All About Fishing Rods
Fishing rods are essential tools used in angling to cast bait or lures, hook fish, and control and manipulate the line during fishing.
Types of Fishing Rods:
Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are popular and versatile, suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. They feature a reel seat located on the underside of the rod and large line guides that help prevent line tangles. They are designed to work with spinning reels, which are mounted on the rod's reel seat.
Fish species commonly pursued with spinning rods in the UK
Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Bass are a highly sought-after species for UK shore anglers using spinning rods. These predatory fish are known for their strong runs and aggressive strikes. Spinning with lures, such as soft plastics, plugs, or metal jigs, is a popular method for catching bass from the shore.
Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
Mackerel are a prolific and fast-swimming species that are often targeted with spinning gear. Feathered lures or small metal jigs are commonly used to mimic the prey of mackerel, making them a popular catch for anglers along the coastline.
Garfish (Belone belone)
Garfish are a slender, long-bodied species that can be targeted with spinning gear. Feathered or shiny lures are often used to attract garfish, which are known for their acrobatic jumps when hooked.
Wrasse (Labridae family)
Wrasse species, including the colorful ballan wrasse, are often caught using spinning gear. These fish are found in rocky areas and are known for their hard-fighting nature. Soft plastics or small lures resembling crabs or other natural prey are effective for wrasse fishing.
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)
Similar in appearance to coalfish, pollack are another species targeted by spinning anglers in the UK. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores and wrecks. Spinning with metal jigs or soft plastics is a common method for catching pollack.
Mullet (Mugilidae family)
While mullet are often associated with bait fishing, they can also be targeted with spinning gear. Lighter setups with small lures or flies are used to entice mullet, especially in estuarine and shallow coastal areas.
Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods are generally used by more experienced anglers. They have a reel seat located on the top of the rod, designed to accommodate baitcasting reels. They are often sturdier and offer more casting accuracy and control, making them suitable for targeting larger fish species or using heavier baits and lures.
Fish species commonly pursued with baitcasting rods in the UK
Bass Fishing
Baitcasting setups are sometimes used by anglers targeting bass along the coastline. The accuracy and control provided by baitcasting reels can be advantageous when casting lures into tight spots, such as rocky outcrops or structure-rich areas where bass often lurk.
Shore Jigging for Pollack and Cod
Shore jigging, a technique where anglers work metal jigs to imitate prey, is popular for species like pollack and cod. Some anglers prefer the precision of baitcasting reels when jigging in areas with underwater structure, aiming for precise placements to entice the fish.
Light Tackle Boat Fishing
In some cases, anglers on boats targeting smaller species or using lighter tackle may opt for baitcasting setups. This can be common when fishing for species like mackerel, pollock, or wrasse.
Fishing for Flatfish
Anglers targeting flatfish such as plaice or flounder with artificial lures from the shore might choose baitcasting gear for its casting accuracy.
Telescopic Rods
Telescopic rods have collapsible sections that allow them to be compact and easily transported. They are popular among anglers who need a portable option for travel or fishing on-the-go. They extend to their full length when in use and collapse down for storage or transportation.
Surf Rods
Surf rods are designed for casting bait or lures from the shoreline into the surf zone. They are typically long (9 to 14 feet) with a fast or medium-fast action to achieve longer casts and handle rough conditions.
Fish species commonly pursued with baitcasting rods in the UK
Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Bass are a popular target for surf anglers, especially during the warmer months. They are often found in the surf zone, and anglers use surf rods to cast lures or bait to reach these fish.
Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)
Mackerel are a fast and agile species that can be caught from the shore using surfcasting techniques. Feathered lures and baited rigs are commonly used to attract mackerel.
Cod (Gadus morhua)
Cod are often targeted during the colder months when they come closer to the shore. Surf rods enable anglers to cast large baits to reach deeper waters where cod may be feeding.
Flatfish (Plaice, Flounder, Dab)
Various flatfish species can be caught from the surf, particularly in sandy and mixed ground areas. Anglers use surf rods to cast bait rigs and catch flatfish like plaice, flounder, and dab.
Dogfish (Various species of small sharks)
Dogfish, including species like the lesser spotted dogfish, are commonly caught from the shore using surf rods. These smaller sharks are a frequent target for anglers, especially those fishing in rocky or mixed ground areas.
