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((Short description|Angling tool))
((Use dmy dates|date=December 2020))
((More citations needed|date=February 2018))
[[File:Fishing Rods.jpg|thumb|A collection of fishing rods]]
[[File:Fishing-rod.svg|thumb|A [[fly fishing]] rod]]
[[File:GreenFishingLine.jpg|thumb|Line guides on modern fishing rods]]
[[File:Deepsea.JPG|thumb|Fishing with a fishing rod]]
A '''fishing rod ''' is a long, thin rod used by [[angling|angler]]s to [[fishing|catch]] [[fish]] by manipulating a [[fishing line|line]] ending in a [[fish hook|hook]] (formerly known as an ''angle'', hence the term "angling"). At its most basic form, a fishing rod is a straight rigid stick/pole with a line attached to one end (as seen in traditional [[Tenkara fishing]]); however, modern rods are usually elastic and generally have the line stored in a [[fishing reel|reel]] mounted at the rod handle, which is hand-cranked and controls the line retrieval, as well as numerous line-restricting rings (also known as ''line guides'') that distribute bending stress along the rod and help dampening down/prevent line whipping and entanglement. To better entice fish, [[fishing bait|bait]]s or [[fishing lure|lure]]s are dressed onto the one or more hooks attached to the line, and a [[bite indicator]] is used, some of which (e.g. [[quiver tip]]) might be incorporated as part of the rod itself.

Fishing rods act as an extended [[lever]] and allow the angler to amplify line movements while luring and pulling the fish. It also enhances [[casting (fishing)|casting]] distance by increasing the [[projectile motion#Velocity|launch speed]] of the [[fishing tackle|terminal tackle]]s (the hook, bait/lure, and other co-launched attachments such as [[fishing float|float]] and [[fishing sinker|sinker]]/[[groundbait#Method feeder|feeder]]), as a longer swing [[radius]] (compared to that of a [[human arm]]) corresponds to greater [[circular motion#Velocity|arc speed]] at the tip under the same [[angular velocity]]. The length of fishing rods usually vary between ((cvt|2|ft|m|1|lk=on|order=flip)) and ((cvt|15|ft|m|1|order=flip)) depending on the style of angling, while the [[Guinness World Record]] is ((cvt|22.45|m|ftin|1)).<ref>[https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-fishing-rod Guinness World Records - Longest fishing rod]</ref>

Traditional fishing rods are made from a single piece of [[hardwood]] (such as [[Fraxinus|ash]] and [[hickory]]) or [[bamboo]]; while contemporary rods are usually made from [[alloy]]s (such as [[aluminium alloy|aluminium]]) or more often [[tensile strength|high-tensile]] synthetic [[composite material|composite]]s (such as [[fibreglass]] or [[carbon fiber]]), and may come in multi-piece or [[telescoping (mechanics)|telescoping]] forms that are more portable and storage-friendly. Most fishing rods are tapered towards the tip to reduce the [[gravitational]] [[leverage (mechanics)|leverage]] front of the handle that an angler has to overcome when lifting the rod. Many modern rods are also constructed from hollow [[substrate (materials science)|blank]]s to increase the [[specific strength]] of the design and reduce the overall weight.

In contrast with [[fishing net]]s and [[fish trap|trap]]s, which are usually used in [[subsistence fishing|subsistence]] and [[commercial fishing]], angling with rods is a far less efficient method of catching fish, and is used more often in [[recreational fishing]] and [[fly casting|competitive casting]], which focus less on the [[ecological yield|yield]] and more on the experience. Fishing rods also come in many sizes, actions, hardness and configurations depending on whether they are to be used for small, medium or large fish or in different fresh or saltwater situations. Various types of fishing rods are designed for specific subtypes of angling, for instance: [[spin fishing]] rods (both spinning and baitcasting rods) are optimized for frequent, repeated casting, and are usually lighter and have faster action; [[fly fishing|fly rods]] are designed to better sling heavy lines and ultralight [[artificial flies]], and are usually much more flexible; [[surfcasting]] rods are designed to cast baits or lures out over far distances, and tends to be quite long; [[ice fishing]] rods are designed to fish through small drilled holes in ice covered lakes and usually very short; and [[trolling (fishing)|trolling]] rods are designed to drag heavy bait or lures through water while [[recreational boat fishing|boat fishing]], and usually have greater [[ultimate tensile strength]] due to the large sizes of the target fish.

==History==
Judging by stone inscriptions dating back to 2000 BC, fishing rods go back to [[ancient Egypt]], [[Ancient China|China]], [[Ancient Greece|Greece]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Ancient Rome|Rome]] and [[England in the Middle Ages|medieval England]]. 

