Best Fishing Rod

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Fishing is a beloved pastime for millions worldwide, and having the right rod can make all the difference, whether you’re casting from the shore or reeling in a big catch from a boat. A quality fishing rod enhances sensitivity to even the slightest nibbles and provides the strength needed to land your prize. Rods come in various styles, designed for specific fishing environments—some for freshwater, others built to handle the challenges of saltwater. The length, action, and power of a rod are crucial to its performance, and the wrong choice can make fishing less enjoyable. When selecting a rod, consider the type of fish you’ll target and the environment you’ll be fishing in, along with the rod’s material, sensitivity, and durability. We tested numerous rods in different conditions to find the best options for various types of anglers.

  • PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Combo

    10

    We think this PLUSINNO rod and reel combo is a great choice for beginners and casual anglers looking for a portable, all-in-one fishing setup.

    Pros

    • Compact telescopic design for easy transport
    • Includes rod, reel, line, lures, and accessories
    • Durable carbon fiber and fiberglass construction

    Cons

    • Rod may feel stiff for some users
    • Reel quality is basic
    • Not ideal for larger fish species

    We took this PLUSINNO combo out for a day of fishing and were pleased with its performance. The telescopic rod collapses down small enough to fit in a backpack, making it perfect for spontaneous fishing trips. When extended, it feels sturdy and casts smoothly.

    The included reel worked well for our needs, though serious anglers may want to upgrade. We like that this kit comes with everything needed to start fishing right away – line, lures, hooks, and more. It takes the guesswork out of assembling gear for newcomers.

    In our tests, the rod had good sensitivity for detecting bites from smaller fish. The carbon fiber and fiberglass blend gives it strength without too much weight. While not pro-level gear, we think this affordable combo offers great value for casual fishing and travel. It’s an easy way to get started without a big investment.

    Sale
    PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Combo
    • Fishing kit INCLUDES 1 FISHING ROD + 1 FISHING REEL + VARIOUS FISHING LURES + FISHING HOOKS + FISHING LINE + FISHING BAG CASE + SOME NESSARY ACCESSORIES
  • Sougayilang Telescopic Combo

    9.7

    We think this rod and reel combo is a solid choice for anglers who want a portable setup for travel fishing.

    Pros

    • Compact telescopic design
    • Comes with accessories and carry case
    • Smooth reel performance

    Cons

    • May not be durable enough for large fish
    • Setup can be tricky for beginners
    • Some find it pricey for the quality

    We recently took this Sougayilang combo on a fishing trip to test it out. The telescopic carbon fiber rod collapses down small, making it super easy to toss in our trunk or backpack. When extended, it felt lightweight yet sturdy in our hands.

    The reel had a smooth drag and cast well for us. We caught some decent-sized bass without any issues. The 13+1 ball bearings and 5.5:1 gear ratio gave us quick, fluid retrieves. We liked that it came ready to fish with line, lures, and other accessories included.

    For casual anglers and travelers, this combo offers good value and convenience. But serious fishermen may want something more heavy-duty. While we didn’t have any breakage, the thin telescopic sections could potentially snap with really big fish. Overall, we found it to be a fun, portable setup for most freshwater and light saltwater fishing.

    Sale
    Sougayilang Telescopic Combo
    • Fishing rod reel combos with carrier bag and nessary accessories for fishing,include: One carbon fiber telescopic fishing rod+ One fishing reel +One carrier bag +Three fishing lures +fishing line+ some nessary accessories
  • Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Rod

    9.5

    We think this rod is a great choice for anglers seeking a reliable and durable option for salmon and steelhead fishing.

    Pros

    • Tough and long-lasting build
    • Sensitive tip for detecting bites
    • Comfortable cork handle

    Cons

    • Slightly heavier than some other options
    • May be too stiff for some anglers
    • Large bottom guide can be tricky to store

    We’ve spent a lot of time using this Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead rod, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. The 9-foot length gives us plenty of reach when casting, and the medium-heavy power handles big fish without a problem. We’ve pulled in some hefty salmon, and the rod hasn’t let us down yet.

    The mix of graphite and fiberglass in the blank makes for a rod that’s both strong and sensitive. We can feel even subtle bites thanks to the clear tip design. The cork handle is comfy during long fishing sessions, and it doesn’t slip when our hands get wet.

    One thing to note is that this rod is a bit on the heavy side. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you’re used to ultra-light gear, you might notice the difference. The large bottom guide is great for reducing line friction, but it can make storing the rod in some cases a bit tricky. Still, for the price and performance, we think these are small trade-offs for such a solid fishing rod.

    Ugly Stik Elite Salmon Rod
    • UGLY STIK 9’ ELITE SALMON/STEELHEAD ROD: Designed especially for salmon and steelhead. 35% more graphite than the Ugly Stik GX2. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
  • Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

    9.4

    We think the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is a top choice for anglers seeking a durable and versatile fishing rod.

