Fishing poles--sometimes referred to as fishing rods--are one of the most important pieces of equipment for the successful angler. Made from a variety of materials, such as bamboo, graphite, fiberglass or composite materials, fishing poles are designed to help catch different fish species. To maximize the effectiveness of the pole for different fishing techniques, each pole is characterized by the length, action, power and grip.
Spinning
Spinning poles are popular among freshwater anglers fishing for bass, trout, pike or walleye. Ranging in length from 5 to 8 feet, pair spinning poles with a spinning reel to cast and retrieve the fishing line. Position the reel and guides on the bottom of the pole to provide smooth, accurate casts. Most spinning poles are made from graphite or fiberglass with a cork or PVC foam handle.
Casting
Casting poles can be paired with two different fishing reels--spin casting and bait casting. Spin casting poles are ideal for beginning anglers while bait casting poles require years of experience. Designed to have the reel and guides on the top, casting poles are effective for anglers looking to cast several hundred times during a fishing trip. Most casting poles can handle heavier line and fish in heavier cover than spinning poles.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing poles are long, thin, flexible and built for casting a lightweight artificial fly. Originally made from bamboo, fly fishing poles are also made from composite materials, fiberglass or graphite. The fly rod has a single line guide with smaller looped guides to control the fly line. To effectively cast the lure, fly fishing poles don’t have a handle that extends past the fly reel. Common species fished for with a fly fishing pole include salmon, steelhead and trout.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing poles are among the shortest fishing poles available because you don’t need to cast the bait. Measuring between 24 and 36 inches in length, ice fishing poles are made from stiff, durable materials. Features include a carved wooden handle, line guides and tip-ups. The tip-ups allow you to fish several different areas on the ice with a flag signaling when a fish takes the bait.
Surf
Surf fishing poles are the choice for offshore anglers fishing for big game fish, such as tuna, marlin or sailfish. Measuring 8 to 15 feet long, surf fishing poles are made from durable materials to withstand the aggressive fight from the big fish. The long length allows you to cast and troll the bait in a large boat or in rough water. The pole can also handle a large reel that contains sufficient fishing line.
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