How to Choose Your First Lure Fishing Rod

Basic Types of Lure Fishing Rods

Baitcasting Rod (with Baitcasting Reel)

Baitcasting rods have a trigger handle and are mainly used with baitcasting reels. The reel sits on top of the rod, and your thumb controls the spool, so only four fingers hold the rod during casting. The trigger keeps the rod stable in your hand, preventing it from slipping.

The line guides on baitcasting setups

are closer to the rod and face upwards,

making them ideal for accuracy

and long-distance casting.

Spinning Rod (with Spinning Reel)

Spinning rods don’t have a trigger and are used with spinning reels. The spinning reel’s line comes out in a spiral, so the first guide is large and elevated to allow smooth line flow. The reel sits below the rod, and the rod arm acts like a trigger to stabilize your grip.

Why You Shouldn’t Mix Them

If you put a baitcasting reel on a spinning rod, the first guide is too high, messing up the line path and ruining long casts. Conversely, putting a spinning reel on a baitcasting rod has a small, low guide, creating sharp line angles that easily cause tangles or breaks.

• Want maximum casting distance or a stylish look? → Go for a baitcasting rod.
• Want an easy, beginner-friendly option? → Choose a spinning rod.
• Targeting big fish like pike or bass? → Baitcasting rods are safer; their guide structure handles stronger pulls.

Tip: For night fishing, a spinning rod is easier to use and less likely to tangle your line.

Common Fish Types

• North America/Europe: Bass, Pike, Rainbow Trout
• Australia/Southeast Asia: Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, Grouper

When choosing a rod, consider the size and pull strength of your target fish to ensure the rod can handle it.

Beginner Gear Tips

• Rod: Spinning or baitcasting rod as described
• Reel: Match the rod type
• Line: Medium strength for easy handling
• Lures: Start with small soft or hard lures

Product Tip: REeffun also offers an excellent series of beginner-friendly rods and reels.

Common Mistakes

• Mixing reels and rods → Seriously affects casting and line flow.
• Ignoring fish size → May break your rod or line.
• Using a baitcasting rod at night → Hard to control, easy to tangle.

Tips & Practical Advice

• When casting far, hold the trigger (baitcasting) or rod arm (spinning) firmly.
• Check guide alignment before casting to ensure smooth line flow.
• For big fish, lift slowly to reduce stress on the guides.

Product Tip: Some REeffun lure rods are well-designed, helping beginners enjoy long casts and big fish more easily.

Once you’ve chosen your first lure fishing rod, you can start fishing easily and enjoy the experience. If you found this guide helpful, share it with your fishing buddies so everyone can get started with ease!