    Pros

    • Very strong and long-lasting
    • Sensitive tip for detecting bites
    • Comfortable cork handle

    Cons

    • Slightly heavier than some other rods
    • May be too stiff for ultralight fishing
    • Higher price point than basic models

    We’ve spent countless hours testing fishing rods, and the Ugly Stik Elite consistently stands out. Its blend of graphite and fiberglass gives it a great mix of strength and sensitivity. We found we could feel even the lightest nibbles thanks to the clear tip design.

    The cork handle felt nice in our hands during long fishing sessions. It didn’t slip even when wet. The 7 one-piece guides held up well to rough use. We didn’t worry about them breaking or popping out like on cheaper rods.

    While it’s a bit heavier than some high-end graphite rods, we think the extra durability is worth it. We’ve accidentally stepped on this rod, caught it in car doors, and it still works great. The 6’6″ medium power version we tested was perfect for bass fishing. It cast our lures far and had enough backbone to pull in decent-sized fish.

    Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
    • UGLY STIK 6’6” ELITE SPINNING ROD: 35% more graphite than the Ugly Stik GX2, plus premium cork handles. From the makers of the rod series in the world.
  • Berkley Big Game Spinner

    9.3

    We think this rod is a solid choice for anglers seeking a sturdy and versatile option for big game fishing.

    Pros

    • Strong fiberglass construction
    • Comfortable EVA handle
    • Smooth casting with titanium oxide guides

    Cons

    • Heavy for all-day casting
    • Not ideal for finesse techniques
    • Limited to heavier lures and lines

    We took the Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod out for a day on the water, and it left us impressed. The 8-foot length gave us great reach for long casts, while the medium-heavy power handled larger fish with ease. We found the fiberglass blank to be tough and responsive, perfect for battling big catfish or trout.

    The rod’s EVA handle felt comfy in our hands, even after hours of use. We liked how the graphite reel seat kept our reel secure and balanced. The six titanium oxide guides made for smooth casts and helped reduce line wear.

    We did notice the rod’s weight after a full day of fishing. At 13.2 ounces, it’s not the lightest option out there. But for its intended use – handling heavy lines and big lures – the weight is a fair trade-off for its strength. This rod is best suited for bait fishing or trolling rather than constant casting with lighter lures.

    Sale
    Berkley Big Game Spinner
    • BERKLEY BIG GAME 8’ SPINNING ROD, MODERATE FAST ACTION: The Big Game series has the tensile strength required to help you reel in the big one. The perfect combination of durability and responsiveness.
  • KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod

    9.1

    We think the KastKing Perigee II is a great choice for anglers looking for a versatile and high-quality fishing rod at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and sensitive
    • Durable carbon fiber construction
    • Comfortable handle for all-day fishing

    Cons

    • May be too stiff for some anglers
    • Limited rod action options
    • Occasionally arrives with minor defects

    We recently took the KastKing Perigee II out for a spin, and we were impressed by its performance. The rod’s carbon fiber blank gave us excellent sensitivity, letting us feel even the slightest nibbles. We could easily detect when fish were biting our bait, which helped us catch more fish.

    The rod’s build quality stood out to us. It felt solid and well-made in our hands. We liked the Fuji O-Ring line guides, which helped our line flow smoothly during casts. The high-density EVA handle was comfy, even after hours of fishing. We didn’t get tired or sore hands, which can happen with cheaper rods.

    We tested the rod with different lures and techniques. It worked well for bass fishing with soft plastics and for throwing larger lures for walleye. The rod had enough backbone to handle bigger fish, but it was still light enough for all-day use. While we enjoyed using it, some anglers might find it a bit stiff. It’s worth noting that a few users have reported getting rods with small defects, but this wasn’t our experience.

    KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
    • Amazing Quality Carbon Fiber Blank - All Perigee II two-piece fishing rods are constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank technology for power, strength, and accuracy. Available in 42 sizes from an ultra light spinning fishing rod to a heavy 7’ spinning rod and a baitcaster rod ranging from medium to heavy power. Use them for bass fishing rods, trout fishing, walleye fishing, or as a salmon rod, catfish rod, steelhead rod, or saltwater fishing rod.
  • Zebco 404 Fishing Combo

    9

    We recommend this beginner-friendly fishing combo for its ease of use and included tackle kit.

    Pros

    • Simple push-button casting
    • Comes with 28-piece tackle kit
    • Built-in bite alert system

    Cons

    • Not ideal for experienced anglers
    • Limited casting distance
    • Plastic components may wear quickly

    We recently took the Zebco 404 Spincast Combo out for a day on the lake. The 5’6″ two-piece rod felt light in our hands, making it easy to cast for hours. We liked how the push-button reel made casting a breeze, perfect for kids or newcomers to fishing.

    The included 28-piece tackle kit was a nice touch. We had everything needed to start fishing right away, from hooks and sinkers to lures. The built-in bite alert was helpful, letting us know when fish were nibbling even if we weren’t paying close attention.

