Fishing Rod Review 2024: Buying Guide and Comparison
In our fishing rod review for 2024, we compared 6 versatile all-round fishing rods from various well-known manufacturers for you. The criteria for the comparison were customer reviews, our assessments, and the price-performance ratio.
These rods are very suitable for beginners. Even as an advanced angler, you will have a lot of joy with these rods if you are looking for a highly versatile fishing rod.
In the following overview, you can see the rankings of all models from our fishing rod comparison.
Click on “Details” to access the detailed product description of a product. In the product description, you will also find a summary of customer reviews and our own evaluation. Alternatively, click on “View Offer” to see the offer directly.
The Essentials in Brief
- Fishing rods allow you to cast farther and more precisely than with other tools that can be used for fishing. Additionally, with a fishing rod, you can effectively control hooked fish and safely reel them in.
- In general, fishing rods are divided into two types: telescopic rods and two-piece rods. There are also numerous types of fishing rods designed for targeting specific species of fish or for using particular fishing methods.
- Telescopic rods have a shorter transport length, making them easier to transport. Two-piece rods offer the advantage that all the rod guides are immediately aligned straight after the rod sections are connected.
Types of fishing rods: Which ones are there and which is the right one for you?
There are numerous types of fishing rods. Typically, fishing rods are categorized based on their intended use or the target fish being caught. Within these two categories, fishing rods are further divided by their construction into two-piece rods and telescopic rods.
In the following sections, we will explain the different types of fishing rods and their characteristics. We will cover types of fishing rods that are named based on their intended use, target fish, or construction.
Types of fishing rods categorized by intended use
Most fishing rods are named after the fishing method for which they are used. A well-known example of this categorization is spinning rods. Spinning rods are used for spinning with artificial lures to catch predatory fish.
In the following section, we will introduce you to various types of fishing rods that are particularly optimized for specific fishing methods based on their characteristics. Fishing rods are categorized by their intended use into the following types:
- All-round Fishing Rods
- Baitcasting Rods
- Boat Fishing Rods
- Bolognese Fishing Rods
- Drop Shot Rods
- Feeder Fishing Rods
- Float Rods
- Fly Fishing Rods
- Ice Fishing Rods
- Jerkbait Rods
- Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Spinning Rods
- Surf Casting Rods
- Trolling Rods
- Ultralight Fishing Rods
All-round Fishing Rods
All-round fishing rods are very versatile and well-suited for various fishing methods.
The special thing about all-round fishing rods is that you can use them for various fishing methods. These multipurpose rods are suitable for both spinning with artificial lures and bottom fishing. They are also well-suited for fishing with a float.
All-round fishing rods are often made from a special composite material, a mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber. In our fishing rod review for 2024, we compared different all-round fishing rods based on customer reviews and their price-performance ratio.
Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods are specialized spinning rods used for spinning with a baitcasting reel.

Baitcasting rod with baitcasting reel. (Foto: ako9 / pixabay.com)
Baitcast fishing is simply spinning with a baitcasting reel. It is particularly popular in the USA and offers the advantage of utilizing the high braking power of baitcasting reels while spinning.
The baitcasting rod is held “upside down” during casting and fishing, so that its guides face upward. Additionally, baitcasting rods often have a protrusion on the underside with a recess for the angler’s index finger.
Bolognese Fishing Rods
A Bolognese rod is a long telescopic rod with guides and is used for fishing with a float.
Due to its length, a Bolognese rod has a greater casting distance compared to shorter rods. Bolognese rods are used for fishing with floats in still waters and flowing waters. Most Bolognese rods are 13″ to 26″ long. Their length allows for good control of the float and hooked fish.
Fishing with a Bolognese rod is quite popular in Italy and the UK. In the following video by Cadence Fishing UK, you can see how to fish with a Bolognese rod:
Boat Fishing Rods
Boat rods are used for fishing from a boat and are usually 3″ to 7″ long.
When fishing from a boat, anglers have the advantage of being able to approach the fishing spot closely and do not need to cast far to present the bait to the fish. When vertical fishing, the rod is even fished directly under the boat.
Since long casts are not necessary, boat rods are particularly practical and well-suited for this fishing method. Additionally, short fishing rods on a boat allow multiple anglers to cast without interfering with each other, providing everyone with more space.
