This depends on many factors, but for the average angler the question most frequently refers to the rod blank. Many fishers are concerned about the strength of graphite rods; usually after having broken one. While it’s true that graphite rods are more easily broken; this is commonly the result of improper use. Graphite is more brittle than fibreglass and can’t bend to the same degree. In order to protect your graphite rod; never lift it to an angle above head-height when fighting a fish standing up – and keep the tip much lower if the fish is directly beneath you. Excessively bending a rod actually puts less pressure on the fish and more on the rod – so you’re not winning the fight! Try to maintain an even curve throughout the rod during a fight. This engages the entire rod blank and puts maximum pressure on the fish.