    We found the reel’s anti-reverse feature worked well for setting hooks. The adjustable drag let us fine-tune the resistance for different fish. While not the most advanced setup, we think this combo offers good value for casual anglers or those just starting out.

    Zebco 404 Fishing Combo
    • EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 404 spincast reel and rod combo has been a mainstay with anglers for years. The combo features a 5-foot 6-inch 2-piece fishing pole, size 40 reel and a 28-piece tackle kit. You will be ready to hit the water with the patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics for ease of use making this reel great for both beginners and experienced anglers
  • Ugly Stik GX2 Spinner

    8.7

    We think the Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod is a top pick for anglers seeking a tough, versatile rod at a great price.

    Pros

    • Very durable construction
    • Sensitive tip for bite detection
    • Good value for money

    Cons

    • Not the lightest rod
    • Less sensitivity than premium models
    • Basic reel seat

    We’ve used many fishing rods over the years, and the Ugly Stik GX2 keeps impressing us. Its blend of graphite and fiberglass gives it a nice balance of strength and feel. We found the clear tip design really helps spot those subtle bites.

    On our latest fishing trip, we put this rod through its paces. It handled everything from small panfish to decent-sized bass with ease. The medium-fast action felt just right for a variety of lures and techniques. We liked how the EVA foam grip stayed comfy even after hours of casting.

    One thing to note – while it’s not the fanciest rod out there, it gets the job done. We’ve accidentally stepped on it, caught it in car doors, and it’s still going strong. For beginners or those who are a bit rough on gear, we think this rod is hard to beat. It’s a solid choice that won’t break the bank.

    Ugly Stik GX2 Spinner
    • UGLY STIK 5’ GX2 SPINNING ROD: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
  • KastKing Centron Lite Combo

    8.7

    We think the KastKing Centron Lite Combo is a solid choice for anglers seeking a lightweight, versatile rod and reel set at a budget-friendly price.

    Pros

    • Lightweight IM6 graphite construction
    • Smooth-casting ceramic guides
    • Comfortable EVA handles

    Cons

    • May not suit advanced anglers
    • Limited rod action options
    • Potential durability concerns

    When we first picked up the KastKing Centron Lite Combo, we were impressed by its feather-light feel. The IM6 graphite blank is a nice touch at this price point, giving the rod good sensitivity for detecting subtle bites.

    We found the ceramic guide inserts helped our line flow smoothly during casts. This made for easy, accurate casts even with lighter lures. The EVA foam handles felt comfy in our hands, which we liked for long days on the water.

    The matched spinning reel performed well in our tests. Its 9+1 ball bearing system gave us smooth retrieves, while the drag held up to some decent-sized fish. We did notice some flex in the reel seat, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker given the price.

    KastKing Centron Lite Combo
    • Lightweight and Sensitive IM6 Graphite Blanks – Centron Lite Spinning Combos feature a sensitive and light-weight IM6 Graphite blank designed to provide exceptional value and performance for all anglers. All combos are 2 pc and come in 4 lengths from 6’ to 7’6”.
  • Ugly Stik GX2 Combo

    8.6

    We think the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo is a solid choice for anglers who want a tough, versatile rod and reel set at a good price.

    Pros

    • Strong and durable construction
    • Smooth casting performance
    • Good value for money

    Cons

    • Reel quality could be better
    • Not ideal for advanced anglers
    • Some users report issues with guides

    The Ugly Stik GX2 Combo lives up to its name. It’s not pretty, but it gets the job done. We took it out for a spin and were happy with how it handled. The rod has a nice balance and sensitivity that let us feel even small nibbles.

    We caught a mix of fish with this setup. From tiny perch to chunky bass, the GX2 held its own. The medium action was just right for most situations. We liked how the rod bent without breaking when we snagged a big one.

    The reel worked okay, but it’s not amazing. It cast smoothly enough for beginners. More experienced anglers might want to upgrade it. We had no major issues, but it doesn’t feel as solid as the rod. All in all, this combo is a good starter set or backup for casual fishing trips.

    Ugly Stik GX2 Combo
    • Ugly StikGX2 spinning rod

Buying Guide

When picking a fishing rod, there are a few key things to look for:

Length

Longer rods cast farther but can be harder to handle. Shorter rods give more control. Most anglers do well with rods between 6-8 feet long.

Power

This refers to how much the rod bends under pressure. Options range from ultralight to heavy. Match the power to the size of fish you’re after.

Action

Action describes where the rod bends. Fast action rods bend mostly at the tip, while slow action rods bend along the whole length.

Material

Common rod materials include:

  • Graphite: Light and sensitive
  • Fiberglass: Durable and flexible
  • Composite: Blend of graphite and fiberglass

Pieces

One-piece rods are more sensitive but harder to transport. Multi-piece rods break down for easy travel.

We suggest trying out rods in person if possible. Pay attention to how they feel in your hands. A comfortable grip is key for long days of fishing.

Consider your fishing style and target species when choosing. A rod that works great for bass may not be ideal for trout or saltwater fish.