Many boat rods are also saltwater-resistant and constructed to be sturdy enough to safely reel in fish exceeding the 50 kg mark.
In the following video by Daiwa USA you see Daiwa Saltist Boat Rods in action:
Surf Casting Rods
Surfcasting rods are used for surf fishing and are typically 12″ to 16″ long. They are designed to make particularly long casts when saltwater fishing from the shore.
Surf fishing is a method where sea fish are targeted from the shore. To achieve particularly long casts, lead weights typically weighing between 4 to 10 oz. are used. Casts exceeding distances of 100 meters are not uncommon in surf fishing.
Surf rods enable very high casting distances due to their special characteristics. Because of the length of the surf rod, the rig is at a higher starting point at the moment of the cast, allowing for greater casting distances compared to shorter fishing rods.
Another important feature of surf rods is their high casting weight. Strong surf casting rods have a casting weight of 4 to 10 oz., which allows for the easy casting of heavy rigs.
Sea fish are significantly stronger compared to freshwater fish, and large species such as sharks and grouper can weigh several hundred kilograms. Surf rods are sturdy enough to safely reel in even very strong sea fish.
In this video by Shimano Fishing NZ, you can see how surf rods are used to achieve particularly long casting distances:
Drop Shot Rods
Drop shot rods are used for fishing with a drop shot rig. Drop shot rods often have a casting weight in the range of 1/2 to 3 oz.
The drop shot rig originated in the USA and is known there as a very successful method for catching black bass. It can be used for fishing with both artificial lures and natural baits. The rig consists of a ball sinker or a drop sinker that is attached to the end of the fishing line.
The bait is placed just above the sinker, either directly on the main line or on a side branch. In Europe, the drop shot rig is often used to target specific spots with light artificial lures. This rig is primarily used to catch pike, zander, and perch.
Drop shot rods have a casting weight between 1/2 and 3 oz. Due to their sensitivity, they are particularly well-suited for effectively managing the rig and detecting subtle bites from fish.
In the following video by American Legacy Fishing Company you can see a detailed explanation of drop shot rods:
Ice Fishing Rods
Ice fishing rods are used for ice fishing. Most ice fishing rods are 2″ to 3″ long and have a casting weight of up to 2 oz.
Ice fishing is a very special fishing method. On a frozen body of water, a hole is first drilled into the ice, and fishing is then done through this hole. Since no casting is required for ice fishing, ice fishing rods, with their short length of up to 3″, are particularly well optimized for this method.
Some ice fishing rods also have a higher casting weight of 3 oz. or more. These heavier ice fishing rods are mainly used for fishing with mormyshkas. Mormyshkas are small colorful lead lures with a hook (mini-jig) and are very popular in Russia.
In the following video by Daiwa USA, you can see how ice fishing works:
Feeder Fishing Rods
Feeder fishing rods are used for feeder fishing. They are usually 10″ to 14″ long and feature interchangeable tips. Especially heavy feeder rods can have a casting weight of up to 11 oz.
The main feature of feeder fishing is that a small feeder basket filled with bait is used to attract fish close to the bait. The feeder basket also serves as a weight to keep the bait in the desired position. The bait is usually attached to a leader behind the feeder basket.
Additionally, the feeder basket with the bait can be tossed to the desired fishing spot a few times before actual fishing and emptied to lure the fish. Especially in rivers with very strong currents, a long and powerful fishing rod is required to effectively control the fish during the fight.
Furthermore, the length of the feeder fishing rod allows for very good casting distances. Most feeder fishing rods come with different sensitive, interchangeable tips. These various interchangeable tips allow for an adjustment of the rod’s sensitivity to the specific body of water.
In very fast-flowing waters, feeder fishing rods with casting weights of up to 11 oz. are used. Feeder fishing is very popular in the UK and in the following video by Angling Direct TV you see an explanation of how it works:
Float Rods
Float rods are used for fishing with floats for coarse fish and are typically 10″ to 15″ long.
Fishing with a float is especially a popular method in still waters. Float rods are used for float fishing for coarse fish in lakes and rivers. Due to their length, float rods allow for very long casts and provide good control of hooked fish during the fight.
Most float rods have a casting weight range of up to 1 oz., enabling very long casts even with light floats.
