Popping rod

A term for casting rods used with revolving spool reels in saltwater. If used in freshwater, these would be called baitcasting rods or even muskie rods, but in saltwater the application is with heavy lures, usually from 5/8-ounce up to 2 ounces. These rods range from light saltwater versions (which is equivalent to medium-heavy freshwater), perhaps used for fishing with topwater plugs, to heavier rods used in deep jigging, even though casting is not involved in the latter.

Popping rods have medium- to short-length handles, depending on application, with the latter preferred by many inshore and shallow water casters. They are matched with revolving-spool reels, often with levelwind baitcasting versions, and frequently with models having wide spools and large capacity.

See: Rod, Fishing.