9 Best Fishing Rods in the Philippines 2025 | Abu Garcia, Kastking and More

The longer the rod, the more likely for the fish to take the bait. An average-sized rod measures no less than 7 feet long. Anything less is considered short. A long rod, preferably beyond 7 feet, gives you more leverage when catching fish. 

Longer fishing rods are ideal for open sea fishing or in lakes where there are wide spaces for the fish to swim on. If you want to throw the rod a long way, a rod measuring more than 7 feet should be able to help you with that. When covering more water and deep fishing, a rod that is between 7 to 12 feet in length will be perfect. 

Fishing in shorter distances calls for a shorter rod. This means that shorter fishing is suitable for fighting heavier and stronger fish due to the extra stiffness, weight, and less bend. It usually measures between 5 to 7 feet from the handle to the tip of the rod. 

Constant reeling and the overall fishing activity create friction on the fishing line, making them more prone to breakage with every use. It helps when the surface within the guides or ring is smooth to minimize friction. The tension arising from the reeling causes heat, and this wears the line much more quickly. 

Tagged as the best material for a fishing guide, silicon carbide or SiC is an advanced ceramic ring guide that ultimately reduces friction and heat. SiC rings sport a shiny black finish, making them the excellent choice for custom-made premium rods. 

It is suitable for catching a bigger fish and has been tested to withstand constant tugging. While it may give the angler a longer cast, this material is costly due to its rarity. Silicone carbide has wide application in electronics, especially those which require high endurance. 

Alconites, with aluminum oxides as base material, have incredible durability and smoothness for a lower price. Another variation of aluminum oxides as rod guide is hardloy, which is basically a ceramic that is more affordable than alconites. 

With more than 40 years since it was first used as a fishing rod guide, aluminum oxide has surely gained a cult following when it comes to durability and price. Experienced anglers have full trust and confidence in aluminum oxide ring guides, and this should point to the reliability of this material. 

Experienced anglers look for casting rods, as they offer more control when handling a fish. While they are great for many types of fishing, most casting rods are typically longer and heavier, which may not sit well with amateurs. This type is also prone to tangling, especially when a beginner loses control over the rod.

The common design for casting rods is that which mounts a reel seat above the rod while the rod guides face upwards. This makes casting rods perfect for fighting a fish whenever the fish pulls the line down on the guide, 

Most anglers prefer spinning rods to casting ones. Unlike the casting rod, which positions the reel seat facing up, spinning types have the reel fitted underneath. This angle makes the spinning rod perfect for bait fishing and lure casting. 

The guides are strategically set on the bottom. The versatility of spinning types allows people to fish while boating or kayak fishing. They can also be used to fight fish species of various sizes, from small to medium-sized ones. 

Fiberglass has been used for ages in the fishing world due to its strength. Besides being durable, it is also easier to create, making it a practical option when choosing the rod material. While it appears to be more affordable, fiberglass gives limited feedback – you might not detect when a fish has taken the bait. 

It also leans toward the heavier side, so you might not like the strain from its weight when holding it for too long. Fiberglass also tends to have a bend that is the same throughout the entire rod length. 

Due to its lighter weight, graphite is more sensitive than fiberglass and is the better choice when fishing for longer hours. However, while fiberglass is sturdy and enduring, graphite can be brittle because it's too lightweight. Beginning anglers should think twice when getting the pricier graphite. 

Another alternative could be a composite of fiberglass and graphite. Composite rods have the flexibility, strength, and sensitivity of both types. However, with the good qualities of both types merged into one, composites also tend to cost more than fiberglass and graphite.