In the following video by Angling Direct TV you see float rods in action:
Fly Fishing Rods
Fly fishing rods are used for fly fishing and are usually 2″ to 10″ long. The casting weight of fly rods is indicated in the unit WT.
In fly fishing, there is no use of a sinker or a float. In this fishing method, the fishing line itself serves as the casting weight. A “fly” is used as bait, which mimics an insect or a fish.
A special casting technique is required to cast the fly to the desired location. The bite is detected by the movement of the line or the pulling of the fish on the rod.
To ensure that the fly rod and the fishing line are optimally matched, they should have the same WT value: The lightest casting weight class is WT 1. To fish with a WT 1 fly rod, a WT 1 line is also needed.
In this video by Ventures Fly Co. you can learn more about fly fishing:
Jerkbait Rods
Jerkbait rods are used for fishing with jerkbaits. Most jerkbait rods are 6″ to 7″ long. Some models are used with small baitcasting reels, similar to baitcasting rods.
Fishing with jerkbaits is a very unique fishing method. Jerkbaits are artificial lures that do not have their own diving lip and are usually retrieved in a zig-zag pattern close to the water’s surface.
When retrieving the lure, the jerkbait rod is held near the water’s surface and jerked sharply to the side or upward. This technique causes the jerkbait to make erratic movements, which are particularly attractive to pike and zander.
Due to their short length of up to 7″, the tip of the jerkbait rod does not dip into the water while retrieving the lure. Another distinctive feature of jerkbait rods is their stiff action, which allows for the sharp movements needed to guide the lures effectively.
Some models of jerkbait rods have a finger hole like baitcasting rods and are designed specifically for use with small baitcasting reels.
This video by Flukemaster is a good guide to Jerkbait Fishing:
Saltwater Fishing Rods
The term “saltwater fishing rods” refers to various saltwater-resistant fishing rods that are used for fishing in saltwater. They are used for vertical fishing directly underneath the boat or for spin fishing. Most saltwater fishing rods are between 7″ and 10″ long.
When fishing in the sea, fishing rods must not only withstand very high pressures from strong marine fish but also resist the corrosive effects of saltwater, which can cause fishing tackle to rust in the worst cases. For this reason, saltwater-resistant sea rods should be used for regular fishing in saltwater.
Spinning rods for sea fishing come in a range from light to heavy casting weights. In the Mediterranean and the oceans, even from the shore, very large marine fish can be caught with spinning lures.
In the Mediterranean, fishing with spinning lures for species such as sea bass, bream, and barracuda is particularly popular. Significantly heavier saltwater fishing rods are used for trolling in the sea or for vertical fishing directly beneath the boat.
Most heavy sea rods are designed for use with a multiplier reel. Especially when trolling for tuna, swordfish, and sharks, the fishing gear must withstand very high stresses, making the use of a Baitcast reel essential.
In Germany and the Scandinavian countries, vertical fishing from a boat with jigs is very popular. Jigs are heavy to very heavy metal lures that have a treble hook at the end. When jigging, cod and other large marine fish are caught. Since long casts are not required, jigging rods are usually less than 10″ long.
The heaviest sea rods have casting weights of up to 2 lbs and are used for catching very large tunas, sharks, and swordfish.
In the following video you see Shimano Terez saltwater fishing rods in action:
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are fishing rods used for fishing with artificial lures (spinning). Popular artificial lures include wobblers, spoons, and soft baits. Most spinning rods have a tip action that allows for precise and long casting of the lures. Most spinning rods are between 6″ and 10″ long.
All predatory fish can also be caught using artificial lures. To detect even hesitant fish bites, anglers often use especially stiff spinning rods with braided line. Braided line has very little stretch, which allows for better transmission of bites to the fishing rod.
A stiff spinning rod with tip action also enables good bite detection and precise casting of lures. When a fish bites, the angler jerks the fishing rod upward to ensure the hooks can catch in the fish’s mouth. Popular lures for spinning for pike include soft baits, wobblers, and spoons.
In spring, these lures are often fished shallow, as pike tend to stay in depths of up to one meter during this time. Pike bites are usually very aggressive and create a distinct pull on the fishing rod.
Because pike have very sharp teeth and often swallow the lure deeply, a steel leader should always be used when spinning for pike or other predators with sharp teeth.