===Fly fishing===
[[File:Ustonson advert.jpg|thumb|right|[[Trading card]] of the Ustonson company, an early firm specializing in fishing rods, and holder of a [[Royal Warrant of Appointment (United Kingdom)|Royal Warrant]] from the 1760s]]
The art of fly fishing took a great leap forward after the [[English Civil War]], where a newly found interest in the activity left its mark on the many books and [[Treatise|treatises]] that were written on the subject at the time. The renowned officer in the [[Parliamentary army]], [[Robert Venables]], published in 1662 ''The Experienced Angler, or Angling improved, being a general discourse of angling, imparting many of the aptest ways and choicest experiments for the taking of most sorts of fish in pond or river''.<ref name="Herdfly">((Cite web|url=http://www.flyfishinghistory.com/tech15th.htm|title=Fly fishing techniques in the fifteenth century|author=Andrew N. Herd|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621090524/http://www.flyfishinghistory.com/tech15th.htm|archive-date=21 June 2014|df=dmy-all|access-date=16 July 2014))</ref> ''[[The Compleat Angler|Compleat Angler]]'' was written by [[Izaak Walton]] in 1653 (although Walton continued to add to it for a quarter of a century) and described the fishing in the [[Derbyshire]] [[River Wye, Derbyshire|Wye]]. It was a celebration of the art and spirit of fishing in prose and verse; six verses were quoted from [[John Dennys]]'s earlier work. A second part to the book was added by Walton's friend [[Charles Cotton]].<ref name="Herdfly"/>

The 18th century was mainly an era of consolidation of the techniques developed in the previous century. Running rings began to appear along the fishing rods, which gave anglers greater control over the cast line. The rods themselves were also becoming increasingly sophisticated and specialized for different roles. Jointed rods became common from the middle of the century and [[bamboo]] came to be used for the top section of the rod, giving it a much greater strength and flexibility.

The industry also became commercialized – rods and tackle were sold at the [[Haberdasher|haberdashers]] store. After the [[Great Fire of London]] in 1666, artisans moved to [[Redditch]] which became a centre of production of fishing related products from the 1730s. [[Onesimus Ustonson]] established his trading shop in 1761, and his establishment remained as a market leader for the next century. He received a [[Royal Warrant of Appointment (United Kingdom)|Royal Warrant]] from three successive monarchs starting with King [[George IV]].<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.greatflyfishingtips.com/welcome-to-great-fly-fishing-tips/|title=Welcome To Great Fly Fishing Tips|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170627040414/http://www.greatflyfishingtips.com/welcome-to-great-fly-fishing-tips/|archive-date=27 June 2017|df=dmy-all|access-date=16 July 2014))</ref>

===Technological improvements===
The impact of the [[Industrial Revolution]] was first felt in the manufacture of fly lines. Instead of anglers twisting their own lines, a laborious and time-consuming process, the new [[textile]] spinning machines allowed for a variety of tapered lines to be easily manufactured and marketed.

[[Image:BrookesFrontpiece1790.JPG|thumb|left|Frontispiece from ''The Art of Angling'' by [[Richard Brookes]], 1790]]
The material used for the rod itself changed from the heavy woods native to England, to lighter and more elastic varieties imported from abroad, especially from [[South America]] and the [[West Indies]]. [[Bamboo]] rods became the generally favored option from the mid 19th century, and several strips of the material were cut from the cane, milled into shape, and then glued together to form light, strong, hexagonal rods with a solid core that were superior to anything that preceded them.<ref name="Brit">((cite encyclopedia|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/208708/fishing/2330/Early-history#ref70275|title=fishing|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504214050/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/208708/fishing/2330/Early-history#ref70275|archive-date=4 May 2015|df=dmy-all))</ref>

Other materials used, were [[bamboo|Tonkin bamboo]] [[Reed (plant)|Calcutta reed]], [[ash wood]], [[hickory]], [[ironwood]]<!-- disambuguate? -->, [[maple]], [[Oxandra lanceolata|lancewood]], or [[malacca cane]]. These products were light, tough, and pliable. Rods were generally made in three pieces called a butt, midsection, and tip. The butts were frequently made of maple, with bored bottom; this butt outlasted several tops. Midsections were generally made from ironwood because it was a thicker, strong wood. Tips were generally made from bamboo for its elasticity which could throw the bait further and more accurately. Handles and grips were generally of cork, wood, or wrapped cane. Many different types of glue held these sections together, most commonly Irish glue and bone glue. This was until hilton glue, or cement glue, was introduced because of its waterproof qualities.<ref name="Norris 1864">((cite book|last=Norris|first=Thaddeus|title=The American Angler|year=1864|publisher=E. H. Butler|location=Philadelphia))</ref><ref>((cite book|last=Stewart|first=William|title=The Practical Angler|url=https://archive.org/details/anglerpractical00stewrich|year=1905|publisher=A. and C. Black|location=London))</ref><ref>((cite book|last=Clemens|first=Dale|title=Advanced Custom Rod Building|url=https://archive.org/details/advancedcustomro0000clem|url-access=registration|year=1978|publisher=Winchester Press|location=London|isbn=9780832925870 ))</ref> Even today, Tonkin [[bamboo fly rods|split-bamboo rods]] are still popular in fly fishing.

