Fishing "Pole" Versus Fishing "Rod"?

by Samantha
(New Zealand)

What is the difference between a fishing pole and a fishing rod? Or are they different? I mean, I thought that they were pretty much the same thing, but I'm not too sure. My husband says they are different, but how?

Jason's answer:

Yes, they are different. Well, sort of...

Many inexperienced fishermen will often say "fishing pole" instead of calling it a fishing rod. It's not deliberate, it's just that they haven't learned the difference. I don't think that it's a bad thing though, because it seems to be common speaking in the everyday world... completely innocent.

To answer your question about the difference between a fishing pole versus a fishing rod...

A fishing "pole" is traditionally recognized as being made from natural elements such as either cane, reed or bamboo, etc.

A fishing "rod" blank is constructed out of conventional composite materials such as graphite, fiberglass, boron or kevlar, which can also include a combination of these materials.

Either way, whatever type of material(s) that they are made out of, they are all known as a "blank".

For more information regarding those composite materials used for constructing fishing rod blanks, you can check out the fishing rods section.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions about fishing rods and poles, you can post them here.