Rod material

Also known as: Rod material

Carbon (graphite)

Traits

  • Light and stiff
  • Fastest signal transmission

Best for

  • Bottom-contact fishing (drop shot, Texas, jig)

Trade-offs

  • Fragile against impacts

Fiberglass

Traits

  • Heavy, slow-loading, tough
  • Deep parabolic bend

Best for

  • Treble-hook baits — keeps fish pinned

Trade-offs

  • Sensitivity-critical bottom fishing

Composite

Traits

  • Middle ground of both

Best for

  • One rod doing cranks and bottom duty

Trade-offs

  • Either extreme demand