Best Fishing Rods

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 4, 2024
There are millions of people who like fishing and this activity requires a rod. This simple invention appeared centuries ago, and today all fisherman use it. We have selected the best fishing rods so that you can catch a lot of fish! ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Rod type
Fishing options
Length
Power
Material
Weight
Convenience
 
PROS

You can enjoy fishing under any weather conditions since this fishing rod is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum. Both braided and mono fishing lines can be used thanks to stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts.

CONS

The fishing pole comes without a carrying case.

OUR VERDICT

This compact and lightweight fishing pole rod allows you to control the process of fishing and hook a fish at the right moment. The Sougayilang fishing pole will serve you for years as it's extremely durable and elaborately designed.

detailed parameters
Rod type

Spinning

Fishing options

Salt and freshwater fish,

Boat fishing and angling,

Medium and big fish

Length

5.91' (4 sections) - 11.81' (7 sections)

Power

Medium Light

Material

Carbon fiber, Metal

Weight

5.1 - 11.6 oz

Convenience

EVA handle, Plastic cap

PROS

Cutting-edge, ultra-strong IM8 graphite composite ensures durability. MINIMA reel seat is used to minimize weight for your convenience. Shipped with a handy rod tube for storage and portability.

CONS

It's not a cheap fishing rod so be ready to pay for it.

OUR VERDICT

Top fly fishing rod for use in the sea, lake, river, etc. Excellent quality for medium and above-medium fish but be ready for casting fishing (not spinning).

detailed parameters
Rod type

Baitcasting

Fishing options

Sea and freshwater fish,

Boat fishing and angling,

Medium and big fish

Length

7'2'', 4-piece design

Power

Medium Heavy

Material

Graphite

Weight

4.4 oz

Convenience

EVA split grips, Travel rod tube

PROS

The Plusinno fishing pole is very well-designed and durable. It's a fantastic rod for catching carp, trout and many other most common types of fish. Convenient to carry around thanks to a telescopic design.

CONS

This telescopic fishing pole rod has a medium power, so do not try to catch really big fish (heavy duty models are required).

OUR VERDICT

It's a truly multifunctional telescopic fishing rod that is perfect for both beginners and professionals, for both salt and freshwater. The item offers a nice combination of modern characteristics and convenience of use.

detailed parameters
Rod type

Spinning

Fishing options

Salt and freshwater fish,

Boat and yacht fishing or angling,

Medium and big fish

Length

7.87', 7 sections, Telescopic

Power

Medium

Material

Carbon

Weight

7 oz

Convenience

EVA fore grip, Cloth bag for storage, Front plastic cap

PROS

Powerful yet lightweight fishing rod that is manufactured from a graphite composite. Extremely handy for catching the most popular medium fish like trout and bass. The handle is very convenient (P-cork) for angling and yacht fishing.

CONS

This 2-piece fishing rod isn't compact, so you won't find it convenient if you go backpacking.

OUR VERDICT

It's a nice spinning fishing rod from the renowned manufacturer Shimano. Awesome quality and small weight make it an excellent choice for catching mid-sized fish.

detailed parameters
Rod type

Spinning

Fishing options

Salt and freshwater fish,

Boat fishing and angling,

Medium and big fish

Length

6'6'', 2-piece design

Power

Medium Light

Material

Graphite

Weight

4 oz

Convenience

EVA butt cap, Cork handle, Hook keeper

PROS

Designed specifically for freshwater angling and catching panfish; fast action and perfect sensitivity make it great for fishing in shallow water. Very convenient for handheld fishing - no matter from the boat or from the bank.

CONS

The Eagle Claw fishing rod can't be used in salt water. It's a freshwater-only model.

OUR VERDICT

Best pick for freshwater angling: a really  lightweight fishing rod with a cork handle. Suitable for beginners and professionals.

detailed parameters
Rod type

Fly Fishing

Fishing options

Freshwater fish,

Angling,

Small fish

Length

6'6'', 2-piece design

Power

Light

Material

Fiberglass

Weight

3.5 oz

Convenience

Cork handle, Hook keeper

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Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod

Casting is Easy!

