This type of rod (and jig by the way) are the most common
type you will see in Europe - Sweden, Finland, Russia etc.
In many cases they don't use any bait at all, just few colored
beads - that's it. You retreive the line by hand, the reel
is used mostly for storing the line. The rod is used with a
spring bobber and is mainly for perch and smelt fishing,
although walleye and pike are not uncommon. The technique
is not easy to master but it is VERY effective.