A
fishing rod is a long, flexible length of glass fibre composite, carbon fibre composite or, classically,
bamboo, used to
catch fish. In contrast with
nets, which are usually used in
subsistence and
commercial fishing, fishing rods are more often used in
recreational fishing and competitive
casting. At its simplest, a fishing rod is a simple stick or pole with a line ending in a
hook (formerly known as an
angle, hence the term
angling). To entice fish,
bait is impaled on the hook or
lures with hooks are attached to the line. Line is generally stored on a
reel which may assist in landing a fish. There are various types of fishing rods designed for specific types of fishing.
Fly rods are used to cast
artificial flies,
spinning rods and bait casting rods are designed to cast baits or lures.
Ice fishing rods are designed to fish through small holes in ice covered lakes. Trolling rods are designed to drag bait or lures behind moving boats. Fishing rods come in a variety of sizes, actions, lengths and configurations depending on whether they are to be used for small, medium or large fish or in different fresh or salt water situations. Contemporary fishing rods are constructed of either graphite or fiberglass materials. Fishing rod length may vary between depending on application.