Choosing a spinning rod, pay attention to its length since the longer the rod, the farther you will be able to cast a bait. This Sougayilang spinning fishing rod comes in several length options, so you can certainly pick the one you need. The fishing pole has a telescopic design, hence it's rather small when fully folded. Using this fishing pole, you can fish from a pier, front the shore, etc. If you don't need the full length, just close one or two sections up. The Sougayilang spinning fishing pole is durable since it's made of carbon fiber and E-glass composite, whereas the reel seat of this spinning rod is aluminum. This pole is reliable yet lightweight, so you can easily hold it in one hand and feel when the fish starts biting. The stainless steel line guides with ceramic inserts are corrosion-resistant and don't damage the line.

Review of Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod

Good Catch Guaranteed

Any spinning rod should be compatible with a variety of reels and other accessories. This model allows installation of several kinds of reels (the clamps are adjustable), depending on the type of fishing. Both braided and mono lines can be used on this spinning fishing rod thanks to stainless steel guides with ceramic coating. Therefore, you can cast a bait rather far; the line moves smoothly and doesn't get damaged when pulling the fish from the water. It makes the Sougayilang fishing pole a great choice for beginners and fishing pros!

Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod in the use

Tips

If you wish to try boat fishing, you should choose a relatively short fishing pole so that you can quickly pull the fish out of the water. Professional fishermen use several spinning rods of various length for each particular fishing conditions.

This Sougayilang spinning telescopic rod shouldn't be used during a thunderstorm due to the electrical conductivity of the carbon fiber the pole is made of.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01HPYAYQI

 

Okuma Citrix

Fishing Options

It's a nice Okuma fishing rod designed for catching salt and freshwater fish. This model is very convenient for baitcasting, particularly from a boat. You just need to sail off the shore, choose the place, cast a lure, and wait till the fish start biting. Then, you just sail to another place and continue fishing. This fishing mode doesn't require an overly long spinning fishing rod. The Okuma fishing pole rod has a medium-heavy power, which means you can catch rather big fish such as bass, trout, sea bass, and even salmon. Of course, this rod isn't strong enough to cope with really big fish. Also, the Okuma fishing rod is very good for angling - choose a place on a lakeside, stick a rod stand, and wait till you catch some fish. In all, this model is for experienced fishermen, though novices will like using it too.

Review of Okuma Citrix Three Piece Lightweight Travel Rods-CIT-C-724M

Rod Design

This is a 4-piece fishing rod that you manually assemble (it takes little time). The maximum length of the rod is 7 feet and 2 inches. The fishing pole is very strong; made of high-end IM8 graphite composite (remember that it's a relatively high-priced model) while the line guide inserts are made of zirconium and the guide frames are stainless steel. Therefore, this rod can easily withstand salt water.

Okuma Citrix Three Piece Lightweight Travel Rods-CIT-C-724M in the use

Convenience

The manufacturer has done its best to reduce the weight of this fishing rod and it weighs 4.4 oz. That's an awesome result for a long fishing rod pole. This item has EVA split grips which are very convenient for catching big fish while angling or boat fishing. Also, the item comes with a rod tube for easy storage, so you can easily carry it while going to the place you will fish on. Bear in mind that there are areas that you can't reach even on your pick-up truck. That's why tourists like this fishing rod; it's simple, reliable, and easy-to-clean if necessary.

Detailed review of Okuma Citrix Three Piece Lightweight Travel Rods-CIT-C-724M
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0060MWCMQ

VIDEO
ICAST 2010 - Okuma Citrix Rods
 

Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod

Fishing Options

The Plusinno telescopic fishing rod is quite versatile in terms of fishing options it offers. First of all, this is a traditional spinning rod that can be used both in salt and freshwater, so it doesn't matter if you are going to fish from a boat in the sea or in the nearest lake. Of course, this travel fishing rod is awesome for angling and many buyers use it this way. It requires just a rod stand (it's usually stuck in the sand or fixed to a board on the yacht/boat. Angling is really convenient since you can install several fishing fly rods and wait till the fish bite. Speaking of fish, bear in mind the rod has medium power so it can easily handle small, medium, and some species of big fish. It's frequently used for catching carp, bass, trout, and so on. If you prefer to fish bigger species of fish, we'd recommend you to purchase a more heavy power model by Plusinno available on their website.