Until the mid-1800s rods were generally made in [[England]]. This changed in 1846 when American Samuel Phillippe introduced an imported fishing rod the first six strips of Calcutta cane made in Bavaria where Phillippe was importing Violins that he passed off as his own hand work. Split-cane rods were later independently produced after Phillippe started to sell the imported rods to a New York retailer and then copied by Americans Charles Orvis, Hiram Leonard and Englishman William Hardy in the 1870s and mass production methods made these rods accessible to the public.<ref name=Phillips2000>((cite book|last=Phillips|first=Don|title=The Technology of Fly Rods|year=2000|publisher=Frank Amato Publications|location=Portland, Oregon))</ref> Horton Manufacturing Company first introduced an all [[steel]] rod in 1913. These rods were heavy and flexible and did not satisfy many customers. The next big occurrence in fishing rods was the introduction of the fiberglass rod in the 1940s and was developed by Robert Gayle and a Mr. Mcguire.<ref name=Phillips2000 />

[[Boron]] and [[Graphite]] rods came around in the 1960s and 1970s when the United States and United Kingdom invested considerable research into developing the new technologies. Hewitt and Howald were the first to come up with a way to lay the fibers into the shape of a fishing rod by wrapping them around a piece of balsa wood. However, by 1977, [[boron]] fibre technology had been muscled out by the cheaper material [[graphite]] and was no longer competitive in the market.<ref name=Phillips2000 />

Rods for travelers were made with nickel-silver metal joints, or ferrules, that could be inserted into one another forming the rod. Some of them were made to be used as a walking cane until needed for sport. Since the 1980s, with the advent of flexible, yet stiff graphite ferrules, travel rod technology has greatly advanced, and multi-piece travel rods that can be transported in a suitcase or backpack constitute a large share of the market.

==Modern design==
In theory, an ideal rod should gradually [[fishing rod tapers|taper]] from butt to tip, be tight in all its joints (if any), and have a smooth, progressive taper, without 'dead spots'. Modern design and fabrication techniques, along with advanced materials such as [[graphite]], [[boron]], magnesium alloy and [[fiberglass]] composites as well as stainless steel (see Emmrod) – have allowed rod makers to tailor both the shape and action of fishing rods for greater casting distance, accuracy, and fish-fighting qualities. Today, fishing rods are identified by their weight (meaning the weight of line or lure required to flex a fully loaded rod) and action (describing the speed with which the rod returns to its neutral position).

Generally there are three types of rods used today graphite, fiberglass, and bamboo rods. Bamboo rods are the heaviest of the three, but people still use it for its feel. Fiberglass rods are the heaviest of the new chemically-made material rods. They are mostly popular with the new and young anglers, as well as anglers who cannot afford the generally more expensive graphite rods. They are more commonly found among those anglers that fish in rugged areas such as on rocks or piers where knocking the rod on hard objects is a greater possibility. This may potentially cause breakage, making a fiberglass rod preferable for some anglers due to its higher durability and affordability compared to graphite rods. Today's most popular rod tends to be graphite for its light weight characteristics and its ability to allow for further and more accurate cast.<ref name=Phillips2000 /><ref>((cite web|title=Selecting a Fly Rod|url=http://www.hooked-on-flies.com/fly_rods.htm|publisher=Hooked on Flies|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126175343/http://www.hooked-on-flies.com/fly_rods.htm|archive-date=26 November 2011|df=dmy-all))</ref> Graphite rods tend to be more sensitive, allowing the user to feel bites from fish easier.

Modern fishing rods retain cork as a common material for grips. Cork is light, durable, and keeps warm.  EVA foam and carbon fiber grips are also used. Reel seats are often of graphite-reinforced plastic, aluminium, or wood. Guides are available in steel and titanium with a wide variety of high-tech ceramic and metal alloy inserts replacing the classic agate inserts of earlier rods.

Back- or butt-rests can also be used with modern fishing rods to make it easier to fight large game fish. These are fork-like supports that help keep the rod in position, providing leverage and counteracting tensions caused by a caught fish.

==Rod making bench==
An old rod-making bench would generally consist of a ((convert|6|to|8|ft|m|adj=on|round=0.5)) bench, [[vise|vice]], a [[drawknife|drawing knife]], a [[jack plane|jack]], a [[fore plane]], large coarse flat [[file (tool)|file]], [[sandpaper|sand paper]], and several strips of wood about ((convert|2|ft|cm|-1)) long with different size grooves in them.<ref name="Norris 1864"/> Newer rod building benches are smaller versions of lathes powered by small motors that turn the rod as thread is applied to secure the guides. The motor is controlled by a foot operated rheostat, similar to that found on a sewing machine. A low rpm motor can be used to apply rod finish, typically a two-part resin, to protect the threads.

==Specifications==
There are several specifications manufacturers use to delineate rod uses. These include power, action, line weight, lure weight, and number of pieces.

