A fishing rod is essentially a long rod made of fiberglass, carbon fiber composite or bamboo, and as the name implies is meant to catch fish. Unlike the nets that are used in commercial fishing, fishing rods are used more in recreational fishing as well as competitive casting. In simple terms, a fishing rod consists of a pole or stick, with a line that ends in a hook. To attract the fish, bait is run through either the hook or lures that has hooks attached to a line. The line is usually stored within a reel and might help in the landing of a fish.

Types of Fishing Rods

Fishing rods are of various types, designed for particular kinds of fishing. Here are the more important ones:

• Fly rods are meant to cast artificial flies into the water
• Spinning and bait casting rods are for casting lures or baits
• Ice fishing rods are for fishing through holes in lakes covered with ice
• Trolling rods are necessary when dragging lures or bait from moving boats.

Fishing rods are available in various sizes, lengths, configurations and types of actions, depending on whether used for large, medium or small fish, or in salt or fresh water situations. Modern fishing rods are made from fiberglass or graphite materials and the length varies anywhere between 0.61 and 6.10 m. depending on the type of fishing.

Accessories

The various accessories used in fishing are generally known as fishing tackle, or the entire equipment that fishermen use while fishing such as lines, sinkers, hooks, floats, reels, lures, baits, spears, gaffs, nets, tackle boxes and waders.

Accessories attached to a fishing line are known as terminal tackle. These consist of hooks, swivels, leaders, split rings, wire, beads, snaps, blades, spoons, spinners and clevises to connect spinner blades to the various fishing lures.

Fishing tackle should not be confused with fishing techniques. The former refers to the real equipment used while fishing, and latter means the technique of using the fishing tackle while fishing.