yacht fishing rods

• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 747K
• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 181K
• svg]:fill-accent-900"> 57.8K

The Best Saltwater Fishing Rods for 2024

By Ric Burnley , Kevin Hughes

Updated on Jun 27, 2024 12:37 PM EDT

19 minute read

Best Overall

Daiwa Proteus Winn Boat Rod

Best casting.

St. Croix Seage

Best jigging.

PENN Carnage II Jigging

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

The best saltwater fishing rods are not only tough enough to survive the rough and tumble world of ocean, bay, and backwater, but are also sensitive enough to detect subtle bites in deep water. Sturdy blanks, corrosion-resistant components, and advanced materials allow saltwater rods to detect the lightest bite and still have the power to beat a pissed-off ocean predator. For this review, I tested the best saltwater fishing rods to see how they performed on the water. 

• Best Inshore : Bull Bay Stealth Sniper
• Best Premium : Fenwick World Class
• Best for New England : Shimano Teramar NE  
• Best Light/Heavy Crossover : Daiwa Back Bay
• Best Boat Rod: Daiwa Proteus 
• Best Jigging: PENN Carnage III Jigging   
• Best Surf Rod: St. Croix Seage  
• Best Budget:  Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod

How We Chose the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

To test the best saltwater fishing rods, I spent the past year fishing with the ones on this list. I targeted speckled trout, striped bass, and redfish with the Daiwa Proteus. Then, I trolled for tuna, dolphin, and wahoo with the Shimano Tallus, and when I marked fish deep, I broke out the Carnage III for some jigging. While testing the rods, I took notes on how well components and construction stood up to hard fishing. Cast after cast, drop after drop, I noted how the rods performed in both power and sensitivity. Through this process, I caught lots of fish. All of the rods I tested will work a lure and fight a fish, but they’re also a joy to fish with.

The Best Saltwater Fishing Rods: Reviews and Recommendations

Best inshore: bull bay stealth sniper.

Bull Bay Rods

Key Features

• Lengths: 7 and 7.5 foot 
• Powers: Medium light, medium, and medium heavy
• Fact action
• Carbon fiber blank
• Tangle free guides 
• EVA foam split grip 

Tested Rod Specs

• 7 feet, medium
• Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Line Rating: 6 to 12 pounds
• Lure Rating: ¼ to ⅝ ounce
• Butt Length: 8.5 inches
• Lightweight 
• Impressive backbone
• Excellent casting accuracy and distance
• Reasonable price for elite performance
• Comfortable to cast all day
• Hard to find in stores

Kevin Hughes

Bull Bay Rods is one of the smaller brands on this list, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they can’t compete with the big names. The Stealth Sniper is the most well-rounded inshore rod we tested, having both finesse and backbone. This rod can cast light jigs a mile with impressive accuracy and has the sensitivity and touch to work small lures precisely. What really separated the Stealth Sniper from the pack was its strength and ability to play large fish that far exceeded its rating. While testing, this rod landed multiple jacks, snook, and black drum up to 40 pounds. 

We liked the ultra-comfortable foam split grip that has extended length above the reel seat. The tangle-free guides and well-placed round hook keeper help minimize hassle and line interference when casting. 

Overall, the Bull Bay Stealth Sniper was the most complete rod we tested from top to bottom. Its perfect combination of finesse and strength makes it the ideal inshore spinning rod. With a price tag of $180, it’s also significantly less expensive than other comparable rods on this list. When a rod with this level of performance is paired with a price tag like that, it’s hard to deny it the top spot. — Kevin Hughes

Read Next : Best Inshore Spinning Reels

Best Premium: Fenwick World Class

• Lengths: 6.5, 7, 7.5, and 8 feet
• Powers: Medium light, medium, medium heavy, heavy, and extra heavy
• Actions: Fast and extra fast
• Spinning and casting rods available 
• 40/36 ton graphite blend with reinforcing resin
• Titanium guide frames with zirconia inserts
• Cork and foam grip 
• Tangle free guides
• 7 feet, medium 
• Line Rating: 8 to 17 pounds
• Lure Rating: ¼ to 1 ounce 
• Incredibly comfortable to fish
• Handles a wide range of line and lure weights
• Extremely lightweight
• Poor hook keeper placement

I’ll cut right to the chase; this rod is incredible. In fact, were it not for the exorbitant price tag and a baffling design flaw with the hook keeper, it easily would have been rated as the top rod. 

Let’s start with the positives. This rod fishes like no other inshore spinning rod I’ve used. Despite being thicker near the grip than other rods in its class, it’s still incredibly light and casts like a dream. The sensitivity when working small lures was beyond impressive, and the palm fitting design of the grips and reel seat make it one of the most comfortable rods I’ve ever fished. 

Much like the Stealth Sniper, the World Class is also astonishingly adept at handling fish much larger than its rating would suggest. It has an almost supernatural ability to subdue fish that would push other rods to the breaking point. It’s hard to describe in words, but this rod lets you connect and direct the fish during a fight in a way that’s unique and impressive. 

Now, let’s address the negatives. At nearly $500, it’s at the top end of the market for inshore spinning rods. While you certainly get what you pay for in regard to performance and quality, there’s no denying that it’s a hefty price. Second, and perhaps one of the most confusing design flaws I’ve ever seen, this rod has a rectangular hook keeper placed on the left side of the rod, just above the foregrip.

The shape and placement of the keeper means that, if you aren’t paying attention, your line will loop around the keeper while casting, causing your cast to stall and your lure to fly back at your face. I cannot for the life of me figure out how this element made it on an otherwise almost perfect rod. My best guess is that it’s a vestige of the baitcasting rod design, since the looping problem would be a non-issue with a baitcaster. It’s a small flaw that’s easy to fix with a pair of pliers, but that shouldn’t be the case on a rod this well designed and this expensive. 

Hook keeper and price aside, the Fenwick World Class is an absolute dream to fish. No other rod we tested had its combination of feel, strength, comfort, and quality. If you’re comfortable with the cost and don’t mind bending the hook keeper, this rod is the total inshore fishing package and well worth the price. — Kevin Hughes

Best for New England: Shimano Teramar NE  

• Lengths: 6.5 and 7 feet
• Powers: Medium, medium heavy, and heavy
• Actions: Moderate fast, fast, and extra fast 
• EVA foam grip 
• SeaGuide Zirconia guides
• TC4 Carbon blank
• Line Rating: 10 to 20 pounds
• Excellent for jigging
• Lots of backbone
• Lacks finesse

What the St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore is for finesse, the Shimano Teramar NE is for jigging. The NE in the name stands for “Northeast” and it’s easy to see why, as it’s designed specifically for the Northeast style of inshore fishing that typically means casting or vertical jigging heavier jigs and plugs.

Kevin Hughe

When it came to throwing heavier lures, this rod was able to handle the strain of casting while still providing us the sensitivity to work the lures accurately. It was the perfect rod for throwing jigs in the ¼ to 1 ounce range for larger snook and redfish and had an impressive amount of backbone to keep the fish pinned and turn their heads during the fight. The extended EVA foam grip rested nicely under my arm and provided a good amount of torque while playing fish. 

This rod is a great example of why it’s important to understand what a rod is built for and how it feels, rather than just relying on specs. The Teramar NE we tested is technically the same size, power, and action as the St. Croix Legend Tournament and the Fenwick World Class. But the three rods couldn’t be more different from a performance perspective. The Teramar NE is the bully of the inshore rods we tested, excelling at sticking large fish and keeping them stuck. While it’s definitely not a rod I’d recommend for finesse applications, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better, lighter rod for putting the hammer on fish around structure or in deeper jigging scenarios. — Kevin Hughes

Best Light/Heavy Crossover: Daiwa Back Bay

• Lengths: 7 feet, 1 inch; 7.5 feet, and 7 feet, 10 inches
• Fuji FazLite tangle free K guides
• 7.5 foot, medium heavy
• Lure Rating: ⅜ to 1 ounce 
• Well-rounded
• Reasonably priced
• Good casting distance
• Strong backbone
• Limited lure rating

The Daiwa Back Bay proved to be a perfect bridge between the light tackle rods and the heavier duty ones. Daiwa markets the Back Bay series as a versatile crossover rod for east coast inshore conditions, and after testing it I firmly agree. I found that the 7-foot, 6-inch, medium-heavy Back Bay had enough sensitivity and finesse to work lighter tackle. The fast action tip was delicate enough to impart subtle movement to jigs and smaller plugs, as well as feel lighter strikes. While this was a pleasant surprise, the rod still performed well as a heavy-duty setup, especially when fighting larger fish. 

It was excellent for throwing jigs in the ½ to 1 ounce range and had enough stopping power to turn the heads of larger snook and drum. The tangle free guides and classic cork grip provide a clean casting experience, and the rod itself has the perfect amount of power for ripping long casts with small to medium sized lures. If there are any real drawbacks to the Back Bay, they aren’t immediately noticeable. The biggest issue I see is the lack of a protective coating on the blank, which could lead to significant wear and tear down the line, especially if using this rod in harsher conditions. — Kevin Hughes

Read Next: Best Inshore Spinning Rods

Best Boat Rod: Daiwa Proteus

Best saltwater fishing rod overall.

Key Features 

• Weight: 1 pound
• Material: Graphite
• Line guides: Fuji K guides with aluminum oxide rings
• Conventional rod
• Carbon bias construction
• Fuji back-stop locking reel seat
• Winn grips only on select models

Leave it to Daiwa to throw all the latest rod-building advancements into a series of high-quality saltwater rods anyone can afford. When I received a test sample, I had to call Marc Mills, Daiwa’s field marketing manager to explain all the bells and whistles this rod contains. The HFV Nano Plus blank’s design has an incredible weight-to-strength ratio that helps prevent the rod from twisting under pressure. I can feel the result when I’m fighting a big fish instead of fighting the fishing rod. More power is transferred from the rod to the line to help lift the fish and keep the line guides perpendicular to the water when you’ve got a big one hooked. And the blank uses Daiwa’s Braiding X combination of resin and material that makes the rod incredibly strong yet durable. 

Daiwa added Fuji’s latest FazLight Tanglefree guides with ceramic center ring for longer casts and less friction. One of my favorite features is Fuji’s back-stop reel seat that uses a lock nut to keep the clamp from loosening while the reel is under pressure. Several Proteus models feature Winn grips which are dense polymer grips that offer more grab and a softer feel while still being tougher than EVA and cork. The Proteus Boat Rod is one of my favorite models, but the series covers inshore and offshore fishing with the same blank technology and the most advanced components.

Read Next: Shimano Nasci: Saltwater Spinning Reel Review

Best Jigging: PENN Carnage III Jigging

Best jigging saltwater rod.

• Weight: 3 pounds
• Material: Graphite and fiberglass
• Line Guides: Fuji K Guides with Alconite inserts
• Spinning rod
• Durable carbon and fiberglass composite blank
• Responsive and sturdy line guides
• Aluminum gimbal
• Only available in one size

Vertical jigging opened up offshore fishing to a new generation of anglers, and PENN’s Carnage III makes the sport even more accessible. Before vertical jigging hit the water, if you wanted to target tuna or wahoo you needed a dozen heavy action trolling rods. Vertical jigging allows you to target the same fish with a single lightweight fishing rod and high-power reel. PENN’s Carnage III Jigging rod is more than up to the test. Even though the Carnage III is one of the more affordable jigging rods, PENN didn’t skimp on the components with Fuji K guides with durable SiC (silicon-carbide) inserts to handle the heat of a big fish. 

The weak point on most jigging rods is the reel seat. I’ve seen a pissed off tuna rip a reel right off a jigging rod. But not with the Carnage III’s Fuji graphite and aluminum reel seat. The reel seat is shaped to cup with one hand that provides a comfortable hold while jigging. I’ve also seen tuna yank a jigging rod from an angler’s hand, but PENN gave the Carnage III rubberized shrink-wrapped grips that are durable and sticky even when covered with fish slime and sweat. My favorite feature is the aluminum gimbal, a high quality touch that pays off when the rod is bent double and jammed into a fighting belt. Currently, the Carnage III only comes in one size that’s appropriate for medium-sized tuna and big bottom fish. Still, this rod is an excellent choice for saltwater jigging. 

Best Surf Rod: St. Croix Seage

Best saltwater fishing rod for castability.

• Weight: 1.49 pounds
• Material: Carbon fiber
• Line guides: Stainless frame with aluminum oxide eyes
• Next-generation carbon fiber compound
• Comfortable Winn fore grip

For the least friction and the most strength, St. Croix added their stainless steel line guides with slim aluminum oxide rings to their Seage rod. The reel seats are low profile and provide a lightweight feel when holding the reel that reduces fatigue when casting in the surf all day and through the night. 

Like all St. Croix rods, the technology comes packaged in a cool-looking rod. The deep, dark blue color really sticks out on a crowded beach. And, the integrated hoods on the reel seat and slim line guides look like they mean business. The shrink wrapped butt and Winn foregrips have a minimalist design, yet they provide maximum traction and a little give for comfort. Cork accents in the butt add a classic look to the modern rod. But the real test comes on the beach when you cast to striped bass or schooling red drum. 

St. Croix’s dedication to details became evident when I casted the Seage. On the back cast, I felt the rod loading but not overloading or lagging. And on the cast, the power transferred through the rod like a whip to launch my lure toward the horizon. The stiff and responsive SCII carbon fiber returns to a straight position that reduces friction that might otherwise affect distance and accuracy.  

Best Budget:  Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod

Best budget saltwater fishing rod.

• Weight: 7 ounces
• Material: Fiberglass
• Guides: One-piece stainless steel
• Comfortable padded grips
• Less sensitive than graphite

This heavy-duty spinning rod has been updated with even tougher components and construction. Ugly Stik swapped their famous unbreakable fiberglass blank with graphite composite to add sensitivity and reduce weight while maintaining durability. The Bigwater adds sturdy, one-piece stainless-steel line guides that don’t have a ceramic insert to break, and the material is corrosion resistant for years of wear-n-tear. 

With models from medium to heavy, and lengths from 6 feet, 6 inches to 15-foot long, the Bigwater has a model for everything from casting to trolling to surf fishing. I have a set of Bigwater bottom fishing rods on my boat, and the 7-foot, medium-heavy rods are perfect for dropping an eight-ounce sinker and bottom rig to sea bass and triggerfish. The Bigwater is a great bargain, so I purchased four of them to keep rigged with different bottom rigs that I can just hand to guests who don’t have their own rod. The Bigwater has the backbone to lift a double-header of sea bass off the bottom with a forgiving backbone that absorbs the runs and dives of big bluefish or stubborn shark. These rods are tough, so I don’t worry about banging them around the boat. In fact, Bigwater rods have probably caught more fish than any other rod on my boat. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Saltwater Fishing Rod

After years of fishing saltwater, I’ve seen rods fail, fall apart, snap, and explode. In my experience, the best saltwater rods don’t have to be fancy, cool looking (though this is a plus), or expensive to get the job done. Whether they give the slightest bump of a speckled trout or the explosive strike of a speeding wahoo, the best saltwater fishing rods can suck it up and dish it out. Here are some things to consider before you buy one.

The blank is a fishing rod’s backbone. It’s the tapered tube of composite fibers that is the foundation for the grips, reel seat, and line guides. First, consider the blank material. Fishing rods are made of fiberglass or graphite, also called carbon fiber. And some rods are made of a combination of materials. In short, fiberglass is cheaper and stronger but less sensitive. Graphite is lighter and more sensitive, but is also more expensive and less durable than fiberglass and is often labeled with weight ratings like 24 ton or 30 ton to indicate the rigidity of the material. A higher number is lighter and stiffer, but also more brittle. I don’t put too much weight into this designation. To me, rod construction is more important than properties of the raw materials, and I haven’t found any correlation between weight numbers and rod quality. 

Here are some rules you can follow: A longer blank makes a longer cast, while a shorter blank offers more accuracy and fighting power. Blanks are rated from light to extra heavy weight to match the size of the lure and the size of the target fish. Rods are also rated slow to extra fast to indicate how deep the rod tip bends towards the rod butt. A fast rod only bends at the tip, while a slow rod offers a deeper bend. In general, fast rods are more sensitive and accurate while slow rods provide a longer cast and more fighting power. Finally, a fishing rod is rated by lure weight and line weight. In my experience, this classification is taken with a grain of salt. A ½- to 1-ounce rod may be perfect for a 2-ounce lure and there’s nothing wrong with using 10-pound test line with a rod rated for 20- to 50-pound line.

Line Guides

Line guides are the most important component that affect casting distance and fighting power. They’re also usually the first thing to break. When you cast, the line guide’s job is to collect line as it leaves the reel and direct it out of the rod with the least resistance. To fight a fish, the line guide transfers fighting power from the reel to the fish. The toughest rod guides are single piece stainless steel or titanium. Line guides with a ceramic or composite insert cast farther but seem to break faster. Advanced line guides with ceramic inserts are more sensitive to telegraph every nibble.

Reel Seat and Grips

The reel seat and grips are often overlooked, until a big fish takes off and rips the reel from the rod or pulls the rod from your hands. For light action rods, the reel seat and grips improve sensitivity. In my experience, the best reel seat is light and stiff and even exposes part of the rod blank to feel the slightest bite. The grips are also light and narrow with a comfortable feel for casting all day. On heavy rods, the reel seat and grips prevent a big fish from breaking up the party. Metal or high-impact graphite reel clamps connect the reel securely to the rod.

When I go rod shopping, I take my reel to the tackle shop. I gather all the rods in the appropriate class, and then I test the weight, balance, and grip of the reel on the rod. In fact, I don’t hesitate to thread the line through the eyes and tie on a lure to test the action. When I think about the hours I’m going to spend with a fishing rod, I put a lot of effort into picking a perfect match. If you can, get your hands on one before you buy it.

Saltwater fishing requires a special kind of fishing rod that can handle the harsh salt conditions and the biggest fish. For these requirements, saltwater rods have a more powerful action that’s capable of lifting heavy weight, and they come in sizes from medium-action light-tackle rods to heavy-duty trolling rods aimed at catching the biggest fish in the sea. The key is to match the rod to the weight of your lure or bait and the size of the fish you intend to target.

Freshwater rods have lighter-action and lighter weight than saltwater rods, because freshwater fish tend to be smaller, and they don’t need the sturdy, corrosion resistant components required by saltwater rods.  However, in recent years, many features, like light weight and action, of freshwater rods have been copied in saltwater models. More saltwater anglers are using low-profile, baitcasting rods to target inshore fish from redfish to cobia and yellowtail.

Saltwater rods range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. Typically, a less expensive fishing rod is often heavier and less sensitive than a similar rod that’s more expensive. All saltwater fishing rods use corrosion-resistant components, but higher-priced models have a lighter blank, line guides and reel seat. Cheaper rods use foam grips that are subject to dry rot and damage while a more expensive rod employs tougher heat-shrink or cork grips. And good looks don’t come cheap, fancy wraps and silky finishes add significantly to the cost of the best saltwater fishing rods.  The biggest difference is casting distance, accuracy, fighting power, and sensitivity. Squeezing every ounce of performance out of a high-quality rod blank requires advanced materials and construction, which doesn’t come cheap. Spending more on a fishing rod may not result in catching more or bigger fish, but a nice rod does make fishing more fun.

Final Thoughts

No matter what type of saltwater fishing you plan on doing, there are plenty of options for different scenarios and budgets. Consider how you’ll spend most of your time fishing, and choose the best saltwater rods that work best for you. If you can, get your hands on a few different ones to try them before you buy them.

6 Best Saltwater Fishing Rods Reviewed

If you purchase through the links in this post, we may receive a small affiliate commission, at no extra cost to you.

Read our review guidelines

Hi there! Welcome to my review of the best saltwater fishing rods.

Saltwater fishing calls for only the best rods. You’ll find all sorts of fish, from the tiniest panfish near shore to the largest monster fish far out in the waters. This means your fishing rod has to be sensitive enough for those minuscule fish, as well as strong enough for the prize fish you’ll meet. Since saltwater is more corrosive than freshwater, a saltwater spinning rod has to be corrosion-resistant too. It’s also crucial that the fishing rod is affordable because a perfect fishing rod is pointless if you can’t have it.

The best fishing rod at satisfying all these criteria is the St Croix Legend Tournament Inshore . This corrosion-resistant fishing rod has the backbone to take on the monster fish and the sensitivity to detect timid bites. It may cost lot of pennies, but it’s worth every penny.

Everyone has different preferences though. Some of you may be looking for budget rods and others might be looking for surf fishing rods.

I’ve included them all, so jump right in!

