User blog comment:Mckrongs/Monster Hunter 4 for the Nintendo 3DS/@comment-76.114.237.96-20121024205256

I suppose that since the Insect Rod is able to reach areas the hunter can't, and the game has more story/adventure to it your gonna need the Rod in some come quest.

I think i'd just call the insect rod, IR until it actually gets an official translated name.