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Types of Fishing Rods: A Primer for Beginners

Types of Fishing Rods: A Primer for Beginners

Written by Fernando Lopez
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Published on May 15, 2019
fishing using a flexible spin-caster rod and reel

There weren’t many choices aside from the simple pole, line, and hook setup back in the day. But, thanks to modern technology, we now have access to different types of fishing rods. There are literally thousands of choices when it comes to fishing rod parts, enabling you to create unique combinations to better suit specific species of fish and fishing conditions.

If you’re a beginner, it can be difficult to choose the exact kind of fishing rod for your needs, especially since fishing rods and reels will be your biggest investment when gathering your basic fishing gear. You’ll also want to be able to use them for most of your fishing trips in order to get your money’s worth.

This article will help you better understand the main types of fishing rods and what they’re recommended for. You can then customize the specific parts in order to have the exact type of fishing rod and reel required for your fishing adventures.

Types of Fishing Rods

fisherman with fishing rod
Image via Shuttertock

Whether you’re going troll fishing, bass fishing, catching salmon, or fishing for flounder, you’ll find the right type of fishing rod for your needs here.

Spinning Rod

3D rendering of a spinning rod

Spinning rods are perhaps the most popular type of fishing rod, especially among beginners. They’re beginner-friendly, allow long casts with light lures, and can be quite affordable.

Its reel is open-faced with a cover (bail) that can be flipped up and down. The rod itself ranges between 5 to 8.5 feet, has 5 to 8 eyes (with the one closest to the reel larger than others to reduce friction on the line when you cast).

Spinning rods are usually easily identifiable due to their small and lightweight size, as well as the “eggbeater” spinning reel hanging beneath the rods. In terms of accuracy, the spinning reel is better than spin casting reels but can’t quite compete with baitcasting reels. Still, the way it’s used makes it more comfortable to handle and very easy to use. It’s also the ideal option for anglers who’re looking for a basic rod.

Recommended Spinning Rods

  • Daiwa Laguna 6′ 1-Piece Spinning Rod, Medium Power
  • Tsunami Airwave Jigging Boat Spinning Rod
  • Penn Pursuit II Spinning Reel
  • Shimano Baitrunner Saltwater Spinning Reel

Spin-Caster

Image via Shutterstock

Like the spinning reel, the spin-caster reel has a stationary spool. Push the button at the back of the reel to cast out the line and let go if you want it to stop the line from pushing out. The only real downside to spin casters is that they don’t go as far nor are they as accurate as other types of fishing reels.

Nonetheless, spin-casters are considered to be the best fishing rod for beginners, including children, as long as they are under adult supervision. This is largely because the reel’s construction includes an enclosure that conceals the spool completely and keeps all of the important components inside, eliminating the risk of the line getting twisted or jammed. For best quality spin casters, look for rods that are made of fiberglass.

Recommended Spin-Cast Reels:

  • Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel
  • Daiwa Minicast MC40 Super Ultralight Spincast Reel

Bait-Caster

bait-caster fishing rod and reel in use
Image via Shutterstock

The bait-caster is also quite distinct, particularly in terms of the reel operation. Instead of sitting parallel to the rod, it’s perpendicular (cross-ways), which is why this reel are often called a revolving-spool reel. The tackling method is also more challenging and will therefore need practice, skill, and mastery before you can achieve fishing accuracy.

As a more advanced rod, it’s good for catching any kind of fish but is more ideal for heavier fish. It also gives you more freedom to choose fishing lines, though this would also mean having to learn how to use different kinds of fishing lines with it (like metal lines for the trolling fishing method). A good understanding of the casting break is also necessary before using this type of fishing rod.

Recommended Bait-Cast Reels:

  • Daiwa Lexa 300 HD High-Speed Bait-Cast Reel
  • Daiwa Lexa 400 HD High-Speed Bait-Cast Reel
  • Roll-Control Starboard Fishing Rod Holder (TA-85S)

Fly-Caster

fly-caster rod and reel with line
Image via Shutterstock

Fly-casters are a special type of rod that allows the use of incredibly lightweight lures (called the artificial fly) for fly fishing. It is used to match a specialized line that can cast the smallest of flies up to great distances. Better casting results are achieved by combining the line’s added weight and visibility with the rod’s size and unique flexibility.

Since fly-casters use materials that are lightweight and buoyant, it requires even more patience and skill to be a professional in fly fishing. There’s also the need to prep your line with a few feet of monofilament or any low-visibility line in the middle of the fly line and lure before you start casting without scaring off any fish.

Customize the Rest of Your Setup

Now that you have a better idea of the main types of fishing rods available in the market, you can choose your rod size, line type and strength, lures, as well as your reel type—all depending on your targeted fish, fishing conditions, and budget.