Best For Surf Fishing

Penn Carnage III

Incredibly lightweight

Powerful and sensitive

Overall Score: 9.3

Best Overall

Legend Tournament

As durable as it gets

Lengthy warranty

Overall Score: 9.6

Best Inshore

Shimano Teramar

Sensitive enough for the tiniest fish

Our Top 6 Picks

• St Croix Legend Tournament Inshore (Best Overall) [9.6]
• Penn Battalion II Inshore (Best Legend Tournament Alternative) [9.4]
• Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional (Best For Surf Fishing) [9.3]
• St Croix Triumph Surf Spinning (Best Carnage III Alternative) [9.1]
• Ugly Stik Bigwater (Best Budget) [9.7]
• Shimano Teramar Southeast (Best Inshore) [9.3]

Best Saltwater Fishing Rods Reviewed

Before we get started, we wanted to let you choose for yourself whether to get a spinning or baitcasting rod, where possible. As such, by default, the links are to the spinning options, but we’ve also included links to the baitcasting rods of the same model where applicable.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

1. St Croix Legend Tournament Inshore

Effectiveness For Task

Versatility

Customer Service

User Reviews

*Not all metrics have equal weightings. Learn more about our scoring system here .

• Blank Material: Carbon Fiber
• Guides: Aluminum Oxide
• Handle Material: Cork
• Power: Ranges from Light to Heavy

Powerful, sensitive and incredibly lightweight

I’ll start the ball rolling with a saltwater rod that’s handcrafted in the USA. Designed to be unmatched in strength and durability and to have incredible sensitivity and lightness, this is the best saltwater fishing rod that money can get. 

St Croix is famous among anglers for making the best premium rods. They’re always researching and developing new technologies for their rods. To date, their R&D has yielded 3 groundbreaking technologies .

The first two technologies are the Fortified Resin System (FRS) and the Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) . Rods built with FRS are 33% stronger than rods built with the usual methods. ART is an exceptional carbon fiber that makes a rod 10 times stronger with no increase in diameter or weight. These state-of-the-art technologies combine to produce a saltwater rod that’s stronger and more durable than any other rod on the market. You’ll have no trouble even when up against the largest offshore fishes. And needless to say, this rod will last you a lifetime.

The final technology is the Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) tooling technology. IPC further enhances the rod’s strength and boosts its sensitivity by eliminating transitional points in the rod blank. Plus, carbon fiber is the most sensitive material available for rod blanks. The carbon fiber, coupled with IPC, creates an unbelievably sensitive fishing rod.

Another nice benefit of having those technologies is lightness. With these technologies, less material is needed to get the same amount of strength. As such, the rod is also extremely light.

To sum it up, the St Croix Legend Tournament Inshore excels in every aspect . But be warned, its price is not for the faint of heart. Only serious anglers who are looking to invest in the best saltwater fishing gear available should get this fishing rod. 

Of course, for the premium price tag, you’ll be well-protected by the 15-year warranty . If you won’t settle for anything less than the best saltwater fishing gear and have the money to spare, this is it.

Also, as promised, here’s the link to the baitcasting version .

Best Legend Tournament Alternative

2. Penn Battalion II Inshore

Overall Score: 9.4

• Guides: Fuji Alconite
• Handle Material: Rubber Shrink Tubing/Cork
• Power: Ranges from Medium Light to Heavy

On to our next saltwater rod, the Penn Battalion II Inshore manages to be strong and durable while still remaining a sensitive and lightweight rod. It’s no Legend Tournament, but it’s a damn good substitute.

The Penn Battalion II Inshore boasts a heavy power blank. It’s not common to see such a power rating on a carbon rod since carbon fiber is weaker than fiberglass. However, Penn achieved this with their SLC2 construction that has spiral carbon wraps for the first layer and longitudinal carbon fibers for the second layer. The result is a powerful fishing rod you can use for both inshore and offshore fishing.

Next, it’s equipped with Fuji alconite guides for a long lifespan. Fuji alconite guides are the gold standard in fishing guides. These guides are not just smooth, but also super corrosion-resistant. With the hardy SLC2 construction and these long-lasting guides, this rod will last for years to come.

Another benefit of the carbon blank is the sensitivity. As the most sensitive material, carbon fiber allows this rod to be responsive and feel the subtle bites of small fishes. In fact, it even has an extra fast action option which proves how sensitive this rod is.

As for its weight, it weighs a mere 5.3 ounces for its medium power 7 ft option. This is once again thanks to its carbon blank, as carbon fiber is the lightest material for blanks. This rod is light enough that you won’t feel tired even after a long day of fishing.

I also really like the rubber shrink tube handle. As compared to EVA and cork grips, rubber shrink tube handles provide the most secure grip and maintain this grip even when they get wet. 

All in all, this top-of-the-line fishing rod delivers on all fronts, and it’s no wonder. Penn is a brand that is renowned for their quality components and tournament-tested products and rods. They hold about 1,400 IGFA world rankings for their superb performances in various saltwater game fishing tournaments.

And fret not, just because it’s a first-rate rod doesn’t mean it’ll make a hole in your wallet. It’s a fair bit less durable and a tad less strong and sensitive than the Legend Tournament. But it’s also $200 cheaper while still having all the strength and toughness needed for both offshore and inshore fishing. That’s what makes this the perfect alternative to the rather pricey Legend Tournament.

Once again, here’s the link to the baitcasting version .

3. Penn Carnage III Surf Conventional

• Blank Material: Composite
• Guides: Titanium
• Handle Material: Rubber Shrink Tubing
• Power: Ranges from Medium to Heavy

If you’re looking for a saltwater surf rod, the Penn Carnage III is your best bet.

For surf fishing, your rod has to be no shorter than 8 ft or you won’t be able to cast past the breaking waves. The Penn Carnage III comes in 10 ft and 11 ft to reach the monsters far out.

Of course, length isn’t the only reason to get this rod. Strength-wise, it doesn’t disappoint with its medium heavy power. You won’t be taking home any giants, but sharks and such will be no issue.

Sensitivity-wise, the moderate fast action enables you to feel the soft bites of small fish. It isn’t responsive enough for tiny fish though, so you’ll miss out on those. Still, this isn’t a huge boon since no one goes surf fishing for tiny fish anyway.

Durability-wise, the titanium guides are the sturdiest on the market. There’s also the rubber shrink tubing that’s relatively tough, very secure, and comfortable to grip.

Other than the fact that the packaging could use a little more bubble wrap, there’s nothing to criticize about this rod.

In short, this is a well-rounded saltwater fishing rod, and the best at its length. You won’t find a better saltwater surf rod than this.

Best Carnage III Alternative

4. St Croix Triumph Surf Spinning

Overall Score: 9.1

• Power: Ranges from Ultra Light to Medium Heavy

As light as it gets

Just like the Carnage III, the St Croix Triumph Surf was designed for saltwater surf fishing.

First off, it features a SCII carbon blank that has a higher strain rate than normal carbon fibers. This means it’s stronger than other carbon fibers. Naturally, this makes the St Croix Triumph able to wrestle down any inshore fish. Unfortunately, the highest power rating for this rod is medium heavy, which isn’t enough for the bigger offshore fishes. Nevertheless, it will more than suffice for medium sized fish and even some of the larger sized species like sharks.

Other than that though, it doesn’t have any flaws.

The aluminum oxide guides are almost as corrosion-resistant as the Fuji alconite guides, and will still give you a long-lasting fishing rod.

And as mentioned earlier, carbon blanks are sensitive and light. You’ll have no trouble fishing for hours with this rod because of its lightness.

It’s also worth noting that this is a one-of-a-kind rod that uses eco-friendly parts.

Overall, this rod will perform fantastically for surf fishing. It comes in lengths from 8-10 ft, perfectly. Since surf fishing calls for 8-12 ft rods and the Penn Carnage III only runs from 10-12 ft, you can get this rod if you want something from 8-10 ft. It’s able to match the Penn Carnage III in strength and sensitivity, but loses out in hardiness, this the lower price.

That said, its lower price but still top-notch performance makes it a great alternative to the Carnage III. Whether you found the Carnage III out of your budget or are just looking for shorter surf rods, this is the rod for you.

Best Budget

5. Ugly Stik Bigwater

Overall Score: 9.7

• Guides: Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: EVA Foam

This next rod is the cheapest way to get started saltwater fishing. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod offers rugged strength without compromising on sensitivity.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that this saltwater fishing rod has a graphite composite blank. This allows you to have the sensitivity of graphite and the strength of fiberglass. The graphite composite rod is further strengthened by Ugly Tech Construction . Ugly Tech is known to make unbreakable rods. This is made possible by their unique way of constructing rods. With it, you’ll be able to pick up on soft bites and handle gigantic fishes.

On top of that, this rod comes with stainless steel guides and an EVA grip. Stainless steel holds up well in saltwater and EVA foam is the most comfortable material for rod handles.

Oh, and did I mention that it’s well-packaged in a big cardboard box with bubble wrap inside?

The catch is that this rod is much heavier than all the previous saltwater fishing rods. While fiberglass is stronger than carbon fiber, it’s also heavier. And while Ugly Tech Construction is strong, it uses more material.

At this price point though, those downsides are only to be expected. If you’re looking for a quality saltwater fishing rod on a tight budget, look no further.

Here’s the link to the baitcasting version .

6. Shimano Teramar Southeast

• Guides: Fuji O-Ring
• Power: Medium Heavy

Last on the list, the Shimano Teramar Southeast lacks the strength for offshore fish, but excels for fishing inshore.

As a glance at the features would tell you, this rod sports a cork handle and Fuji  O-Ring guides . O-Ring guides are made with aluminum oxide. This, together with the long-lasting cork grip, guarantees many years of service for this rod.

However, its strength is capped at medium heavy, which isn’t enough for the bigger offshore fishes. That’s why it’s only the best inshore fishing rod.

Moving on to responsiveness, the fast action guarantees you won’t miss the tugs of even tiny fish.

You’ll also be glad to hear that this rod is quite affordable, coming in at a little under 150 bucks. For those who only plan on inshore saltwater fishing, this could just be the rod you’re looking for.

What To Consider Before Buying A Saltwater Fishing Rod

By now, you should know which rod you’re going to get. 

However, each rod has multiple options and each represents a different rod length, power, action, etc. 

For the best saltwater fishing experience, make sure to read this buying guide so you pick the right one.

Blank Material

Rod blanks are typically made of either carbon fiber, fiberglass, or composite which is a mixture of both. 

You may also have seen some graphite rods, but graphite is just another name for carbon fiber.

Carbon fiber is more expensive, more sensitive and lighter than fiberglass. On the other hand, fiberglass is stronger and more sturdy. 

Composite is a material that contains the good qualities of both materials. 

Composite rods have the sensitivity of carbon and the strength of fiberglass. 

Of course, a pure carbon fiber rod would still be lighter and more sensitive and a pure fiberglass rod would still be stronger. But composite offers the best of both worlds.

I prefer carbon saltwater fishing rods for fishing inshore and fiberglass or composite saltwater fishing rods when I fish offshore. However, this ultimately comes down to what you value in a fishing rod.

Rod power refers to how much force is required to bend a rod, aka stiffness.

It’s quite commonsensical. You’ll need a stiffer rod for bigger fish.

It isn’t just the fact that a flimsy rod won’t hold up against big fish. Rods with heavier power also work better with bigger and heavier lures, which you need for big fish.

As such, you’ll need to consider where you’ll be fishing and what fish you’ll be targeting. 

You’ll find smaller fish inshore than offshore, so you can go with lighter power saltwater fishing rods. 

I recommend using a medium light to medium power rod for fishing inshore. You can deviate from this if you plan on only targeting panfish, in which case a light power rod will be fine.

Offshore fishes are larger, so go with at least medium heavy rods. 

If you’re going after prize fish though, make sure to get at least heavy rods and get extra heavy power if possible.

Rod action is a measure of how high up your rod bends when you apply pressure on the rod tip. 

The higher up it bends, the faster the action and the more sensitive your rod will be.

For fishing inshore where the fishes are smaller, you’ll need faster action saltwater fishing rods to feel the softer tugs. 

I recommend getting at least a moderate fast action rod, although a fast action rod would be more ideal.

For offshore fishing, the fishes will be larger, meaning they’ll have stronger bites. 

As such, you can afford to get a moderate or even a slow action fishing rod. Of course, more sensitivity is always good, so if you see a fast action rod available, go for it.

It’s critical that you get the right length because it’ll determine how far you can cast, how stiff your rod is, and your rod weight.

A longer rod gives you more leverage to cast further and is the biggest deciding factor in how far you can cast. 

A longer rod also tends to mean more strength, although it will only affect your rod stiffness to a small degree. 

And lastly, more length means more material and thus more weight.

As such, whether you’re fishing offshore or inshore, stick with 6-8 ft. 

Unless you’re surf fishing, you won’t ever need more casting distance than an 8 ft rod will provide. A longer rod will only add on unnecessary weight. At the same time, a shorter rod than 6 ft may not cast far enough, especially if you’re fishing inshore.

If you’re going surf fishing, follow this guide to find the right rod length.

Line Guides

It is particularly important that your line guides are corrosion-resistant since you’ll be fishing in saltwater for long periods of time. 

The good news is that most metals are corrosion-resistant, and ceramic is completely rust-proof. 

Some of the better metals to look out for are titanium and alconite. Both of these are the best materials for guides, being strong, smooth, and highly corrosion-resistant.

Lastly, though not of huge importance, reel seats will affect sensitivity to some extent. Inferior reel seats won’t hold up against larger fish and your reel can end up being ripped off.

The best reel seats will be made of metal or graphite, so look out for those materials. Minimal reel seats that expose the rod blank also provide an extra sensitivity boost, although it won’t really matter as long as you have the rod action that you want.

How To Take Care Of A Saltwater Fishing Rod

• After fishing, always clean your rod with a cloth, using either freshwater or lukewarm water and vinegar or a mild detergent.
• If there’s any remaining dirt, clean it off with a toothbrush, or a brush with soft bristles. You can then wipe it dry with a cloth or just let it dry by itself. However, there will always be some moisture on the rod even after wiping, so make sure to let it dry for a while more even if you’ve cleaned it with a dry cloth.
• Once a month, remove the spinning reel ( or your baitcasting reel , depending on which you have) and lubricate the reel seat and other moving parts, like roller guides.
• Next, wipe off excess lubricant
• After putting back the reel and tightening all the respective screws, apply a final layer of silicone lubricant . This will not only lubricate, but also resist water and protect the surface from wear and tear.
• This next step is optional, but recommended if you want a sleek-looking rod. After you’ve completed all the previous steps, you can lightly coat your rod with bowling alley wax . This will keep your rod looking sleek and shiny. Just note that this only works on modern rods that have that polished finish.
• Finally, when aboard boats, make sure to store your rods safely so that they won’t collide against hard surfaces or other rods. Rod racks are very useful for this purpose, but you can also wrap up your rods with towels to protect them.

Saltwater conditions are harsh, and lesser saltwater spinning rods just won’t cut it.

While all the saltwater fishing rods on this list will get the job done, the absolute cream of the crop is the St Croix Legend Tournament Inshore . It stands out even among the best saltwater rods because it excels in literally every aspect.

With that, all the best in your saltwater ventures!

Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 Fishing Sensei. All rights reserved

Privacy Overview

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

• 2024 BOAT BUYERS GUIDE
• SWS ADVENTURES
• Email Newsletters
• Fishing Boat Reviews
• Fly Fishing
• Marine Electronics
• Fishing Tackle
• Fishing Destinations
• The Bahamas Fishing Guide
• Boating Safety
• Ultimate Boat Giveaway

How to Pick the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

• By George Poveromo
• Updated: July 1, 2022

Understanding the dynamics of saltwater fishing rods allows you to choose those that enhance your style of angling. Surprisingly, many anglers don’t understand the differences between rod actions and, subsequently, rarely purchase those best suited to their specific need, be it precision or distance casting, working swimming or topwater plugs, light or heavy jigging, trolling or deep-dropping.

Types of Saltwater Fishing Rod Materials

How do you choose a saltwater fishing rod that best suits your needs? The first thing to consider is the material, whether that be fiberglass, graphite or new-generation composite:

FIBERGLASS : The most widely used saltwater fishing rod material, fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible. It’s able to withstand the abuse on boats and rough seas and is a tried and trusted general all-around rod material. Disadvantage: weight; it’s difficult for anglers to detect subtle strikes or bait pickups.

GRAPHITE : A performance-oriented material, graphite results in smaller diameters and lighter blanks that are highly sensitive and superb for detecting subtle pickups and strikes, as well as the feel of the fighting antics of different game fish. Disadvantage: brittle; nicks from banging around on a boat can weaken the blank, making it susceptible to breakage under ­pressure in that area.

NEW-GENERATION COMPOSITE : These new and powerful saltwater fishing poles pack a lot of punch in small-diameter and lightweight designs. They’re formulations of both fiberglass and graphite. In short, manufacturers are seeking the toughness and durability of fiberglass combined with the sensitivity and lightness of graphite. As a result, some of these top-quality rods are rated for up to 200-pound lines, yet they are the size of a 15- to 20-pound spinning or baitcasting rod.

The Action of the Fishing Rod

Factors, such as the blank material, wall thickness and length, contribute to a rod’s strength. However, the action ­— determined by how far down the blank (starting at the tip) the bend of the rod extends — is the primary contributor to a rod’s performance. In essence, rods with fast to extra-fast action are best suited for casting accuracy and solid hook-sets with large baits and lures intended for bigger fish. When you think of fast action, think of a stiffer rod with just bend at the tip. A medium to slow action is prime for extended casting distance, pitching live baits, and working smaller lures and baits. A slow action rod will have bend much farther down the length of the rod. Naturally, there are actions in between to help a rod excel in different specific situations.

A parabolic action , which loads up energy for longer casts, is often confused with fast and extra-fast actions, but it’s really the opposite. Under pressure, only the initial several inches of a fast-action rod bends. When only a short section of the rod tip bends while the rest of the blank remains firm, a rod lends itself to powerful hook-sets and has the muscle to stop, turn and heavily pressure a fish. Such rods shine when live-lining large baits, like menhaden, goggle-eyes, blue runners and herring, for the likes of big striped bass, amberjack, sailfish, big dolphin, tarpon, snook and cobia, as well as when jigging or chunking with sizable baits for many of the same species.

Best Fishing Rods for Casting

For casting accuracy, fast and extra-fast action rods provide more speed and power to pitch a lure to a target, thwarting any wind-related deviation. However, the fishing rod’s stiffness reduces casting distance, compared to medium and slow actions, unless heavy lures or baits are used. For example, I pair a large topwater chugger with a 7-foot, fast-action saltwater spinning rod when dolphin fishing. The weight of that large plug (1¼ ounces) ­allows me to achieve respectable casting distances while the rod’s fast action enables accurate presentations ideal for singling out a bigger dolphin in a school or pitching to the outskirts of working birds. Inshore, however, the loud sound of such a large lure landing could spook fish, yet a lighter rod with a fast or even a medium action affords me casting accuracy with more subtle baits.

In medium-action rods , the bend is a bit more pronounced than in fast-action models, generally extending from the tip to nearly midway down the blank, depending on the type of rod and the materials. And the bend is even more aggressive on slow-action rods.

As a general rule, the more pronounced the bend, the more energy the rod loads up. And that’s largely how casting distance is generated. Unfortunately, because of this “load up” and the lack of stiffness near the rod tip, casting accuracy suffers. Nevertheless, the softer deliveries of these two actions — or any combination of them — are preferred when pitching live baits from a distance to game fish, such as cobia, barracuda, tarpon, snook, red drum, schooling bluefish and striped bass, as baits are less likely to fly off the hook. In addition, medium to slow actions are excellent for light jigging and soaking bait for the aforementioned ­species, as well as fluke, blackfish, sea bass, and smaller grouper and snapper.

Medium to slow actions often promote better ­hook-sets, especially with lighter and smaller lures. With fast and extra-fast rods, anglers sometimes pull the lure away from a fish during the strike because of the rod’s stiffness. By comparison, that little bit of extra time, albeit brief, that it takes to come tight with a medium- to slow-action rod is often enough for a fish to fully engulf a lure, which in turn results in solid hookups. Plus, when ­playing a fish, the extra cushion provided by medium- to slow-action rods frequently prevents hooks from pulling or straightening, and lines from breaking during sudden surges or jumps and when applying heavy pressure.

Most Powerful Fishing Rods

Rod power, not to be mistaken for rod action, is simply how powerful the blank is, and it is usually classified by the designated line strengths. For instance, heavy rods accommodate lines from 80- to 130-pound test, and, aside from being used to troll for marlin, large tuna and swordfish, they are often part of the new-generation composite spinning and jigging rods increasingly used to target yellowfin, school bluefin, and — more recently — swordfish.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, ultralight rods are for lines around 8-pound class most often used to tackle seatrout, red drum, striped bass, mackerel, bonito, schoolie dolphin and other small gamefish. When more leverage is required, there are light rods, generally designated for 10- to 20-pound lines, medium rods for 20- to 30-pound lines, and medium-heavy rods for 30- to 50- or even 80-pound lines. Note that these power designations can vary largely, depending on the rod manufacturer, materials and purpose (surf, inshore, jigging or trolling).