===Power===
Also known as "rod weight", the '''power value''' of a fishing rod implies its [[stiffness]] by vaguely describing the [[force]] needed to produce a certain degree of [[bending|flexion]] upon the rod, and may be classified as ultra-light (UL), light (L), medium-light (ML), medium (M), medium-heavy (MH), heavy (H), extra-heavy (XH), or other similar combinations.  It is often an indicator of what styles of fishing, species of target fish, or size of fish a particular rod may be best suited for. The power of the rod<ref>((cite web | url=https://fishingsidelife.com/fishing-rod-power-and-action/ | title=Fishing rod Power and Action- How to choose the fishing rod | date=12 December 2022 ))</ref> describes its strength ability, the heavier the rod's power is, the more weight the rod can lift up easily without snapping in half. Being stiffer than light or ultralight rods, the heavy power rods are less sensitive. But the bites from larger fish to heavy lures aren't hard to detect. Ultra-light rods are suitable for catching small [[baitfish]] and [[panfish]], or situations where rod responsiveness is critical. Heavy/extra-heavy rods are used in [[deep-sea fish]]ing, [[surf fishing]], or for large-sized [[game fish]]. While manufacturers use various designations for a rod's power, there is no fixed standard, hence application of a particular power tag by a manufacturer is somewhat subjective. Any fish can theoretically be caught with any rod, of course, but catching panfish on a heavy rod offers no sport whatsoever, and successfully landing a large fish on an ultralight rod requires supreme rod handling skills but more frequently still ends in broken tackles and a lost fish.  It is generally advised to choose rod weights that are best suited to the intended type of fishing.

===Action===
The '''action''' of a fishing rod refers to the speed with which it elastically returns to the neutral (straightened) position after a flexional load is removed (i.e. the "recoil" or "rebound" speed), and is generally described as being "slow", "medium", "fast", or anything in between (e.g. medium-fast) or beyond (e.g. extra-fast). Contrary to how it is often presented, action does not refer to the bending characteristics (shape of the "curve") of the rod — a fast-action rod can as easily have a more evenly progressive bending curve (from tip to butt) as a tip-only bending curve, although tip-bending rods do inherently tend to have faster action. The action can also be influenced by the length of a rod, the tapering profile, and the blank materials used.<ref name="Povermo" /> Typically a rod that uses a [[fiberglass]] [[composite material|composite]] blank has slower action than one that uses a [[carbon fiber]] composite blank.

Action, however, is also often a subjective description of a manufacturer. Very often action is misused to note the bending curve instead of the speed. Some manufacturers list the power value of the rod as its action. A "medium" action bamboo rod may have a faster action than a "fast" fibreglass rod. Action is also subjectively used by anglers, as an angler might compare a given rod as "faster" or "slower" than a different rod.

A rod's action and power may change when load is greater or lesser than the rod's specified casting weight. When the load used greatly exceeds a rod's specifications a rod may break during casting, if the line doesn't break first. When the load is significantly less than the rod's recommended range the casting distance is significantly reduced, as the rod's action cannot launch the load. It acts like a stiff pole. In fly rods, exceeding weight ratings may warp the blank or have casting difficulties when rods are improperly loaded.

Rods with a fast action combined with a full progressive bending curve allows the fisherman to make longer casts, given that the cast weight and line diameter is correct. When a cast weight exceeds the specifications lightly, a rod becomes slower, slightly reducing the distance. When a cast weight is slightly less than the specified casting weight the distance is slightly reduced as well, as the rod action is only used partially.

=== Rod Sensitivity ===
A rods blank will determine the amount of sensitivity anglers feel. Fishing rods made of graphite are the most sensitive due to the fact they can transfer vibrations better than rods made of fiberglass. But the rod blank isn’t the only thing that translates into sensitivity. The rods design will impact how well an angler feels a fish's bite or the bottom of the lake, stream, reservoir, creek, or river. The more sensitivity a rod has the more likely you are to feel the bite and be able to get a good hookset to land the fish.<ref>((Cite web |title=Fishing Rod Sensitivity Explained. |url=https://impulserods.com/blog/fishing-rod-sensitivity-explained/ |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=Impulse Rods |language=en))</ref>

===Bending curve and tapering===
A fishing rod's main function is to bend and deliver a certain resistance or power: While casting, the rod acts as a [[catapult]]: by moving the rod shaft forward, the [[inertia]] of the mass of the terminal tackles and the distal portion of rod itself will load (bend) the rod tip backward, and the subsequent elastic rebound forward will sling out the lure/bait. When a hook bite is registered and the fisherman pulls the line, the elasticity of the rod will damp the shock to avoid line failure. When fighting a fish, the bending of the rod not only enables the fisherman to keep the line under tension, but the bending of the rod will also keep the fish under a constant tension which will exhaust the fish and enable the fisherman to reel it in. Also the bending lessens the effect of the leverage by shortening the distance of the lever (the rod). Stiff rods demand much power of the fisherman, while actually less power is put on the fish. In comparison, a deep bending rod will demand less power from the fisherman, but deliver more fighting power to the fish. In practice, this leverage effect often misleads fisherman. Often it is believed that a hard, stiff rod puts more control and power on the fish to fight, while it is actually the fish who is putting the power on the fisherman. In commercial fishing practice, large fish are often pulled in on the line itself without much effort, which is possible because the absence of the leverage effect.

