Fly fishing rods are a bit longer than regular poles. Also, fly fishing rods have a specific weight limit. You can direct your flies using the fly rod. Regular-fishing rods are comparatively smaller than flying rods. You may need at least 7 feet long fishing rod directing your flies. But adding weights to flies, you may direct the fly using a regular pole. But to have a better fly fishing experience, it may need a fly fishing rod than a regular-pole.