New-generation composite rods, considerably lighter and thinner than traditional rods, tend to have a greater range within each specific power rating. For instance, some of the heavy versions are designated for 130- to 200-pound lines.

Best Length of Fishing Rod

The proper combination of action and power should be determined by the strength of the line you plan to use and the type of fishing you are most likely to do with the rod. But when it comes to determining length, the main purpose of the rod is paramount. As a rule of thumb, longer rods increase casting distance, while shorter rods provide better leverage. So if you’ll primarily cast with 12- to 20-pound lines, ­consider a 7-foot, fast- to ­ex­tra-fast-action rod for lures or live baits, or medium-action for smaller lures or natural baits. Likewise, a 7-foot, light to medium rod with a medium or fast action is a great choice for casting with 8- to 12-pound lines. And if you place a premium on casting distance, consider going up to a 7½-footer or longer.

When the need for power trumps casting distance, as is often the case when trolling or jigging, a shorter rod is a better choice. That’s why a number of rods designed for said tasks are 6 or 6½ feet long, and rods for stand-up fishing and many of the new-generation composite spinning and jigging rods are shorter still. Pick a 6-foot, medium-heavy rod with extra-fast action and you’ll have the upper hand on most things large and powerful with 50- to 100-pound lines.

It takes some thought to select the perfect rod for a specific situation; it isn’t just a matter of deciding which species of fish you plan to catch with it. Now that you know the key factors to take into account when choosing a rod, figure out the characteristics that offer the best combination and find the one that’s right for you.

How to Take Care of Saltwater Fishing Rods

• Thoroughly rinse rods in fresh water, especially the guides and reel seats, and towel dry.
• Periodically remove the reels from the rods, and lubricate reel seats, fasteners and any roller guides.
• Check guides for pitting or corrosion and check the guide wraps for signs of wear.
• Pull a thin piece of sock through each guide to check for nicks. If the sock hangs, even slightly, a guide is damaged.
• Aboard a boat, rack rods where they won’t bang against hard surfaces or other rods in choppy seas.
• Modern rods have durable finishes. Apply a light coat of bowling-alley wax to help preserve that slick and polished look.
• More: Fishing Tackle , Gear , How-To
• More How To

Managing Expectations When Launching Fish-Tagging Initiatives

Birds Lead the Way to Trout and Reds

West Coast Rail-Rod Techniques to Catch Huge Tuna

Catch Mid-Atlantic King Mackerel

Spotlight on Quantum

Fishing for Lingcod with Large Saltwater Swimbaits

ODYSSEY Battery: Ask the Internet

More Restrictive Cobia Regs Expected for Virginia

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Home » Fishing Gear » Fishing Rods » 30 Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

30 Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

Saltwater fishing is vastly different from most other forms of angling. It requires tackle that can hold up against the largest trophy game fish, and withstand any potential corrosion caused by saltwater. There are a number of brands that make rods for saltwater use, but only a select few are capable of performing at a level that’s satisfactory for the most skilled anglers.

The best saltwater fishing rods often have characteristics that make them a good fit for the specific type of fish you’re going after. In most cases, a saltwater rod will have to possess enough strength to withstand the heavier load as you may hook the occasional large, tuna, marlin, shark, or grouper. Depending on the specific type of fish you’re after, you can select a rod that’s going to provide you with the right characteristics to give you the best advantage to actually catch those fish.

There are a number of different techniques that are productive when it comes to saltwater angling that includes trolling, bottom fishing, distance casting, jigging, and more. Having the right equipment is key for successful saltwater fishing and it’s crucial to understand each part of your fishing rod and how one rod is better than other choices.

Here Are the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

1. ugly stik bigwater saltwater spinning rod.

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

Shop Tackle Direct

	$62-$150
	Spinning Rod, Conventional Rod
	One-Piece or Two-Piece
	6′, 7’, 8′, 9′, 10′, 11′, and 12
	Medium, Medium-Heavy, and Heavy

The Ugly Stick Bigwater comes in rod variations for all types of Fishing. For spinning rods one-piece and two-piece rods come in lengths from 6-foot to 12 foot. Bass Pros Shops also has Bigwater conventional rods and Bigwater stand up conventional rod with roller line guides for big game trolling reels. This allows a rod variation for all types of saltwater fishing reels.

The latest Bigwater series has yellow and black rods. This rod is made with Ugly Stik’s Clear Tip technology for added toughness and boasts a 7-year warranty. It’s made with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to be strong, but still offer the sensitivity you need to feel subtle bites.

The rod is made with Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides that are made to withstand extreme amounts of pressure and prevent pop-outs that can cause you to lose fish. However, these can fray braided line but is not normally an issue. It’s available in a variety of different sizes ranging from 6 feet to 12 feet in length. The Ugly Stik Bigwater is a great saltwater fishing rod when using a monofilament line. Ugly Stik developed a reputation decades ago for making rods that were virtually indestructible. The rods have changed over the years but the concept of producing the toughest rods on the planet remains part of the Ugly Stik philosophy.

2. Ugly Stik GX2 Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$40-$112
	Spinning Rod
	One, Two, Three, and Four-piece
	4’6 to 9’
	Ultra-light, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy

This is a rod that’s an all-around workhorse that you can use to fish inlets and everywhere else along the coast. The Ugly Stik GX2 saltwater spinning rod is specially designed to be a versatile spinning rod.

Made with Ugly Stik’s legendary graphite and fiberglass combination, anglers can enjoy using a rod that’s almost impossible to break, yet also surprisingly sensitive. One of the biggest concerns with saltwater fishing rods is the durability of the guides. This model is made with Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides that eliminate friction as you’re retrieving your line, or when a monster fish rips several feet of line per second from the reel.

The GX2 Saltwater Spinning Rod also features Ugly Stik’s clear fiberglass tip that is aimed at giving you that extra strength to hold up against the hardest-pulling fish. This is an excellent choice for anglers who want a rod they can use from the shore, in the flats, on the reef, or offshore.

3. Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$80
	Spinning Rod
	One-piece
	6’6, 6’9, 7’
	Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy

The Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning rod is among one of the brand’s best products and it serves as a great choice for a number of saltwater species. It’s extremely comfortable thanks to the diamond shrink tube that’s coated over the handle that also features rubber gimbals. The Tiger Elite is a one-piece rod that’s designed to withstand the highly corrosive nature of saltwater. This rod is also one that is made with the Ugly Tuff guides which are designed to prevent pop-outs.

For anglers who prefer a more lightweight option, the Tiger Elite is an ideal choice as it is made with a higher graphite content that also works to give added sensitivity. This is one of the toughest rods on the market and is a great option when fishing with monofilament line only.

4. Penn Carnage III Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$200-$240
	Spinning Rod
	One and Two-Piece
	7’, 7’6
	Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate

The Penn brand name is synonymous with saltwater fishing and has been for nearly a century. For anglers who are willing to invest a more sizable amount of money into their tackle, it’s hard to find a better rod than the Penn Carnage III Spinning Rod. Made to catch the largest trophy game fish, this rod is designed to be used with braided line and is capable of withstanding the usual strain associated with braid. Their is also a Penn Carnage III jigging rod that is shorter for stand up jig fishing. Tackle direct has Penn Carnage III surf fishing rods which have longer lengths for further casting.

Crafted with Penn’s new SLS3 blank construction, this rod offers a slim profile that’s incredibly strong. It features Fuji K guides coupled with Alconite inserts for unwavering toughness and a reinforced Pac Bay aluminum reel seat.

Anglers will appreciate the Penn Carnage II Spinning Rod’s non-slip handle and optional aluminum or rubber gimbal. This is arguably the best saltwater fishing rod on the market today, but the higher price might turn some novice anglers away.

5. St Croix Avid Inshore Spinning Rod

	$250-$300
	Spinning Rod
	One-Piece
	6’6, 7’, 7’6, 8’
	Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast

St. Croix is among the top brands in the industry when it comes to saltwater fishing rods for many reasons. Their rod quality is almost unmatched and the St. Croix Avid Inshore saltwater spinning rod is one of the best on the market right now.

St. Croix redesigned its Avid Series rods a few years ago and came back with a tougher, more functionally-sound rod that is made specifically for saltwater use. It’s one of the most durable rods in the industry thanks to its trough graphite construction. It offers advanced guides to reduce tangles that are coupled with aluminum-oxide rings and seated in titanium frames that should allow any angler to go into the open ocean with confidence that their rod won’t fail them.

The Avid Series rods also feature Fuji DPS reel seats and an elegant cork handle. This rod boasts a 15-year transferable warranty and is a superior product when compared with most other models from other brands.

6. St Croix Mojo Surf Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$160-$300
	Spinning Rod
	One and Two-Piece
	7’, 8’, 9’, 10’, 10’6, 11’, 12’
	Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate, Moderate Fast

The St. Croix Mojo Surf fishing rod series is designed to function as a hardcore surf fishing rod that is capable of standing up to most fish that can be caught around the coast. These rods are made with high-quality SCIII graphite material and offer good strength and sensitivity. The guides are made with zirconium rings that are capable of handling the heavy line and leaders commonly used for surf fishing.

This rod features a Fuji DPS reel seat and the handle is made with X-Wrap material that is both comfortable and offers some nice aesthetics. Everything about this reel is geared toward durability and St. Croix also offers a 5-year warranty on their Mojo Surf lineup.

The Mojo Surf spinning rod is an excellent choice for serious surf anglers who know and understand the ideal characteristics of a solid surf fishing rod.

7. Penn Squadron III Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$40-$120
	Spinning Rod
	One and Two-Piece
	7’, 7’6
	Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast, Fast

Penn’s Squadron III saltwater spinning rod is designed to be highly versatile while also coming in at a more affordable price than the brand’s other lines. Made with a lightweight graphite blank, this rod is crafted with modified actions that allow for a faster bend. Penn included their one-piece, stainless steel Dura-Guides with the Squadron III model to prevent pop-outs.

The handle is made with a highly comfortable EVA grip and is also available in a more traditional look with cork material on both ends of the reel seat. The graphite reel seat might be an area of concern for some anglers, but the Penn Squadron III spinning rod is overall very tough. This is an excellent choice for anglers who need a versatile saltwater rod that won’t break the bank. This rod meets the basic requirements of a good spinning rod.

8. Penn Carnage II Saltwater Jigging Rod

	$170-$190
	Jigging Rod, Spinning Rod
	One-Piece
	6’6, 7′
	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast

Jigging is an art form that can be extremely productive for anglers who master the technique. Penn’s Carnage II jigging rod is specially designed to provide users an edge when fishing jigs as it offers just the right action to make the jig itself look lively. This rod is perfect for going after larger fish like amberjack, tuna , sharks, and others as it is tough enough to stack up against bigger targets, but is light enough to give anglers plenty of ability to work jigs and entice fish to bite.

Penn has designed this rod to be fished with a braided line and the Fuji K guides are made with Alconite inserts to allow for your line to pass through smoothly. The Carnage II rods are made with Penn’s new SLS3 blank that’s built for toughness despite being more slim and lightweight than other rods. With a Pac Bay aluminum reel seat, it’s easy to see why so many anglers prefer to use a specialized jigging rod like this one. It is great to use offshore and on the reef to use with heavy or light jigs.

9. Fiblink Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$46-$60
	Spinning Rod
	Two-Piece
	7 Foot
	Medium Heavy, Heavy

Fiblink is a brand that’s relatively new to the fishing industry, but anglers are quickly taking notice of them. This Fiblink saltwater spinning rod is an excellent choice that is designed to function as a solid multi-purpose saltwater rod. It allows anglers to fish well off a boat whether that is offshore or on the reef. The gimbal butt fits well in fixed rod holders. This rod is made with high-quality carbon and the two-piece design makes it much more portable than one-piece designs.

The carbon-fiber material is extremely sensitive and works when targeting smaller game fish that have a less aggressive bite. The stainless steel guides are designed to be corrosion-proof against damaging saltwater. Anglers report that the EVA foam handle is both comfortable and easy to maintain your grip on while fighting even larger-sized fish. The Fiblink saltwater spinning rod is an excellent choice for any angler as it is both affordable and well-made. This rod is also covered by a one-year warranty.

10. Fiblink Saltwater Jigging Rod

	$64-$75
	Spinning Rod
	One-Piece
	6 Foot
	Medium Heavy, Heavy

The Fiblink Saltwater Jigging Rod is a great option for anglers who prefer to use the highly-effective jigging technique over reefs and other structures to catch game fish. This rod is made with graphite-glass fiber blank material that allows it to have the quick action needed to attract a bite from unsuspecting fish. It’s specially designed for vertical jigging, but can also be used in a variety of other techniques such as casting lures and live baits.

The stainless steel guides feature ceramic inserts that are made to reduce the high amount of friction that is common with a braided line . Fiblink has designed this rod with a sturdy aluminum reel seat, as well as an aluminum gimbal butt that comes with a rubber cap. This is an excellent option for anglers who are in search of a specialized rod for jig fishing but may not want to pay a hefty price for one. The Rod also comes with Fiblink’s one-year warranty.

11. Berkley Saltwater Spinning Rod

	$24-$47
	Spinning Rod
	Two-Piece
	8 foot
	Medium Heavy
	Moderate

Berkley is widely known in the fishing industry for producing solid products that are generally less expensive than other premium brands. The Berkley Saltwater spinning rod is one of the most affordable on our list of the best saltwater fishing rods and is a great pick for novice anglers who are just getting their feet wet in saltwater angling.

Despite being made from a composite material, these rods are surprisingly sensitive and allow anglers to feel small fish biting. The rod features Berkley’s patented Armadillo Hide finish that’s an added bonus from an aesthetical standpoint. This model also includes the uplocking X-Posed reel seat and split-grip handle for better grip. This is an excellent choice for novice anglers as purchasing this spinning rod doesn’t require a significant investment on their end.

12. Okuma Longitude Surf Fishing Rods

	$50-$77
	Spinning Rod
	Two-Piece
	8’ to 12′
	Medium, Heavy

Okuma has established itself as one of the more popular brands in the fishing industry and online shopping has opened the brand up to more purchases outside of Japan. The Okuma Longitude surf fishing rod is a solid product that is an all-around great fishing rod for saltwater use. Like many other Okuma rods, this one is crafted from graphite material and is strong enough to cast heavy rigs while also being highly sensitive.

This rod is made with aluminum oxide inserts that are designed to handle braided lines. It has double-footed aluminum guide frames are designed to ensure that the guides frames do not bend twisted by hard-pulling fish. These Okuma rods also feature a cork handle above and below the reel seat. This is a good-quality rod that is designed specially for saltwater fishing. With a one-year warranty, Okuma has managed to merge quality and value into one solid saltwater fishing rod.

13. Daiwa D-Wave Saltwater Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

	$62-$180
	Spinning Rod
	Two-Piece
	7’, 8’, 9’, 10’ 11’
	Medium

Daiwa is well-known in the fishing industry as a top producer of fishing rods and other gear items. The Daiwa D-Wave rod and reel combo is a great choice for anglers of any skill level. This combo is a great value that can function as a multi-purpose saltwater setup that’s ideal for inshore or surf fishing.

The D-Wave combo is heavy enough to allow for catching large game fish in fresh or saltwater. The rod is made of a full graphite blank and offers plenty of sensitivity while also providing an ample amount of durability. With stainless steel hooded reel seats, you can be assured that this combo won’t succumb to saltwater erosion. The D-Wave reel is both tough and smooth and is crafted from graphite material that also features quality rotor construction. The EVA handle is made to be comfortable and to allow anglers to have a solid grip on the rod while fishing.

14. Daiwa Megaforce Tele Spin Telescopic Rod

	$68-$98
	Spinning Rod
	Telescopic
	5.9’ to 9.8’
	Medium
	Fast

Telescopic fishing rods are relatively new to the fishing industry and finding a high-quality model can sometimes be difficult. The Daiwa Megaforce Tele Spin telescopic rod is one of the most popular telescopic rods on the market and can serve as a great saltwater gear for anglers.

Daiwa has worked to improve their telescopic saltwater rods in recent years. While this model is able to fold up into a compact size that can easily fit into a backpack or other bag, it’s made of carbon-fiber blank material that’s surprisingly tough and functional.

This model features five guides and is strong enough to handle most small to medium-sized saltwater fish species, but the rod is susceptible to breaking under heavy pressure from bigger fish.

15. Penn Battle III Saltwater Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

	$140-$190
	Spinning Rod
	One, Two, and Three-Piece
	6’6, 7’, 8’, 9’, 10’
	Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast, Fast

For anglers in search of a better quality rod that also includes a ready-to-fish reel, the Penn Battle III saltwater combo is an excellent choice. This is Penn’s most popular rod and reel combo for good reason. The Battle III was redesigned in recent years to create a reel that was stronger and more smooth than before.

The rod features a graphite composite blank that is good for surf fishing, casting around inlets, inshore, and offshore depending on the length. Anglers can choose between a comfortable cork or EVA handle, as well as a wide range of rod lengths, reel sizes, and rod power levels. It comes with Penn’s stainless steel Dura-Guides that are designed to prevent pop-outs, which is a common problem when fighting heavy fish.

One of the best aspects of the Battle III combo is that anglers can narrow down the specific kind of rod and reel for various saltwater purposes like light inshore fishing, surf fishing, and heavier gear for offshore application.

16. Penn Wrath Saltwater Fishing Combo

	$68-$92
	Spinning Rod and Reel
	Two-Piece
	6’6, 7’, 8’, 9’, 10’
	Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast, Fast

The Penn Wrath saltwater fishing combo is a great choice for anglers who are just getting started in saltwater fishing who are in search of a decent rod and reel that won’t break the bank. Like other Penn rod and reel combos, this model can be customized to serve a specific purpose like light inshore fishing or surf fishing.

Penn has designed the Wrath combo to be a highly versatile, all-around fishing setup that is affordable for the novice angler. The rods are made of two-piece graphite composite material and are designed with a comfortable, easy-to-grip EVA handle. It also offers stainless steel guides and titanium oxide inserts that function quite well compared to similar models of equal price.

The Wrath combo’s reels are made of lightweight graphite material that’s built to be corrosion-resistant. This is a solid rod and reel combo for the average saltwater angler and it’s also capable of going anywhere thanks to its two-piece construction. It likely won’t last as long as higher-end models but can still catch lots of fish.

17. Shimano Trevala Jigging Rod

	$150-$270
	Spinning Rod
	One-Piece
	5’8, 6’, 6’6
	Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy, Extra Heavy
	Fast

Many of the most skilled saltwater anglers are advocates of the jigging method as it can produce bites on days when fish simply won’t show interest in other lures and might be too deep to fish easily with natural baits. The Shimano Trevela jigging rod is specially designed to give you the right amount of action to quickly whip the jig up and down in a way that will entice fish to take notice.

This rod is designed with a high carbon butt section that’s fused with a TC4 tip. The rod blank is made of a material that’s aimed at giving anglers better sensitivity while still being lighter than most other rods that are used for jigging. It features reinforced Fuji guides that are made of aluminum oxide material and a diamond-polished smooth finish.

This is an excellent choice for serious anglers who require a no-nonsense rod to use over reefs and other offshore areas where jigging can be used to catch some of the most popular trophy game fish species. The rod is very durable and is a good choice to use for fishing charters as well.

18. Okuma Cedros Casting and Jigging Rod

	$113-$160
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	5’6, 6’, 6’6, 7’
	Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy, Extra Heavy

Okuma is known for making high-quality products and their Cedros Casting and Jigging Rod is a great rod that’s built for performance. Made from a tough E-glass blank material, this rod gives better pulling power when it counts. For anglers who prefer to use braided line, the Cedros is a solid choice as it is designed for shock reduction when using braided line.

The Cedros features zirconium guide inserts that are made to handle the extra friction that comes from the braided line. This rod features stainless steel guide frames that are included with a high-rise frame to keep the braided line off the blank. Anglers will also find that the Cedros offers a pyramid reel seat that’s designed to give them better control over the rod.

Choose from either a split EVA rear grip handle with an ALPS reel seat or a full EVA grip for extra comfort. This is a great rod and is backed with a lifetime warranty by Okuma.

19. St. Croix Mojo Salt Conventional Trolling Rod

	$220-$240
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	6’6, 7’, 7’6, 8’
	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast, Fast

It’s no secret in the fishing industry that St. Croix is among the top brands when it comes to fishing rods. Their Mojo Salt Series conventional Rod is another outstanding product that is made to perform like a workhorse for anglers who frequently venture out to the open ocean.

