The Best Fishing Rods for Ice Fishing
Ice drill used in winter fishing; photo by SeppVei/Wikimedia Commons
Invest a bit of money in a Wonder Strike rod and reel combo. These ice fishing rods are much shorter than the average fishing rods you might be accustomed to, but since casting is virtually unheard of during ice fishing, the extra length is not needed. Wonder Strike rods retail for about $30 as of 2009 and come in a 10-25 pound weight combination---perfect for smaller trout and whitefish---and a 25-40 pound weight specification for bigger fish.
The Best Fishing Rods for Saltwater Fishing
Bat-Galim, Haifa, Israel; photo by Golf Bravo/Wikimedia Commons
Choose a saltwater fishing rod when you are planning on boating away from shore in the hopes of catching bigger ocean fish. One of the best fishing rods for saltwater use is the Shimano Torium. Retailing from about $260 or more, the action ranges from medium to extra heavy, and the construction offers a high impact aluminum brace that allows you to reel in also heavier fighters.
The Best Fishing Rods for Fly Fishing
Fishing on the Conemaugh River; photo taken by JN Bakos/Wikimedia Commons
Consider the White River Fly Shop Classic rod and reel combo that retails for about $200. You will find it lightweight and sufficiently bendy for river and lake fly fishing, but sturdy enough to reel in also the heavier fish, like salmon caught during their river runs.
The Best Fishing Rods for Freshwater Bait Casting
Photo by Immanuel Giel/Wikimedia Commons
Take a look at the Quantum Bill Dance 10 rod and reel combo for everyday bait casting. It is the quintessential fishing rod that is useful for a wide array of fishing applications in rivers and lakes, and works very well with 20 pound fishing line. Keep this rod in your trunk and when you are ready to head out into new territory with your Garmin GPS---a device that retails for about $160---you are going to have the right rod in place for any of the lakes and small fishing holes you can locate.
