Choosing a good fishing rod is not as easy as it seems at first glance. The abundance of offers on the market can confuse even an experienced fisherman, let alone beginners. To ensure that the search for a high-quality model does not turn into torture, it is recommended to pay attention to the rating of fishing rods presented below. The top was compiled based on characteristics and user reviews.
Telescopic
Salmo Diamond Travel Pole 5441-300
pros
- Folded only 42 cm
- High-quality telescopic mechanism
- Weight 75 g
- Quality materials
- Relatively low cost
Minuses
- Not very comfortable handle
From 1,755 RUR
A mid-class fishing rod, made in the form of a spinning rod with nine sections made of durable carbon fiber. When folded, the length is only 42 cm, and when unfolded it is 3 m. This rod is enough for fishing even in difficult conditions. There are durable rings made of reliable material.
VOLZHANKA Mini 4.5 m with rings (010-0063)
pros
- Length
- Compactness
- Versatility
- Reliable build
- Low price
Minuses
- Perceptible weight
- Not a very good case
- When folded, the rings are loose
From 1,700 ₽
A 4.5 m long rod for fishing from the shore or from a boat. The model is versatile enough for everyday use. Very compact: only 0.84 m. Easy to carry and store. Consists of 7 sections made of composite material with fiberglass. With all this, the weight of the device is 368 g.
Criteria and rules for choosing a fishing rod
Before choosing a float rod or a form for other types of fishing, you need to know all the necessary criteria under which fishing will be enjoyable.
So, choosing a fishing rod for summer fishing, how to make the right choice? There are not many secrets when choosing.
Rod weight
The weight of the blank will help you choose a fly rod for summer fishing, like other types of rods. The smaller it is, the longer the angler can hold it in his hands. This is especially true when choosing either a Bolognese fishing rod or a spinning rod.
Rod length
Before choosing a float rod for summer fishing, pay attention to the length. This indicator depends on the reservoir and where the trophies will be caught. The length of the blank is also important for spinning rods; here the choice is made based on whether you plan to fish from the shore or from a boat.
Material of manufacture
The best material for different types of fishing rods is considered to be carbon or carbon fiber; it is light, durable, but resistant to impacts. Such material cannot be cheap; for those who are looking for cheaper options, fiberglass is offered. It is heavier, and in other respects it will be slightly inferior to carbon, but it is not afraid of impacts.
Rigidity
Rod forms are different:
- soft;
- medium hardness;
- hard.
The choice is made depending on personal preferences and the required structure for the type of fishing. Determining the rigidity is not difficult; the tip of the selected rod rests on the ceiling. If only the tip bends, then the rod is hard, the deflection occurs in the upper half, the form is classified as medium hard. If the stick bends all the way to the butt, you have a soft look.
Additionally, they check by shaking the rod; it should bend evenly up, down, right and left.
Rod quality
Quality indicators depend on many factors that should not be neglected:
- choose products from well-known brands that value their reputation;
- carefully inspect the fittings, they must be of high quality.
Ease of use
This indicator is purely individual, you need to lay out and hold the product in your hand, it is possible to simulate an easy cast. If the rod can “fit” in your hand, then it will be convenient to use.
Price
Everyone will choose a fishing rod for float tackle or another according to their own wallet, but you should not skimp on the form. It is worth understanding that a good fishing rod cannot be cheap. Therefore, first calculate how much money you can realistically allocate for the purchase.
Plug
Salmo Sniper Feeder 90 4111-360
pros
- Flexible rod
- High quality build
- Suitable for catching large fish
- Easily handles long casts
Minuses
- Weight
From 3,423 ₽
A plug rod made of 4 sections with three tips, folding out to a total length of 3.6 m. When folded, the length is 1.27 m. The composite blank provides sufficient strength and flexibility even when catching very large and heavy fish. The cork handle provides a secure grip. The action of the rod is medium-fast, and the weight is 279 g.
Nautilus Crossblade CBS722M
pros
- Ease
- Durable form made of quality material
- Comfortable handle
- Reliable rings included
Minuses
- May not be long enough
From 2,365 RUR
Spinning fishing rod for everyday use in intensive mode. The length is small: only 2.19 m. But for most fishing tasks this is enough. The plug design folds the rod approximately in half. The blank is made of reliable carbon fiber and can withstand heavy loads along the line. Comes with high quality rings. An excellent quality rod for catching carp and crucian carp with optimal casting range.
Choosing a fishing rod for fishing in summer
Each fishing rod for summer fishing is selected for specific fishing conditions. At the same time, you need to take into account whether fishing is done from the shore or from a boat, especially with regard to the length of the rod.
