Fishing Rods 102: How are they made

Ever wonder how fishing rods are actually made today? The simple answer is what it was like in the 1800s and 1900’s understanding that the technology used to design rod beams, and the tools used by the maker has grown tremendously over the years. The first rods were made using various types of wood to form a rod that usually tapered from a rounded base to a very small point, to which some form of rope or inconspicuous skin and cord was attached. It worked really well. As they did in those early years, we still do as they did, only with beams of materials such as steel, wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, bamboo, and several other materials. Today cane weighs less, is stronger, more flexible than ever, and comes in several pieces for easy transport. For this article, we hope to enlighten the reader about what goes into making fishing rods and how they are made.

The material used to make fishing rods:

People have been using fishing rods for several thousands of years, with very little change to the basic design. While plenty of innovations and technological advancements have occurred over the years, a fishing rod is still a fishing rod. Most of the changes over time have been in the types of materials that manufacturers have used in the construction. Previously, many fishing rods were made of bamboo or steel; however, presently, the rods are made of fiberglass, graphite, or sometimes with a combination of both.

Fiberglass Fishing rods:

Fiberglass is more flexible and heavier than graphite but is also less sensitive and weaker as compared to graphite. The fiberglass rods bend in a parabolic arc, so the entire rod bends from end to end as you lift the weight at the end of the row. The distance from the rod tip area where the rod bends under load determines the action of the rod. Moreover, fiberglass rods are usually slow- and medium-action rods. The slow action of the rod tip gives the fish more opportunity to find the bait before taking it off the fish. Well, these rods are great for beginner anglers because they are less expensive and more durable than graphite rods. Graphite is a brittle material and harder than fiberglass.

Graphite rods:

Graphite rods are available in varying degrees of hardness called modulus, a measure of the applied stress required to deform or repel the material in its finished process state. The higher the modulus, the harder the material, which means that rod manufacturers can use less material to achieve the same stiffness. Therefore, an IM8 graphite rod is lighter than an IM6 graphite rod, but both rods will have the same stiffness. The sensitivity of the graphite rods allows you to easily detect impact, and the rigidity of the rods results in powerful hook sets. With little flexibility in the material, graphite rods are classified as fast acting or very fast acting.

Composite rods:

Composite rods are made with a combination of fiberglass and graphite. This combination made composite rods more sensitive but less powerful.

Which material is best for fishing rods?

Fishing rods are usually made from graphite, fiberglass, or with a combination of both. While most experienced anglers prefer one material over another, we recommend graphite blanks for their unrivaled sensitivity and impressive strength-to-weight ratio.

What goes into the making of a fishing rod?

A fishing rod consists of several parts that go into making; blanks, ferrules, guides, a handle, and a reel seat. Each of the five elements plays a very important role in the operation of a fishing rod.

Components of a fishing rod

Blanks – Rod blanks are the main body of the fishing rod and usually come in two or three sections. Blanks are made from a wide range of materials, and over the years, there have been many innovations in materials.

Ferrules – Ferrules are small connectors used to securely fasten the blanks together. Depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, the ferrules can be made from several different materials. The ferrules are typically made from some kind of metal for extra strength.

Guides – The guides are small loops that are positioned down the length of the blanks. The loops are designed to allow the line to pass through them out the end of the fishing rod. The number of guides will depend mainly on the overall length of the fishing rod.

A handle – The handle of the rod is attached at the bottom end and is usually made of cork or molded plastic for comfort. Some manufacturers will use foam for extra grip and additional comfort.

A reel seat – The reel seat is used to attach the reel to the rod, and it is generally positioned just above the handle. Depending on the quality of the rod, the reel seat often is made from plastic or aluminum.

Each component used to construct the fishing rod is made from certain materials based on its functionality. The blanks are made from several different types of material. However, the three most common materials are; Bamboo, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Each of the materials has advantages and disadvantages, and deciding which is best can take some time. The guides are typically made from lightweight metal or plastic and are lashed to the rod with tightly wrapped wire. The reel seat is generally made from aluminum. However, some inexpensive beginner rods might have a plastic reel seat.

How are bamboo rods made?