This rod is made of a unique combination of SCII graphite coupled with FRS technology, as well as linear S-glass that together makes a lightweight rod that is extremely durable and ideal for offshore trolling. It features Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) technology and includes high-quality Sea Guide rings that are made of an aluminum oxide material. There are also Mojo Salt series spinning rods.

With a Fuji DPSH reel seat and premium EVA handle material, anglers will be able to have better control over this rod while working to reel in large catches. It’s also backed by a 5-year warranty.

20. Penn Rampage Saltwater Jigging Rod

	$60-$80
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	5’8, 6’2, 6’6
	Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
	Moderate Fast

It’s imperative for jigging rods to have just the right amount of action in order to fully utilize the lure’s capabilities. The Penn Rampage jigging rod is a great choice for anglers who want a high-quality jigging rod that is relatively affordable compared to some of the premium models that are currently on the market.

This rod is perfect for vertical jigging, but can also function in a variety of other purposes as it is both lightweight and strong. Made from a one-piece graphite composite blank material, the Penn Rampage utilizes Fuji aluminum oxide guides and a high-quality, heavy-duty reel seat to combine for the total package when it comes to a jigging setup.

It also offers a Torque foregrip and rubberized gimbal to ensure comfort and stability when reeling in heavy catches. Anglers can use either monofilament or braided line on the Rampage. This is a highly-rated rod that is worth considering for both novice anglers and experts.

21. Penn Ally Saltwater Trolling Rods

	$120-$180
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece, Two-Piece
	5’6, 6’6
	Heavy
	Moderate Fast

Skilled anglers all over the world trust in Penn rods as they have a reputation for dependability and performance. The Penn Ally Trolling Rod is one of the best trolling rods to use with big conventional reels .

What rods you will get depends on length, one-piece or two-piece configuration, and power rating. Some will have bent butts and some will have roller guides. The two-piece rod versions will have a bent butt and roller guides. The 50-100 power rating 6-foot rod should also come with roller guides. Other rod sizes will likely come with guides with aluminum oxide inserts. These are heavy-duty rods and are a great choice for offshore fishing.

22. Penn Squall Saltwater Fishing Rod Combo

	$160-$200
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	6’, 6’6
	Medium, Medium-Heavy
	Moderate Fast

The Penn Squall rod and reel combo is an excellent choice for dedicated anglers who require the best tackle. Made for offshore fishing, this rod is available in a shorter length that’s designed for bottom fishing and other techniques that target the biggest saltwater fish species in the ocean.

The Squall’s rod is made of tubular glass blank material that’s nearly indestructible. Their dependability is nearly unmatched and many saltwater fishing charter guides and captains rely on these rods for everyday use. It offers a lightweight graphite frame reel with side plates and marine-grade bronze alloy main gear that’s extremely tough.

This is a start drag reel and is not going to be as smooth or consistent of force as a lever drag reel. However, it works well when catching fish under 30 pounds.

23. G Loomis Salmon Mooching and Trolling Rod

	$400-$530
	Conventional Rod
	Two-Piece
	9’, 9’9
	Heavy
	Moderate

G Loomis is a name that’s synonymous with premium quality in the fishing industry. The G Loomis Salmon Mooching and Trolling Rods are among the top rods of its kind thanks to the incredible level of quality in every inch of its construction. This is a highly expensive product, but well worth the investment for anglers who are looking for the absolute best quality rod for salmon trolling and mooching .

This rod is made with a blank material that’s 15 percent lighter and stronger than G Loomis’ original IMX rods. It’s incredibly important to have a rod that’s highly flexible when salmon fishing with downriggers and this one is specially designed to offer just that. It’s made with Fuji K-frame guides and can hold up to the toughest of fights against any type of salmon.

This rod might be a bit out of the price range of most anglers, but there’s no denying its reputation among professionals and guides for being incredibly strong and reliable.

24. Okuma Downrigger Trolling Rods

	$30-$60
	Conventional Rod
	Two-Piece
	7’6, 8’, 8’6, 9’, 10’, 10’6
	Medium Light, Medium
	Slow, Moderate, Moderate Fast

Okuma’s Classic Pro GLT Trolling Rods are specially designed for use with downriggers and other trolling methods. Made with a tough, yet sensitive fiberglass blank construction, this rod is a good pick for anglers of all skill levels. It offers Fuji-style up-locking reel seats and heavy-duty stainless steel guides that are made to withstand high amounts of pressure.

Okuma is well-known for producing quality rods that are surprisingly affordable for any angler. For those who rely on downriggers to produce bites, this is an ideal choice among other rods on the market. It’s crafted with an EVA foam grip for added comfort and a triangular foregrip to help provide extra control over the rod. This rod is backed with Okuma’s one-year warranty and is a popular choice for recreational anglers.

25. Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Combo

	$100
	Conventional Rod
	Two-Piece
	8’3, 9’
	Light
	Medium

It’s hard to find a better trolling rod and reel combo that’s affordable for the average angler than Ugly Stik’s Bigwater Trolling Combo. This rod is made of the brand’s patented Ugly Tech blend of graphite and fiberglass that’s incredibly strong, yet sensitive enough to let anglers feel fish biting.

It’s made with Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides and Ugly Stik’s signature clear tip that’s highly flexible and provides added sensitivity. The reel is made with a 30 size line counter and features two ball bearings, as well as a metal handle and power knob. The reel can hold up to 400 yards of a 20-pound test line and combines with the Ugly Stik rod to form a quality combo that is perfect for freshwater or saltwater fishing.

The rod itself carries a 7-year warranty that’s backed by Ugly Stik. This option is ideal for anglers who aren’t quite ready to spend a considerable amount of money on a trolling rod and reel combo, but still want a functional setup. The reel is not as super quality but it should last a season of heavy use or a few seasons of light use.

26. Daiwa Trolling and Jigging Rod

	$42-$75
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	6’
	Heavy

Daiwa’s Trolling and Jigging Rod is known as the Accudepth trolling rod and is an excellent rod for all-around versatility when it comes to saltwater fishing. This rod is available for a very affordable price and offers a good amount of quality features compared to other models of similar cost.

The rod is 6 feet in length and is made of a one-piece graphite composite blank for good strength and enough stiffness to allow for jigging. It’s made with aluminum oxide guides that are designed to limit friction caused by braided and other types of fishing line. The rod does not feature a gimbal and will not lock into place in most rod holders the same way other models do. This does make trilling with the rod difficult as it might not stay in the proper position in the holder. The non-metal end cap is actually more comfortable to use than most rods that feature a gimbal when jigging and stand-up fishing though. This model is a great choice for anglers who want a low-cost option that can function as a jigging rod or a trolling rod in cradle style rod holders .

27. Fiblink Saltwater Big Game Rod

	$54-$72
	Spinning Rod
	One-Piece
	5’1
	Heavy

The Fiblink Saltwater Big Game Rod is a good option for anglers who want a quality heavy-duty rod that doesn’t have the hefty price tag that’s common with premium brand names. This rod is built for power as its short and thick frame is made to withstand the toughest fights on the ocean.

With features like a heavy-duty roller guide that’s aimed at minimizing strain on both the angler and the line itself, it’s easy to see why this is a highly-rated product. Made of one-piece tubular E-glass composite material, Fiblink has designed this rod to handle extreme amounts of force. With an aluminum alloy reel seat and aluminum gimbal butt cap, this rod is built for toughness. This model is surprisingly lightweight and covered by Fiblink’s one-year warranty, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

28. Fiblink Bent Butt Saltwater Fishing Rod

	$71-$210
	Conventional Rod
	Two-Piece
	5’, 5’6, 6’, 7’
	Heavy

Saltwater fishing involves fighting some of the largest fish species in the world, which can be physically challenging for any angler. Using a bent butt fishing rod helps to alleviate the amount of strain on your body and allows you to focus on reeling in your catch. The Fiblink Bent Butt Rod is a great product for anglers looking to get their hands on a relatively inexpensive bent butt rod for their boat. It will work with a large conventional reel or electric reel.

Made of solid E-glass graphite composite material, this rod is incredibly strong and able to provide good leverage for pulling against the big fish such as tuna, wahoo, sharks , marlin, and swordfish. It features high-quality roller guides that help alleviate the stress caused by heavy pressure and keep your line from breaking. With an aluminum alloy reel seat and bent butt non-slip handle, this rod is ideal for trolling or deep dropping offshore.

29. Xcaliber Big Game Trolling Rod

	$195
	Conventional Rod
	One-Piece
	6’
	Heavy

Xcaliber Marine is one of the top brands in the saltwater fishing industry and their rods are commonly used by professionals and amateurs alike. The Xcaliber big game rod is designed to perform at the highest level for serious anglers who rely on their tackle to land catches that turn into big paydays.

This rod is constructed from solid E-glass blank material that’s designed to be incredibly tough. It also features roller guides with quality Teflon-coated bearings made with stainless steel. The unique roller design has deep slots that provide better knot clearance than other brands. Anglers will also appreciate the rod’s gimbal aluminum butt. This Xcaliber rod is backed by the company’s 5-year warranty which means that it should last for many fishing seasons.

30. Daiwa Rod For Big Game Electric Reel

	$200
	Bent Butt Rod
	Two-Piece
	5’6, 6’6
	Medium Heavy, Heavy, Extra Heavy
	Fast

Having the best possible tackle is essential to success in saltwater fishing. The Daiwa Tancom Dendoh is a rod that is designed to be paired with the latest in Daiwa electric reels. This rod is made with the brand’s Glatech Blank Construction which combines uni-directional fiberglass with multiple layers of graphite material for an incredibly strong product.

It also comes with Daiwa’s Powerlift Grip that is designed to help anglers maintain their hold on the rod and have greater control over powerful fish. With Alps Swivel Tip Top Guides, it’s clear that this rod is designed to the highest standard and is made for catching giant fish. It also includes SeaGuide aluminum oxide ring guides and an anodized aluminum butt end with an aluminum reel seat. With such high-quality components and a lifetime warranty, it’s no question that this is a great rod to use. It works with electric reels or large conventional reels.

Type of Saltwater Fishing Rods

Saltwater Spinning Rods

When it comes to saltwater fishing, spinning rods are one of the most popular types of rods used as they allow anglers to utilize a wide variety of rigs, baits, and techniques. A saltwater spinning rod allows the user to cast their lure out much farther than other types of rod and reel combos. This type of rod is also able to provide the user with a better ability to quickly retrieve certain kinds of lures as it can be easily and smoothly reeled in with very little resistance.

It’s highly important for anglers to know and understand the best rod power and action for the specific type of lure or rig they are using. Using a spinning rod that’s rigged with the right amount of weight can result in the angler making incredibly accurate casts at a considerable distance in some cases. Some of the most popular saltwater spinning rods are made by brands like Penn, St. Croix, Ugly Stik, Shimano, and more.

Spinning rods are made from materials like graphite and E-glass that are designed to be durable enough to withstand the hard-pulling nature of saltwater fish, yet light enough for anglers to continue casting without experiencing too much fatigue in their arms. The guides on a spinning rod are placed on the bottom side of the rod as the reel itself will be underneath the handle. Spinning rods are usually what fishing experts recommend for beginners as they are simple and easy to operate and understand while also being somewhat less prone to malfunction than other types of reel setups.

Saltwater Conventional Rods

Some of the most popular saltwater gamefish species are found far away from the shoreline and often lurking in depths of 100 feet or more. For this reason, anglers must use boats in order to reach the most suitable areas to catch the type of fish they’re going after. Conventional rods are often used to catch fish in deep water from a boat as conventional reels are designed to hold the heavier fishing line and withstand high pressure that large fish can put on a rod and reel.

Conventional rods are used most often for methods like bottom fishing, jigging, and trolling. Like other types of rods, they are available in a wide variety of lengths and thickness, as well as power levels and action. The reel on a conventional rod is secured on top of the handle rather than below it like in the case of a spinning reel . This reel placement creates the possibility for better leverage when pulling and reeling a large game fish species that can put a huge amount of strain on your tackle.

While the guides on a spinning rod are fitted on the bottom, the guides on a conventional rod are placed on the top portion of the rod. These types of rods also come with a “trigger” grip that allows the user to have a better grip on their rod for casting or simply reeling in a catch. Conventional rods also provide better sensitivity to the user than a spinning rod as the line is closer to the rod and anglers are able to feel the fish’s initial bite more than they can with a spinning rod and reel.

Saltwater Surf Fishing Rods

Surf fishing rods are quite unique compared to other kinds of rods as they must be specially designed to help the angler catch fish on the coast among large crashing waves. Surf fishing rods are typically longer than any other kind of rod since an angler usually aims to cast their bait far enough to pass over the breaking waves. There are many brands that produce surf fishing rods that are as long as 15 feet or more, but most anglers are able to cast as far as they need to use rods that are in the 10 to 12-foot range.

The long length of a surf fishing rod is primarily to increase casting distance. Anglers can use rods that are designed with light to heavy power depending on the type of fish they’re trying to catch, but most surf fishing anglers prefer to use a medium-heavy power rod to give them the ability to use relatively light or heavier lures. For anglers who plan to use a heavier line, they will be better served with a heavy powered rod.

Surf fishing rods are often made with faster action as this will help the user get more distance with each cast. Surf rods are also made in two, three, or even four-piece models in order to be more portable for the user. Most surf fishing experts generally prefer to use a rod that’s about 12 feet in length and offers medium-heavy power and moderate action.

Saltwater Telescopic Rods

A telescopic fishing rod is designed to collapse into a short and easy-to-transport length that lets the angler carry it just about anywhere. Some of the most popular telescopic fishing rods are able to collapse to a length of about 18 to 28 inches, which is usually short enough to fit inside a backpack. Telescopic rods must be constructed from a lighter material in order to make it possible for the rod to collapse into small sections.

Most telescopic rods are made of carbon or fiberglass materials. These lighter rods are often strong enough to catch most saltwater game fish species, but can be susceptible to breaking when faced with a larger, more powerful fish. Like any other type of rod, telescopic rods come in a variety of different lengths depending on the user’s preference. Most saltwater telescopic rods are no longer than about 7 feet when fully extended.

A telescopic rod can present the user with more problems than other types of fishing rods. If each section does not properly lock into place, the rod can be more prone to breaking or having one section collapse when the angler is reeling in a catch. Telescopic rods are generally available in medium or medium-heavy power ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a saltwater fishing rod.

A saltwater fishing rod is very similar to a freshwater rod in its overall design and functionality. Saltwater rods, however, will generally be longer and heavier in some cases as the types of fish in the ocean are usually much larger than freshwater species.

Saltwater fishing rods that are designed for surf fishing are often much longer than other kinds of rods as they must be designed to help anglers cast farther in order to avoid their bait being swept away in the breaking waves. In contrast, for saltwater fishing from boats, anglers generally prefer to use a rod that’s shorter and will provide much more stiffness as they generally are faced with pulling large trophy fish species from deep depths.

One of the most important aspects of saltwater fishing rods is the need for the rod to be corrosion-resistant. Saltwater is highly corrosive for certain materials and freshwater rods and reels will be easily ruined in a short period of time due to the salt content of the water.

How do I choose a saltwater rod?

Choosing the right saltwater fishing rod truly depends on a number of factors. These include where you’re fishing from, what kind of species you’re after, and the type of lure or bait you plan to use, as well as other items that must be considered. If you’re fishing from the shoreline, it’s important to have a longer rod as we’ve already noted, but it’s acceptable to use shorter rods of about 6 feet for trolling or bottom fishing from a boat.

Naturally, if you’re planning to catch large fish species, you’ll want to have a rod that’s up to the task of reeling in something that’s up to 100 pounds or more in some cases. In this case, you’ll want a rod that’s made with a heavier, more durable blank material and use a large reel. Most saltwater anglers prefer a rod that’s made with faster action as this will allow them to cast farther, and will provide a greater sensitivity to feel fish bites.

Who makes the best saltwater fishing rods?

The top brands in the fishing industry are among the names commonly associated with the best saltwater fishing rods. Companies that have been around for many decades have learned to adapt to new fishing techniques and improve their products based on research and customer feedback. Some of the most prominent companies in the saltwater fishing industry are Penn, St. Croix, Daiwa, Okuma, and others. Determining exactly which brand produces the best overall saltwater fishing rods is a tough task since each of the top companies have proven the ability to create incredible products year after year that continue to meet the needs of saltwater anglers in a way that’s more efficient than older models.

When it comes to who makes the best saltwater rods, many anglers agree that it’s as much a matter of opinion and personal preference that separates some of the most prominent brands’ products from one another. Like anything else in the fishing industry, you’re usually going to get what you pay for, so it’s important to consider investing a little more money into your purchases if you want better quality.

What is the best all-around fishing rod? 

Ranking the best all-around fishing rod for saltwater use is a tall order, especially considering the vast differences in the characteristics you need to have for fishing from the shoreline, or dozens of miles offshore. It can be argued that the best all-around type of fishing rod is a saltwater spinning rod since this style will allow you to make accurate casts, while also being able to fish from the shoreline or far out into the ocean.

When it comes to a rod that’s suitable in every type of saltwater fishing, a conventional reel might just be a better all-around choice than a spinning rod as it will perform better against large game fish. However, we tend to lean towards our original top choice of the Ugly Stik Spinning rods since this model presents the ideal blend of performance and capabilities. Factoring in the overall cost also helps to drive home the fact that these rods are better suited for the average angler as it is much more affordable than the ultra-premium models that cost hundreds of dollars. The downside is the one-piece guides can cause a braided line to fray and break.

What size rod do I need for beach fishing?

Fishing from the beach is highly unique compared to fishing from a pier or offshore in a boat. The most important thing to consider is that you’ll need a rod that will allow you to cast out far past the breaking waves if you want to have the best chance to catch a fish. This is because most of the fish species commonly found along the shoreline are not going to be swimming in the waves, but will instead choose to stay in the more calm sections just beyond the waves. Casting beyond the waves will also ensure that your bait does not get dragged toward the shoreline by the waves and tides.

For fishing on the beach, it’s best to use a rod that’s at least 10 feet in length and has a medium-heavy power rating. In addition to these characteristics, it’s also important to choose a rod that has fast action since this will help to create a catapulting effect that will effectively launch your bait out as far as possible.

It’s sometimes acceptable to use a lighter rod for fishing from the beach when you are fishing for smaller species, but keep in mind that there’s a chance you could hook a larger fish like a shark or other creature which can result in broken lines, or even a snapped rod.

What is a good rod for trolling?

Choosing the best saltwater fishing rod for trolling can usually depend on the amount of money you’re willing to spend on purchasing a rod. If money is no object, it’s hard to beat the St. Croix Mojo Salt Conventional Trolling rod. While this model can usually be purchased for under $250, it’s still quite an investment on the part of a beginner angler.

When it comes to trolling, it’s highly important to keep in mind that you’ll want a rod that’s tough and features a comfortable grip. Trolling rods are usually crafted from graphite or fiberglass since they have to be much more durable than an inshore fishing rod. As many expert anglers know, trolling is a great way to catch some of the largest types of fish in the ocean and it’s important to be prepared to handle a fish that weighs a few hundred pounds.

What are the best rods for offshore big game fishing?

Fishing for the largest big game trophy fish is in a league of its own compared to other types of angling. There’s nothing quite like gripping a rod and pulling against a giant fish like marlin or tuna that weighs hundreds of pounds and can move an entire sportfishing boat with a few swipes of its tail. To have the greatest advantage when it comes to offshore big game fishing, you’ll need to use a rod that’s big and strong enough for the job.

For offshore fishing, it’s hard to beat Penn’s line of offshore rods. The company has been in business since 1932 and is easily one of the top brands in the world when it comes to producing rods that are capable of handling the largest fish in the sea. St. Croix is also known for producing rods that are highly capable of performing well against the biggest trophy game fish. As with any other type of fishing product, you can expect to get better results from big game fishing rods that are more expensive.

What is the best rod to fish with a braided line?

Fishing with braided line has many benefits when it comes to saltwater sportfishing. Its low stretch makes for a sensitive setup and its thin diameter means reels can hold a high line capacity. It’s important to know that not every kind of rod is equipped to handle the rigors of braided fishing line.

If you plan to use a braided line, you’ll want to look for a rod that features strong guides and ceramic inserts that will help to reduce the amount of friction caused by the braided line and the immense pressure of pulling against a giant fish. Using a rod that does not have durable guides and ceramic inserts will mean running the risk of the line breaking or damaging the guides. When specifically target large fish like tuna, marlin, sharks, and swordfish it is common to use an 80-100 pound test line on a 30 plus class conventional reel. The rod needs to be able to securely hold this type of reel.

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Gift Guides
• Accessories
• Fishing Techniques
• Fish Species

Updated 2/13/2024

Looking for the best saltwater fishing rods on the market? Look no further. I’ve done the hours of rod research and testing on weight, strength, durability, and material quality so you don’t have to.

