Fishing Rods: Interesting Things You May Not Know

What Is A Fishing Rod?

A fishing rod is a long, flexible rod or pole used in the sport of fishing. It is designed to hold and control fishing line, as well as to cast and retrieve bait or lures. Fishing rods are typically made of lightweight materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a combination of both.

They consist of several components, including a handle or grip, reel seat, guides or eyelets, and a tip. The handle provides a comfortable grip for the angler, while the reel seat holds the fishing reel in place. The guides or eyelets are small rings that guide the fishing line along the length of the rod, and the tip is the thin, flexible end of the rod that detects fish bites and provides sensitivity to the angler.

Fishing rods come in various lengths, weights, and actions, depending on the type of fishing and the species being targeted

History of Fishing Rods

The history of fishing rods can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and China. Stone inscriptions dating back to 2000 BC provide evidence of fishing rod usage in these regions, as well as in Greece, Trinidad and Tobago, Rome, and medieval England. However, the invention of the fishing rod predates these recorded instances.

Recreational fishing with a rod, line, and hook gained popularity in the 15th century. In the 18th century, jointed rods emerged, featuring a wooden bottom part and a flexible bamboo top. This design provided the rod with greater flexibility. Lighter wood from South America and the West Indies began to be imported for rod production.

In the 19th century, composite bamboo rods were introduced, offering a lighter and stronger alternative to previous designs. As the 20th century arrived, fishing rods made from synthetic materials like fiberglass became prevalent.

Types of Fishing Rods

There are several types of fishing rods available, each designed for specific fishing techniques and target species. Here are some common types of fishing rods:

• Spinning Rod: Spinning rods are versatile and widely used for various fishing applications. They have a reel seat located on the underside of the rod and are designed to work with spinning reels. Spinning rods are suitable for casting light lures and fishing with live bait.
• Baitcasting Rod: Baitcasting rods are designed to be used with baitcasting reels. They typically have a trigger grip and a reel seat located on the top of the rod. Baitcasting rods are commonly used for freshwater fishing, especially when targeting larger fish species.
• Fly Rod: Fly rods are specifically designed for fly fishing, a technique where an artificial fly is cast using a weighted line. These rods are long and flexible, allowing for delicate presentations and accurate casting. Fly rods are typically categorized by their weight, ranging from ultra-light to heavy-duty rods.
• Surf Rod: Surf rods are designed for casting long distances from the shoreline or surf. They are typically longer and sturdier than other rods to handle heavy lines and large baits. Surf rods often have a higher number of line guides to help control the line during long casts.
• Trolling Rod: Trolling rods are used for trolling, a fishing method where lures or bait are dragged behind a moving boat. These rods are generally shorter and stronger to handle the resistance of trolling. Trolling rods often have a roller guide or a line guide with a larger diameter to accommodate the thicker fishing line used in this technique.
• Ice Fishing Rod: Ice fishing rods are specifically designed for fishing through holes in ice-covered lakes or rivers. They are shorter in length, usually around 24-36 inches, to accommodate the limited space available. Ice fishing rods are lightweight and sensitive to detect subtle bites in cold water.

How to Choose a Fishing Rod

1. Choose a length

The length of a fishing rod is measured from the tip to the end of the butt. Fishing rods come in various lengths, ranging from approximately four feet to fourteen feet. Larger rods can be taken apart into multiple pieces for convenient transportation. Your choice of rod length depends on where you plan to fish and what you intend to catch.

• Shorter rods are suitable for casting shorter distances and are commonly used with lightweight lures. They offer better control during fish fights, making them suitable for big game fishing. Shorter rods are also useful for trolling, a fishing technique where the line is attached to a moving boat and dragged across the water.
• On the other hand, longer rods allow for casting longer distances. They are particularly useful for surfcasting, which involves fishing directly from the shoreline rather than a boat or pier. Longer rods are also favored in fly fishing and when using heavier lures.

2. Decide on a weight

The strength of a rod is determined by its weight, indicating the amount of weight it can support. It is essential to choose a rod with the appropriate strength based on the lures or bait you intend to use. The weight of a rod is measured either by the weight of the lure it can cast or by its "pound test," which refers to the fishing line weight it can handle.

3. Understand the action

The bending point on a rod is referred to as its action, which can be categorized as ranging from "ultra light" to "heavy." A heavy action indicates that the rod bends closer to the tip, while a lighter action means it bends closer to the butt of the rod. A heavier action signifies a stiffer backbone in the rod, making it suitable for bass or other larger fish species. On the other hand, a lighter action rod is typically used when targeting smaller fish species.

4. Decide on a material

Fishing rods can be constructed using graphite, fiberglass, or a blend of both materials. The choice of material for your rod is connected to its performance and the specific type of fishing you intend to pursue.

5. Choose a reel

The type of reel you choose also determines the type of rod you will use. There are two main types of reels: spinning and casting. Each type caters to different needs of anglers.

• A spinning reel can be compared to an automatic transmission in a car. It offers less control but is perfect for beginners because it increases the chances of success. Spinning reels are less prone to tangling and work well with lighter lures and baits. They are versatile and suitable for various fishing purposes.
• On the other hand, a casting reel is akin to a manual transmission in a car. It provides more control as you utilize your thumbs to ensure casting accuracy. However, it requires more skill to operate effectively. Casting reels are commonly used with heavier artificial lures, accommodating specific fishing requirements.