Fishing rods come in all shapes and sizes, and certainly there is a big difference between salt water fishing rods and fresh water fishing rods. A good fisherman knows that finding the perfect fishing rod is the first step to catching lots of fish. That is to say, a good fishing rod is just as important as the bait used to catch the fish (if not more important). In others words, if you buy a cheap rod your chances of getting consistent and good bites becomes less likely.
Some might think this is because the fishing rod is the arms and hands of the fisherman (well, at least the extension of the arms and hands). It is the way the fisherman communicates with the water and allows the ocean or river or stream to feel his subtle attack, and of course it goes the other way too. In that, I mean the fishing rod helps the fisherman feel the ocean and the rod tells the fisherman everything they should need to know to get acquainted with the currents, aggressiveness of the fish and overall likely-hood of catching a lot of fish or none at all.
The fishing rod at first, like any other tool man uses to provide a means to an end, is going to feel strange, even if it is an expensive rod. This is because it has not become an extension of the fisherman yet. But soon enough, the fisherman knows his rod like the back of his hand, and uses it as he does his own arms and fingers; ever-so gently pulling the line, easing on the reel and creating tension, resistance and slack in order to guide the bait to the desired area (hopefully the fish).
The fishing rod is more an extension of the fisherman in streams and lakes, where the fisherman is always holding on to his rod and using it in many different varieties of water in short periods of time. Ocean fishing rods on the other hand, are going to be more useful simply as a tool for casting and pulling in larger fish. This does not diminish the importance of having a very good rod, on the contrary, it is equally important to have a good salt-water fishing rod as it is a good freshwater fishing rod. The difference has to do with what you should look for in each.
Some of the better freshwater fishing rod companies include Daiwa, G-Loomis, Sage Spinning Rods, Kistler, Frenwick, Rogue, Shimano and e21 freshwater rods.
Some of the more popular saltwater fishing rods include Cape Fear, Penn, Kistler, Fenwick, Star, Bluefin, Star, Shimano, OceanGirl, e21, Accurate Xnergy Boss & SR Rods and the list goes on and on.
No one article can provide even a fraction of all the information needed to purchase that perfect freshwater or saltwater fishing rod. Every rod is different, as every fishing rod company is different as every fisherman has different preferences and requirements.
The most important thing to remember about fishing rods, saltwater or freshwater is that it is important not to go the cheap route, and also to find the perfect fishing rod for your needs. That is to say that you need to do your homework, go out and try these rods in person, talk to your fishing buddies, try out their rods (if they'll let you) and truly find that rod that becomes an extension of yours arms and fingers and helps you communicate with the water more efficiently.
Above all else, you want your fishing rod to help you feel the water and the currents and be easy to use with all the subtlety necessary to catch fish and have a great time doing it. There is no doubt that fishing is an art form, and having the right paint brush for the job is as important as any other part of the equation. Do your homework and you will find the fishing rod of your dreams in no time at all.
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