Saltwater fishing covers a huge range of applications from deep sea jigging for tuna, to surf fishing , to chasing tailing redfish in the marsh. All the while, saltwater is doing its best to corrode your gear. Having the right saltwater fishing rods in your arsenal is crucial for catching fish.

Check out our top recommendations by category of saltwater fishing to have the right rods for the job.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.

Our Top Picks

Many rods on our list comes in spinning and casting versions. Both are great options. We recommend spinning rods as all-around options and as more beginner friendly. Casting rods are easier to cast accurately but can be tricky if you aren’t as experienced with casting reels.

• Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning
• Penn Battalion II Inshore Casting
• Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning
• Ugly Stik Bigwater Casting
• St. Croix Triumph Inshore Spinning
• St. Croix Triumph Inshore Casting
• St. Croix Triumph Surf Spinning
• Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo
• Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning
• Penn Carnage III Boat Conventional
• St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning
• St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Casting

The Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best overall saltwater rod as well as budget, surf, offshore, and splurge options!

1.  Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod

• Length : 7′ to 8′
• Rod Material : SLC2 Carbon
• Guides : Fuji Alconite
• Handle: Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube
• Warranty : 1 Year manufacturing defects only
• Highly versatile for multiple saltwater fishing applications
• Premium rod features for reasonable price

Our top choice for best saltwater fishing rod is the Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod . This rod captures a great balance of value, price accessibility, and quality features. It’s an all around workhorse saltwater fishing rod that is perfect for anything the ocean can throw at it.

Picking a top overall choice proved challenging. Is this rod perfect? No. Is it solid equipment for the price? Definitely.

We picked an inshore rod as our top saltwater fishing rod because of its versatility. You can successfully catch fish with this rod in every saltwater application. You can use it for snapper on offshore structure, redfish and trout in back marshes, surf fishing for bull reds, and anything in-between. This type of rod is not the best choice for all saltwater fishing applications, but it CAN work for most everything.

For surf fishing that requires long casting distances or offshore fishing for huge species, think about getting a specialized rod for those applications. Otherwise, the Battalion II has you covered.

The SLC2 Carbon rod blank and Fuji Alconite guide material construction are considered mid-tier materials that should last plenty long with proper care. The full cork handle feels great for prolonged saltwater fishing trips. We do wish Penn offered a better warranty (like St. Croix), but it’s hard to complain at this price point.

For other great inshore rod choices, check out our article on the best inshore fishing rods .

2.  Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod

• Length : 6’6″ to 15′
• Rod Material : Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass)
• Guides : Stainless Steel
• Handle: EVA Foam
• Warranty : 7 Year manufacturing only
• Budget friendly
• Wide size range makes it a great budget option as a shorter inshore rod or longer surf rod

Our choice for the best saltwater fishing rod under $100 is the Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod . In this case, budget pricing doesn’t mean budget performance .

This rod is plenty sturdy. It’s heavier and less sensitive than most other similar class rods. The stainless steel inserts will succumb to saltwater corrosion quicker than pricier alternatives. The foam handle is functional and feels fine (although we personally prefer cork!).

We love that this rod comes in a huge range of sizes and it has a better warranty than many of the pricier rods available. This is a great saltwater option for both inshore or surf fishing. For inshore, get one around 7′. For surf fishing we recommend 10-12′.

This is an excellent budget option that can catch fish just as well as higher-end rods. Don’t think twice about adding an Ugly Stik Bigwater to your fishing arsenal.

For additional reading, check out our article on the best saltwater fishing rods under $100 .

3.  St. Croix Triumph Inshore

• Length : 6’8″ – 7’6″
• Power: Medium-Light to Heavy
• Rod Material : SCII Carbon
• Guides : Aluminum-oxide
• Handle: Full Cork
• Warranty : 5 year
• Great value for the money

Our choice for the best saltwater rod under $200 is the Triumph Inshore Fishing Rod . This price point is the best bang for your buck for balancing quality and price. This rod line is a workhorse saltwater fishing rod that can handle almost everything you throw at it.

The 7 foot, medium power, fast action Triumph Inshore in either spinning and casting is a great option as the best redfish and speckled trout rod on this list.

A 7 foot, medium power spinning Triumph Inshore has been my recent go-to rod for bottom fishing live shrimp on a fish-finder rig in tidal channels near the San Luis pass on the Texas coast. I found a stretch of shell bottom near moving current and this setup has been deadly for slot reds, big flounder, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead. The Triumph Inshore has the sensitivity for me to feel my sinker and shrimp drift with the current over the shell bottom and the backbone to handle hits from bigger inshore fish.

This rod is made with saltwater rated components on a strong, lightweight, and sensitive rod blank. It’s perfect for chucking popping corks, working soft plastics, or soaking shrimp trying to catch reds and specks.

The full cork handle feels great. There’s plenty of backbone in the medium power (or heavier) versions to deal with slot redfish while still maintaining excellent sensitivity to detect subtle strikes.

I previously had the St. Croix Mojo Inshore rod as our best inshore rod under $200 but decided to transition to the Triumph. The Mojo inshore was revamped in 2021. My Mojo Inshore rods from before 2021 have held up incredibly well. I had one Mojo Inshore built after 2021 that broke near the tip after just a few uses which I’ve seen is a common problem on assorted forums. Even though St. Croix’s warranty is incredible, I couldn’t in good-conscience keep the Mojo Inshore in a top slot.

4.  St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod

• Length : 7′ to 10’6″
• Rod Material : Graphite
• Guides : Aluminum oxide
• Handle: Cork Tape
• Warranty : 5 Year
• Available in 2 and 4 piece versions
• Heavy duty travel case with the 4 piece travel version
• 36″ hard-sided travel case for the 4 piece version is a delight to transport
• Long, comfortable cork tape handle

Our top choice for best surf rod is the St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod because it nails that perfect mix of features and value we’re always looking for . Make sure to check out our in-depth review of the Triumph Surf !

Surf fishing usually requires long casting distances. This means that surf fishing rods are much longer than regular fishing rods. We recommend surf rods around 10 feet long because you can cast what feels like a mile but the rod isn’t too big to become unmanageable. For a deeper dive on surf fishing rods, check out our article on the be s t surf fishing rods .

St. Croix rods are synonymous with quality and the Triumph Surf Spinning Rod is no exception. We love the feel of the long, split cork table handle. It is comfortable and the rod casts like a dream.

The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary  SC II graphite fiber  which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. The Triumph Surf Rod is on the lighter end of available surf rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.

5.  Penn Battle III Spinning Rod & Reel Combo

• Rod Length : 6’6″ to 10′
• Rod Power : Light to Heavy
• Reel Size : 1000 to 8000
• Reel Ball Bearings:  5+1
• Wide range of available rod and reel sizes and powers for various applications
• Great value for the price
• One stop shop for beginners

Our choice for the best saltwater rod & reel combo is the Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo . This combo is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. It is an excellent entry point for a one-stop-shop saltwater fishing rod and reel setup for beginners. It also comes in a wide variety of rod lengths, reel sizes, and powers so a prudent angler can pick the right setup for their needs.

Heck, the Penn Battle III reel is our choice for best saltwater spinning reel so it’s no surprise if you slap it on a decent rod we’ll think highly of it!

The reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel, includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail.

The rod blank is a graphite composite with either cork or eva handle depending on the model. It has plenty of backbone to reel in big inshore species like redfish, striped bass, and speckled trout. We do feel like the rod blank lacks the sensitivity compared to the full graphite blank rods on this list but we don’t think this is a big problem inshore fishing. Most inshore fish, with the notable exception of flounder, hit like a ton of bricks and sensitivity isn’t a major deciding factor for picking a rod.

While we generally expect a rod & reel combo to skimp in quality on one of the components, we were pleasantly surprised with this pairing by Penn. This combo is great value for the price.

Check out our article on best surf fishing saltwater rod and reel combos and our article on the best saltwater rod and reel combos for further reading on why we like this combo so much. For saltwater rod and reel combos we recommend getting a rod closer to 7 feet long with roughly a 4000 series spinning reel.

6.  Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rod

• Length : 6’6″ to 8′
• Rod Material : SLS3 Composite (Carbon fiber & fiberglass)
• Guides : Fuji K-Series with SiC (silicon carbide) Inserts
• Handle: Full Rubberized Shrink Wrapped
• Serious backbone for serious offshore fish
• Sea-Guide Aluminum Reel Seat & Aluminum Gimbal

Our choice for best offshore saltwater fishing rod is the Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rod. This rod is the perfect choice for reeling in sea monsters from the depths because of it’s high build quality and strength.

Offshore fishing from a boat challenges fishing rods in a unique way. Casting distance is less of an issue and durability, reliability, and rod strength come to the forefront. Reeling in big fish like mackerel, tuna, mahi-mahi, tripletail, sailfish, grouper, and sharks puts huge demand on your gear.

Offshore fishing techniques like heavy jigging can put extra strain on the reel seat. We love that Penn put the reinforced Sea-Guide Aluminum reel seat on this rod for that extra bit of strength. Also, the aluminum gimbal on the butt of the rod is a nice touch when the rod is under heavy strain in a fighting belt.

7.  St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning Rod

• Length : 7′ to 7’11”
• Rod Material : SCIV+ Carbon Fiber
• Guides : Alconite & Stainless Steel
• Handle: Super Grade Cork
• Warranty : 15 Year
• Integrated Poly Curve (IPC), Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART), Fortified Resin System (FRS)
• The best money can buy
• Made in the USA

Our choice for the best high end saltwater fishing rod is the St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore. This is rod is just about the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive saltwater fishing rod on the market. We love the full cork handle, top end construction materials that should last forever, and St. Croix’s 15 year warranty. Our experience with St. Croix’s customer service has always been stellar so we feel it’s important to mention.

To top it all off, they make this rod line is made locally in Park Falls, Wisconsin!

The rod features four of St. Croix’s  innovative technologies .

SCIV+ is St. Croix’s next gen, super high modulus carbon fiber. It is a hybrid carbon fiber blank enhanced with new IACT Glass technology that makes for a lighter, stronger, and more sensitive fishing rod.

Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) eliminates all transitional points in the rod blanks for smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.

Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude (10x) of strength with virtually no increase in rod blank diameter or weight and significantly improves the hoop strength of the blank by preventing it from deforming under severe loads.

And last but not least, rods manufactured with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) advanced manufacturing protocol consistently test 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods.

Rod Comparison Table

Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod choices.

Rod Name	Length	Rod Material	Guides	Handle	Warranty
Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod	7′ to 8′	SLC2 Carbon	Fuji Alconite	Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube	1 Year manufacturing defects only
Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod	6’6″ to 15′	Ugly Tech (combo graphite & fiberglass)	Stainless Steel	EVA Foam	7 Year manufacturing only
St. Croix Triumph Surf Rod	7′ to 10’6″	Graphite	Aluminum oxide	Cork Tape	5 Year
Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rod	6’6″ to 8′	SLC3 Composite (Carbon fiber & fiberglass)	Fuji K-Series with SiC (silicon carbide) Inserts	Full Rubberized Shrink Wrapped	1 Year manufacturing defects only
St. Croix Legend Tournament Inshore Spinning Rod	7′ to 7’11”	SCIV+ Carbon Fiber	Alconite & Stainless Steel	Super Grade Cork	15 Year
Penn Battle III Spinning Rod and Reel Combo	6’6″ to 10′	SLC2 Carbon	Penn Dura-Guides	Cork or EVA	–
St. Croix Triumph Inshore	6’8″ – 7’6″	SCII Carbon	Aluminum-oxide	Full Cork	5 year

The best saltwater fishing rods need to cover a wide range of fishing techniques and target species. Our overall choice for best saltwater fishing rod is the Penn Battalion II Inshore rod because of it’s versatility and value for the money.

What are you waiting for. Get out there and catch some fish!

Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:

• Best Saltwater Reels
• Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
• Best Inshore Reels
• Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
• Best Surf Fishing Reels
• Best Conventional Reels
• Best Trolling Reels

Check out our related rod articles:

• Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
• Best Inshore Fishing Rods
• Best Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout
• Best Beginner Fishing Rods
• Best Mahi Mahi Rods
• Best Flounder Rods
• Best Sheepshead Rods
• Best Surf Fishing Rods
• Best Surf Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
• Best Pier Fishing Rods
• Best Trolling Rods

How to Choose The Best Saltwater Fishing Rod For You

Choosing the best saltwater fishing rod should account for factors like rod power, action, materials, and portability.

For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod .

Saltwater Rod Length

Saltwater anglers should pick rod length based on what type of fish they are after and what kind of fishing they intend to do. Generally, longer rods can cast further, and shorter rods are easier to maneuver and are sturdier.

Surf fishing off the beach requires long distances casts so most surf rods are over 10 feet long. A rod between 10 to 12 feet is a great option for surf saltwater fishing.

Inshore saltwater anglers should pick a rod around 7 feet long. This is a great length to be able to cast relatively far but still have the accuracy to pinpoint cast to a specific spot.

Saltwater Rod Power

Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy. Medium power is a great all around choice for saltwater fishing.

Saltwater species are generally larger and stronger fighters than many freshwater species, so we recommend rods from medium to heavy for saltwater. If targeting huge species like bull reds or sharks, size up to a heavy rod. If targeting reds, speckled trout, or striped bass size fish, medium power is perfect.

Saltwater Rod Action

Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).

The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).

Saltwater rods with moderate to fast actions are ideal. They provide a balance of accurate casting and sensitivity. Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.

Portability

Another key factor to picking the best saltwater fishing rod is portability.

Seven foot long rods fit in most vehicles and boat rod holders. Much longer and you may run into problems. Make sure you check if your rod can fit in your vehicle before you make a purchase!

Since surf rods are so long, they usually break into 2 or 4 pieces for transport.

Think about purchasing multi-piece ‘travel’ versions of rods and/or look into travel cases to help protect your rod during transport. There’s nothing worse than accidentally breaking a guide or the rod tip on the way to the beach.

Handle Material

Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a saltwater fishing rod. Common handle types are rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or neoprene. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas cork or neoprene feels better to grip and handle.

Rod Guide Material

Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail. This can be partially avoided by rinsing rod guides with freshwater after every trip.

The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.

Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.

For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail .

Rod Material

Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.

Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.

Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.

Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.

Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.

Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your saltwater fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.

Saltwater Fishing Rod Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rod is best for saltwater fishing.

The best all around rod for inshore saltwater fishing is a 7 foot, medium power rod. This rod is a perfect mix of strength and sensitivity to catch most saltwater fish species. If surf fishing, choose a longer rod that is between 10 and 12 feet long. For offshore fishing for larger fish species, up-size to a heavy power rod.

What reel to pair with saltwater rod?

Saltwater rods should be paired with saltwater rated reels. Saltwater reels are built with corrosion resistant parts and hold up much better to the salty conditions. A 4000 size spinning reel is a great all around choice for common species like redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and striped bass. Size up to 8000 or larger for offshore or surf fishing for species like bull reds, sharks, and grouper.

Check out our articles on the best surf fishing reels , best saltwater casting reels , and the best saltwater spinning reels which would be great to pair with these saltwater rods.

Be sure to thoroughly clean your equipment after surf fishing with a gentle freshwater rinse. Sand and salt spray gets in everything and your gear will last longer if you spray it down after each outing.

What is the best length saltwater fishing rod?

The best all around rod length for saltwater fishing is 7 feet long. This length rod can accurately make long casts while still having enough backbone to reel in larger saltwater species.

How many yards of line do you need for a saltwater rod?

Preferably 200 yards or more. You want plenty of line to make long casts. Also, large fish may pull a bunch of line if they make a run for it. Swapping from mono to braid can help with this because braid has a smaller diameter meaning you can fit more on the reel spool.

Is mono or braid better for saltwater fishing?

Braided fishing line is preferable for saltwater fishing. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while surf fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements.

What kind of bait for saltwater fishing?

Saltwater fishing can be done with both live and artificial baits. A common type of surf fishing is using live bait on a bottom rig like a fish finder rig or high low rig (check out our in-depth  article on the best surf fishing rigs ). Rig up a 1/2 – 4 oz weight and live bait on a circle hook and you’ll be catching fish in no time. You can catch anything from bull reds to sharks surf fishing with live bait. Common surf fishing baits are live shrimp, cut bait, squid, and crab (check out our  article on the best surf fishing baits ).

Artificial lures like soft plastic baits on jig heads or shrimp under a popping cork as also popular.

Written By: Andrew Juran

Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of saltwater fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.

For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram

High Low Rig Fishing – Everything You Need To Know

How to hold a bass [the best way].

Related Posts

2024 Ultimate Fishing Rod Maintenance and Care Guide

How to Choose the Right Fishing Rod Action [2024 Guide]

How to Choose the Perfect Fishing Rod Length [2024 Guide]

How to Choose a Fishing Rod: 2024 Ultimate Guide

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS. Details

SAVE UP TO $60 ON ALL BATTLE® III LE COMBOS. SHOP NOW

• Prevail III Inshore Spinning Rod
• Spinfisher VII Spinning Reel
• Squall II Lever Drag Conventional Reel
• Wrath II Spinning Reel
• Battle III LE Combo
• Slammer IV Spinning Reel 6500 5:6:1
• International VISX Extreme Conventional Reel 50 3:5:1
• Fathom II Lever Drag Two-Speed Conventional Reel 60N
• Inshore Fishing
• Nearshore Fishing
• Offshore Fishing
• Surf Fishing

• 1000 - 2000
• 2000 - 3000
• 3000 - 4000
• 4000 - 5000
• 5000 - 6000
• 6000 - 7000
• 7000 - 8000
• International
• Pliers & Crimps
• Filet Knives
• Line Winder
• Oil, Grease & Cleaner
• Rod and Reel Covers
• Performance Wear

Your cart is currently empty. Stock up on what you need for your next adventure.

• Casting Rods
• Spinning Rods
• 6'6"
• 7'6"
• 8'3"
• Extra Extra Heavy
• Extra Heavy
• Medium Heavy
• Medium Light
• PacBay® Rollers
• Seaguide® Zirconium
• Seaguide® Zirconium/PacBay® Rollers
• Out of stock
• Best selling
• Alphabetically, A-Z
• Alphabetically, Z-A
• Price, low to high
• Price, high to low
• Date, old to new
• Date, new to old
• Fathom Electric
• Inshore fishing reels
• Saltwater rods
• Fishing gear
• Inshore fishing combos
• Fillet knife
• Casting rods
• Spinning rods

Select an option

Ally™ II Bent Butt Conventional Boat Rod

Ally™ II Straight Butt Conventional Boat Rod

Carnage® III Conventional West Coast Boat Rod

Mariner® III Conventional Boat Rod

Rampage® Conventional Boat Rod

Mariner® III Spinning Boat Rod

Carnage® III Spinning Boat Rod

Rampage® Spinning Boat Rod

Get versatile rods for boat fishing from the experts at PENN.

Whether you’re exploring the diverse waterways of a favorite fishing location or just enjoying the tranquil moments on the water, boat fishing gear from PENN Fishing is reliable, durable, and suited to the sport. We’ve got medium to heavy rods to handle the load, including versatile options from the Battalion series, Ally Boat rods that are specifically designed for the sport, and the classic Senator rods.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

• Conventional Rods (65)
• Spinning Rods (35)
• Ahi USA (1)
• Calstar (2)
• G Loomis (2)
• Lamiglas (4)
• Phenix (22)
• Shakespeare (3)
• Shimano (9)
• St. Croix (4)
• Ugly Stik (4)
• $20.00 - $49.99 (8)
• $50.00 - $99.99 (15)
• $100.00 - $199.99 (26)
• $200.00 - $499.99 (50)
• $500.00 - $999.99 (9)

Fishing Rods / Saltwater Rods

Manufacturer

• Sort by Popularity
• Sort by Availablity
• Sort by Price: Low to High
• Sort by Price: High to Low
• Sort by Name: A to Z
• Sort by Name: Z to A

• Sports & Outdoors
• Hunting & Fishing
• Rods & Accessories

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered for portable products and power surges covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. We will send you an e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product. In some instances, we will replace or repair it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.
• Buy a lot of stuff on Amazon? Tons of items eligible for coverage, from the latest tech like Laptops, Game Consoles, TVs, Phones, and Cameras to major appliances, sporting goods, tools, toys, personal care, furniture, and more.
• Accidents Happen. That’s why for your portable products we cover accidental damage from handling such as drops, spills and cracked screens. We also cover electrical and mechanical malfunctions, power surges, and wear and tear.
• Past and Future Purchases covered. 30 days after you are enrolled, all eligible past purchases (up to 1 year prior to enrollment) and future eligible purchases made on Amazon will be covered by your plan as long as you are enrolled.
• Fast, easy claims. Frustration-Free claims, with most filed in minutes. We will fix it, replace it, or reimburse you with an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your product (excluding tax). File at Asurion.com/amazon.
• No Hidden Fees. For just $16.99 a month + tax you’re covered for up to $5,000 in claims per 12-month period. *THIS PROGRAM IS MONTH-TO-MONTH AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL CANCELED* Coverage for all products ends 30 days after the plan is canceled. Cancel any time.

