Choosing a Rod: Poles vs. Reel Rods, Freshwater vs. Sea

Fishing rods split along two lines: whether they take a reel, and whether they are meant for fresh water or the sea. Knowing just these two will keep you from getting lost in a tackle shop.

Poles and reel rods

A pole has no reel. The line is tied straight to the tip, so the line is about as long as the rod. You can't cast far, but it is simple and shows every small movement of the float. Korean crucian carp poles and bamboo poles are classic examples.

A reel rod carries a reel near the handle and runs the line through rings called guides. You can cast far and wind the line back in, so it suits deep or distant water. Lure rods, surf rods, rock rods and boat rods are all reel rods.

Freshwater rods and sea rods

Salt water corrodes metal quickly, so sea rods use corrosion-resistant guides and reel seats and are usually built tougher to handle wind, waves and heavier rigs. Freshwater rods are lighter and tuned to feel delicate bites. Rinse sea gear in fresh water and let it dry after every trip.

Reading rod specs

• Kan: the traditional Korean length unit for freshwater poles. One kan is about 1.8 m, so a 2.9-kan pole is a little over 5 m.
• ML, M, H: a lure rod's power. From L (light) to H (heavy) the rod gets stiffer and handles heavier lures and bigger fish. 6'6" means six feet six inches, about 2 m.
• Ho (#): the strength rating of Korean rock rods. #1 or #1.5 rods are common for black sea bream float fishing; a bigger number means a stronger rod.
• PE rating: jigging rods often state the braided line size they are built to handle.

If you're just starting

For a nearby river or reservoir, one carbon pole of around 5 m is enough. For the sea, a 3–4 m reel rod with a 2500–3000 size spinning reel covers most breakwater fishing.