Fishing Rod

This item is a key component of the fishing aspect of Zelda games. In some games, Link only has control of the rod in certain areas. Others, he can use the rod any time as an inventory item.

Ocarina of Time
The only place Link could use the fishing rod in Ocarina of Time was in the Fishing Hut by Lake Hylia. You must pay the Fisherman 10 rupees to use the rod, and return it when you exit (through manipulation, you can gain the fishing rod outside the hut. See Ocarina of Time bugs.

While the lure for the rod usually floats and can make catching deep-water fish a bit difficult, a Sinking Lure can be obtained by searching around the stream or in the grass around the pond area.

Twilight Princess
The fishing rod is an actual item here, obtained early in Twilight Princess, and can be cast anywhere in the world. It is basically just a stick and line.

The only times the fishing rod is required is when Link must catch a Reekfish to find Yeto, and to catch a fish in Ordon Village to unlock the slingshot. The only way to catch a Reekfish is to get the Coral Earring from Prince Ralis. This is automatically combined with Link's fishing pole. Not only does the Coral Earring allow Link to catch Reekfish, it also increases his bite frequency.

Besides this, the fishing rod is only useful as a diversion from the main quest. Link can cast it in any water and catch fish. The only purpose for this is personal record-keeping.

Another more useful function of the fishing rod is in the final battle with Ganondorf, where the fishing rod can be used to distract him for a strike.

Hena maintains a fishing hut in Upper Zora's River, but she uses her own fishing pole, which is more advanced and controlled differently than Link's.

Phantom Hourglass
A fishing rod can be obtained in Phantom Hourglass. See Mermaid Sidequest for more details. It can be used on the sea only when one is above a fish's shadow shown on the map in the sea.

Other Appearances

 * Link uses a fishing rod in the fishing mini-game in Link's Awakening, but it is not an item, and only usable in this instance.

Trivia

 * In Twilight Princess it is possible to cast the line into lava, however there is nothing to catch.
 * Also, it is possible to distract Ganondorf using the fishing rod during the final battle, leaving him open to attack.