In this video by TylersReelFishing, you can you can see how a spinning rod is used:
Trolling Rods
Trolling rods are the best fishing rods for battling very large marine fish. They are used for trolling with medium to large lures in the sea and are typically 6″ to 8″ long. Trolling rods are placed in the rod holders so that the rod guides face upwards.
Additionally, they are used in combination with baitcasting reels and have saltwater-resistant guides.
When fishing for sharks, swordfish, groupers, tunas, and other large marine predators, particularly strong trolling rods are used. Since trolling is conducted from a boat, trolling rods, with their length of only 6″ to 8″, are excellently suited to this fishing method.
Additional safety in sea fishing is provided by the saltwater-resistant guides. After each fishing trip in saltwater, the fishing rod and reel should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water to avoid damage.
The guides of trolling rods are made from especially saltwater-resistant materials and are secured to the rod blank with highly durable special coatings. In combination with a powerful baitcasting reel, trolling rods provide enough power reserves to tackle the strongest marine fish.
They are positioned in the rod holder so that the guides face upward. The casting weight of trolling rods is often indicated not in grams, but in pounds (lbs). One pound corresponds to 454 grams.
However, a direct conversion from lbs to casting weight is not possible, as it refers to a weight used to determine the test curve. For example, 30 lbs means that a rod will bend in such a way that the tip is at a 90-degree angle to the handle when subjected to a load of 30 lbs.
In this video from Shimano Australia, you will see the use of Shimano Talica trolling rods for fishing for bluefin tuna:
Ultralight Fishing Rod
Ultralight rods are used for fishing with very light spinning lures. Most ultralight rods are between 6″ and 8″ long and have a casting weight of up to 1 oz.
Fishing methods are constantly evolving, and recently, using spoons for trout fishing has become increasingly popular. Spoons are tiny spoons with a single hook that are used for spinning for trout. Other applications for ultralight fishing rods include spinning for perch, pike, and zander.
Anyone who has ever tried to cast a very light spinning lure with a medium or heavy fishing rod knows the problem: A rod that is too heavy does not flex enough during the cast, and the light spinning lure cannot be cast far enough.
Therefore, ultralight fishing rods are the top choice for spinning with light lures. One example for an ultralight fishing rod is the Shimano Sensilite:
Types of Fishing Rods Classified by Structure: Two-Piece Rods and Telescopic Rods
There are two types of fishing rods: telescopic rods and two-piece rods.
The two main types of fishing rods are telescopic rods and two-piece rods. They differ in their construction, properties, and functionality. To help you make your decision, we will outline the differences between these two types of fishing rods, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
How does a telescopic rod work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
A telescopic rod is extendable and usually consists of five to ten sections. Telescopic rods are somewhat heavier than two-piece rods and are well-suited for anglers seeking an affordable and easily transportable fishing rod.
A telescopic rod is a fishing rod that typically consists of five to ten sections. All sections are connected in a telescoping manner, and the rod reaches its full length when all sections are extended. Telescopic rods offer you the following advantages and disadvantages:
- Short transport length
- Cheaper than spinning rods
- Lighter than spinning rods
- Guides must be aligned individually in a line
- Careful handling is required to protect the guides
- Weaker
Since telescopic rods usually consist of at least five extendable sections, they have a shorter transport length than two-piece rods. Therefore, they take up less space and can be easily stored in a bag or in the trunk of a car. Additionally, telescopic rods are often cheaper than comparable two-piece rods.
One disadvantage of telescopic rods is that they are generally slightly heavier than two-piece rods due to their design. However, fishing rod manufacturers are increasingly using modern and lighter materials, resulting in only a small difference in weight.
Another disadvantage of telescopic rods compared to one-piece and two-piece rods is that they are generally weaker due to the higher number of connection points.
Choose a telescopic rod if you are looking for an easily transportable rod at an affordable price and do not place a high importance on the weight of the fishing rod.
How does a two-piece rod work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
A two-piece rod consists of at least two modular sections that can be joined together. Two-piece rods are somewhat lighter than telescopic rods. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for anglers who are looking for a lightweight fishing rod and are also willing to pay a few extra dollars for it.