Review of Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod

Rod Design

As we've mentioned, it's a telescopic rod that has as many as 7 sections, so no wonder it's quite long when you open it for fishing. The overall length reaches 7.87 feet! The fishing rod is made mainly of carbon, though the reel seats are made of stainless steel, and the guide inserts are made of aluminum. The rod is quite compact when it's folded down and that's why many tourists use it while backpacking. Of course, some fishermen like telescopic fishing rods too.

Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod in the use

Convenience

The Plusinno telescopic fishing rod is really convenient. It is heavier than many other similar items, 7 oz, due to its 7-section design. But the majority of experienced fishermen use a special stand for this rod and do not hold it in hands all the time. The handle has EVA fore grip which is very comfortable and not slippery. Also, the rod comes with a special black cloth bag for carrying. You can put it into your backpack or just attach it to it. Also, you can get a special tube to store the rod. Don't forget to use a plastic cap to protect the front end of the fishing pole.

Detailed review of Plusinno Telescopic Fishing Rod
Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00YBV7WM8

 

Shimano Stimula

Fishing Options

This Shimano fishing rod can be used for both salt and freshwater fishing. The pole is extremely convenient for angling, boat and yacht fishing. If you wish to fish from a special yacht (there are lots of them in any East Coast or West Coast state), this rod will be perfect. It's a medium-light power fishing pole that allows you to catch such fish as bass, trout, panfish, and even small pike, though a heavy power fishing rod is required if you want to catch salmon or catfish. Many novice fishermen buying a spinning fishing pole rod choose a Shimano reel and a rod stand - and enjoy angling at the river (or lake) bank. Others get a boat and do some fishing in deep water. Therefore, the Shimano fishing rod will certainly be helpful!

Review of Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod

Rod Design

The Shimano spinning fishing rod is composed of 2 pieces that you quickly assemble. The full length of the rod reaches 6 feet and 6 inches, so it's quite long. The action is fast, so the rod will straighten up quickly after you take the fish off the hook. The Shimano fishing pole is made of cutting-edge graphite composite which is really lightweight yet strong, whereas the guides are made of aluminum. The reel seat is designed for genuine Shimano reels.

Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod in the use

Convenience

The rod isn't for recreation and backpacking. Though you can disassemble it, there are still 2 pieces and each of them is too big to put it in a backpack. If you go to a fishing place by your pick-up truck, the size of the rod doesn't matter at all. The rod weighs 4 oz., which is an awesome result for a mid-sized 6-foot pole. Also, the rod is equipped with a special butt cap and a hook keeper. The handle is large and it's covered with cork, so the rod won't slip out of your hands if you succeed in catching a big fish. The handle is split and has a small upper part also made of cork, hence you will never lose a fish.

Detailed review of Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0069QT83Y

 

Eagle Claw Featherlight

Fishing Options

The Eagle Claw fly fishing rod is a freshwater model which can't be used for fishing in the sea. This small and affordable fishing pole is most often used for panfishing (which means fishing for small fish) and usually in shallow waters. If you have a small stream nearby or, for example, a pond, the Eagle Claw fly fishing rod will be most helpful. It's a light power model, so it isn't suitable for bigger fish (like trout). Though some professional fishermen use it, this fishing fly rod is far more popular with beginners. It gives a fisherman a stunning feeling of control - you will literally 'feel' the fish.

Review of Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod

Rod Design

The Eagle Claw fly fishing rod has 2 pieces, and when assembled its length amounts to 6 feet 6 inches. It isn't a telescopic fishing rod, so it isn't short enough for people who need a rod for camping. Also, this fly fishing pole is cheaper than many of its counterparts, because it's made of fiberglass. However, keep in mind that this rod is designed for catching small fish. The line guides are made of stainless steel, so they show quite a good corrosion resistance.

Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod in the use

Convenience

The Eagle Claw fly fishing rod is lightweight, so it's easy to hold it in one hand as it weighs just 3.5 oz. Your arms won't get tired while you're fishing for panish. And the cork handle is very comfortable to hold and it doesn't get 'slippy' when your hands get wet. Also, the fly fishing pole comes with a handy hook keeper where you can safely store your hooks. Though a special storage tube isn't included, we recommend you to buy one for carrying the rod around without any difficulties.

