Freshwater Fishing Rods

There are basically four types of freshwater fishing rods: baitcasting, spinning, telescoping and fly rods. They can be made of fiberglass or graphite, with graphite being the most popular but most expensive. Freshwater fishing rods come in a variety of lengths and actions depending on the type of fishing intended.

1. Baitcasting rods come in lengths from 5-feet to 8-feet and are designed to be used with baitcasting reels that are attached to the top of the rod. The rod and reel combination allows the angler to use heavier or larger lures or baits. Baitcasting rods are primarily used for bass fishing.
2. Spinning rods are the most popular freshwater fishing rods. Spinning rods can be anywhere from five to 8-feet and can be used to catch a variety of fish such as bass, trout, crappie and walleye. Unlike bait casting reels, spinning reels are attached under the rod. Most spinning rods are made of graphite, which has a thinner diameter than fiberlglass.
3. Telescoping freshwater fishing rods are very convenient when traveling. They can collapse or expand like a telescope and a 12- to 14-foot rod can be compressed to a length of a foot or two. Telescoping rods are made of graphite, which is lighter than fiberglass.
4. Fly rods are primarily freshwater fishing rods used to catch trout. They can also be used to catch bass or other panfish by using streamers or floating bass bugs. Fly rods are designed to use the energy of the rod to cast the fly line and deliver the fly to the fish. Fly rods can be anywhere from four to 9-feet and may be made of fiberglass or graphite. Bamboo fly rods are still made but can be very expensive.