A fishing rod is something that everyone needs for a good fishing day by the water. Choosing the best fishing rod for you can be overwhelming. With different rod lengths and materials, we are here to help you understand the difference and help you choose what’s best for you.

Fishing rod lengths can range from 4 feet to 14 feet long. With such a wide range, a rod about 7 feet long is best for beginner fishers and is a good ‘all-around’ rod. The rod length determines how far you will cast. With a longer rod, you have a longer cast whereas with a shorter rod, your cast will also be shorter. By gaining distance on your cast, you lose accuracy. A shorter rod will provide you with a shorter cast but more accuracy.

Longer rods may be more difficult to maneuver where shorter rods are easier. You can have more control with a shorter rod. Shorter rods are also more powerful which is better for catching larger fish. They also require less effort to put into motion. Longer rods can be better once a fish is already set on your hook.

Different rod materials can make the rod feel and maneuver different as well. There are three different materials that rods are made from – fiberglass, graphite, and composite. One of the biggest differences in materials is the weight. Fiberglass rods are the reliable ones, they have been around for years and are strong, durable, and enduring. The fiberglass rods are the heaviest of the three materials and a good choice for beginners. They are also the easiest to make, making them the more affordable choice of rods. These rods provide less feedback for the fisher, making it more difficult to detect what’s happening on the end of the line.

Graphite rods are the lightweight option for rods. These rods are easier to maneuver and handle because of their lightweight material. The graphite rods are a stiffer option and more sensitive, providing better feedback for the fisher. More feedback makes it easier for the fisher to feel bites at the end of the line. These rods are more expensive than the fiberglass rods and more brittle because of the stiffness.

The composite rods are a mixture between fiberglass and graphite, the best of both worlds. These rods combine the two materials to create a rod that is best for fishing a variety of different waters. They are flexible and lightweight while still having good feedback for the fisher. Due to the combination of the materials, the composite rods are the most expensive of the three.

Ultimately, when it comes to purchasing a new fishing rod, it’s a personal preference. You need to know what you want and know what you’re comfortable with before you splurge on that new rod.