So I just figured out that you can use tier 1 - 3 rods to start out on fishing.

Why does it say that you need to have rank 5 and rank 10 for tier II-III? Is there something I am missing?
Are there draw backs to using rods that are over your rank? I noticed if I use tier 3 rods that I get more prof but it takes longer to reel in the catch.

its more about when you can use the fish to regen.

so tier 3 at any level and tier 4 at lvl 5 or higher.

This didn't really answer the question, but thanks just the same.

I am curious why the rods themselves say they require a certain skill level - but you can use them anyways.

we never figured that out either, short story is you're better off using a rod 1 tier above anyway. So i wouldn't complain too hard

So at rank 0-4 fishing i generally recommend using a tier 2 rod. for 5-9 a tier 3. you can use a tier 3 for level 0-4 but you'll find it's significantly slower than using the tier 2. Tier 1 is actually faster than tier 2 but higher chance of failing.

It's more of a guideline of what to use

If its a guideline then it shouldn't say "required"