A rod can bend in different curves. Traditionally the bending curve is mainly determined by its tapering. In simplified terms, a fast taper will bend a lot more in the tip area and not much in the butt part, and a slow taper will tend to bend too much at the butt and delivers a weak rod. A progressive tapering which loads smooth from top to butt, adding in power the deeper the rod is bent. In practice, the tapers of quality rods often are curved or in steps to achieve the right action and bending curve for the type of fishing a rod is built. In today's practice, different fibres with different properties can be used in a single rod. In this practice, there is no straight relationship anymore between the actual tapering and the bending curve.

The bending curve isn't easily described by terms. However, some rod & blank manufacturers try to simplify things towards their customers by describing the bending curve by associating them with their action. The term ''fast action'' is used for rods where only the tip is bending, and ''slow action'' for rods bending from tip to butt. In practice, this is misleading, as top-quality rods are very often fast-action rods, bending from tip to butt. While the so-called 'fast-action' rods are stiff rods (with absence of any action) which end in a soft or slow tip section. The construction of a progressive bending, fast action rod is more difficult and more expensive to achieve. Common terms to describe the bending curve or properties which influence the bending curve are: progressive taper/loading/curve/bending/..., fast taper, heavy progressive (notes a bending curve close to progressive, tending to become fast-tapered), tip action (also referred to as 'umbrella'-action), broom-action (which refers to the previously mentioned stiff 'fast action'-rods with soft tip). A parabolic action is often used to note a progressive bending curve, in fact this term comes from a series of splitcane fly rods built by Pezon & Michel in France since the late 1930s, which had a progressive bending curve. Sometimes the term parabolic is more specific used to note the specific type of progressive bending curve as was found in the Parabolic series.

A common way today to describe a rod's bending properties is the Common Cents System, which is "a system of objective and relative measurement for quantifying rod power, action and even this elusive thing ... fishermen like to call feel."<ref>((cite web|last1=Hanneman|first1=William|title=The Common Cents System|url=http://common-cents.info/|website=common-cents.info|publisher=RodMaker Magazine|access-date=9 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209232330/http://common-cents.info/|archive-date=9 February 2018|url-status=live))</ref>

The bending curve determines the way a rod builds up and releases its power. This influences not only the casting and the fish-fighting properties, but also the sensitivity to strikes when fishing lures, the ability to set a hook (which is also related to the mass of the rod), the control over the lure or bait, the way the rod should be handled and how the power is distributed over the rod. On a full progressive rod, the power is distributed most evenly over the whole rod.

===Line weight===
The '''line weight''' of a fishing rod describes the optimal tension along the [[fishing line]] the rod is designed to handle, usually expressed in [[pound (mass)|pound]]s or [[kilogram]]s.  A fishing line's "breaking weight" describes the maximum tensile force that can be exerted before the line breaks apart, while the line weight for a rod describes as the extent of bending force that the rod can support. Fly rod weights are typically expressed as a number from 1 to 12 written as "N"wt (e.g. 6wt), and each weight represents a standard weight in [[grain (unit)|grain]]s for the first ((cvt|30|ft|m|0)) of the fly line, established by the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Association. For example, the first ((cvt|30|in|cm|round=5)) of a 6wt fly line should weigh between ((convert|152|-|168|gr|g|0|abbr=off)), with the optimal weight being ((convert|160|gr|g|abbr=off)). In casting and spinning rods, designations such as "8-15&nbsp;lb line weight" are typical.

===Lure weight===
[[File:Abandoned fishing gear at farmhouse at Kelvin A. Lewis farm in Creeds.jpg|left|thumb|fishing tackle]]
The '''lure weight''' of a fishing rod describes the optimal weight range of [[terminal tackle]] (mainly the bait and hook/lure, and any attached [[fishing float|float]], [[fishing sinker|sinker]], [[fishing swivel|swivel]] and/or heavy [[fishing line#Sections|leader]]), usually expressed in [[ounce]]s or [[gram]]s, that the rod is designed to handle in order to achieve good [[casting (fishing)|casting]] outcome.  Casting lures heavier than the designated weights might result in the rod tip breaking, while lures that are too light might have trouble with casting distance and accuracy.

===Number of sections===
Rods that are one piece from butt to tip are considered to have the most natural "feel" due to the theoretically uninterrupted transfer of vibrations to the angler's hand, and are preferred by many.  However, the difficulty in transporting one-piece rod safely becomes an increasing problem with increasing rod length. Two-piece rods, joined by a [[ferrule]], are very common, and if well engineered (especially with tubular glass or carbon fibre rods), sacrifice very little in the way of natural feel.  Some fishermen do feel a difference in sensitivity with two-piece rods, but most do not.

Some rods are joined through a metal "bus". These add mass to the rod which helps in setting the hook and help activating the rod from tip to butt when casting, resulting in a better casting experience. Some anglers experience this kind of fitting as superior to a one piece rod. They are found on specialized hand-built rods. Apart from adding the correct mass, depending on the kind of rod, this fitting also is the strongest known fitting, but also the most expensive one. For that reason they are almost never to be found on commercial fishing rods.