In the picture, you can see two spinning rods with fishing reels placed on a rod holder. The connection point can be seen to the right of the first guide on both rods. (Photo: zdenet / pixabay.com)
A two-piece rod consists of at least two parts that are joined together. Unlike telescopic rods, the sections of a spinning rod are not permanently connected to each other. Below, you will see the advantages and disadvantages of spinning rods:
- Easier alignment of the guides
- Stronger
- Longer transport length than telescopic rods
- More expensive than telescopic rods
- Slightly heavier than comparable telescopic rods
Two-piece rods consist of fewer parts than telescopic rods and are lighter due to their design. However, fishing rod manufacturers today use very lightweight materials, so the weight difference between comparable two-piece rods and telescopic rods is minimal.
In addition to their light weight, they are stronger because they have fewer connection points than a telescopic rod.
Due to their construction, two-piece rods have a longer transport length and therefore take up more space. For this reason, they are often transported in long rod bags, and some models may only fit diagonally on the back seat or in the trunk of a car.
Choose a two-piece rod or one-piece rod if you want to purchase a particularly lightweight and strong fishing rod.
Buying fishing rods: What questions should you consider before making a purchase?
What advantages does an all-round fishing rod offer compared to specialized target fish rods?
An all-round fishing rod is very versatile and generally more affordable than target fish rods. All-round fishing rods are true multi-talents and can be used for various fishing methods.
Today, there are many different types of fishing rods designed for different fishing techniques. Many manufacturers also offer specialized target fish rods, whose characteristics are specifically tailored to the fish being targeted. An all-round fishing rod offers you the following advantages:
- Versatile
- Cheaper than target fish rods
An all-round fishing rod offers you the advantage of being very versatile. You can use it for different fishing methods and for catching many species of fish.
Additionally, all-round fishing rods are often cheaper. This is because target fish rods, due to their sometimes very specialized characteristics, are more complex to manufacture.
What are the advantages of fishing rods compared to other tools that could be used for fishing?
Fishing rods allow you to cast long distances and with precision. The fishing line sits neatly on the reel when fishing with a rod. Additionally, you can effectively control and safely land large fish with a fishing rod.
Long before the invention of the fishing rod, people used various tools to catch fish. Below, we will introduce you to two other fishing tools and show you the advantages of a fishing rod over these methods.
Hand Line
The hand line is a type of fishing tool that is still used today in many Mediterranean countries, especially for sea fishing from boats. It consists of a board made of cork or wood, around which the fishing line with the rig is wrapped. While fishing, the line is held in hand, allowing the angler to feel bites and react quickly.
When a fish is hooked on the hand line, the fishing line is reeled in to the fish and then placed next to the angler. After that, the rig with a new bait is lowered back into the water.
The hand line has been used in Mediterranean countries for a long time, but it comes with some drawbacks. The angler must always pay attention after reeling in the line to ensure that the pile of line in the boat doesn’t get tangled. Otherwise, a mass of knots can form that is difficult to untangle.
Another disadvantage of the hand line is its limited casting distance. With a hand line, you cannot cast as far or with the same precision as with a fishing rod.
Moreover, when fishing for larger fish, there is a risk that the fishing line can cut into the angler’s hand, leading to bloody injuries.
Stick as a Fishing Rod
Another method for catching fish is a simple fishing rod that consists only of a stick with a piece of fishing line and a rig.
Due to the very short line length, this type of fishing rod can only be used for fishing in the immediate riverbank area, and long casts are not possible. Additionally, the angler has no way to give line if a large fish is hooked.
In comparison to a hand line and a primitive fishing rod, a fishing rod offers you the following advantages:
- The line sits neatly organized on the reel
- High range
- Accurate casts
- Safety when landing large fish
In contrast to the hand line, the fishing line on a fishing rod is wound onto a reel and does not lie loosely next to the angler. This gives you the advantage of having the line neatly organized and prevents it from getting tangled.
A fishing rod serves as an extension of your arm, and when casting, the energy from the rod is transferred to the rig you are casting. With the associated reel, you can wind up a significant amount of fishing line, allowing for a high casting range. An experienced angler can easily achieve casting distances of over 50 meters with a good fishing rod.
Additionally, with a fishing rod, you have the advantage of being able to accurately target your aim and place your bait precisely at the desired spot in the water.
Another important benefit of fishing rods is that they provide safety when landing large fish. Because you do not have the fishing line directly in your hand while fishing with a rod, you won’t injure yourself if a large fish pulls too hard.
