Fishing is an enjoyable hobby that can involve using a variety of different equipment to catch certain fish in certain situations. The full spectrum of fishing equipment, including rods and reels, lures, hooks, weights, and stringers, is otherwise known as fishing tackle.

There are four different rods and reels that make up the main fishing tackle choices. For starters, you have the basic pole and line. This can be used for fishing in small ponds or rivers, and involves simply dangling the line in the water and pulling it out when a fish has struck.

The fly fishing rod and reel, designed by Charles F. Orvis in 1874, involves repeatedly casting a line with a special fly attached to the hook. Fly fishermen continuously keep the fly in motion, allowing it to hit the surface of the water for a moment, before repeating the process. This is meant to simulate the behavior of the insects that many fish species eat.

There is also the baitcasting rod and reel, which dates back to the mid 1600's, and utilizes a revolving spool to aid in reeling the line in. This is the typical rod and reel used today, and allows fishermen to extend their lines far out inot the water before reeling them back in.

There is also the spincast rod and reel, which was introduced by Zebco in 1949. These rods and reels are a tiwst on the design of baitcasting rods and reels, and are meant to solve the problem of lines tangling in the spools.

These are the five types of rods and reels most typically used by fishermen. The other fishing equipment, like line, hooks, swivels, sinkers, and leaders, is called terminal tackle. For terminal tackle options, consult with your local angling supply store to determine which ones are best for your particular fishing trip.