A common question anglers have is whether they should utilize one or two-piece rods or a combination of both. If you have fished for any time, chances are very good you have a couple of both and specific uses for each rod. However, if you are a fishing newbie, deciding whether one or two-piece fishing rods are for you can be tough.
It depends on the type of fishing you do, but a two-piece rod is the best first choice for many beginners because of the reduced risk of damaging the rod. There are, however, applications for single-piece rods, particularly with saltwater fishing. In most cases, a combination of both for use in different scenarios is best, particularly if you do a lot of different types of fishing.
Key Differences
The main differences between the two are flexibility of movement and strength.
Flexibility
If you are moving through the brush to get to a fishing location or fishing in many different locations, a jointed rod is easier to transport. The flip side is you have to set it up every time you take it out to fish. One-piece rods can be very flexible, but their size demands a set amount of space for storage and use around other anglers.
Strength
What you gain in mobility with a two-piece rod, you lose in creating a potential breaking point.
If the joint where the two pieces connect becomes damaged, the rod is limited regarding what it can do. Having it snap at the cast or when fighting a fish are real possibilities. A one-piece tends to be stronger because it lacks that vulnerability.
Two-Piece Rods
Jointed rods first appeared in the 18th century and were a merger of a harder wooden lower shaft and upper bamboo top, which provided both stability and flexibility. Composite rods using lighter woods appeared in the 19th century, and manufacturers started to use layers of bamboo to build stronger but more flexible rods.
As mentioned, two-piece rods are great for beginning anglers, anglers that travel a lot with their fishing gear, and anglers that have to hike through terrain to get to where they fish. The downside is the two reasons above. In terms of fishing capabilities, there is no real difference.
Pros
- They are much easier to transport.
- If you bank fish, moving with a disassembled two-piece is much easier
- Storage is simpler and takes up less space
- The quality for a two-piece now is as good as for a one-piece.
Cons
- While more durable, the sockets still damage easily if the rod is not well maintained
- Longer length rods tend to lose sensitivity when they are two-piece
- Lots of use will loosen the joint and require tightening
One-Piece Rods
The first one-piece rods appeared shortly after people determined fish was great food but catching them in deep water was problematic. By the 15th century, people were using one-piece fishing rods and primitive reels to get their bait where they wanted, hook and land fish.
The benefit of a one-piece rod is primarily its strength. There is no weak spot as long as the rod itself is not damaged. The lack of vulnerability is particularly true as it applies to the joint in a two-piece rod.
The most significant downside is that one-piece rods require care, especially around doors. Getting a tip caught in a car door, trunk lid, or the door to a building is almost a rite of passage. It even happens to expert anglers on occasion.
The most prominent one-piece rods are sea fishing rods and micro rods. Each is highly specialized and has limited applications.
Pros
- One-piece rods tend to be stronger
- One-piece rods make setting up to fish easier
- There is no inherent weak spot
Cons
- One-piece rods are difficult to store and transport
- One-piece rods also require care around any doors or lids as snapping off tips of one-piece rods even happens to experts
FAQs
The following are common questions anglers have regarding one and two-piece rods.
Are two-piece rods less expensive?
Yes and no. You can find very expensive two-piece rods made by high-end manufacturers, but most of your department store two-piece rods will tend to be less expensive. One-piece rods tend to be specialized, so they will cost more.
What is the best beginner rod?
At first, the best strategy is to keep all equipment as simple as possible for beginners. Thus, a one-piece rod, closed-face reel, and simple lures or bait are advisable.
When should an angler consider a two-piece rod?
One point is when the angler fishes regularly and transports their rods to get to the fishing location. Another instance where a two-piece rod makes sense is when a hike through brush is required to get to a fishing location or navigate around it.
Do fishing rods come apart?
Fishing rods are designed to be single or multiple pieces. Multiple-piece rods are connected and taken apart by the rod ferrule so longer rods are more manageable. Three piece rods are generally for baitcasting and fly-fishing rods. Two piece rods are generally for spinning and trolling rods.