==Types==
[[Image:fishingpole.jpg|left|frame|A fibreglass spinning rod and reel circa 1997]]
Fishing rods can be constructed out of a vast number of materials. Generally they are made with either fiberglass, graphite, or a new generation composite, also known as carbon fibre. Many times carbon fibre and graphite are used together in the rod making process.<ref name="Povermo" />

===Carbon fibre rods===
A carbon fibre rod is not necessarily better than a glass fibre rod; the two fibres have different properties, with their own tradeoffs. Carbon fibre is less flexible (stiffer) than glass fibre and more brittle and prone to breakage when misused,<ref>((Cite web|url=http://outdoorsurvivors.com/how-to-begin-fly-fishing-the-perfect-guide-free/|title=How To Begin Fly Fishing: The Perfect Guide (FREE)|website=Outdoor Survivors|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-09|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310073155/http://outdoorsurvivors.com/how-to-begin-fly-fishing-the-perfect-guide-free/|archive-date=10 March 2016|df=dmy-all))</ref> while carbon fibre allows for longer and faster rods. Carbon fibre also allows for a smaller diameter rod that is more sensitive than a glass fibre rod.<ref name="Povermo">((Cite journal |last1=Povermo|first1=George|title=Rod Savvy|journal=Salt Water Sportsman|date=March 2016|volume=77|issue=3|pages=31–34))</ref> A carbon fibre rod is also much lighter than a glass fibre rod allowing for longer days of fishing.<ref name="Wessman">((cite book|last1=Wessman|first1=Bo|title=Complete guide to fishing : building your own rod|date=2004|publisher=Published in the United States by Mason Crest Publishers|location=Broomall, PA|isbn=9781590845509|page=8))<!--|access-date=19 February 2016--></ref> Each has its purpose in the fishing industry and both improve an anglers chances of being successful when the blanks are used for the right purposes.

===Fly rods===
((Main|Fly fishing))

Fly rods, thin, flexible fishing rods designed to cast an [[artificial fly]], usually consisting of a hook tied with fur, feathers, foam, or other lightweight material. More modern flies are also tied with synthetic materials. Originally made of yew, green heart, and later split bamboo (Tonkin cane), most modern fly rods are constructed from man-made composite materials, including fibreglass, carbon/[[graphite]], or graphite/[[boron]] composites. Split bamboo rods are generally considered the most beautiful, the most "classic", and are also generally the most fragile of the styles, and they require a great deal of care to last well. Instead of a weighted lure, a fly rod uses the weight of the fly line for casting, and lightweight rods are capable of casting the very smallest and lightest fly. Typically, a monofilament segment called a "leader" is tied to the fly line on one end and the fly on the other.

Each rod is sized to the fish being sought, the wind and water conditions and also to a particular weight of line: larger and heavier line sizes will cast heavier, larger flies. Fly rods come in a wide variety of line sizes, from size #000 to #0 rods for the smallest freshwater trout and pan fish up to and including #16 rods<ref>Johnson, Paul, ''Sage Manufacturing News Release of 16-weight 1680-4 Xi2 Saltwater Fly Rod'', 24 August 2005</ref> for large saltwater game fish. Fly rods tend to have a single, large-diameter line guide (called a stripping guide), with a number of smaller looped guides (aka ''snake'' guides) spaced along the rod to help control the movement of the relatively thick [[fly line]]. To prevent interference with casting movements, most fly rods usually have little or no butt section ([[Handle (grip)|handle]]) extending below the [[fishing reel]]. However, the [[Spey casting|''Spey'' rod]], a fly rod with an elongated rear handle, is often used for fishing either large rivers for [[salmon]] and [[Rainbow trout|Steelhead]] or saltwater [[surf fishing|surf casting]], using a two-handed casting technique.

Fly rods are, in modern manufacture, almost always built out of carbon graphite. The graphite fibres are laid down in increasingly sophisticated patterns to keep the rod from flattening when stressed (usually referred to as hoop strength). The rod tapers from one end to the other and the degree of taper determines how much of the rod flexes when stressed. The larger amount of the rod that flexes the 'slower' the rod. Slower rods are easier to cast, create lighter presentations but create a wider loop on the forward cast that reduces casting distance and is subject to the effects of wind.<ref>[https://www.leaffin.com/fly-rod-action/ Fly Rods : Guide to Fly Rod Flex & Action] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130164639/https://www.leaffin.com/fly-rod-action/ |date=30 January 2018 ))</ref> Furthermore, the process of wrapping graphite fibre sheets to build a rod creates imperfections that result in rod twist during casting. Rod twist is minimized by orienting the rod guides along the side of the rod with the most 'give'. This is done by flexing the rod and feeling for the point of most give or by using computerized rod testing.<ref>[http://www.flycatcherinc.com/level1/zero_balance_detail.php Fly Rod Balancing] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919002912/http://www.flycatcherinc.com/level1/zero_balance_detail.php |date=19 September 2008 ))</ref>

''See also'' [[Fly fishing]].

Custom rod building is an active hobby among fly fishermen. See [[Fly rod building]].