Rays (Thornback Ray, Undulate Ray)
Rays are larger species that anglers may target from the surf. Thornback rays, in particular, are a common catch, and surf rods provide the casting distance needed to reach their habitats.
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)
Whiting are often found inshore and are a target for surf anglers using baited rigs. They are frequently caught in colder months and are known for their voracious feeding habits.
Smoothhound (Smoothhound Shark)
Smoothhounds are another species that surf anglers target. These sharks are often caught using baited rigs, and surf rods allow anglers to cast into deeper water where smoothhounds may be present.
Boat Rods
Boat rods are specifically designed for fishing from boats. They are often shorter and sturdier to withstand the demands of boat fishing, which can involve heavy tackle and fighting fish vertically.
Fish species commonly pursued with boat rods in the UK
Cod
Cod is a popular target for boat anglers, especially during the winter months. Fishing over wrecks and rough ground is common when targeting cod.
Pollack
Pollack are found around wrecks, reefs, and rocky areas. They are known for their strong fights and are a popular species among boat anglers.
Bass
Bass are targeted along the coastline and estuaries. Boat anglers use various techniques, including trolling and casting, to catch bass.
Mackerel
Mackerel are often caught using feathered lures and small jigs. They are a fast and agile species commonly found in shoals, making them a popular target for boat anglers.
Conger Eel
Boat anglers targeting conger eels often fish over wrecks and rough ground. Congers can grow to significant sizes, providing a thrilling challenge for anglers.
Rays
Different species of rays, such as thornback rays and blonde rays, are targeted by boat anglers. Rays are often found on sandy or muddy seabeds.
Tope
Tope are a type of shark commonly targeted by boat anglers in the UK. They are known for their powerful runs and are often found in deeper waters.
Flatfish (Plaice, Turbot, Brill)
Various flatfish species are targeted with boat rods, particularly in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Haddock
Similar to cod, haddock is another cold-water species targeted by boat anglers. They are often found on offshore wrecks.
Rod Materials
Graphite/Carbon Fibre
Graphite or carbon fibre rods are lightweight, sensitive, and offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios. They are highly popular among anglers due to their sensitivity, which allows them to detect subtle bites and movements. Graphite rods are often more expensive but provide enhanced performance.
Fibreglass
Fibreglass rods are durable, less expensive, and known for their strength and flexibility. They are ideal for beginners or anglers targeting larger fish species that require more power and durability.
Composite Blends
Many modern rods use composite blends that combine the best qualities of graphite and fibreglass. They offer a balance of strength, sensitivity, and flexibility, making them versatile for various fishing scenarios.
Rod Length and Power
Length
Fishing rods come in various lengths, typically ranging from 4 to 14 feet (1.2 to 4.3 meters). Longer ones generally allow for longer casting distances, better line control, and increased leverage when fighting fish. Shorter versions provide more accuracy and control in tight spaces.
Power
The power rating refers to its ability to handle different line weights and lure or bait sizes. Common power ratings include ultralight, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. Lighter power options are suitable for smaller fish or finesse techniques, while heavier power ones are used for larger fish species or heavy cover fishing.
Rod Action
Fast Action
Fast-action rods bend primarily in the upper third or quarter of the rod. They offer greater sensitivity, quicker hook sets, and more power for long casts and fighting fish.
Medium Action
Medium-action rods bend through the middle of the rod, providing a balance between sensitivity and flexibility. They are versatile and suitable for various fishing techniques and fish sizes.
Slow Action
Slow-action rods bend throughout the length of the rod, providing a more parabolic bend. They are ideal for delicate presentations, playing small fish, or fishing with light lines.
Specialised Rods
Ice Fishing Rods
Ice fishing rods are short and ultralight to accommodate the limited space and reduced visibility under the ice. They often feature sensitive tips to detect subtle bites.
Trolling Rods
Trolling rods are used for trolling, a technique where lures or baits are pulled behind a moving boat. They are typically sturdy with a moderate to fast action to handle the resistance of trolling gear and large fish.
It's important to choose a fishing rod that matches your fishing style, target species, and fishing conditions. Consider seeking advice from experienced anglers or visiting a local tackle shop for personalised recommendations based on your specific needs.