Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 29, 2026

Who we are

Fishing Rod Database (fishingroddatabase.com) is a reference catalog of fishing rods. You can browse everything on this site without an account.

What we collect when you browse

• Analytics. We use Google Analytics to understand which pages are read. It sets cookies and collects usage data (pages visited, approximate location, device type) under Google's policies.
• Server logs. Standard web-server logs (IP address, URL, user agent) are kept briefly for security and debugging.
• Affiliate links. Buy buttons may link to Amazon or AliExpress with an affiliate tag. Those sites set their own cookies once you're there; we receive no personal data back, only anonymous commission reporting.

What we collect if you create an account

Accounts are optional. If you sign up (with Google or an emailed sign-in link) we store: your email address, an optional display name, and the content you create, meaning your rod ratings, wishlist, collection, saved comparisons, and any email subscription preferences. We never store a password: sign-in links are single-use codes that expire in minutes, and Google sign-in shares only your email and name with us.

This data lives on our own server and is not sold or shared with third parties. Sign-in and notification emails are delivered through our email provider (Proton or a transactional email service), which processes your address solely to deliver the message.

Cookies we set ourselves

• A session cookie when you sign in (keeps you signed in; deleted on sign-out).
• Local preferences (dark mode, shortlist, consent choice) stored in your browser's local storage, which never leaves your device.

Aggregate ratings

Average star ratings and rating counts are shown publicly on rod pages. Your individual rating is never displayed with your name or email.

Opting out

Choosing "Essential only" in the cookie banner keeps analytics cookies off (Google Consent Mode). Browser tracker-blockers (uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, Brave Shields) also work; the site functions fully without analytics. Accounts are entirely optional.

Affiliate disclosure

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We are not paid to feature specific products, and specs are sourced independently of any affiliate program.

Your rights

You can export or permanently delete your account data at any time from your account page, or by emailing contact@fishingroddatabase.com. Deletion removes your email, ratings, lists, and subscriptions immediately.

Contact

Questions about this policy: contact@fishingroddatabase.com.