===Tenkara rods===
Tenkara rods are a type of fly rod used for [[tenkara fishing]] in Japan. A mixture of the rods in the other categories, they are carbon rods, fly rods and telescopic rods all in one. These are ultra-light and very portable telescopic rods (read more about telescopic below). Their extended length normally ranges from ((convert|11|to|13|ft|m|round=0.5)), and they have a very soft action. The action of tenkara rods has been standardized as a ratio of "how many parts are stiffer : how many tip parts bend more easily". The standard actions are 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, and 8:2, with 5:5 being a softer/slower rod, and 8:2 being a stiffer rod.<ref>[http://www.tenkarausa.com/about.php Tenkara USA, About Tenkara] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421044049/http://www.tenkarausa.com/about.php |date=21 April 2009 ))</ref> Similar to western fly-rods tenkara rods also have cork, and sometimes even wooden handles, with wooden handles (such as red-pine, and phoenix-tree wood) being the more prized rods due to their increased sensitivity to fish bites and the heavier feel that helps balance the rods. Tenkara rods have no guides. Tenkara is a fixed-line fishing method, where no reel is used, but rather the line is tied directly to the tip of the rod. Like the carbon rods mentioned above this allows for "very precise positioning of the [[Fly lure|fly]] which in turn enables huge catches of fish with accurate feeding". One of the most common flies used in tenkara fishing is the [[Sakasa Kebari]]. Tenkara fishing is very popular in Japan, where these rods can be found in every major tackle shop. In the US, tenkara is beginning to grow in popularity.

===Spin casting rods===
Spin casting rods are rods designed to hold a [[Fishing reel|spin casting reel]], which are normally mounted above the handle. Spin casting rods also have small eyes and, frequently, a forefinger grip trigger. They are very similar to bait casting rods, to the point where either type of reel may be used on a particular rod. While rods were at one time offered as specific "spin casting" or "bait casting" rods, this has become uncommon, as the rod design is suited to either fishing style. Today they are simply called "casting rods", and are usually offered with no distinction as to which style they are best suited for in use. ((Citation needed|date=June 2023))

===Baitcasting rods===
While the easy to use spin casting rods are often used by novice anglers, baitcasting rods and reels are generally more difficult to use. Professional anglers, however, prefer baitcasting rod and reel combos because baitcasting reels grant anglers more accuracy in their casts. Casting rods are typically viewed as somewhat more powerful than their spinning rod counterparts – they can use heavier line and can handle heavier cover. Baitcasting rods low profile design along with a super silent high-speed 7.0:1-line retrieve.

===Spinning rods===
[[File:20121016-Snoek2-Fort2-5gr-Stilon16-Jan edit1-1080.jpg|thumb|((convert|26.4|in|cm|adj=mid|-long|round=5)) pike caught on an ultra-light spinning rod (((convert|5|g|gr|abbr=off|disp=or|adj=on|round=5)) casting weight) using a ((convert|1|in|mm|adj=on)) spinner bait]]
Spinning rods are made from graphite or fiberglass with a cork or PVC foam handle, and tend to be between ((convert|5|and|8.5|ft|m|round=0.5)) in length. Typically, spinning rods have anywhere from 5–8 guides arranged along the underside of the rod to help control the line. The eyes decrease in size from the handle to the tip, with the one nearest the handle usually much larger than the rest to allow less friction as the coiled line comes off the reel, and to gather the very large loops of line that come off the spinning reel's spool. Unlike bait casting and spin casting reels, the spinning reel hangs beneath the rod rather than sitting on top, and is held in place with a sliding or locking reel seat. The fisherman's second and third fingers straddle the "leg" of the reel where it is attached to the reel seat on the rod, and the weight of the reel hangs beneath the rod, which makes for a more comfortable way to fish for extended periods. This also allows the rod to be held in the fisherman's dominant hand (the handle on most modern spinning reels is reversible) which greatly increases control and nuance applied to the rod itself. Spinning rods and reels are widely used in fishing for popular North American sport fish including bass, [[trout]], [[Esox|pike]] and [[walleye]]. Popular targets for spinning in the UK and European continent are pike, perch, eel and zander (walleye). Longer spinning rods with elongated grip handles for two-handed casting are frequently employed for saltwater or steelhead and salmon fishing. Spinning rods are also widely used for trolling and still fishing with live bait.

===Ultra-light rods===
These rods are used to fish for smaller species, they provide more sport with larger fish, or to enable fishing with lighter line and smaller lures. Though the term is commonly used to refer to spinning or spin-cast rods and tackle, fly rods in smaller line weights (size #0–#3) have also long been utilized for ultra-light fishing, as well as to protect the thin-diameter, lightweight end section of leader, or [[tippet]], used in this type of angling.

Ultra-light spinning and casting rods are generally shorter (((convert|4|to|8|ft|m|disp=or|sp=us)) is common) lighter, and more limber than normal rods. Tip actions vary from slow to fast, depending upon intended use. These rods usually carry ((convert|1|to|6|lbf|kgf N|round=0.5)) test [[fishing line]]. Some ultra-light rods are capable of casting lures as light as ((convert|1/64|oz|g|abbr=off|adj=pre|of an)) – typically small spinners, wet flies, [[crappie jigs]], tubes, or bait such as [[trout worms]]. Originally produced to bring more excitement to the sport, ultra-light spin fishing is now widely used for [[crappie]], [[trout]], [[bass (fish)|bass]], [[bluegill]], roach, perch, bream, pumpkin-seed, tench and other types of [[pan fish]].