Bamboo was the main material for fishing rods until the 1940s when the first fiberglass rods hit the market. In some areas, bamboo poles are still fairly common. Making a bamboo rod as a blank is very similar to making a fiberglass or composite blank. The maker starts with 6-8′ bamboo poles long and between 1-2″ in diameter. Heavy metal splits the poles in half and removes any additional material inside the pole. Then the machine cuts the stem into several thin sections. This method must be precise as variations of more than a thousandth of an inch between the cut strands will affect the stem. The strips are then glued around the mandrel, similar to how you would make glass or graphite rods. After the glue has dried, the mandrel is removed. Finally, the shank can be scraped and prepared for the next step.

How are fishing rod blanks made?

Rod blanks are usually made in the form of a flat sheet of paper (known as a prepreg) wrapped tightly around a central horizontal section or “mandrel.” This process must be done meticulously and flawlessly, as small imperfections can affect the performance and effectiveness of your rod. Once the product is rolled and locked in place, the entire stick is heated, allowing the creams to liquefy and cure evenly. Once cured, the rods are thoroughly inspected for imperfections and smoothed before a topcoat is applied. Quality rods will go through a rigorous testing process to ensure perfection before moving on to the next step.

Once the fish rod manufacturer finds an accurate and precise blank, the rest of the process involves attaching additional pieces of rod to that exact position. Two- or three-piece rods are riveted and sealed at the appropriate ends with a strong adhesive. From there, the cable is coated with epoxy, and the guides are fixed and sealed by tying metallic wires reinforced with thin nylon threads.

Important Note: Cheaply made rods are often mass-produced, prone to failure, and not built to last; think of cheap rods you can find at the department store. While cheap ones are good for beginners just looking to test the waters of the fishing world, more experienced anglers should seriously consider making an investment in the type of precision gear described above.

Conclusion

A fishing rod is one of the most important tools that any good fisherman uses. Whether they are competitive or just weekend warriors, most dedicated fishermen will not sacrifice quality to save a little money when it comes to a fishing rod. Cheaply made rods will show their true colors at the worst time.

It can be the difference between catching a trophy fish or catching the big one during a weekend fishing tournament. Also, be sure to choose the correct fishing rod for the fish you expect to catch. Plenty of resources are available about brands and what rod is best for what kind of fishing you are doing. Stick with well-known manufacturers with a strong quality reputation, and you cannot go wrong.

FAQ:

How are carbon fishing rods made?

Carbon fishing rods are made by wrapping thin carbon fiber sheets, known as prepreg, around a mandrel. The wrapped mandrel is then heated and pressurized to cure the resin and bond the carbon fibers together. After cooling and shaping, the rod is finished with guides, a handle, and a reel seat.

What materials are used in fishing?

Fishing materials include monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided fishing lines. Hooks are typically made of high-carbon steel or stainless steel. Lures can be made of plastic, metal, wood, feathers, or rubber. Reels are often made of aluminum, graphite, or composite alloys. Fishing rods utilize materials such as graphite (carbon fiber) or fiberglass. Sinkers/weights are commonly made of lead, brass, tungsten, or steel. Floats/bobbers are made of materials like cork, foam, or plastic. Nets are typically made from nylon or synthetic materials. These materials are selected based on their specific properties to enhance fishing effectiveness.

What is the best material for a fishing rod?

Graphite (also known as carbon fiber) is generally considered the best material for fishing rods. It offers exceptional sensitivity, strength, and a high strength-to-weight ratio. Graphite rods provide increased responsiveness, allowing anglers to detect even subtle bites and make precise casts. Additionally, graphite rods are lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice among anglers of all skill levels.

Where are fishing rods made?

Fishing rods are manufactured in various countries around the world. Some of the major producers of fishing rods include the United States, Japan, China, South Korea, and various European countries such as Italy and the United Kingdom. The specific location of production can vary depending on the brand and manufacturer.

When was the first fishing rod made?

The exact origins of the first fishing rod are uncertain, as fishing has been practiced for thousands of years. However, evidence suggests that fishing rods were used as early as ancient Egypt and China, dating back to around 2,000 BCE. These early rods were likely made from materials such as wood or bamboo. Over time, fishing rod designs and materials have evolved, leading to the wide variety of rods we have today.