Length, weight, test, action and strength of the rod
For a regular float fishing rod, you should choose rods from 3 to 5 meters, which will allow you to fish at an optimal distance from the shore.
Catching a predator with a spinning rod from the shore will require a longer rod (from 2.4 meters), and when fishing from a boat, you should focus on a length of up to 2.4 meters.
The weight of the fishing rod depends on the material from which it is made. The lighter the rod, the less stress on your hands. This is very important because fishing is always designed for a long period of time. Unfortunately, the lightest rods are the most expensive rods because they are made from the most modern materials.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the rod test. It should be selected depending on what type of fish you intend to catch. For catching perch, a rod with a weight of up to 12-15 grams is suitable, and for catching pike it is better to take a rod with a weight of up to 26 grams. If you plan to catch pike perch, then you should use a rod with a weight of more than 26 grams. This is due to the fact that pike perch is caught at depth using heavy baits, especially if there is a current.
The strength of a fishing rod depends on its design. As a rule, telescopic rods are the most unreliable rods, although they are practical, especially in transport conditions.
Rings and coils
The quality of the rings plays an important role in the quality of the entire gear. First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the inner surface of the rings. The coating must be smooth and free of burrs. The presence of various, albeit insignificant, at first glance, defects can lead to rapid wear of the fishing line and, as a result, breakage.
The reel is also selected depending on the fishing conditions and the size of the fish. The reels have a number of useful functions, such as a brake function, etc. This is especially important when fishing for large fish such as carp. This is a powerful fish and, if there is no experience, it is difficult to cope with it, especially if the reel does not have useful functions. The fish will simply tear the tackle or break the rod.
Hooks
You should always choose only high-quality hooks from well-known global manufacturers. Although they are more expensive, they are guaranteed to hold the fish, and it will not come off at the most crucial moment. Poor quality hooks bend and break, and they are also not that sharp.
fishing line
There is regular monofilament line and braided line. Their characteristics are completely different and their use must be justified by specific fishing conditions. When fishing at long distances, it is advisable to take a braided line. Since it does not stretch, the tackle will remain quite sensitive. When fishing at short distances, you should give preference to monofilament fishing line, which stretches, which means it can dampen the jerks of large fish. At short distances it will not particularly affect the sensitivity of the gear.
Rod and handle material
The reliability of the rod, especially in cases where you plan to catch large fish, plays an important role. Fishing rods made from fiberglass have good quality characteristics. But carbon fiber rods have much better characteristics, although they are the most expensive. Among other things, they are the lightest.
The handles on cheap fishing rods are made of plastic with an anti-slip coating. More modern and higher quality products, and therefore more expensive ones, are distinguished by the fact that the handles are made of lightweight balsa wood.
Fly feathers
Mikado X-Plode Pole 600
pros
- Low cost
- long length
- Durable materials
- Reliability
Minuses
- No rings included
- A bit heavy
From 700 ₽
Fly model with a blank made of composite material. Consists of 6 sections, which when unfolded give a length of 6 meters. When folded, the length does not exceed 1.18 m. The model weighs 386 g, which makes it easy to use for a long time. An excellent model for little money.
SHIMANO CATANA EX TE 2-600 (CATEXTE260)
pros
- Almost imperceptible heaviness
- Great design
- High build quality
- Reliability
- Suitable for any fish
Minuses
- Not a very good case
- High price
From 12,000 ₽
An expensive ultra-light class rod with a length of 5.9 m. The transport length is almost 1.35 m. The folding mechanism is telescopic, consisting of 6 sections. The blank is made of innovative carbon fiber, which ensures reliability, durability and high strength of the rod. The kit includes a case for storage and carrying. The model is of very high quality, but is also one of the most expensive in its class.
Bolognese
Salmo Elite BOLOGNESE MEDIUM M 500 (5503-500)
pros
- The rod is long
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Ease
- Innovative reel seat
Minuses
- Fragile rings
From 3,000 ₽
High-quality Bolognese fishing rod with medium-fast action. The length when unfolded is 5 m, when folded – 1.23 m. At the same time, the weight of the structure does not exceed 215 g. Such parameters make it easy to use the model for a very long time. The carbon fiber blank consists of five sections. The CLIP UP reel seat allows you to quickly and securely attach the reel to your fishing rod.
DAIWA SWEEPFIRE BOLO (SWV-60G-AR)
pros
- Flexible rod
- Well absorbs jerks
- Can be used with a regular reel
- High quality
Minuses
- It's hard to stay suspended for a long time
- Extra extra rings
From 3,000 ₽
A very convenient rod with a length of 5.94 m. Weight is 410 g. It will be quite difficult to use for a long time without a special slingshot. Your hands will quickly get tired and fishing will turn into torture. The fishing rod is equipped with 9 reliable rings. Moreover, some of them are not used, but can interfere with the movement of the fishing line.
