There are few things more important when it comes to fishing than the rod. Sure, you could do with the right conditions, a dose of knowledge and a little bit of luck, but all of that is useless without the tools to complete the job. However, selecting the right apparatus can be confusing, even for experienced anglers.
To help the trawlers out there, we’ve put together a straightforward and simple buying guide that will walk you through all the most important decisions you have to make when purchasing a new fishing rod. From pro-level equipment to economical options that will help you weigh up whether you have the patience or not for this fishing lark, we have rods for everyone and every budget.
Quick List - Top Fishing Rods
Shimano
Completely Customisable for Individual Versatility and a Unique Experience
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Table of Contents
Spinning is the most common type of rod and these are found in the hands of many different anglers, from novices to accomplished. The position of the reel underneath the rod makes it versatile for different types of fishing, such as lure casting and bait fishing, plus, depending on your set up, this style of rod can be used to target a wide variety of small to medium-sized fish.
Additionally, these rods are usually smaller and lighter than casting rods, although there are saltwater options called surf rods, which are longer and heavier and designed to hold heavier bait and sinkers and built for longer casts.
These are a great alternative to spinning rods; however, they are generally for more experienced anglers. The reason for this is because, without the proper care and delicate handling, they are prone to tangling, which will quickly frustrate new and young fishos.
Casting rods are still relatively versatile, and they offer two things that spinning rods do not, which is greater accuracy when casting and more control when handling fish. When it comes to the physical difference between the two rods, it may be difficult to see to the untrained eye, but the one big give away is where the reel sits. With casting rods, the reel will sit on top of the rod and it is this differing in set up that allows for greater precision.
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The next factor you want to consider is the length of the rod. Usually, they come in between 6 – 12 ft, and experts say the best bet for a beginner is around 7 ft, which will give amateurs enough casting distance and accuracy as they fine-tune their skills.
Generally speaking, smaller fishing rods cast shorter distances, making them beneficial for close combat as the rod will have less bend than the longer options. Longer rods excel at covering more water and therefore better your chances of catching bigger fish in deeper waters. Plus, if you’re planning on casting from piers or just generally into the ocean, then we would advise picking up a lengthier pole.
When it comes to deciding the right length of rod you need to consider the type of fishing you want to do, the species of fish you would like to catch and the environment you are planning to fish in.
To determine the action of a fishing rod you must look not at how much it bends, but where along the rod that bend begins to occur. This flexibility will help determine not only what species of fish the rod is suited to, but also how it will handle those fish. There is a middle-ground with in-between action classes. These different actions will provide a little more versatility from your rod, so may be a good choice if you’re only going to buy one rod.
Slow action rods will bend close to the handle, meaning they have more whip and flexibility. These are best for using slower baits and lighter lures, this slower action will allow you to feel more in the tug of war with a fish, which can provide a unique thrill if you happened to catch a bigger fish.
Fast action rods, therefore, bend further away from the handle and are therefore more rigid. This action is better for using heavier baits and in areas of heavy cover where there is a chance of catching the rod within the wilderness.
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There are two main options when it comes to fishing rod materials. Firstly there's graphite, rods made from this material are generally lighter and stiffer making them a little more sensitive - but better at detecting light bites. The stiffness, however, means they’re not as flexible and are therefore more prone to breaking.
Carbon, on the other hand, is heavier and much more flexible - practically impossible to break. This makes them a popular option among most anglers, including those going after bigger, aggressive fish. Though the extra durability does come at a cost, as it brings additional weight too.
Finally, the part of the rod that you’ll be spending the most time with is the handle; this part of the rod is more often than not made from either EVA foam or cork. It's important to consider how often you intend to use the rod before you decide on a handle!
EVA foam is a little bit squishier and initially comfier, but over time it will wear away quicker. Cork, on the contrary, will be tougher at the beginning, but will gradually mould to your grip, therefore becoming comfier over time and is overall more durable.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shimano Travel Concept S.T.C Rod | ![]() | Completely Customisable for Individual Versatility and a Unique Experience | |
2 | Abu Garcia Devil Spin Rods | ![]() | A Durable and Reliable Model for a Low Price | |
3 | Okuma Celilo Casting Rod | ![]() | Easy to Cast, Versatile and Great Value for Money | |
4 | Caperlan XTREM-9 | ![]() | Perfect for Medium Distance Boat Fishing | |
5 | Daiwa Black Widow G50 | ![]() | An Affordable Option From a Renowned Global Brand | |
6 | Smuggler Travellers Fishing Rod | ![]() | An Intuitive Rod That's Ideal for Travelling | |
7 | Sougayilang Fishing Rod Reel Combo | ![]() | A Complete Kit for a Full Day of Fishing | |
8 | Sonik Vader X RS | ![]() | Lightweight Yet Sturdy, With a Fast Recovery Speed | |
9 | Matt Hayes Adventure 11ft Carp Fishing Rod & Reel Combo | ![]() | A Well-Balanced Beginners Pole | |
10 | Shakespeare Beta Boat Rod | ![]() | The Perfect Starting Pole for Sea Fishing |
Yes, it's our most expensive rod on the list, but we think its features justify that little extra cash. Firstly, as with many of the top-end products, it comes in a variety of sizes which show admirable versatility. Plus, the transport of the rod is simple as it brakes down to a manageable 65 cm.
