absence of the butt piece after the reel.

 

In the case of these fishing rod types, the reel is mounted lower, a tad below the handle. This assures a more outstanding balance. These are versatile, and you can find them in an array of actions and lengths.

 
 

When to be used?

Fly anglers mostly employ fly rods. Depending on the size and the action, you can use your fly rods for a diverse range of fish in various waters. For example, you can use these rods for chasing the giant marlin or tuna in the ocean to the littlest of the trout in a pond.

 

Other fish that you can catch with fly fishing rods include:

  1. Bass
  2. Pike
  3. Carp
  4. Salmon
  5. Sharks
  6. Steelhead

 

Pros

  • They are lightweight and flexible.
  • It can be used in all water bodies, even oceans
  • You can have a customized fishing experience i.e. choose your bait color and type.
  • These can be used to catch all kinds of fish.
  • Fly fishing rods are the picks for experienced anglers.
  • This can help you cast long distances.

 

Cons

  • It takes time to master, so beginners cannot use it
  • It needs a greater space to cast
  • Greater precision is needed for casting

 
 

Fly Fishing Rods to Buy

 

Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Wild Water Fly Fishing 9 Foot Check price on Amazon

 

Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Fly Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Check price on Amazon

 

Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

5. Ultra-Light Fishing Rods

As is clear from the name, the ultra-light fishing rods are the most lightweight rods from among all the fishing rod types explained. Though there are different fishing rods, the fact of the matter is, the ultra-light fishing rods can be casting rods, spin rods, fly rods, or any other rod from the different types of rods for fishing explained here.

 

Typically speaking, this is only a representation category and is used to determine the rod used for catching the smaller fish.

 
 

When to be used?

These fishing rod types are perfect for use in a backpacking trip. Different fishing rods serve different purposes but depending on the type in the ultra-light category; you can use it for:

 

  1. Trout fishing
  2. Small warm water fishing
  3. Camping
  4. Backpacking

 

Pros

  • Catching and eating small fish is a good fun
  • It is incredibly light
  • Traveling with it is easy
  • You can use it to offer lures to a picky fish.

Cons

  • It cannot be used for big fish
  • Not very durable
  • Casting long distances is hard

 

Ultra-Light Rods to Buy

 

Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Check price on Amazon

 

Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods Check price on Amazon

 

BERRYPRO Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rods BERRYPRO Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rods Check price on Amazon

 

6. Pen Fishing Rod

We have already discussed five different types of fishing rods. Taking this list of the different types of fishing poles forward, we have the pen fishing rods for you. These are ideally the most compact and portable fishing rod types. You can fold them up, and they will take the shape of a pen. So, you can conveniently fit them in your pocket.

 

Among the different fishing rods,this one is quite unique because of its size.

 
 

When to be used?

Typically, just like the other different types of fishing rods,you can use them anywhere. However, make sure you support it with a lighter reel, tackle, and weight-line on the rod.

 

You can use it for fishing smaller species, such as:

 

  1. Panfish
  2. Perch

 

Pros

  • Space-saving and lightweight
  • It is great for one of those random fishing opportunities.
  • Ideal for backpacking and hiking trips
  • Easy to store
  • An excellent secondary fishing rod.
  • They are hugely portable.

Cons

  • They are incredibly lightweight. So, they are not the most durable, and you cannot use them for heavy catches.

 
 

Pen Fishing Pocket Rods to Buy

Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Lixada Pen Fishing Rod Reel Combo Set Check price on Amazon

 

MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod MultiOutools Pen Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Docooler Fishing Rod Mini Fishing Pole Retractable Pocket Pen with Fishing Reel and Fishing Line Docooler Fishing Rod Mini Fishing Pole Retractable Pocket Pen with Fishing Reel and Fishing Line Check price on Amazon

 

7. Surf Fishing Rods

Now, coming to the sixth kind of fishing rods in our list for the different types of fishing poles, the surf fishing rods. Well, in all honesty, surf fishing can be enjoyable and exciting, provided you have the right kind of rod from the different fishing rods.

 

We have studied through the different types of fishing poles, and a few of the rods cast longer casts, while others perform only shorter casts. These fishing rod types are incredibly long. Thus, they help you cast the line far. They can be about 12-15 feet.

 
 

When to use it?

Among the different fishing rods, if you want the rod that can help you cast from pier, beach, surf, or other shore areas, this can be your go-to rod.

You can use it for:

 

  1. Shallow sea fishing for all kinds of species
  2. Beach fishing

 

Pros

  • Keeps the lines above water
  • You can lob a heavy bait rig effortlessly
  • Large casting distance
  • It helps you fight large fish
  • Available in different sizes and thicknesses.

 

Cons

  • Heavy and big
  • Not suitable for lakes and rivers
  • Usually expensive

 

Surf Rods to Buy

Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods Check price on Amazon

 

BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Fiblink Surf Spinning & Casting Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Travel Fiblink Surf Spinning & Casting Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Travel Check price on Amazon

 

8. Trolling Rods

Taking our list for the different types of fishing rodsfurtherwe now have come to the trolling rods. These are perfect picks when you seek a pleasurable and fun-filled fishing experience with large fishes. They enable you to drag the lure through the water to attract a big catch.

 

When you look at the ​different types of fishing poles each rod is meant for a specialized fishing experience. The same is the case with trolling rods. They are thick and strong to bear with the strong water currents while dragging the bait in the water.

 
 

When to be used?

If you need the rod that works best for the moving boats amongst the different fishing rods, then the trolling rods can be your go-to pick.

