Abstract: An illuminated fishing rod having a self-contained light source. The rod includes an at least translucent pole and a handle connected to the pole. The handle has a cavity therein and which receives an end of the pole. A self contained light source, for example a hand-held flashlight, is removably housed within the cavity of the handle in operative proximity to the end of the pole. The activation switch of the light source may be accessible from the exterior of the handle. The pole may include a cavity therein open at the end connected to the handle. A plurality of fiber optic cables may be received within the pole cavity to conduct light along the pole.