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

• Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
• Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
• Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
• A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
• Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
• Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Return this item for free

We offer easy, convenient returns with at least one free return option: no shipping charges. All returns must comply with our returns policy.

• Go to your orders and start the return
• Select your preferred free shipping option
• Drop off and leave!

2 Year Sporting Goods Protection Plan

Asurion complete protect: one plan covers all eligible past and future purchases on amazon.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod Big Game Conventional Boat Fishing Roller Rod Pole with All Roller Guides (Heavy Power, 5-Feet 1-Inch)

A:5'1" 30-50-pound Straight Butt--1pc

A:5'1" 50-80-pound Straight Butt--1pc

A:5'1" 80-120-pound Straight Butt--1pc

C:5'6‘-bent Butt-2pc

B:6'-straight Butt--2pc

B:7'6"-straight Butt--2pc

Purchase options and add-ons

Brand	Fiblink
Material	carbon, graphite, glass fiber
Color	Blue,Silver,Black
Number of Pieces	1
Fishing Technique	Casting

About this item

• Solid Construction:Extra-tough 1-piece tubular E-glass graphite composite blanks,especially for playing with big fish and provides better cranking,designed for battling
• Stainless Steel Roller Guides:Heavy-duty Roller Guides minimize strain on you and your line,smooth polished line protecting stainless steel roller guides, wear free line flow, and providing saltwater approved corrosion resistant and power control
• Extreme Exposure Reel Seat:Machined aluminum alloy reel seat keeps reel in place without corrosion,heavy Reverse Knurling Nut to Make the Bonding Stronger.Aluminum gimbal butt with cap provides great leverage during long battles
• Comfortable EVA Handle:High density EVA foam handle and foregrips gives a comfortable grip,the handles remain easy to grip even when they are wet,allowing you to stay on the water for long periods of time with minimal fatigue
• One Piece & Two Piece Rod:Fiblink saltwater rods range in length from 5'1 "to 7'6" and are available in both straight and bent butt rod models, 1 and 2 rods.The 1 piece rod are more sensitive and not easy to separate or break when casting or fighting with fish; the 2 piece rod are easy to be transported and store, and can be easily put into the car or boat

Customers usually keep this item

This product has fewer returns than average compared to similar products.

Frequently bought together

You might also like

Product Description

• This incredibly strong Saltwater Offshore Rod is built on extra-tough E-glass graphite composite blanks, specifically designed for applying maximum pressure when battling huge saltwater fish.
• Tough 1-piece tubular E-glass graphite composite blanks, with a parabolic taper specifically designed for applying maximum pressure when battling huge saltwater fish.
• 2 piece bent butt trolling rod meets IGFA stand fishing, silver fiberglass blanks and decorated with blue,equipped with a solid aluminum bent butt and EVA handle, more in line with contemporary trends.
• Heavy-duty roller guides minimize strain on you and your line, providing added leverage to bear down on tournament-winning fish.
• Aluminum alloy reel seat keeps reel in place without corrosion, an aluminum gimbal provides considerable advantage in keeping the rod butt solidly planted in the fighting belt to minimize fatigue during prolonged battles, an aluminum butt section allows for easy access in and out of rod holders.
• EVA foregrips give you added comfort and a solid non-slip hold against hard-pulling fish.

Straight Butt Saltwater Fishing Rod Feature:

Bent Butt Saltwater Fishing Rod Feature:

Customer Reviews
Price	$70.99$70.99	$74.99$74.99	$59.99$59.99	$79.99$79.99	$94.99$94.99	$49.99$49.99
Length	6'6"	5'6"/6'	5’6”/6’/7’	5'6"/6'	5'1"/5'6"/6'/6'6"	5'/6'6"
Line Weight	30-50lbs./50-80lbs./80-120lbs.	30-50lbs./50-80lbs./80-120lbs.	30-50 lb./50-80 lb./80-120lbs.	80-120 lb./120-200lbs.	50-80 lb./80-120 lb.	50-80lbs./80-120lbs.
Pieces	1Piece/2Piece	1 Piece	1Piece/2Piece	2Piece	2Piece	1 Piece/2 Piece

Product information

Technical details.

Brand	‎Fiblink
Material	‎carbon, graphite, glass fiber
Color	‎Blue,Silver,Black
Number of Pieces	‎1
Fishing Technique	‎Casting
Item Weight	‎0.5 Kilograms
Model Name	‎Fiblink
Age Range (Description)	‎Adult
Action	‎slow fall
Line Weight	‎50 pound test, 30 pound test
Tension Level	‎50 pounds
Handle Material	‎Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Lure Weight	‎4 Ounces
Fishing Rod Power	‎Heavy
Manufacturer	‎Fiblink
Size	‎5'1"
UPC	‎754610696732
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	‎62 x 2 x 1 inches
Package Weight	‎0.91 Kilograms
Item Dimensions LxWxH	‎61 x 1 x 1 inches
Brand Name	‎Fiblink
Warranty Description	‎1 Year
Suggested Users	‎unisex-adult
Part Number	‎FBTRO20
Style	‎A:5'1" 30-50-pound Straight Butt--1pc
Included Components	‎Fishing Bag, Fishing Rod
Fishing Line Type	‎pe line, braided fishing line, braided line, braid line

Additional Information

ASIN	B01931F9C0
Customer Reviews	4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank	#89,154 in Sports & Outdoors ( ) #159 in
Date First Available	December 8, 2015

Fields with an asterisk * are required

: : : Enter the store name where you found this product : Please select province : to provide feedback. \n' + ' ' ); } function getThankYouDiv(thankMsg) { return ( ' \n' + '

' ); } function getLoadingGifDiv() { return '

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Saltwater Offshore Heavy Trolling Fishing Rod

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 74% 14% 5% 2% 4% 74%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 74% 14% 5% 2% 4% 14%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 74% 14% 5% 2% 4% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 74% 14% 5% 2% 4% 2%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 74% 14% 5% 2% 4% 4%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the stiffness, value, appearance, performance and quality of the fishing rod. They mention that it's a good rod for the price, works well and that the roller guides and tip work well. Some say that they have issues with corrosion and alignment. Opinions are mixed on the guide.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the fishing rod. For example, they mention it's sturdy, holds up great, and is well-made. Some say the poles are stout and the eyes are aligned. Overall, most are satisfied with the product's quality and durability.

"It is a good rod, comfortable and resistant . I caught several giant fish and it worked great" Read more

"Nice looking and stout . Packing was terrible but no damage to the product which was covered in an inexpensize rod sock...." Read more

"...this rod because it is perfect for me, i am also sad to say it seems to be defective ...." Read more

"Trolled with it recently and caught mahi and Bonita and rod felt solid the whole time .I put heatshrink over existing handles because the factory..." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the value of the fishing rod. They mention that it's a great buy, has impressive quality, and feels and looks much more expensive than it is.

"...I think this rod is a very good value for the money . I will probally buy a couple more after I see how it performs on the ocean...." Read more

"...So this makes for a SUPER value ." Read more

"I bought this rod a few years back and it’s been well worth the money I’ve caught some of my personal bests with it and had a lot of great fights..." Read more

"This rod is going to last me a long time. Compares to a more expensive rod . Very satisfied." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the fishing rod. They mention it's a very nice rod, appealing, and well built. Some say it has a good design and a rubber butt cover. Overall, most are happy with the quality and performance of this rod.

"It is a good rod , comfortable and resistant. I caught several giant fish and it worked great" Read more

"... Nice aluminum reel seat and butt as mentioned with a rubber butt cover included. It has three stars because I haven't used it yet." Read more

" Great rod . Looking for a cap to the butt of the rod and having a hard time getting a replacement. Only reason for a 4 star." Read more

"Its a very appealing fishing rod . The roller guides and tip should work well...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the performance of the fishing rod. For example, they mention it works well for jigging big tuna, and it has a strong reel connection with no problems. They also appreciate the roller guides and tip.

"...I caught several giant fish and it worked great " Read more

"Its a very appealing fishing rod. The roller guides and tip should work well ...." Read more

" Working well so far for jigging big tuna.I've pulled in several large tuna and a monster pompano with this rod and it has performed well...." Read more

"The Trolling Rod has performed well . My last trip fishing I caught a 3lb Bluefin Travally on a gold Rapala lure...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the stiffness of the fishing rod. They mention it's sturdy and can handle the pressure of a fight from a big fish. Some say that the rod is made to bend on really big fish, and that they like the way it feels.

"...This is a short pole, 5 feet, and it is made to bend on the really big fish . I have 2 poles that are 60+ years old each...." Read more

"...Other than that love this rod! Really stiff ! Most likely ordering one for myself." Read more

" Great stiff rod , tip came at a jaunty angle when it was delivered. There’s the $60 vs. $600 difference" Read more

"I like the way they feel . The only problem I had was I ordered 2 and got 2 different types same weight class but different lengths" Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the guide of the fishing rod. Some mention that the rollers are the deciding factor and smooth, while others say that the bearings on the roller don't work.

"... Reel spun in the seat (probably install error from my friend) wondering if anyone else had that problem? Other than that love this rod! Really stiff!..." Read more

"...Over all I really like this rod. The rollers are the deciding factor . Just rigged it with a Penn Squal reel for deep sea fishing...." Read more

"...mounts are not in line with the line guides on rod, so the reel sets off to the side of the rod, not in line with the guides" Read more

"After using for Halibut since May 2023, the rollers are not turning ...." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the alignment of the fishing rod. They mention that the guides are not aligned, the reel seat doesn't line up with line guides, and the roller guide at the tip is misaligned. They also say that the reel mounts are not in line with the line guides on rod, so the reel sets off.

"...Of the three I purchased, two allow the reel to index way out of alignment , the third is loose but mostly straight..." Read more

"I only give it 4 stars because the guide at the tip is not aligned 100% with the other ones , just a little off but other than that rod looks great..." Read more

"...I was worried the guides would be cockeyed, but they are straight and true ...." Read more

"...Planned on going fishing in two days. The reel mounts are not in line with the line guides on rod, so the reel sets off to the side of the rod, not..." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the corrosion of the fishing rod. They mention that the guides show signs of corrosion.

"...Obviously cheap materials, there is substantial corrosion after less than a year of light use and regular rinsing." Read more

"...roller guide at the tip is misaligned, I’m thinking these guides will rust in salt just Crome plated pretty cheesy, save your money buy something..." Read more

"The roller guides are rusting up after 2 weeks without even using the rod yet. May be OK in fresh water but rollers are definitely cheap...." Read more

"...used once trolling offshore, washed them good and now the roller guides are rusting ...." Read more

Reviews with images

Eyelet 10 degrees off center

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

Top reviews from other countries

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Registry & Gift List

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Boat Fishing Rods

Boat casting rods to buy online at J & H are just a click of the mouse away. We stock a full range of boat casting rods for sale from several different manufacturers, which gives you the freedom of scoping out the offerings of each manufacturer before making your decision. Boat casting rods are manufactured by all the top fishing tackle companies including Daiwa, G Lomis, Phenix, Shimano, Dark Matter, St. Croix and Tsunami.

Boat casting rods prices extend from the full range from inexpensive to not-quite-as-inexpensive, with commensurate features for each. The casual angler can do quite well with an inexpensive rod, but the more features you have, the nicer your experience out on the water.

St Croix Triumph Inshore Casting Rods

Tsunami Carbon Shield II Boat Casting Rods

Shimano Tallus PX Casting Rods

Tsunami Airwave Elite Braid Select Casting Rods

Tsunami Sapphire XT Boat Casting Rods

St Croix Mojo Salt Conventional Rods

Shimano Talavera Boat Casting Rods

Phenix Black Diamond East Coast Casting Rods

Shimano Tallus Trolling Ring Guided Casting Rods

Shimano Talavera Bluewater Roller Tip Slick Butt Rod

Tsunami Sapphire XT Pro Boat Casting Rods

Tsunami Trophy Boat Casting Rods

Please verify you are a human

Access to this page has been denied because we believe you are using automation tools to browse the website.

This may happen as a result of the following:

• Javascript is disabled or blocked by an extension (ad blockers for example)
• Your browser does not support cookies

Please make sure that Javascript and cookies are enabled on your browser and that you are not blocking them from loading.

Reference ID: d6befdd4-6670-11ef-8497-379efbc559c8

Powered by PerimeterX , Inc.

• Login / Sign up

Filter products

Filter by product categories, filter by product brand, recommended, filter by product colours, filter by product rod class, filter by product rod length, filter by product rod sections, left or right hand., casting range (grams).

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 20-30lb

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 30-50lb

Sunset Baroudeur Tuna Control 5’9 80lb

Shimano Tyrnos Trolling Rods

Penn Squadron III Boat 2.1m 12-20lb 2pc

Penn Squadron III Boat 2.1m 30-50lb 2pc

Penn Squadron III Halibut 2.4m 30-50lb

PENN Regiment III Solid Carbon Boat 2.30m 4-8lb Class

Shimano Tyrnos B Stand Up Spiral Bent Rods

Westin W6 Boat Rod 6’6″ 20-30lbs 2sec

Daiwa Megaforce Stand-Up Boat Rods

Century Eliminator Boat Rod 8’4″ 20-40lb

Boat rods are essential items for anglers who want maximum effectiveness and reliability when fishing from a boat. Our selection of boat rods includes various sizes and designs, providing maximum durability and adjustability for your fishing gear. They are easy to use, versatile, and ensure maximum effectiveness and reliability for anglers.

Boat rods are a popular choice of fishing gear for anglers in the UK who enjoy fishing in saltwater. These rods are designed to handle the challenges of fishing from a boat, including a bouncier environment and larger fish.

When selecting a boat rod, there are several factors to consider, including the type of fishing you will be doing, the species of fish you will be targeting, and your own personal preferences.

Types of Boat Rods

There are several types of boat rods available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Conventional Rods

Conventional rods, also known as overhead rods, are a traditional type of boat rod. They are designed to be used with a reel that sits on top of the rod, and are available in a range of lengths and power ratings.

Key features of conventional rods include:

– Heavy-duty construction: Conventional rods are built to handle heavy loads and harsh conditions. They are typically made from strong, durable materials, such as fiberglass.

– Longer length: Conventional rods are usually longer than spinning rods, ranging from around 6 to 9 feet in length. This gives them greater casting distance and makes them more suitable for open water fishing.

– High power ratings: Conventional rods have high power ratings, which means they are capable of handling heavy line weights and large fish.

– Good for trolling: Conventional rods are ideal for trolling, as they can handle the movement of the boat and the weight of the lures.

Spinning Rods

Spinning rods are another popular choice for boat fishing in the UK. They are versatile and easy to use, making them a good option for novice anglers.

Key features of spinning rods include:

– Lightweight design: Spinning rods are made from lightweight materials, making them easy to handle and control.

– Fast action: Spinning rods have a fast action, which means they are highly responsive and sensitive to even the slightest movement.

– Shorter length: Most spinning rods are relatively short, ranging from around 6 to 8 feet in length. This makes them ideal for fishing in tight spaces, such as around rocks or structures.

– Good for drifting: Spinning rods are ideal for drift fishing, as they allow anglers to control the speed and direction of the boat while fishing.

The materials used to make boat rods are an important consideration when choosing a rod. Some of the most commonly used materials include:

Fiberglass is a popular choice of material for boat rods, as it is strong and durable. Fiberglass rods are also relatively affordable, making them a good choice for budget-conscious anglers.

Graphite is another popular material for boat rods, as it is lightweight and flexible. Graphite rods tend to be more expensive than fiberglass, but they are also more sensitive and responsive.

Composite rods are a combination of both graphite and fiberglass, which allows for a good balance of strength, sensitivity, and flexibility.

The length of a boat rod can affect its casting distance, sensitivity, and ability to handle different fishing conditions. Shorter rods are typically better for fishing in tight spaces or around structures, while longer rods are better for open water fishing.

Power and Action

The power and action of a boat rod are also important factors to consider. The power of a rod refers to its ability to handle heavy line weights and large fish, while the action refers to how much the rod bends when pressure is applied.

Boat rods are typically available in a range of power ratings, from light to heavy. The action of the rod can vary from fast to slow, and the choice of action will depend on the specific type of fishing that the angler plans to do.

Boat rods are a key component of any angler’s fishing gear when targeting fish in the open water. Choosing the right boat rod for your specific fishing conditions, species, and personal preferences can make all the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful fishing trip. Consider the materials used to construct the rod, the length, power, and action of the rod before selecting the right rod for your next boat fishing adventure.

100% Original product that covered warranty by the vendor.

You have the right to return your orders within 30 days.

Your orders are shipped seamlessly between countries.

Your payments are secure with our private security network.

Information

• History Of Gerry's
• Finance Available
• Useful Fishing Tips (Blog)
• Returns Form
• Shipping Details
• Terms & Conditions

Subscribe Newsletter

Signup our newsletter to get update information, news & insight

The Ultimate Fishing Rod Guide: Types, Characteristics, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Fishing rods are the essential tools of anglers, each designed with a specific purpose in mind to conquer the diverse challenges of the angling world. Within this realm, we find a wide array of fishing rod types, each meticulously crafted to cater to unique fishing environments, techniques, and target species.

These fishing rods are here categorized into four primary top categories: Spinning and Baitcasting Rods, Specialized Freshwater Rods, Specialized Saltwater Rods, and Other Specialized Rods. These categories serve as a useful framework for understanding the intended applications of fishing rods, providing clarity to anglers seeking the right tool for their angling adventures.

However, it’s important to note that there can be occasional overlap among these categories. Certain rod types may prove versatile enough to excel in multiple fishing scenarios. For example, a spinning rod might serve equally well in freshwater and light saltwater applications, blurring the lines between categories. Such versatility highlights the adaptability of modern fishing rods and the endless possibilities they offer to anglers. Join us as we delve into this diverse universe of fishing rods, exploring their characteristics, advantages, and the exciting world of angling they open up.

1. Spinning and Baitcasting Rods

Spinning and baitcasting rods are the foundational tools of angling, each with its own strengths and characteristics. Spinning rods offer versatility, while baitcasting rods provide precision and power. Let’s take a closer look at these essential components of fishing gear.

1.1 Spinning Rods

Spinning rods are one of the most popular types of fishing rods due to their versatility and ease of use. Here are some of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages:

Characteristics :

• Reel Placement: Spinning rods are designed to be used with spinning reels, which are mounted on the underside of the rod. This reel placement allows for easy casting and retrieval.
• Guides: Spinning rods typically have larger guides, often lined with ceramic or other smooth materials, to reduce friction and ensure smoother line flow during casting and reeling.
• Action: Spinning rods come in various actions, including slow, medium, and fast. The action refers to how much the rod flexes under pressure. Slower actions are more flexible and bend closer to the handle, while faster actions bend mostly near the tip. The choice of action depends on the type of fish you’re targeting and your preferred fishing technique.
• Length: Spinning rods come in a range of lengths, from ultralight options around 4 to 5 feet to heavy-duty models over 10 feet. The length of the rod affects casting distance, leverage, and the ability to handle different fishing scenarios.
• Power: Power refers to the rod’s ability to handle different line strengths and lure weights. Spinning rods come in various power ratings, such as ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. The power rating should match the size and strength of the fish you intend to catch.

Advantages :

• Ease of Use: Spinning rods are beginner-friendly and are often recommended for those new to fishing. The spinning reel’s design allows for simple casting and easy line management.
• Versatility: Spinning rods can be used for a wide range of fishing techniques, including casting lures, live bait fishing, and finesse techniques. They are suitable for both freshwater and light to moderate saltwater fishing.
• Casting Accuracy: Spinning rods are known for their casting accuracy, making them a good choice for precision casting to specific targets, such as around structure or cover.
• Lightweight: Spinning rods are generally lightweight and easy to handle for extended periods, making them a good choice for all-day fishing trips.
• Sensitivity: Many spinning rods offer excellent sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites and changes in lure action.

Disadvantages:

• Limited Casting Distance: Compared to baitcasting rods, spinning rods typically have somewhat limited casting distance, especially when using heavier lures or line.
• Line Twist: Spinning reels can be prone to line twist, which can lead to tangles and reduced casting performance. Proper line management techniques can help mitigate this issue.
• Less Power for Heavy Fish: While spinning rods can handle a wide range of fish sizes, they may not have the same power and leverage as heavy-duty baitcasting or trolling rods needed for very large or strong fish species.
• Less Precision for Heavy Lures: When using heavy lures or weights, spinning rods may not provide the same level of precision and control as baitcasting rods.

