Abstract: The invention relates to lighting systems, for fishing rods, which are useful for proper handling and managing of such rods under poor ambient lighting conditions. The lighting system directs light substantially in line with the fishing line and the eyelets on the pole part of the rod, without obstruction, so that all eyelets and the line therethrough may be clearly lighted. In addition light can be directed to the line exit side of the reel, mounted on the handle part of the fishing rod, to assist in untangling or rethreading the line through the reel line guide. The lighting system is also useful for other tasks to be performed under poor ambient light conditions.