When embarking on a successful fishing trip, having the right fishing rod suited to your needs and the type of fish you’re targeting is key. But with the variety of rods available from countless tackle suppliers, how do you know where to start? This guide explores the most common types of fishing rods, key differences in their design and performance, what fish species they are best used for, and what to look for when sourcing them from a supplier.
Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods are a popular choice for going after bigger predatory fish like bass, pike, muskie, catfish, and inshore species. They feature guides mounted above the rod blank and utilize a baitcasting fishing reel. Baitcasting outfits allow anglers more control and precision thanks to direct contact with both the rod and line. The extra backbone baitcasting rods have also enables wresting fish from heavy cover. When finding a baitcasting rod, you want a tackle supplier with a wide range of power levels and actions to match your target fish. Fast to extra fast action baitcasting rods combined with the right strength fishing line helps you efficiently set the hook.
Spinning Rods
If fishing for smaller species like trout, panfish, walleye, and inshore saltwater fish, spinning rods offer lighter weight, better finesse, and more sensitivity than baitcasting. Spinning rods feature guides on the bottom of the blank and take advantage of a fixed-spool spinning reel tied to lighter test fishing line. This combination allows for longer, more accurate casts crucial when fish are line shy. The delicate presentation and lifelike lure action you can achieve makes spinning tackle deadly on rivers, small lakes, and structure holding crafty fish. When shopping spinning rods, match the power and action to the lure weights and line strength needed for the species you pursue.
Surf Fishing Rods
Surf fishing is an exhilarating sport that requires both skill and the right equipment. The key to success lies in the ability to cast long distances and handle powerful ocean-run fish in heavy currents. This is where specialized surf rods come in. These rods vary in length from 8 to 14 feet, and are designed with a medium action to absorb the head shakes of the fish, while also featuring large guides to reduce friction.
When it comes to surf fishing, having the right gear is crucial. Whether you’re targeting stripers, redfish, sharks, or other inshore and offshore gamefish, a quality surf fishing tackle supplier will have specialized conventional and spinning surf fishing rods suited to your target species. By investing in the right surf outfit, you’ll be able to make repeated long casts without tiring, and increase your chances of landing feisty saltwater species.
Fly Fishing Rods
In fly fishing, the rod acts as the cast, allowing anglers to deliver the fly accurately on target. Fly rods come in different lengths and line weights optimized for the size of flies and species pursued. Short 3-5wt fly rods excel for small stream trout fishing while 9-12wt rods handle big gamefish like salmon, steelhead, bass, pike, and saltwater species. When selecting a fly fishing tackle supplier, confirm they understand the nuances of fly rod performance so you get the right fast action graphite rod and reel setup to meet your needs.
Ice Fishing Rods
Hitting frozen lakes and ponds chasing after perch, walleye, pike, and other cold water species requires specialized ice fishing tackle built for frigid conditions. At just 24 to 36 inches long, ice rods feature fast action, extreme sensitivity, and small spinning reels allowing jigging tiny lures. Your ice fishing tackle supplier should carry rods with eyelets able to withstand freezing temps and have microguides and rod wraps for increased bite detection. Pairing with an ice reel packed with ultra-thin diameter braided line equips you with a balanced combo for finesse ice fishing.
Other Fishing Rod Types
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and having the right equipment can make all the difference. While conventional fishing gear is readily available, there are also specialized suppliers that offer unique and custom fishing rods and rod holders. These can be particularly useful for trolling or live bait fishing, allowing you to tailor your setup to your specific needs. Additionally, a reliable net rod is essential for safely landing your trophy catches. With the right equipment, you can enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of success.
What to Look for in a Fishing Tackle Supplier
When selecting fishing rods, it pays to find a tackle supplier that goes beyond just ordering inventory. Look for suppliers that carry major fishing brands as well as quality OEM fishing rods built to their specifications. Choosing a supplier specializing in OEM fishing rods allows for a customized selection of rods built for specific fishing techniques, species and angler preferences.
Top fishing tackle suppliers stand out through:
- Carrying all major brand name rods plus their own in-house gear
- Having a huge online and retail selection of rods for all techniques and species
- Detailed product descriptions explaining specs and intended use
- Competitive pricing with frequent discounts and sales
- Fast, affordable shipping options
- Easily approved returns and exchanges
- Strong customer support via phone, chat, email, and forums
- An informative fishing blog with tips and guides
- Giving back to fishing conservation efforts
Final Words
Are you an avid angler looking to up your game and take on more challenging fishing expeditions? Or are you a beginner looking for some guidance on the best fishing rods to invest in? Whatever your level of expertise, finding the right fishing rod can make all the difference in your angling experience. Luckily, there are many great suppliers out there who can outfit you with high-performing fishing rods that are tailored to meet your individual angling goals.
But with so many different types of fishing rods on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Do you need a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod? What length should you look for? What about power and action? These are all important factors to consider when choosing a fishing rod.
That’s where this guide comes in. By going over the major fishing rod types and what capabilities to look for, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to zero in on tackle sets that inspire confidence on the water and help you hook your next trophy catch. So, whether you’re drawn to the challenge of fly fishing or the thrill of landing powerful gamefish from shore, read on to discover what type of fishing rod is right for you.