Since it is a spinning rod, it is adaptable and accomplished at many different types of fishing. Plus, the rod is crafted from a nano-carbon material that provides solidity, but also surprising responsiveness, which contributes to an entertaining and exhilarating experience.
If you don't want to break the bank, but you still want a quality pole that will provide decent experiences and encourage you back out again and again, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option for a more wallet-friendly price than the Abu Garcia Devil Spin.
According to frequent users, they have found that the tool casts and handles surprisingly well, and is incredibly durable. Again, this model comes in a few different sizes (5, 7 and 9 ft) so it can be used by a mixture of different anglers looking for different outcomes.
This option from Okuma is the only rod in our ranking that is made from graphite, so you know it's going to be lightweight and easy to cast. It comes in five different sizes and varying degrees of action, which make it accessible to a lot of different buyers.
Thanks to the quality materials used, the versatile action and adaptability, the rod proves to be decent value for money. This might seem strange considering its high price point against other rods in our ranking; but trust us, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck here.
If you're going to be carp fishing from a boat, the size and volume of other rods can bring you all sorts of problems. Hence, this specially designed rod can be advantageous for stalking and hooking carp. Also, the medium action makes these rods ideal for those who prefer fishing for similar sized species.
The greater bend and flexibility will allow for an entertaining experience for the angler due to the rod being more adept at reacting to the fish's abrupt actions, which you wouldn't pick up with a more sturdy rod.
Daiwa's Black Widow range is one the best available as it offers great value for money, enabling you to get decent rods, without having to remortgage the house. We've opted for the 12 ft model, which is ideal for those that have a wide-open space to cast into. However, if you haven't, fear not, as there is a slightly shorter 10 ft available.
The well-built rod has a good cushion throughout its frame that allows you to adequately deal with any sudden dashes or lunges as your catch tries to escape. And while it is carbon, it is on the lighter side.
If you like to get out and about with the rod and let's face it who doesn't? This 10-piece travel rod could right up your street. The instrument is made from premium carbon which comes apart into ten pieces, it can then be stored in the provided carry bag. Once broken down the rod comes in at 45 cm, making it perfect for fitting in a bag, suitcase or even carry-on!
The rods have interchangeable tips which allow you to choose between light or heavier fishing and even different styles of fishing. Plus, best of all it was developed right here in the UK, specifically in the lakes.
Not everyone has the resources, time or desire to thoroughly research and inspect every little portion of an object they're buying, especially if they're taking up a new hobby. That's why we've included this full kit from Sougayilang. Here, you'll find everything you need for a day of fishing.
The rod is made from carbon and fibreglass which makes it durable and strong, plus it comes with a supremely comfortable EVA foam handle. It's a little on the short side, so you'll want to make sure you not required to cast far distances, but for those who are just wanting to dip their feet in, so to speak, this could be a great place to start.
Sonik is a pretty new name in the rod game, but they're already getting customers hooked (no pun intended). Their previous Vader X range was a big hit, and here with the Vader X RS, they kept all that was loved and added even more joy.
They've changed the guide rings, making them from lightweight, albeit still incredibly sturdy matter, meaning that the rod is lighter and the recovery speed faster. They've also added an armoured finish, so you don't have to worry too much about scratching. They're a little niche with super-fast action, but if that's what you're fishing for you'll love this rod.
This 11 ft fishing rod and reel set is perfect for carp, catfish and pike. The EVA foam handle makes manoeuvring a breeze and the fibreglass rod construction ensures an agile and lightweight cast.
The length of the rod would indicate a more experienced angler is needed to handle it, however, the manufacturer has suggested that this product is suitable for pros and beginners alike. If you're already getting to grips with the shorter rods, perhaps this could be the perfect step up!
This 7 ft pole from Shakespeare is perfect for those new to the sport of boat fishing. The rod has a cushioned reel seat and the reel lock is secure, perfect for when you're riding the waves. The other part we love, is the incredible value for money, with some reviewers claiming that the cast from it is just as good as some of their more expensive models.
There are some issues though, firstly the guides on the pole are a little weak, so you could see them snap if you catch a big fella. Secondly, we couldn't find out a lot of the vital information, which is a bit of a shame considering how well it is rated online.
Written and researched by Lewis Clark
No. 1: Shimano|Travel Concept S.T.C Rod
No. 2: Abu Garcia|Devil Spin Rods
No. 3: Okuma|Celilo Casting Rod
No. 4: Caperlan|XTREM-9
No. 5: Daiwa|Black Widow G50
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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