Furthermore, you can adjust the drag on the reel to allow the line to give when a large fish makes a quick escape. You can therefore use both the drag and the flexibility of the fishing rod to better control hooked fish and safely land them.
How much does a fishing rod cost?
Fishing rods come in various price ranges. Good entry-level fishing rods cost between 20 and 50 euros. Particularly high-quality fishing rods can be purchased for between 50 and 2,500 euros. Even more expensive fishing rods are only used in professional match fishing and cost between 2,500 and 12,000 euros.
As with many other products, the price of a fishing rod depends on its features and the quality of the materials used.
Good entry-level fishing rods from reputable manufacturers can be acquired for a price of 20 to 50 euros.
Particularly high-quality fishing rods are made from modern carbon fiber. They are often lighter and can be purchased for 50 to 2,500 euros.
Professional match rods for competitive anglers are very long and extremely lightweight. These rods are constructed using very light, high-performance carbon fiber, and they cost between 2,500 and 12,000 euros.
Fishing rod category | Price range |
---|---|
Entry-level fishing rods | 20-50 dollars |
Particularly high-quality fishing rods | 50-2500 dollars |
Professional fixed-line rods for competitions | 2500-12000 dollars |
As you can see, there are fishing rods available in various price categories, and you don’t necessarily have to invest a lot of money to buy a good rod for your next fishing trip.
When making a purchase, make sure to buy your fishing rod from a reputable manufacturer with years of experience in production. This way, you can be confident that you are purchasing a high-quality fishing rod that you can use worry-free for many years.
How do you fish with a fishing rod?
With the help of a fishing rod, you can cast more accurately and farther. You only need to learn the necessary casting technique.
Fishing with a fishing rod is simple. It acts as an extended arm, allowing you to cast further and more precisely and to better control the fish. A fishing reel is attached to the rod’s holder, on which the fishing line is wound. Thread the fishing line through all the guides of the fishing rod and attach your rig to the line.
To cast the rig, hold the fishing rod in your casting hand and pinch the line with your index finger against the reel’s holder.
Then, open the bail of the fishing reel so that the fishing line can be released during the cast. With your other hand, hold the bottom end of the fishing rod firmly. To cast, bring the fishing rod behind your head and aim at your desired target.
Then, move the fishing rod forward with some force while simultaneously releasing the pinched fishing line under your index finger. When a fish bites, jerk the fishing rod upward to set the hook in the fish’s mouth. Afterward, reel in the fish by turning the handle of the fishing reel.
Where can you buy a fishing rod?
You can purchase fishing rods both in online shops and in specialized stores. Large supermarket chains like Walmart also often have fishing rods in their inventory.
Our research has shown that most fishing rods are sold by the following retailers:
- Amazon*
- FishUSA
- Bass Pro Shops
- Blackfin Rods
- Stryker Rods
- Favorite Fishing USA
- Discount Tackle
- Tackle World
- Cashion Rods
- HANDING Fishing Tackle
So you can act immediately when you discover an interesting fishing rod, we have provided all the products we feature with a link to at least one of these retailers. This way, you can go directly to the retailer’s page with a single click and purchase the desired fishing rod.
Can you also rent a fishing rod?
Yes, you can rent fishing rods. This is especially common for
very specialized fishing equipment, which not everyone has at home or wants to buy.
Below are three providers that rent out fishing rods:
Rent This Rod specializes in renting out equipment for fly fishing.
Another provider is Reel Play Fishing Rentals, based in Florida. This provider offers high-end offshore fishing rods and reels for deep-sea fishing.
The Gear Shack is located in the Virgin Islands and offers high-quality equipment for trolling.
Fishing Rod Comparison: How to Evaluate Fishing Rods Based on These Features
In the following section, we will show you which criteria you should consider when purchasing a fishing rod. This will make it easier for you to find and buy the right fishing rod for you.
The following criteria should be considered when acquiring a fishing rod:
- Type
- Length
- Casting weight
- Transport length
- Weight
- Material
In the following paragraphs, you will find a detailed explanation of all the purchasing criteria. You can evaluate and compare fishing rods based on these criteria.
Type of construction
In terms of construction, there are three main types of fishing rods: telescopic rods, multi-part rods and one-part rods. Telescopic rods have a shorter transport length than multi-part rods. Multi-part rods, on the other hand, are lighter and stronger compared to telescopic rods.