Float
Salmo Blaster TELE PIKE 420 (3124-420)
pros
- Low cost
- Nice appearance
- Can be used with heavy baits
- Nice rings
Minuses
- The model is quite heavy
- Not very comfortable handle
From 1,100 ₽
A float rod from a well-known manufacturer with the ability to use baits weighing up to 100 g. At the same time, the rod itself weighs almost 490 g, which can complicate its use without additional supporting equipment. It consists of five sections that extend to a total length of 4.2 m. When folded, the length is 1.18 m.
Maximus Wizard Bolo WTEGT450
pros
- Reliable telescopic design
- Special case included
- Ease
- Rings included
- Reel seat with movable lock
Minuses
- Quite a big cost
From 4,000 ₽
This model is distinguished by its functionality and relatively low weight of 242 g. The telescopic rod consists of seven carbon segments that can withstand very high loads. The included rings are not very durable, but there is also a special storage case that reliably protects them from external influences on the river.
5 meter
MIKADO PRINCESS 500 (WA-174 500)
pros
- Ease
- Thin handle, very pleasant to the touch
- Strength
- Quite flexible
Minuses
- No hook ring
From 4,400 ₽
An excellent device for those who do not have very large hands. Suitable for children. The fishing rod is equipped with a comfortable thin handle made of pleasant-to-touch material. When folded, the structure has a length of 1.31 m. Using a telescopic mechanism, it can easily be expanded to 5 meters. The carbon blank ensures reliable retention of prey even of heavy weight.
Salmo Bolognese 500 (5550-500)
pros
- Relief rings available
- Light weight
- Length
- Functionality
- Good elasticity
Minuses
- Fragile rings
From 5,000 ₽
A five-meter fishing rod weighing 200 g. This weight was achieved thanks to the use of innovative materials, including carbon fiber and carbon. The fast action rod is equipped with standard guides, as well as three relief guides. The CLIP UP reel seat allows you to quickly attach the reel to the rod. The product is capable of working with baits weighing from 2 to 15 g.
How to choose a telescopic fishing rod
You can select the best telescopic fishing rods if you have information on the working properties of the material from which the gear is made and according to the criteria of the planned fishing or those conditions that are most likely to occur during fishing. When deciding on a purchase, they study the markings applied to the form in the area of the first and second bends, where a reliable manufacturer will give out the full parameters of the gear. It is also worth unfolding the rod to its full length and visually inspecting the product for cracks in the material of the knees and chips in the ring liners. The rigidity of the rod is checked by shaking the blank, while feeling the elasticity of the whip, without dips or play in the joints. We will consider the nuances of selection according to the main criteria below.
Material of manufacture
Telescopes can be made from both heavy fiberglass and light graphite. Of course, heavy fiberglass is not very comfortable for dynamic high-speed fishing and is more suitable for fly gear for ambush hunting strategies. Graphite, on the contrary, is comfortable to fish, but is quite fragile and at the same time has a high price. The best option when buying a telescopic rod would be to look for gear marked carbon. This is not a heavy rod with high strength qualities and an affordable price. Carbon tackle is not afraid of small shock loads and can withstand critical bends due to its high plastic properties. Recommended for both beginners and experienced fishermen.
Length
The length of the fishing rod is selected taking into account the fishing capabilities of certain distances. Fishermen determined the standard size of tackle for float rigs to be 6–7 meters long. Fishing at short distances is covered with rods with a blank length from 2 to 5 meters. Specific rods for fishing at medium and long distances are variants of tools with a length of 9 meters. As a rule, this is a fishing rod without rings, for an ambush strategy for catching medium and large peaceful fish.
Build
The rod structure is chosen based on the intensity of fishing. For high-speed fishing, select a rod with a fast or semi-fast action. Such tools are loved by sports fishermen with advanced techniques for casting and hooking fish.
Important! A universal tool for a float fishing enthusiast would be to purchase a telescopic carbon fishing rod with a medium action.
When loaded, its form will bend to the middle without any consequences for the integrity of the tackle. Slow-speed telescopes are practically never found on sale, and their practical use is quite rarely suitable for float fishing strategies.
