Abstract: A fishing rod in which the line passes internally through a hollow shaft and wherein the shaft includes a plurality of perforations spaced longitudinally along the shaft. The perforations serve to reduce wetness within the shaft, and the reduction in wetness reduces friction and drag between the line and the internal surface of the hollow shaft. The internal surface of the shaft may be provided with contact reducing irregularities and one or more coatings of materials such as water repellent, anti-frictional, reinforcing and/or wear resistant materials to further enhance properties such as the dispersal of water, reduction of friction and the structural integrity of the rod.