A rod is made up of the following basic parts, regardless of whether it is a spin casting, fly fishing, spinning or bait casting rod: 

• The butt, located below the reel is the bottom of the rod and is often made of plastic so it can protect the rod when it is set down.

• The grip on either side of the reel seat, is the "handle" of the rod and is sometimes made of cork.

• The reel seat, is short and flat and allows the reel to be attached to the rod.

• Guides are rings through which the fishing line is threaded and held in place.

• The tip-top guide is the last guide on the tip of the rod.

• Ferrules keep the rods together. The male ferrule fits into female ferrule securing the pieces in place.