Detailed review of Eagle Claw Featherlight 3/4 Line Weight Fly Rod
Last updated price $37.14
Stock In stock
ASIN B00019NAOS

 

What is a Fishing Rod

Millions of people are passionate about fishing and it goes without saying they need a fishing rod to catch fish. From the technical point of view, a fishing pole rod is a long flexible pole which usually features a telescopic design to make its length adjustable. Some fishing rods aren't telescopic but can be easily disassembled for storage and transportation. A well-chosen fishing rod allows you to catch different kinds of fish in both fresh and salt water.

If you are an avid fisherman, we recommend reading our comparison of the best fishfinders that will help you detect fish.

What Features to Compare

There are several important features that you need to consider when you are selecting a fishing rod. You might have come across different fishing rod reviews and many of them scare the amateur fishermen away with lots of technical details that are extremely difficult for people who are fishing novices and need to buy a fishing pole rod. That’s why our professionals have made the comparison of the best fishing poles simple, yet informative for every novice fisherman.

Fishing Options

The first thing to take into consideration when picking a fishing pole rod is the fishing options the rod is designed for. It's no secret, there are hundreds of various types of fish which differ in size and a fishing rod has to be powerful enough. Fishing for a small bleak or for a huge catfish is totally different so it requires totally different fishing rods. So, you need to consider the power of the rod. For example, a fishing rod for big fish has to be strong and have a heavy power while for smaller fish require a light power rod. The power itself means the bending of the rod - the closer to a handle a fishing rod starts bending the lighter the action is (some reviews call this feature action). As usual, there are the following types of power: ultra lightweight, lightweight, medium, and heavy, though there are also mid-level variants and some of them are presented in our comparison.

Also, do not forget there are different types of rods depending on fishing techniques. For example, there are fly fishing rods and ice fishing rods but they are quite different. You will find it extremely inconvenient to fish with a spinning rod in winter through a small hole in the ice. Most people use so-called spinning fishing rods with a special spinning reel: they allow fishermen to lure the fish the bait by moving it (usually bait is cast upstream and the current moves it down so the fish get attracted to the bait and start biting). This is, probably, the simplest way of fishing, particularly for beginners and it is also the best one for angling. Baitcasting rods are usually more powerful so you need one if you are going to catch some pike or salmon. Fly fishing rods are the best for small fish and panfish: they are flexible and lightweight, so you can actually feel the fish trying the bait and biting it.

Rod Design

Another important feature is the rod design, which includes its length and the number of sections (that open up to a full length). Good professional-grade fishing rods have a length of up to 6 meters (almost 20 ft.). However, these are for experienced fishermen. The choice of the length of a fishing pole is crucial and the rule is simple: the bigger the radius, the longer the rod required. Of course, the choice of the length depends on the place you are going to fish at - if there are lots of cane (river bank, for example) you need a rod of around 3.2-3.5 meters (~9.8 ft.) while if a place is quite empty and spacious, you can use a rod of 4.2-4.5 meters long (~13.3 ft.). Such a long rod allows you to catch fish and not allow it to escape deep down into underwater weeds.Most modern fishing rods are made of carbon composite, bamboo, fiberglass composite, cane, and so on. However, the most bestselling fishing pole rods are made from carbon composite since this material combines a small weight, excellent power and action.

Keep in mind that most advanced fishing rods are sold without a reel. A reel has to be purchased separately and you can pick the one according to your needs.

Convenience

Finally, the fishing pole rod you are going to pick must be convenient so that fishing is a pleasure and not a tiring waste of time. A fishing rod has to comfortably settle in your hand so that it doesn’t get tired and you can hold it for several hours. Also, if you pick a telescopic fishing rod, you will be able to collapse it for easy transportation. And once you reach the fishing place, just open it and fish. Make sure to check the material the handle if made from - a plastic or bamboo handle will be quite slippery so it’s better to use cork or neoprene. Also, some fishing rods are designed for hiking, camping and all sorts of tourism - they usually have a special case for safe and convenient storage.

Sources:

1. How to Choose a Fishing Rod, wikiHow.

2. Mike Cork Length, Power, and Action: How to Select the Right Fishing Rod, Fix.com. August 17, 2015.

3. Selecting the Right Rod, Tackle Warehouse.

4. Lenny Rudow How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod, BoatUS. June/July 2016.

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