6 meter
Salmo Elite BOLOGNESE MEDIUM M 600 (5503-600)
pros
- Very light weight
- Durable materials
- Relatively low cost
- Provides very accurate casting
- Good spool holder
Minuses
- Large transport dimensions
From 3,500 ₽
Telescopic rod consisting of 6 sections. Made from durable carbon fiber that can withstand heavy line loads. The Bologna rod belongs to the middle class with a medium-fast action. The folded length is 1.23 m. The weight does not exceed 289 g. For such dimensions it is very small.
DAIWA MEGAFORCE BOLO 600 (MFV-60G-AR)
pros
- Durable rings included
- Nice design
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Reliability
Minuses
- High price
- Perceptible weight
From 5,200 ₽
This model is distinguished by the presence in the set of very high-quality aluminum oxide rings, presented in the amount of 9 pieces. The telescopic mechanism consists of 6 sections and folds the rod up to 1.26 m. When unfolded, the length is 6 meters. The fishing rod is designed to work with baits up to 30 g. Moreover, the weight of the structure itself is 355 g.
Types of light fishing rods
Light fishing rods are divided into three subtypes: standard, powerful, and bleak.
• A standard light fishing rod is a rod that does not have guides or a reel seat. The length of such a fishing rod can reach 13 meters. A standard rod is moderately flexible, with a fast action. You can hunt fish up to 5-7 kg, the design will hold up.
• A powerful lightweight fishing rod reaches from 7 to 14 meters in length. The total weight of the structure is the largest among the light class. Such rods are suitable for hunting carp, for example.
• A lightweight bleak fishing rod is a “relative” of sport fishing rods. Such fishing rods are thin, telescopic or plug-in type, from 1 to 4 meters in length. These are the lightest fishing rods. Sticky rods are suitable for catching medium-sized fish.
In addition, light fishing rods are classified according to the type of fishing: trout, bottom, carp, float, sea and others.
7 meter
MIKADO BLACK STONE Pole 700 (WAA502-700)
pros
- long length
- Relatively light weight
- Quality materials
- Nice design
Minuses
- No rings included
- Quite a high cost
From 7,300 ₽
A review of 7 meter fly rods would not be complete without this model. It unfolds using a good telescopic mechanism of 7 sections. Folds up to 1.32 m. High-modulus carbon fiber was used in the manufacturing process, ensuring structural reliability even when working with such a length. No rings included. The weight of the rod is quite small: only 311 g.
Salmo DIAMOND POLE LIGHT MF 7.01 (2233-700)
pros
- Anti-slip handle
- long length
- Easy to unfold
- High quality carbon
Minuses
- No rings included
From 4,500 ₽
A long fishing rod for relatively little money. The telescopic mechanism of 7 sections extends up to 7 meters. At the same time, the diameter of the top of the rod is only 1 mm. The weight of the device is quite large: 405 g. Holding it suspended for a long time can be difficult. Recommended for use with a special stand.
Without rings
Salmo Blaster POLE 400 (3123-400)
pros
- Low cost
- Light weight
- Ease of use
- Reliability
Minuses
- Not very comfortable handle
From 600 ₽
A fly rod without rings, belonging to the middle class of devices. The medium action allows you to cast long distances without any difficulties. The transport length is only 1.15 m. The rod unfolds using a telescopic mechanism to 4 m. The blank made of composite material is strong and durable. And all this for very little money.
MIKADO X-PLODE POLE 400 (WAA232-400)
pros
- Relatively low price
- Light weight
- Composite form
- Comfortable handle
Minuses
- Not very high quality case included
From 1,500 ₽
A lightweight rod, weighing only 153 g. Folded length 1.18 m. Expands to 4 m. The blank is made of a composite material of high strength and durability. The diameter of the rod top is 1.6 mm. However, even at the top, the material copes well with loads. The model comes with a storage case, but it is not of the highest quality.
Design and technical characteristics of strong fishing rods
Strong fishing rods are made only from composite alloys. This makes it possible to make the fishing rod both strong and as minimal in weight as possible. Although the weight of such fishing rods is still quite large. When choosing a strong fishing rod, professional fishermen pay attention to weight last. And some people don’t pay attention at all.
Such fishing rods are most often equipped with large diameter rings. This allows the line to move freely and quickly when casting over long distances.
For newbies
Salmo DIAMOND FEEDER 120 (3935-360)
pros
- Ease of use
- Not very heavy
- Cork handle
- Nice tube included
Minuses
- May not be long enough
- Not very convenient spool holder
From 3,500 ₽
The rating of fishing rods for beginner fishermen will be opened by the feeder model. The use is very simple and intuitive. It consists of 3 sections that extend to 3.6 m. The device is capable of working with bait weighing up to 120 g. Three graphite tips with different hardness and signal coloring are supplied with the fishing rod.
