Sometimes, finding the perfect fishing rod with perfect weight capacity can be difficult. If you are a regular angler, then you have already acknowledged which type of weight range is perfect for you.
But what if you are an occasional one? In this case, you need to have a clear idea of the several types of fishing rods that are different from each other based on their weight-holding capabilities.
How much weight can a fishing rod hold?
Generally, a fishing rod has a certain limit of how much weight it can cast and lift effectively. Most experienced anglers recommend that the lightest fishing rod can hold up to 1/64 oz whereas the heaviest one can hold more than 1 oz. In between, the rate may vary depending on the fishing line.
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Top 6 types of fishing rod that can hold weight
The power rate is a standard scale that refers to how much weight is enough for bending the pole. If you are looking for a fishing rod according to its weight-holding capacity, here we are listing the six types of fishing rods according to their weight lifting abilities.
Ultra-light fishing rod:
These fishing rods are crafted for weighing 1/64-1/16 oz lures in case of 1-4 lb. test line weight. It means the design is only for handling small fishes. And they don’t have sufficient power to hold larger fish.
So, If you are searching for a fishing rod that can catch small fishes like panfish or trout, then an ultralight fishing rod is a great option. As its name is already suggesting that these are lightweight and sensitive fishing rods to catch small lures.
Light fishing rod:
These are mainly designed to lift 1/16-1/4 oz lures in a 4-8 lb. test line. These fishing rods are stronger and heavier than the ultra-light fishing rods. So, you can easily go for bigger fish.
This certain capacity allows these fishing rods to handle slightly larger fishes like small bass, trout, and perch. You can easily get a lot of varieties in these weight range fishing rods.
Medium fishing rod:
These fishing rods are widely used rods with convenient fishing applications and features. If the line weight is 8-12 lb. test, then they can easily uphold 1/2-1 oz. It indicates that they are designed for large fishes like walleye, pike, smallmouth, largemouth, and lake trout.
These fishing rods are pretty capable to deal with medium to large fish. The strong and hard-built mechanism ensures ultimate durability during fishing. As they are for bigger fishes of river and lake, they will add the ultimate fun to your weekend outing.
Medium-heavy fishing rod:
This power range is an outstanding option for those who are looking for a durable rod with a bigger fish lifting capacity. These fishing rods are designed to hold 1-4 oz lures in 12-25 lb. test line weight, which is great for catching heavier freshwater fish like catfish, salmon, pike, surf, bass, and even heavy lures.
Because of its medium-heavy power, it can be easily used in saltwater. Additionally, these types of fishing rods are recommended for those, who are more experienced in fishing in wider areas.
Heavy fishing rod:
These rods are for moving and lifting bigger fish more effectively. They can hold 20-40 lb. test in 4-8 oz line. The mentioned power rate is very suitable and user-friendly for swimbait, musky, trolling, salmon, saltwater trolling, and live bait as well.
This power range allows pulling hard on a fish along with a heavier action rod. Moreover, this weight rate is preferred for big freshwater fish. So, if you are looking for something professional then this might be a great option to pick.
Ultra heavy fishing rod:
These fishing rods are designed and built with high power ratings to catch the biggest fish. They are the strongest and most durable fishing rods. They can lift the maximum weight like more than 1 oz when the line weight is 25 lb. and still able to move the fish.
These fishing rods are not for beginners. Rather, those are intentionally designed for the professionals. The solid built provides the strongest yet flexible performance.
How much weight can a fishing line hold?
It depends on how much strength the fishing line is and how much pressure it can hold. The is the measurement of line weight and lures weight. Here are the types of fishing rods with their holding capacity.
| Rod weight | Line weight | Lure weight |
| Ultra-light fishing rod | 1 – 4 lb test | 1/64 – 1/16 oz |
| Light fishing rod | 4 – 8 lb test | 1/32 – 1/8 oz |
| Medium fishing rod | 6 – 12 lb test | 1/8 – 3/8 oz |
| Medium-heavy fishing rod | 8 – 14 lb test | 3/16 – 1/2 oz |
| Heavy fishing rod | 20-40 lb test | 4-8 oz |
| Ultra heavy fishing rod | 25 lb test and more | 1oz to more |
How big of a fish can I catch with 6lb test?
This power rate mainly refers to the medium fishing rods. With the 6 LB test strength, you can easily target bigger fishes like bass, pike, walleye, lake trout, and panfish.
You will easily take it for any outdoor fishing activity. It offers a very balanced combination of everything that you seek to catch medium to large-sized fish, especially when it comes to portability.
How big of a fish can you catch on 8lb line?
This line range is very strong and flexible compared to other lines. As this is under the medium-heavy fishing rod section, they can cast larger and heavier fish like pike, salmon, and catfish.
This sort of line has little stretching capability comparing to others, still, they are strong enough to hold and move larger fish.
How big of a fish can you catch on 10lb test?
Although this fishing line is not the ultimate one, it has the higher capacity of casting much larger fish like swimbait, trolling, salmon, saltwater trolling, musky and live bait.
This fishing line is one of its kind which is constructed with perfect elasticity and high-density. The strong and hard-built mechanism of it ensures ultimate durability. They are good enough to withstand any adverse outdoor environment.
How big of a fish can I catch with 12lb test?
12 lb test fishing line is pretty good enough for casting medium to larger-sized fishes. It allows casting the bigger fishes like Catfish, Walleye, Large Mouth Bass and Smaller Salmon.
Moreover, if you are looking for a fishing line that accommodates all types of medium fish, including braid, then this power rate is perfect to get your job done.
Depending on the intensity of fishing, rods can be chosen from various weight ranges. Rods with higher capacity come with stronger and more durable building quality. But, a heavier fishing rod doesn’t always guarantee that you got the right one according to your needs.
So our suggestion is to research and determine your targets first and then look for power rates. Otherwise, you will end up having the wrong fishing rod which will give you nothing but regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do fishing rods come with line?
Why do fishing rods have split grips?