One-piece fishing rods are the most powerful and lightest, but they have the longest transport length.
When deciding whether telescopic or multi-part rods are better, opinions vary. Many anglers use only telescopic rods, while others swear by multi-part rods.
Ultimately, it’s your decision which type of rod you prefer. To help you make your decision, we have outlined the features of both types of fishing rods in the following paragraphs.
Telescopic Rods
Telescopic rods are the most popular type of fishing rod and are known for their short transport length. Compared to multi-piece rods, they are slightly heavier.
Telescopic rods are the best-selling fishing rods. The majority of anglers opt for a telescopic rod because, due to their telescopic design, they have a shorter transport length. This makes them less bulky and easier to transport than a spigot rod.
A disadvantage of telescopic rods is their higher weight. The individual parts of a telescopic rod are designed to slide into one another, making them somewhat heavier than the equivalent multi-piece models.
Choose a telescopic rod if you are looking for a fishing rod that is easy to transport.
Multi-piece Rods
Multi-piece rods are popular due to their lighter weight and higher strength. However, they are more challenging to transport than telescopic rods.
Multi-piece rods are usually made up of two or three pieces. Because a multi-piece rod is segmented into fewer parts than a telescopic rod, it has a longer transport length.
Nevertheless, multi-piece rods are favored by many anglers for their lighter weight. Using a multi-piece rod makes the most sense when you are employing a fishing method that requires you to hold the rod constantly in your hand.
This is the case, for example, when spin fishing or fishing with a float. When spin fishing, you often have to cast an artificial lure into the water for hours before you catch your first fish.
Similarly, when fishing with a float in fish-rich waters, you must keep the rod in your hand at all times so you can quickly react to a bite.
The reduced weight of the multi-piece rod makes fishing with these methods significantly more comfortable, and your arms will thank you at the end of the day.
So buy a multi-part rod if you place a high value on a lighter and stronger fishing rod.
One-piece Rods
One-piece fishing rods are the lightest and most powerful. Since they consist of only one piece, they have the longest transport length.
One-piece fishing rods are favored by enthusiastic and professional anglers due to their exceptionally high performance and lightweight. If you place a high value on maximum performance and have enough space in your car, a one-piece fishing rod is the right choice.
Type of fishing method
Some fishing rods are also named according to the fishing method or the target fish. If you already know which fishing method you will use, you can choose the right rod accordingly.
Here is a list of the most well-known types of fishing rods categorized by fishing method and target fish:
- Spinning Rods
- Casting Rods
- Surf Rods
- Ice Fishing Rods
- Trolling Rods
- Offshore Rods
- Catfish Rods
- Baitcast Rods
Spinning rods and casting rods are especially well-known in the USA, as many anglers there fish for predatory fish using artificial lures.
Length
Short rods are particularly suitable for vertical fishing from a boat. Longer rods allow for further casts.
Before buying a fishing rod, consider where and for which fishing method you intend to use it.
Short rods with a length of up to 7″ are well-suited for vertical fishing from a boat. In this fishing method, no casts are required, and the bait is dropped directly next to the boat. Another advantage of short rods when fishing from a boat is that multiple anglers do not disturb each other much when casting.
Long fishing rods are especially suitable when you want to cast your rig far. It’s no coincidence that some beach caster rods are over 13″ long and allow for casts of over 100 meters with ease. When casting with a long fishing rod, your rig has a higher starting point and therefore travels farther.
Medium-length fishing rods, measuring between 7″ and 10″, offer a compromise between long and short rods. They are suitable for most purposes. With medium-length rods, you can cast more comfortably when there are many tall trees and other plants behind you.
Casting Weight
The casting weight describes the maximum weight that you can safely cast with your fishing rod. Ensure that the rig you are casting is not heavier than the rod’s casting weight, as this could cause the rod to break.
Before purchasing a fishing rod, consider which fishing method you will be using it for. If you know the weight of the rig you will be casting, you can choose a fishing rod with the appropriate casting weight.
A spinning rod with a casting weight of 1-2 oz. is suitable for lures that weigh at least 1 oz. and at most 2 oz. If you use a lure that is too light, you will not be able to cast it far. If your rig exceeds 2 oz., you must be very careful when casting to avoid breaking your rod.