 

You can pick these over the different types of rods for fishing if you are chasing the:

 

  1. Pond fishes
  2. Ocean fishes
  3. Big lake fishes

 

Pros

  • Durable and heavy-duty
  • Thick
  • Sturdy
  • Ideal for chasing the big fish
  • Ideal for boat fishing

Cons

  • Not suited for anything other than trolling.

 

Best Trolling Rods

Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods Check price on Amazon

 

Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Check price on Amazon

 

Fiblink 1-Piece/2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod Fiblink 1-Piece/2-Piece Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Rod Check price on Amazon

 

9. Ice Fishing Rods

Last on our list for the different types of fishing rodsare the ice fishing rods. In ice fishing, you are supposed to drill a hole into the ice and fish closely. This is why these rods are pretty small in size. Typically, they will be between 25-37 inches. Since it is small in size, it naturally has fewer eyes. Generally speaking, ice fishing rods are short spin rods.

 
 

When should it be used?

When you are fishing in the ice, you have to use these rods in small access holes drilled through the ice. You cannot, however, land a giant fish with these rods. They can only be used for chasing small fish, such as:

 

  1. Crappies
  2. Smelt
  3. Perch
  4. Medium fish species, such as pike and walleye

 

Pros

  • Small in size to feel the fish closely
  • Easy to use
  • Inexpensive
  • Sensitive, which is a must for ice fishing

 

Cons

  • It cannot be used to fight the larger fishes
  • meant only for ice fishing

 

Ice Fishing Rods to Buy

 

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel Check price on Amazon

 

Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod Croix Rods Mojo Ice Fishing Rod Check price on Amazon

 

Fiblink Graphite Ice Fishing Rod Pole Gear Equipment for Walleye Perch Fiblink Graphite Ice Fishing Rod Pole Gear Equipment for Walleye Perch Check price on Amazon

 

Buying Guide For Different Types Of Fishing Poles

When you have to choose between the different fishing rods,there are some factors that you need to consider.

 

1. Material

The different fishing rods are available in various materials. The kind of material you opt for depends on the fishing activity and the kind of fishing you are engaging in.
 
We will explain a few common kinds of fishing rods below:

 
 

2. Graphite rods

If you are an experienced angler, you will love the lightweight feel and the top quality of the rods composed of graphite materials. Consequently, these rods work well in all types of fishing conditions. These are fast-action rods and are pricier than the other variants.

 
 

3. Fiberglass rods

These are suitable for beginners and novice anglers, as they can withstand the wear and tear of regular or careless fishing. In addition, they are the most affordable. Also, compared to the graphite rods, these are heavier. So, they are perfect for chasing the bigger fish.

 
 

4. Bamboo rods

If you need a rod that has a delicate and subtle presentation, then these can be your pick. They assure a smooth casting and fight the fish well.

 
 

5. Composite rods

These are an amalgam of graphite and fiberglass rods. So, you can get the best of both worlds.

 
 

6. Rod Length

The length of the rod is directly related to how long you can cast with the rod. But, heres a catch – the longer the cast the difficult it is to control & maneuver. So, pick a rod that suits your need. Like ice fishing requires a shorter rod.

 
 

7. Rod Action and Power

Rod action can be defined as how close or far does the rod bend from the tip. The faster the action, the closer is the bend to the tip. Rod power describes the strength of the rod. This means how much pressure or weight is needed to bend the rod. Pick a correct balance of power and action suited for the type of fishing you are going for.

 
 

8. Location

Your choice of the rod also depends on where you go fishing. So, if you plan on fishing in the ice, you will opt for the ice fishing rods. However, if you are fishing in ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes, the spinning or the casting rod can be your preferred pick.

 
 

 9. Type of fish

The type of fish you chase will also determine the kind of rod you pick. If you chase the giant fish in the ocean, you need a sea fishing rod or the heavy fishing rod. However, if you are fishing in your neighborhood, you can speak to the fish management department of your area and find out about all the prevalent catches. Then, depending on the fish you can find in abundance in the region, you can decide on your fishing rod.
 
 

10. Experience

The kind of experience you hold in the fishing world also determines the kind of rod you shop for. So, if you are a newbie, you must never opt for a fly fishing rod. Instead, you could invest in a spinning rod.

 
 

Fishing Rod Types: FAQs

Q 1. What is the best type of fishing rod?

Ans. Amongst the different types of fishing rods, the casting rods are the best kind.

 
 

Q 2. What is the difference between a baitcasting rod and a spinning rod?

Ans. The primary difference between the spinning rod and the baitcasting rod lies in the reel that gets annexed to it. In the casting rod, the baitcasting reel is annexed onto the handle. On the other hand, the spinning rods are annexed with an open-faced, underslung spinning reel, which comes with a rotating bail to wind the line. Both the guides and the reel seats are different in these rods to accommodate the reel type’s operation and attachment.

 
 

Q 3. What is the difference between a casting rod and a trolling rod?

Ans. The former utilizes a bait caster reel and can undertake the different permutations of action and power. In contrast, the trolling rod employing a trolling reel is a heavy rod suited for catching a big fish only.

 
 

Q4. What is the best fishing rod for a beginner?

Ans. Spinning rods are the best fishing rod types for beginners.

 

Conclusion

As is clear, there are different fishing rods for the different types of fish and the different locations for fishing. Thus, you must know which amongst the different fishing rods will be ideally suited for the area wherein you fish. We would recommend shopping for all nine different types of fishing poles for someone who loves fishing and exploring the different areas. In this manner, with the different types of fishing rods explained above, regardless of the location or the type of fish you desire to chase, you can surely enjoy a successful fishing session. Go on and add up to your selection of fishing rod types!