===Ice rods===
Modern ice rods are typically very short spinning rods, varying between ((convert|24|and|36|in|cm)) in length. Classic ice rods – still widely used – are simply stiff rod-like pieces of wood, usually with a carved wooden handle, a couple of line guides, and two opposing hooks mounted ahead of the handle to hand-wind the line around. Ice rods are used to fish through holes in the cover ice of frozen lakes and ponds.

===Sea rods===
Sea rods are designed for use with fish from the ocean. They are long, (around ((convert|4|m|ft|order=flip|disp=or|sp=us)) on average), extremely thick, and feature huge and heavy tips, eyes, and handles. The largest of sea rods are for use with sport fishing boats. Some of these are specialized rods, including shark rods, and marlin rods, and are for use with very heavy equipment.

===Surf rods===
The most common type of sea rods are for [[Beach casting|surf casting]]. [[ocean surface wave|Surf]] casting rods resemble oversized spinning or bait casting rods with long grip handles intended for two-handed casting techniques. Generally between ((convert|10|and|14|ft|m|0)) in length, surf casting rods need to be longer in order for the user cast the lure or bait beyond the breaking surf where fish tend to congregate, and sturdy enough to cast heavy weighted lures or bait needed to hold the bottom in rough water. They are almost always used in shore fishing (sea fishing from the shoreline) from the beach, rocks or other shore feature. Some surfcasters use powerful rods to cast up to ((convert|6|oz|g|abbr=off|spell=in)) or more of lead weight, artificial lures, and/or bait over ((convert|100|yd|m|-1|spell=in)).

===Trolling rods===
Trolling is a fishing method of casting the lure or bait to the side of, or behind, a moving boat, and letting the motion of the boat pull the bait through the water. In theory, for light and medium freshwater gamefishing, any casting or spinning rod (with the possible exception of ultralight rods) can be used for trolling. In the last 30 years, most manufacturers have developed a complete line of generally long, heavily built rods sold as "Trolling Rods", and aimed generally at ocean anglers and [[Great Lakes]] salmon and steelhead fishermen. A rod effective for trolling should have relatively fast action, as a very "whippy" slow action rod is extremely frustrating to troll with, and a fast action (fairly stiff) rod is generally much easier to work with when fishing by this method. Perhaps the extreme in this philosophy was reached during the 1940s and early 1950s, when the now-defunct True Temper corporation – a maker of garden tools – marketed a line of trolling rods of ((convert|4.5|to|5|ft|m|adj=on)) length made of tempered steel which were square in cross section. They acted as excellent trolling rods, though the action was much too stiff for sportsmanlike playing of fish once hooked. As Great Lakes sportfishing in particular becomes more popular with each passing year, all rod manufacturers continue to expand their lines of dedicated "trolling" rods, though as noted, for most inland lake and stream fishing, a good casting or spinning rod is perfectly adequate for trolling.

===Telescopic rods===
[[File:Telescopic rod. Lake Baikal. Eastern Siberia.jpg|thumb|Telescopic rod. Lake Baikal. Eastern Siberia]]
Telescopic fishing rods are designed to collapse down to a short length and open to a long rod. ((convert|20|or|30|ft|m|0|adj=on)) rods can close to as little as ((convert|1+1/2|ft|cm|spell=in|round=5)). This makes the rods very easy to transport to remote areas or travel on buses, compact cars, or public buses and subways. Telescopic fishing rods are made from the same materials as conventional multi-piece rods. Graphite, carbon, and sometimes fibreglass, or composites of these materials, are designed to slip into each other so that they open and close. The eyes on the spinning rods are generally, but not always, a special design to aid in making the end of each section stronger. Various grade eyes available in conventional rods are also available in telescopic fishing rods. The eyeless Tenkara style rods are also of this type and are typically made from carbon and/or graphite.

Care for telescopic fishing rods is much the same as other rods. The only difference being that one should not open the telescopic rod in manner that whips a closed rod into the open position rapidly. Whipping or flinging a telescopic fishing rod open may and likely will cause it to be difficult to close. When closing the rods make a slight twisting motion while pushing the sections together. Often the rods come with tip covers to protect the tip and guides. Additionally, extra care must be taken not to get dirt or sand in the joints; due to their design this can easily damage this style of rod.

Telescopic rods are popular among [[Surf fishing|surf fishermen]]. Carrying around a ((convert|12|or|14|ft|m|adj=on|round=0.5)) surf fishing rod, even in two pieces, is cumbersome. The shorter the sections the shorter they close, the more eyes they have, and the better the power curve is in them. More eyes means better weight and stress distribution throughout the parabolic arc. This translates to further casting, stronger fish fighting abilities, and less breaking of the rod.

==See also==
((commons category|Fishing rods))
* [[Composite materials]]
* [[Fishing reel]]

==References==
((Reflist))
((fishing rod topics))
((fisheries and fishing))

((DEFAULTSORT:Fishing Rod))
[[Category:Fishing equipment]]

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