Many shore rods have a casting weight of 3-9 oz. These fishing rods are used to cast rigs far from the beach. With a 4 oz. lead weight and a shore rod, experienced anglers can cast over 100 m.
To find the rod with the right casting weight, it’s best to consider before your purchase which rigs or lures you plan to use for fishing and how heavy they will be.
Transport Length
The transport length indicates the length of a fishing rod when collapsed or disassembled.
Telescopic rods achieve their shortest transport length when the rod is fully collapsed. Multi-piece rods are divided into their individual parts for transport. The transport length for multi-piece rods refers to the longest single part.
You can determine from the transport length whether a fishing rod will fit into a rod case, a suitcase, or other transport containers. Some multi-part rods are so long, even when disassembled, that they can only fit diagonally across the back seat or in the trunk of smaller cars.
Weight
The weight of a fishing rod indicates how heavy the rod is. This is especially important when you are using a fishing method where you must constantly hold the rod in your hand.
As you read in the section about types of fishing rods, multi-piece rods are generally somewhat lighter than telescopic rods. In general, fishing rods made from lighter carbon fiber are always slightly more expensive.
Especially when fishing with floats and spin fishing, you need to hold the rod in your hand for long periods. Therefore, it is worthwhile in these cases to invest a few extra euros in a lightweight fishing rod to ensure a more comfortable fishing experience.
When bottom fishing, the weight of the rod is of less importance since the rod spends most of the time in a rod holder. In this fishing method, you will only hold the rod when casting or reeling in the rig or fish.
Material
Most fishing rods today are made of carbon fiber or fiberglass. Composite fishing rods are made of fiberglass and reinforced with carbon fiber.
Fiberglass is slightly more robust than carbon fiber. Additionally, fiberglass rods are heavier than carbon fiber rods. Furthermore, rods made of fiberglass are not as stiff as carbon fiber rods.
High-quality modern fishing rods are made of pure carbon fiber.Carbon fiber rods are 30% lighter and significantly stiffer than comparable fiberglass rods. However, they are more sensitive and do not handle impacts and shocks to the rod blank as well.
Composite fishing rods are primarily made of fiberglass, reinforced with carbon fiber. They combine the properties of both materials.
In terms of price, carbon fiber rods are somewhat more expensive than fiberglass rods. Composite fishing rods fall within the medium price range and combine the properties of both materials.
Fishing Rod Trivia: Facts Worth Knowing
How should I spool fishing line?
Spool the fishing line onto your reel using a fishing rod. It is sufficient to thread the line through the lowest guide of the fishing rod before spooling.
For spooling the fishing line, we recommend the following method:
Thread the fishing line through the lowest guide of your fishing rod and attach it to the reel with a loop knot. Place the spool with the line in a bucket of water.
When spooling the fishing line, ensure that it is spooled with resistance so that it lies neatly and tightly on the reel. The best way to achieve this is by gently pressing the line against the rod blank with your hand while spooling.
If you are concerned about burning your fingers due to friction, you can also use a towel and gently press the line against the rod.Now, spool as much fishing line as needed onto your reel and then cut the line.
You can attach the end of the fishing line to a line clip on many reels. If your reel does not have a line clip, you can also tape the end of the line to the reel using adhesive tape.
What is the structure of a fishing rod?
A fishing rod consists of the grip with the reel seat, the rod blank, and the guides.
Both multi-piece rods and telescopic rods are fundamentally constructed from three main parts. A fishing rod consists of the following parts:
- Grip with reel seat
- Rod blank
- Guides
The grip is usually made of plastic or cork. It is used for holding the fishing rod and also contains the reel seat to attach the fishing reel.
The rod blank refers to the part of the fishing rod above the grip. The guides are attached to the rod blank, which help in guiding the line. They are very smooth and specially coated so that the fishing line can glide through easily without being damaged.
Fishing Rod Accessories: The Fishing Reel as an Ideal Complement
If you are interested in a fishing rod, you should also consider acquiring a suitable fishing reel. A fishing reel is the ideal complement to your fishing rod and is essential if you want to make long casts with your rod.
Check out our page on fishing reels. There, you will find all the necessary information about fishing reels. We also explain the important criteria you should consider when buying a fishing reel. Additionally, you’ll find a comparison table at the top featuring the best 5 models from our all-round fishing reel comparison.