Skip to content

Rod

1. Rod Types: Spinning & Baitcasting

img

Image Source: USANGLER

  • Spinning Rods

    • Most common for beginners
    • Easy to use, less backlash
    • Works best with light to medium lures
    • Reel hangs below the rod
    • Good for finesse fishing (soft plastics, light jigs)

  • Baitcasting Rods

    • Preferred by experienced anglers
    • More accurate and powerful casting
    • Works well with heavier lures (jigs, swimbaits, crankbaits)
    • Reel sits on top of the rod
    • Requires more skill (backlash if not adjusted properly)

2. Rod Length

  • Short Rods (5'6" - 6'6")
    • Better for small ponds, creeks, and tight spaces
    • Easier casting control
  • Medium Rods (6'6" - 7')
    • Versatile, good for most beginners
    • Balance between casting distance and control
  • Long Rods (7' - 8' or more)
    • Cast farther
    • More leverage for fighting bigger fish

3. Power (Strength of the rod)

When the same weight is applied to rod with the different power img

Image Source: Boundary Voyage

  • UL (Ultra Light)
    • For panfish, trout
    • Very flexible
  • L (Light)
    • Small bass, finesse fishing
  • ML (Medium Light)
    • Good for finesse bass fishing
    • Handles lighter lures (e.g. drop shot, small plastics)
  • M (Medium)
    • Good all-around, ideal for beginners
  • MH (Medium Heavy)
    • Bass, pike, stronger hooksets
  • H (Heavy)
    • Big lures, heavy cover, large fish

4. Action (Where the rod bends)

img

Image Source: NORRIK

5. Materials

  • Fiberglass
    • Durable, slow action, good for crankbaits
  • Carbon Fiber/Graphite
    • Light, sensitive, fast action
  • Composite
    • Mix of fiberglass and carbon fiber/graphite, balanced option

How to Choose Your First Rod

Technique / Rig / Lure Power Action Length Type
Micro Fishing, Tiny Soft Plastics UL / L Extra Fast / Fast 5'6"–6'6" Spinning
Wacky Rig, Ned Rig, Dropshot L / ML Extra Fast / Fast 6'6"–7' Spinning
Crankbait M Moderate 6'8"–7'4" Baitcasting
Texas Rig, Jig MH Fast 6'10"–7'3" Baitcasting
Spinnerbait, Chatterbait (Bladed Jig) MH Fast / Moderate Fast 6'10"–7'2" Baitcasting
Topwater (Frog, Walking Baits, Poppers) MH / H Fast 6'6"–7'4" Baitcasting
Swimbait (Small 1–2oz) MH / H Moderate Fast 7'2"–7'6" Baitcasting
Big Swimbait (2oz+) H / XXH Moderate Fast 7'6"–8' Baitcasting

Based on the technique you want to use to choose your rod's power, action, length, and type. (I would recommend you start with Dropshot.)

Notice: Spinning rods should always be used with spinning reels, and baitcasting rods with baitcasting reels.