In summary, spinning rods are popular due to their user-friendly design and versatility. They are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike, especially when targeting a variety of freshwater and light saltwater species. However, they may have limitations when it comes to extreme casting distances or handling very large or powerful fish.

1.2. Baitcasting Rods

Baitcasting rods are specialized fishing rods designed to be used with baitcasting reels. These rods are popular among experienced anglers for specific types of fishing. Here are some of their characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages:

Characteristics:

• Reel Placement: Baitcasting rods are paired with baitcasting reels, and the reel is mounted on top of the rod. This design allows for more precise casting control.
• Guides: Baitcasting rods typically have smaller guides compared to spinning rods. These guides are designed to reduce friction and facilitate longer casts with heavier lines.
• Action: Baitcasting rods come in various actions, including slow, medium, and fast. The choice of action depends on the specific fishing technique and the type of fish you intend to target.
• Length: Baitcasting rods vary in length, with options ranging from short and compact rods for close-quarters fishing to longer rods for increased casting distance and leverage.
• Power: Power ratings for baitcasting rods can range from light to heavy, with variations in between. The power rating helps determine the rod’s ability to handle different line strengths and lure weights.

Advantages:

• Casting Accuracy: Baitcasting rods excel in casting accuracy. Anglers can precisely control the distance and placement of their casts, making them ideal for targeting specific structures or cover.
• Long Casting Distances: Baitcasting setups allow for longer casting distances compared to spinning gear, especially when using heavier lures or lines.
• Larger Line Capacity: Baitcasting reels typically have a higher line capacity than spinning reels, making them suitable for techniques that require heavier lines, such as heavy cover fishing or targeting larger fish.
• Increased Sensitivity: Baitcasting rods are often more sensitive than spinning rods, allowing anglers to feel even the slightest bites or changes in lure action.
• Versatility: Baitcasting rods can be used for a wide range of fishing techniques, from flipping and pitching to topwater and crankbait fishing. They are also suitable for both freshwater and saltwater applications.
• Learning Curve: Baitcasting reels and rods have a steeper learning curve compared to spinning setups. Beginners may initially struggle with backlash (birds’ nests) and backlash prevention.
• Backlash Potential: Baitcasting reels are more prone to backlash, especially when improperly adjusted or when casting into the wind. This can lead to frustrating tangles in the fishing line.
• Heavier and Bulky: Baitcasting setups are generally heavier and bulkier than spinning gear, which can be tiring for anglers during long fishing trips.
• Price: Quality baitcasting reels and rods can be more expensive than their spinning counterparts, making them a significant investment.
• Not Ideal for Light Lures: Baitcasting setups are not well-suited for casting very lightweight lures or baits, as they require a certain amount of weight to effectively cast.

In summary, baitcasting rods offer precision, casting distance, and sensitivity that can be advantageous for experienced anglers. However, they come with a learning curve, require proper setup and maintenance to avoid backlash, and may not be the best choice for all fishing situations. Anglers often choose baitcasting setups when they need accuracy and control in their casting, especially for techniques like flipping, pitching, and heavy cover fishing.

2. Specialized Freshwater Rods

Specialized freshwater rods are tailored to the unique demands of freshwater angling, catering to a variety of techniques and species. These rods are finely tuned for specific environments, from serene rivers to vibrant lakes. In this exploration of fishing gear, we’ll delve into the distinctive features and advantages of specialized freshwater rods, shedding light on their role in the pursuit of freshwater gamefish.

2.1 Fly Fishing Rods

Fly fishing rods are specialized fishing tools designed for the unique and graceful art of fly fishing. They have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages. Here’s an overview:

• Action: Fly rods have varying actions, including slow, medium, and fast. The action refers to how much the rod flexes and where it flexes along its length. Slower-action rods bend more deeply and closer to the handle, while faster-action rods bend primarily in the tip section. The choice of action depends on the fishing situation and personal preference.
• Length: Fly rods come in different lengths, typically ranging from 7 to 10 feet. Longer rods are often used for larger rivers or for casting longer distances, while shorter rods are ideal for small streams and tight spaces.
• Line Weight: Fly rods are categorized by their line weight, typically denoted as a number on the rod (e.g., 5-weight or 8-weight). The line weight corresponds to the size and type of fly line the rod is designed to cast. Lighter lines are used for smaller fish and delicate presentations, while heavier lines are for larger fish and bigger flies.
• Material: Fly rods are commonly made from materials such as fiberglass, graphite, or bamboo. Graphite is the most popular choice today due to its strength, flexibility, and light weight.
• Guides: Fly rod guides are usually single-foot guides made of lightweight materials like stainless steel or titanium. They are designed to minimize line friction during casting.
• Precision Casting: Fly rods are designed for precision casting of artificial flies. The casting technique, which includes false casting, roll casting, and more, allows for delicate presentations with minimal disturbance to the water.
• Versatility: Fly rods are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of freshwater and saltwater species. They are particularly effective for trout, salmon, bass, and various other fish.
• Delicate Presentations: Fly fishing excels at providing subtle and lifelike presentations of flies, making it suitable for catching wary fish, such as trout in clear streams.
• Artistic and Aesthetic: Many fly anglers are drawn to the artistic and aesthetic aspects of fly fishing. Tying your own flies and mastering casting techniques can be deeply satisfying.
• Light Tackle: Fly fishing is often done with light tackle, making the fight with a fish feel more direct and exciting.
• Learning Curve: Fly fishing has a steep learning curve, particularly for beginners. Casting a fly line with accuracy and distance requires practice and skill.
• Limited for Certain Techniques: Fly fishing is not well-suited for all fishing situations.
• Equipment Costs: Quality fly fishing equipment, including rods, reels, lines, and flies, can be expensive.
• Wind Sensitivity: Fly casting is affected by the wind more than other casting techniques, which can make it challenging on windy days.
• Limited for Certain Species: While fly fishing can be used for various species, it may not be the most efficient method for some large or deep-water species.

In summary, fly fishing rods are specialized tools that offer precise and delicate presentations of artificial flies. They are highly rewarding for those who invest time in learning the techniques and can be used in a wide range of fishing scenarios. However, they do have a learning curve and may not be the best choice for all types of fishing or for beginners looking for a quick start.

2.2. Ultra-Light Rods

Ultra-light fishing rods are specialized fishing rods designed for light tackle and finesse fishing techniques. They have unique characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that cater to anglers targeting smaller fish species or those who prefer a more delicate approach to fishing. Here’s an overview:

• Power and Action: Ultra-light rods are characterized by their light power rating, indicating their ability to handle lighter lines and smaller lures. They often have a fast or extra-fast action, meaning they bend mostly near the tip, allowing for quick hook sets and sensitivity.
• Length: These rods are generally shorter, typically ranging from 4.5 to 7 feet in length. Their shorter length enhances their sensitivity and control for smaller fish.
• Material: Ultra-light rods are often made from materials such as graphite or composite blends, chosen for their sensitivity, lightweight nature, and responsiveness.
• Reel Seat and Guides: These rods come equipped with appropriate reel seats and guides suitable for light spinning reels. The guides are designed to reduce line friction and enhance casting and retrieval performance.
• Sensitivity: Ultra-light rods are known for their high sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibble or movement on the line.
• Delicate Presentations: Ultra-light rods are designed for delicate presentations, making them ideal for targeting small or finicky fish species. They excel at presenting live bait, small lures, or finesse techniques.
• Sensitivity: These rods offer exceptional sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel every nuance of what’s happening at the end of their line. This makes it easier to detect bites and make precise hook sets.
• Light Tackle: Ultra-light rods are designed for light tackle fishing, providing an enjoyable and challenging experience when targeting smaller fish. They make even small catches feel like a significant achievement.
• Versatility: While primarily intended for freshwater fishing, ultra-light rods can be used in various scenarios, such as trout fishing in streams, panfishing, or even light inshore saltwater fishing.
• Portability: Due to their shorter length and lightweight design, ultra-light rods are highly portable and easy to carry, making them suitable for hiking or backpacking trips.

Disadvantages :

• Limited for Larger Fish: Ultra-light rods are not suitable for larger or stronger fish species, as they lack the power and backbone needed to handle such fish. Attempting to catch larger fish with these rods can lead to equipment failure or fish escaping with your bait.
• Limited Casting Distance: These rods are not designed for long-distance casting. They are best suited for shorter-range casting and presentations.
• Specialized Use: Ultra-light rods are specialized tools designed for specific finesse techniques and targeting small fish. They may not be versatile enough for anglers seeking a broader range of fishing experiences.
• Line Limitations: Using ultra-light tackle means you are limited to lighter fishing lines, which may not hold up well against snags, underwater vegetation, or the demands of larger fish.

In summary, ultra-light rods are perfect for anglers who enjoy the challenge of finesse fishing and targeting smaller fish species. They offer exceptional sensitivity and control, making every interaction with a fish memorable. However, they are not suitable for larger fish or long-distance casting, and their use is primarily limited to specific finesse fishing techniques and situations.

2.3. Noodle Rods

Noodle rods are specialized fishing rods designed for specific finesse and light-line fishing techniques, often used for targeting species like panfish, trout, and other small to medium-sized fish. They have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that cater to these specific fishing scenarios. Here’s an overview:

• Action and Sensitivity: Noodle rods are known for their ultra-light to light power ratings and extra-fast to fast actions. These characteristics make them highly sensitive, allowing anglers to detect even the most subtle bites.
• Length: Noodle rods are typically longer than average fishing rods, often ranging from 7 to 12 feet in length. Their extended length enhances casting distance and line control, making them suitable for finesse techniques.
• Material: These rods are typically constructed from lightweight and responsive materials, such as graphite or composite blends, to maximize sensitivity and control.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Noodle rods are equipped with suitable reel seats for spinning reels and guides designed to minimize line friction, facilitating smooth casting and retrieval.
• Line Rating: Noodle rods are designed for light lines, often in the range of 2 to 8 pounds or even lighter, depending on the model.
• Extreme Sensitivity: Noodle rods are exceptionally sensitive, allowing anglers to detect the subtlest of nibbles and bites. This sensitivity is crucial for finesse fishing techniques.
• Delicate Presentations: These rods are perfect for delicate presentations, making them ideal for techniques like float fishing, micro-jigging, and finesse baitcasting, where finesse and precision are paramount.
• Light Tackle: Noodle rods are specifically designed for light tackle fishing, offering an enjoyable and challenging experience when targeting small to medium-sized fish.
• Versatility: While primarily intended for freshwater fishing, noodle rods can be used in various scenarios, such as ice fishing, trout fishing in streams, panfishing, or light inshore saltwater fishing.
• Increased Casting Distance: The longer length of noodle rods allows for increased casting distance, which can be advantageous when targeting fish in a wider range of water.
• Limited for Larger Fish: Noodle rods lack the power and backbone needed to handle larger or stronger fish species effectively. Attempting to catch larger fish with these rods can lead to equipment failure or fish escaping with your bait.
• Not Suitable for Heavy Lures: Noodle rods are not designed for casting heavy lures or baits. They are primarily meant for finesse techniques and lightweight presentations.
• Specialized Use: Noodle rods are specialized tools designed for specific finesse fishing scenarios. They may not be versatile enough for anglers seeking a broader range of fishing experiences.
• Line Limitations: Using noodle rods often means you are limited to lighter fishing lines, which may not hold up well against snags, underwater vegetation, or the demands of larger fish.

In summary, noodle rods are excellent tools for anglers who appreciate finesse fishing and enjoy the sensitivity and precision they offer. They are highly specialized for specific techniques and are best suited for targeting small to medium-sized fish species. However, they are not suitable for larger fish or heavy lures, and their use is primarily limited to finesse fishing scenarios.

2.4. Carp Rods

Carp rods, also known as carp fishing rods, are specialized fishing rods designed for targeting carp, a popular and challenging freshwater species. These rods have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that cater to carp fishing techniques. Here’s an overview:

• Power and Action: Carp rods come in various power ratings, often ranging from medium to heavy, and with actions that can be moderate to fast. The choice depends on the specific carp fishing technique and the size of the carp you’re targeting.
• Length: Carp rods are generally longer than average fishing rods, typically ranging from 10 to 13 feet or more. The extended length allows for longer casting distances and better control when playing carp, which are known for their strong runs.
• Material: These rods are typically constructed from materials like high-quality carbon fiber or composite blends, offering strength, sensitivity, and a good balance of power and flexibility.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Carp rods are equipped with suitable reel seats for baitcasting or big pit reels, which are commonly used for carp fishing. The guides are designed to handle thick fishing lines and reduce friction during casting and retrieval.
• Line Rating: Carp rods are designed to handle heavier fishing lines, often in the range of 8 to 20 pounds or more, to withstand the strength of carp.
• Strength and Power: Carp rods are built to handle the brute force of carp, making them suitable for targeting large, hard-fighting fish.
• Casting Distance: The longer length of carp rods allows for impressive casting distances, which can be crucial for reaching carp in open water or reaching distant feeding areas.
• Sensitivity: Many carp rods are sensitive enough to detect subtle bites and movements, helping anglers react quickly when a carp takes the bait.
• Control and Fighting Power: These rods provide excellent control when playing carp, allowing anglers to tire out the fish and bring it in more efficiently.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for carp fishing, these rods can also be used for other types of fishing that require long casting distances and power, such as catfish or pike fishing.
• Specialized Use: Carp rods are highly specialized and are primarily intended for carp fishing. They may not be the best choice for other fishing scenarios or species.
• Cost: Quality carp rods can be relatively expensive, especially if you opt for high-end models with advanced features and materials.
• Storage and Transportation: Due to their length, storing and transporting carp rods can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a vehicle or storage space suitable for long fishing rods.
• Limited Casting Precision: Carp rods may not provide the same level of casting precision as shorter, more specialized casting rods due to their length.

In summary, carp rods are specialized tools designed for targeting carp, offering the necessary power, casting distance, and control required for this challenging freshwater species. While they may not be versatile enough for all fishing scenarios, they are highly effective for carp fishing and other situations where long casts and power are needed.

3. Specialized Saltwater Rods

Specialized saltwater rods are the go-to tools for conquering the challenges of the open sea. Designed to withstand the corrosive saltwater environment and the power of oceanic gamefish, these rods are a vital component of saltwater angling. In our examination of fishing gear, we’ll dive into the characteristics and advantages of specialized saltwater rods, unveiling the essential role they play in the exhilarating world of offshore and inshore saltwater fishing.

3.1. Surf Fishing Rods

Surf fishing rods are specialized fishing rods designed for angling from the shoreline or surf, typically in saltwater environments. They have specific characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that make them suitable for this type of fishing. Here’s an overview:

• Length: Surf fishing rods are notably long, often ranging from 8 to 15 feet or even longer. The length allows anglers to cast their baits or lures far out into the surf where fish are often found.
• Power and Action: These rods come in various power and action combinations. The power rating indicates the rod’s strength and ability to handle different line strengths and lure weights, while the action describes how the rod flexes under pressure (e.g., slow, medium, fast). The choice depends on the target species and fishing conditions.
• Material: Surf fishing rods are typically made from strong, durable materials such as graphite, fiberglass, or composite blends. These materials can withstand the rigors of saltwater environments and the forces exerted when casting long distances.
• Guides: Surf rods often have larger guides to accommodate thicker fishing lines, and they may be equipped with corrosion-resistant materials to withstand saltwater exposure.
• Reel Seat: Surf rods typically feature reel seats designed to hold spinning reels, as spinning reels are commonly used for this type of fishing.
• Long Casting Distance: Surf fishing rods are designed to cast bait or lures far out into the surf, reaching deeper waters where many saltwater species, such as striped bass, surfperch, and sharks, feed.
• Saltwater Durability: These rods are built to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, making them suitable for extended use in saltwater environments.
• Versatility: Surf fishing rods can be used to target a wide range of saltwater species, from smaller fish like pompano to larger predators like tarpon and sharks.
• High Line Capacity: Surf fishing reels paired with these rods often have high line capacities, allowing anglers to use heavier lines and target bigger fish.
• Sensitive Tips: Many surf rods have sensitive tips that allow anglers to detect subtle bites, enhancing their ability to hook fish.
• Large and Bulky: Surf fishing rods are long and bulky, which can make them less convenient for transportation and storage, especially when compared to shorter rods.
• Limited for Inshore Fishing: These rods are primarily designed for surf fishing and may not be the best choice for inshore or bay fishing scenarios.
• Casting Skill Required: Casting with surf fishing rods can be challenging, especially for beginners. Casting long distances accurately takes practice and skill.
• Price: Quality surf fishing rods can be relatively expensive, particularly if you opt for premium models made from high-quality materials.
• Wear and Tear: Continuous exposure to saltwater can accelerate wear and tear on surf fishing equipment, requiring regular maintenance and cleaning.

In summary, surf fishing rods are specialized tools designed for casting long distances from the shoreline into the surf, making them ideal for targeting a variety of saltwater species. They offer advantages in terms of casting distance, saltwater durability, and versatility but may not be the best choice for all fishing scenarios due to their size and casting skill requirements.

3.2. Trolling Rods

Trolling rods are specialized fishing rods designed for trolling, a technique where baits or lures are trailed behind a moving boat. These rods have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that make them well-suited for this type of fishing. Here’s an overview:

• Length: Trolling rods are typically longer than other types of fishing rods, often ranging from 7 to 12 feet. The extended length allows anglers to spread lines farther apart and cover a larger area when trolling.
• Power and Action: These rods come in various power ratings, from light to heavy, with actions that can range from moderate to extra-fast. The choice depends on the target species and the size of the lures or baits being used.
• Material: Trolling rods are commonly constructed from robust materials like fiberglass or composite blends. These materials provide the necessary strength to handle trolling setups.
• Reel Seat and Guides: They are equipped with sturdy reel seats designed for trolling reels, which are often larger and capable of holding more line. The guides are also built to withstand the rigors of trolling and may have roller guides to minimize line friction.
• Line Rating: Trolling rods are designed to handle heavier fishing lines, often in the range of 20 to 80 pounds or more, to accommodate the size and strength of offshore species.
• Precision Trolling: Trolling rods are purpose-built for trolling techniques, allowing anglers to precisely control the depth, speed, and presentation of lures or baits to attract fish.
• Long Casting Distance: The extended length of these rods enables longer casting distances, which can be beneficial when targeting fish that are further from the boat.
• Power and Strength: Trolling rods are capable of handling heavy lines and resisting the strong pulls of large gamefish, making them ideal for offshore trolling for species like tuna, marlin, and sailfish.
• Durability: They are designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment, with corrosion-resistant components that can endure extended exposure to saltwater.
• Multiple Lines: Trolling rods are often used in conjunction with multiple lines and planer boards, allowing anglers to cover a wide swath of water to increase their chances of a successful catch.
• Specialized Use: Trolling rods are highly specialized and primarily intended for trolling techniques. They may not be as versatile for other fishing scenarios.
• Cost: Quality trolling rods and reels can be relatively expensive, especially for high-end models designed for offshore trolling.
• Bulkiness: The extended length and size of trolling rods can make them bulky and challenging to transport or store, especially for anglers with limited space.

In summary, trolling rods are essential tools for anglers who employ trolling techniques to target fish, particularly in offshore or large bodies of water. They offer precision, power, and durability for trolling setups but may not be as versatile for other fishing styles. Their primary advantage lies in their ability to cover vast areas of water and attract a wide range of gamefish species.

3.3. Inshore Rods

Inshore fishing rods are specialized fishing rods designed for targeting a variety of saltwater fish species that inhabit coastal waters, including bays, flats, estuaries, and nearshore areas. These rods have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages tailored to the specific demands of inshore fishing. Here’s an overview:

• Length: Inshore rods are typically shorter in length, often ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet. The shorter length is well-suited for fishing in relatively shallow waters where casting accuracy and maneuverability are essential.
• Power and Action: Inshore rods come in various power ratings, from light to medium-heavy, and with actions that can range from moderate to fast. The choice of power and action depends on the specific inshore species you’re targeting and the fishing techniques you plan to use.
• Material: These rods are commonly constructed from materials like graphite or composite blends, which provide a good balance of strength and sensitivity, essential for detecting subtle bites and setting hooks.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Inshore rods are equipped with reel seats suitable for spinning or baitcasting reels. The guides are often designed to be corrosion-resistant to withstand the harsh saltwater environment.
• Line Rating: Inshore rods are designed to handle moderate to heavy fishing lines, often in the range of 10 to 30 pounds or more, depending on the species being pursued.
• Versatility: Inshore rods are versatile and can be used for targeting a wide range of inshore saltwater species, including redfish, snook, speckled trout, flounder, and more.
• Accuracy and Maneuverability: The shorter length of these rods provides better casting accuracy and maneuverability, allowing anglers to place lures or bait accurately in shallow waters near structure or cover.
• Sensitivity: Inshore rods are designed to be sensitive, which is crucial for detecting subtle bites, especially when fishing for species that are known to be light biters.
• Saltwater Durability: These rods are built to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, with corrosion-resistant components that help extend their lifespan.
• Lightweight: Inshore rods are generally lightweight and comfortable to fish with for extended periods, making them suitable for all-day fishing trips.
• Limited Casting Distance: Inshore rods may have limited casting distance compared to longer offshore rods. However, this limitation is not a significant issue in the shallow waters where they are typically used.
• Species Specific: While versatile, inshore rods are primarily designed for targeting inshore saltwater species and may not be suitable for larger offshore species or deep-sea fishing.

