Rods Explained at Length

Glass Fibre
A very flexible material, often used in low-end, entry level rods. Glass fibre is durable but is also the heaviest material used today.
Graphite Composite
The majority of material used is Glass Fibre. A small amount of graphite is used to reduce the weight, and the two materials are bound together.
Graphite
Graphite rods are lighter and stiffer than glass fibre or composite rods. The result is a greatly reduced diameter.

Spin Rods
These are the most popular rods because the spinning reel is easy to use, making them ideal for children and beginners. The guides are under the rod as this is the side that the reel is situated. They are commonly 1.8 to 2.1m in length with a stiff bottom half and springy tip for casting lures. Bait fishing rods are commonly 1.8 to 2.7m in length with a soft bend through most of the rod (slow taper). This allows the fish to slowly take the bait with minimal  resistance from the rod. Spin rods are ideal when casting distance is more important than the accuracy provided by a baitcast rod.

Surf Fishing Rods
Surf rods are longer than standard rods because the angler needs to cast further, often over large waves, from rocks or the beach to reach fish that may be some distance from shore. This extra length also allows the angler to keep their line above the waves to better detect bites.  Light surf rods are commonly 3m to 3.6m long with a slow taper for Dart and Whiting fishing. Medium to heavy surf rods are commonly 3.6 to 4m long with a fast taper which helps to cast large baits and lures and control large Tailor and Trevally. Alvey / Sidecast reels best suit a rod with a low reel mount. This means the reel attaches closer to the bottom of the rod, keeping the larger, heavier reel close to your body. Spinning reels may be matched to a rod with a higher reel mount.

Baitcasting Rods
Baitcast rods are usually 1.5 to 2.1m long, and are designed for accuracy rather than distance casting. The guides are located on the top of the rod, as this is the side the reel is situated. They have more guides than a spin rod because the line needs to be carried on the top of the rod without touching the rod when it bends. They often have a trigger grip making them comfortable to cast and fish with one hand which makes them ideal for lure fishing.

Offshore Rods
Offshore fishing rods are designed to handle large, powerful and hard running fish.  They are fast tapered rods, with stiff tips and powerful butts.  The guides are on top of the rod for the same reasons as a baitcaster rod. Offshore fishing rods are usually classified according to their suitable line weights.

Offshore Rod Line Weights

• Light rod  6-10 kg
• Medium  13-24kg
• Heavy  +36kg

The most popular offshore rods include the 10-15kg and 15-24kg models.

Rod Maintenance
Many anglers forget to take a quick look at their fishing rods for evidence of wear. There are several easy maintenance steps to keep fishing rods looking and performing at their best. 

• Check the guides for any nicks that could damage the line.
• Clean the rod grips by gently washing it with warm water and detergent solution.
• Check the reel seat for any evidence of corrosion or soiling residue. This can be remedied by rubbing with a soapy sponge, rinsing with cool water and drying thoroughly with a towel.
• If utilising a two-piece rod, rub a very light coating of paraffin onto the join. This not only makes for a firm, secure connection, but also makes it easier to separate the sections.
• Store the rod(s) in a horizontal or vertical rack as opposed to leaning against a wall or stacking in a corner where the rod might bend and actually set.
• Run your fingers over the length of the blank. Should you detect any damage, it should be remedied as it may cause the rod to break during use.