In summary, inshore fishing rods are specialized tools designed for targeting a wide range of saltwater fish species in relatively shallow coastal waters. They offer versatility, accuracy, sensitivity, and durability for anglers pursuing inshore gamefish. While they may have limitations in casting distance and may not be suitable for offshore or deep-sea fishing, they excel in their intended applications.

3.4. Offshore Rods

Offshore fishing rods are specialized fishing rods designed for targeting larger and more powerful saltwater fish species found in deeper offshore waters. These rods have distinct characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages tailored to the specific demands of offshore fishing. Here’s an overview:

• Length: Offshore rods are typically longer than inshore rods, often ranging from 7 to 12 feet or more. The extra length helps anglers make longer casts and provides the leverage needed to battle large fish in deep water.
• Power and Action: These rods come in various power ratings, from medium-heavy to extra-heavy, and often have fast to extra-fast actions. The choice of power and action depends on the specific offshore species and techniques you plan to use.
• Material: Offshore rods are constructed from robust materials such as high-quality graphite, fiberglass, or composite blends. These materials provide the necessary strength to handle the powerful runs and fights of offshore gamefish.
• Reel Seat and Guides: They are equipped with reel seats designed for heavy-duty offshore reels, and the guides are typically designed to accommodate thick, braided fishing lines, reducing friction during casting and retrieval.
• Line Rating: Offshore rods are designed to handle heavy fishing lines, often in the range of 20 to 100 pounds or more, depending on the species being targeted.
• Strength and Power: Offshore rods are built to handle the immense strength and power of large saltwater species, making them suitable for big game fishing.
• Casting Distance: The longer length of these rods allows for impressive casting distances, which can be essential when targeting offshore species that may be far from the boat.
• Line Capacity: Offshore reels paired with these rods typically have high line capacities, enabling anglers to use thick lines and target larger fish.
• Durability: These rods are constructed with durability in mind, featuring heavy-duty components that can withstand the corrosive saltwater environment.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for offshore fishing, some models of offshore rods can also be used for trolling, deep-sea fishing, and other heavy-duty saltwater fishing applications.
• Size and Weight: The length and size of offshore rods can make them cumbersome and challenging to manage, especially for anglers who are not accustomed to handling such large gear.
• Limited Maneuverability: The longer length of offshore rods can limit maneuverability, making them less suitable for close-quarters fishing or fishing around structure.
• Specialized Use: Offshore rods are highly specialized and are primarily intended for offshore fishing. They may not be the best choice for inshore or nearshore fishing scenarios.
• Cost: Quality offshore rods and reels can be relatively expensive, particularly if you opt for high-end models with advanced materials and features.

In summary, offshore fishing rods are specialized tools designed for targeting larger and more powerful saltwater species in deeper offshore waters. They offer the strength, casting distance, and durability required for offshore big game fishing. While they may have limitations in terms of size and maneuverability, they excel in their intended applications and are essential for anglers pursuing trophy-sized offshore species.

4. Other Specialized Rods

Other specialized rods encompass a diverse array of angling tools, each uniquely suited to specific fishing scenarios and target species. From ice fishing in frigid waters to pursuing elusive paddlefish in freshwater systems, these rods bring precision and adaptability to the angler’s toolkit. In our exploration of fishing gear, we’ll cast a spotlight on these specialized rods, uncovering their distinctive features and the exciting angling opportunities they offer beyond the mainstream.

4.1. Ice Fishing Rods

Ice fishing rods are specialized fishing rods designed for fishing through holes in the ice-covered surface of frozen lakes, rivers, and ponds. These rods have unique characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages that make them well-suited for this cold-weather angling activity. Here’s an overview:

• Length: Ice fishing rods are typically much shorter than traditional fishing rods, typically ranging from 18 inches to 48 inches (1.5 to 4 feet). Their compact size allows anglers to comfortably fish in the confined space of an ice shanty or near a fishing hole.
• Material: Ice fishing rods are often made from lightweight materials such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, which provide the sensitivity needed to detect subtle strikes while remaining durable enough to handle the harsh winter conditions.
• Action: Ice fishing rods have varying actions, from ultra-light to medium-heavy. The action indicates how the rod flexes under pressure. For ice fishing, the choice of action depends on the targeted species and the type of lures or bait being used.
• Reel Type: Ice fishing rods are commonly paired with ice fishing reels or spincast reels. These reels are designed for easy use in cold conditions and typically have smaller line capacities.
• Guides: Ice fishing rods often have fewer guides than their longer counterparts, as there is less need for line control during casting.
• Portability: Ice fishing rods are highly portable and can be easily transported to and from the ice fishing location. Their shorter length makes them convenient for storage and transportation.
• Sensitivity: These rods are designed to be extremely sensitive, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibbles and bites from fish below the ice.
• Ease of Use: Ice fishing rods are user-friendly, making them suitable for anglers of all skill levels, including beginners. The simple design of ice fishing reels also contributes to their ease of use.
• Cold-Weather Durability: Ice fishing rods are built to withstand extremely cold temperatures, ice, and snow. Their materials and components are chosen to resist freezing and damage from exposure to winter conditions.
• Specialized for Ice Fishing: These rods are specifically designed for ice fishing techniques, making them well-suited for the unique challenges of this fishing style.
• Limited Application: Ice fishing rods are only suitable for ice fishing. They cannot be used for open-water fishing, casting, or other fishing techniques.
• Short Casting Distance: Due to their short length, ice fishing rods have limited casting distance. Anglers must typically drop their bait or lure directly into the ice fishing hole.
• Lighter Line Capacity: Ice fishing reels used with these rods typically have limited line capacity, which may not be suitable for larger fish species.
• Less Versatile: Ice fishing rods are specialized for ice fishing scenarios, and their versatility is limited to the specific techniques and conditions associated with ice fishing.

In summary, ice fishing rods are essential tools for ice anglers, offering portability, sensitivity, and ease of use in harsh winter conditions. While they excel in their intended application, they are not suitable for other types of fishing and have limitations in casting distance and line capacity.

4.2. Telescopic Rods

Telescopic fishing rods are a type of fishing rod with a collapsible design that allows them to extend and retract like a telescope. These rods have their own set of characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Here’s an overview:

• Collapsible Design: The most distinctive feature of telescopic rods is their ability to collapse into a compact and portable size. When fully collapsed, they are much shorter than traditional, one-piece fishing rods, making them easy to carry and transport.
• Material: Telescopic rods are typically made from materials like fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a composite of both. These materials are chosen for their combination of strength and flexibility.
• Length: Telescopic rods come in various lengths, similar to traditional fishing rods, and they can extend to reach the desired length for fishing. Common lengths range from 6 to 12 feet, depending on the model and intended use.
• Sections: Telescopic rods consist of multiple sections that slide into one another when collapsed. The number of sections varies depending on the length of the rod.
• Action and Power: Telescopic rods are available in a range of actions (slow, medium, fast) and power ratings (light, medium, heavy). The choice of action and power depends on the specific fishing technique and target species.
• Portability: The main advantage of telescopic rods is their portability. Their compact size when collapsed makes them ideal for traveling, hiking, backpacking, or situations where space is limited.
• Ease of Transportation: These rods are easy to transport, whether by car, bike, or on foot. They can fit into a backpack, luggage, or the trunk of a car without taking up much space.
• Storage Convenience: Telescopic rods are a practical choice for anglers with limited storage space at home. They can be stored in a closet, under a bed, or in small apartments without the need for specialized storage solutions.
• Versatility: Telescopic rods can be used for various fishing techniques, including freshwater and light saltwater fishing. They are versatile enough to handle a variety of fish species.
• Affordability: Telescopic rods are often more affordable than some high-end traditional fishing rods, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious anglers.
• Durability: While modern telescopic rods are constructed with durable materials, the design of multiple sections can make them more susceptible to breakage if not handled carefully. Storing them improperly, such as in an overly cramped space, can lead to damage.
• Limited Casting Distance: Telescopic rods may have limitations in casting distance compared to longer traditional fishing rods. This can affect their performance when trying to cast to distant fishing spots.
• Sensitivity: Some anglers find that telescopic rods may have slightly less sensitivity compared to high-end traditional rods due to their construction and materials.
• Reduced Backbone Strength: In some cases, telescopic rods may have a slightly reduced backbone strength compared to traditional one-piece rods, which can affect their ability to handle large or powerful fish.

In summary, telescopic fishing rods are a convenient and portable option for anglers who need a compact and easily transportable fishing rod. They are suitable for a wide range of fishing scenarios and are particularly well-suited for travelers, hikers, and those with limited storage space. However, anglers should handle them with care to ensure their durability, and they may have some limitations in terms of casting distance and sensitivity compared to traditional fishing rods.

4.3. Spoonbill (Paddlefish) Rods

Spoonbill rods, also known as paddlefish rods, are specialized fishing rods designed for a very specific angling pursuit: paddlefish fishing. Paddlefish are large, filter-feeding fish found in various freshwater systems, and fishing for them requires specialized gear. Here are the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of spoonbill rods:

• Length: Spoonbill rods are typically longer than traditional fishing rods, often exceeding 9 feet and sometimes reaching up to 12 feet or more. The length allows anglers to make long casts and control the heavy lines and terminal tackle required for paddlefish fishing.
• Action: These rods often have a moderate to moderate-fast action. This action allows for some flexibility in the rod, helping to absorb the powerful and unpredictable movements of paddlefish.
• Line Rating: Spoonbill rods are designed to handle heavy lines, often in the range of 30 to 80 pounds or even more. This is necessary to withstand the strength of paddlefish.
• Material: They are typically constructed from strong and durable materials, such as fiberglass or composite blends. This ensures the rods can handle the substantial force exerted by paddlefish.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Spoonbill rods come equipped with suitable reel seats to accommodate heavy-duty baitcasting or trolling reels. The guides are designed to handle thick fishing lines and reduce line friction during casting and retrieval.
• Specifically Designed for Paddlefish: Spoonbill rods are purpose-built for paddlefish fishing, offering the necessary length, strength, and sensitivity required to target and land these large, hard-fighting fish.
• Long Casting Distance: The extended length of spoonbill rods allows for long casting distances, which can be advantageous when trying to reach paddlefish in open water.
• Strength and Durability: These rods are built to withstand the powerful pulls and runs of paddlefish, ensuring that they can handle the stress without breaking.
• Specialized Use: Spoonbill rods are highly specialized and are primarily intended for paddlefish fishing. They are not versatile for other fishing scenarios or species.
• Limited Application: Paddlefish are found in specific freshwater systems, and paddlefish fishing regulations and seasons may be limited or subject to restrictions in some regions. As a result, the opportunity to use a spoonbill rod can be limited.
• Price: Quality spoonbill rods and reels can be relatively expensive, particularly if you’re investing in heavy-duty gear designed for paddlefish.
• Storage and Transportation: Due to their length, storing and transporting spoonbill rods can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a vehicle or storage space suitable for long fishing rods.

In summary, spoonbill rods are specialized tools designed for a specific angling pursuit: paddlefish fishing. They offer the length, strength, and durability necessary to handle these large, hard-fighting fish. However, their use is highly specialized and limited to regions where paddlefish are found, and they may not be versatile enough for general fishing purposes.

4.4. Salmon and Steelhead Rods

Salmon and steelhead rods are specialized fishing rods designed for pursuing salmon and steelhead, two prized and often powerful anadromous fish species. These rods have specific characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages tailored to the requirements of these angling pursuits. Here’s an overview:

• Power and Action: Salmon and steelhead rods come in various power ratings, typically ranging from medium-light to heavy, with actions that can be moderate to fast. The choice depends on the specific technique, river conditions, and the size of the fish you’re targeting.
• Length: These rods are often longer than average fishing rods, commonly ranging from 8 to 12 feet. The extended length enhances casting distance, mending line, and controlling the fish once hooked.
• Material: High-quality graphite or composite materials are commonly used to construct these rods, striking a balance between strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Salmon and steelhead rods are equipped with reel seats designed for spinning or baitcasting reels, depending on angler preference. The guides are often designed for use with braided lines and are built to minimize line friction during casting and retrieval.
• Line Rating: These rods are designed to handle relatively heavy fishing lines, often in the range of 10 to 30 pounds or more, to cope with the size and strength of salmon and steelhead.
• Strength and Power: Salmon and steelhead rods are built to handle the powerful runs and fights that are characteristic of these species. Their strength ensures that anglers can effectively control and land these hard-fighting fish.
• Casting Distance: The longer length of these rods allows for impressive casting distances, which can be essential when targeting salmon and steelhead in large rivers or open water.
• Sensitivity: Many salmon and steelhead rods are designed with high sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites and movements, particularly during float or drift fishing techniques.
• Control: Longer rods provide excellent control when playing salmon and steelhead, allowing anglers to manage the fish’s powerful runs and prevent them from escaping into obstacles.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for salmon and steelhead fishing, these rods can also be used for other types of fishing that require long casts and power, such as big catfish or pike fishing.
• Specialized Use: Salmon and steelhead rods are highly specialized and are primarily intended for these specific species and their associated fishing techniques. They may not be the best choice for other fishing scenarios or species.
• Cost: Quality salmon and steelhead rods can be relatively expensive, especially if you opt for high-end models with advanced materials and features.
• Storage and Transportation: Due to their length, storing and transporting salmon and steelhead rods can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a vehicle or storage space suitable for long fishing rods.
• Limited Casting Precision: The length of these rods may reduce casting precision compared to shorter, more specialized casting rods due to their extended reach.

In summary, salmon and steelhead rods are specialized tools designed for pursuing these anadromous fish species. They offer the necessary strength, casting distance, control, and sensitivity required for these challenging and rewarding fishing experiences. While they may not be versatile enough for all fishing scenarios, they are highly effective for salmon and steelhead fishing and other situations where long casts and power are needed.

4.5 Musky and Pike Rods

Musky and pike rods are specialized fishing rods designed for targeting two of the most aggressive and hard-fighting freshwater predators: muskellunge (musky) and northern pike. These rods have specific characteristics, advantages, and some disadvantages tailored to the demands of pursuing these formidable fish species. Here’s an overview:

• Power and Action: Musky and pike rods come in various power ratings, often ranging from medium-heavy to heavy, with fast to extra-fast actions. These characteristics allow the rods to handle the weight of large lures and provide the backbone needed for powerful hook sets.
• Length: These rods are generally longer than average fishing rods, typically ranging from 7 to 9 feet. The extra length aids in long-distance casting and provides leverage when battling these strong fish.
• Material: High-quality graphite or composite materials are commonly used in constructing these rods, offering a balance between strength, sensitivity, and responsiveness.
• Reel Seat and Guides: Musky and pike rods are equipped with durable reel seats designed for baitcasting reels, which are commonly used for these species. The guides are built to accommodate thick fishing lines, reduce line friction, and facilitate long casts.
• Line Rating: These rods are designed to handle relatively heavy fishing lines, often in the range of 20 to 65 pounds or more, to cope with the size and strength of musky and pike.
• Strength and Power: Musky and pike rods are built to handle the powerful strikes and hard runs that are characteristic of these species. Their strength ensures that anglers can effectively control and land these aggressive predators.
• Casting Distance: The longer length of these rods allows for impressive casting distances, which can be essential when targeting musky and pike in large lakes or rivers.
• Sensitivity: Many musky and pike rods are designed with high sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect subtle strikes and follow the action of their large lures.
• Control: Longer rods provide excellent control when fighting musky and pike, enabling anglers to tire out the fish and prevent them from escaping into cover or structure.
• Versatility: While primarily designed for musky and pike fishing, these rods can also be used for other types of fishing that require long casts and power, such as big catfish or large bass fishing.
• Specialized Use: Musky and pike rods are highly specialized and are primarily intended for these specific species and their associated fishing techniques. They may not be the best choice for other fishing scenarios or species.
• Cost: Quality musky and pike rods can be relatively expensive, especially if you opt for high-end models with advanced materials and features.
• Storage and Transportation: Due to their length, storing and transporting musky and pike rods can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a vehicle or storage space suitable for long fishing rods.

In summary, musky and pike rods are specialized tools designed for targeting these formidable freshwater predators. They offer the necessary strength, casting distance, control, and sensitivity required for these challenging and exciting fishing experiences. While they may not be versatile enough for all fishing scenarios, they are highly effective for musky and pike fishing and other situations where long casts and power are needed.

Conclusion: Navigating the Waters of Fishing Rods

In this comprehensive exploration of fishing rods, we’ve delved into the diverse world of angling tools, each designed with a specific purpose to meet the demands of various fishing scenarios. From the versatility of spinning and baitcasting rods to the specialized freshwater and saltwater options, and even the unique applications of other specialized rods, we’ve uncovered the nuances and advantages of each category.

Ultimately, the world of fishing rods is as vast and varied as the waters themselves. Your journey as an angler is an ever-evolving one, where each rod you choose adds a new dimension to your pursuit. So, pick up your rod of choice, embark on your next fishing adventure, and remember that the perfect catch is just a cast away. Happy fishing!

Types Of Fishing Rods Explained

UPDATED 17 MAY 2023

by Robert Ceran

If you’re new to fishing, you may be confused by all the different types of fishing rods on the market, and what hat each of them is used for.

In the following article, we’ll give you an overview of the different fishing rod types, and then discuss each one in more detail.

Table of Contents

So keep reading if you want to learn which types of fishing rods are best for beginners, which ones to use for different fishing applications, and what are the pros and cons of each one. 

What are the types of fishing rods?

Here are the seven most common types of fishing rods:

• Spinning rods
• Casting rods
• Fly fishing rods
• Surf casting rods
• Trolling rods
• Ice fishing rods

Now let’s look at each of these in more detail:

1. Spinning rod

Spinning rods are one of the most commonly used fishing rod types and are great general-purpose models for beginners.

They are lightweight, versatile, and flexible, ranging between four and nine feet long. Spinning reels are attached to the underside of the handle, and all the line guides also face down. 

Spinning rods are ideal for most fishing scenarios, and their casting technique is very easy to master without a lot of practice.

They are used for a wide range of applications in freshwater, where they can be used to catch all popular species, including bass, walleye, panfish, and trout .

They are also often used for inshore saltwater fishing.

The main drawback of spinning poles is that they don’t allow for a very precise cast.

This is fine for most beginners, but more experienced fishers often prefer casting rods, which will allow them more control over their lure placement.

If you’re into bass fishing specifically, check out our review of the top spinning rod for bass .

2. Casting rod

Casting rods are often compared with spinning rods, as they are used for many similar purposes.

They are usually heavier, and the reel is mounted on top of the handle, facing the angler, and the line guides are also on top of the pole.

Casting rods are divided into two subcategories: baitcasting models and spin-cast models.

here is little difference between the two variants; the only substantial difference is in the kind of fishing reel used with them. In general, spincast rods and reels are much easier to use than baitcasting rods and reels.

Casting poles are most well known for having a greater casting distance and accuracy compared to spinning rods, which is ideal for targeting a well defined area where you want your lure to land on the water.

For more details on this, check out our article what are the pros and cons of spinning rods vs casting rods?

While they can be used for many different techniques, and for catching  a wide range of fish species, their most popular use is for bass fishing.

3. Fly fishing rod

Fly rods are extremely lightweight, flexible, and adjustable, making them ideal for casting fly fishing line with very lightweight lures.

Fly rods are great for use in any body of water, even the ocean. They can be adjusted to handle different sizes and weights, making them ideal for catching almost any kind of fish.

Because they are so versatile, they are often a preferred choice among more experienced fishers. However, it takes time and practice to master the cast, and the cast requires a lot of space.

4. Surf casting rod

Surf casting rods are part of a larger family, known as sea rods, which are intended for use in the ocean.

They are generally very long, which helps to increase casting distance, and also tend to be made of durable materials to withstand the constant onslaught of ocean waves and saltwater’s corrosive effects. 

Surf rods offer lots of different options for fishing from shore, small boats, or larger ships further out at sea.

Surf rods come in different sizes and thicknesses to account for the huge variety of fish you might find in the ocean.

Whatever size you choose, they are exceptionally durable, but they tend to be expensive and may not be necessary for the average casual angler.

5. Boat rod

Boat rods are specifically designed for deep sea fishing. They are generally short, since you just need to lower your hook and weight over the side of the boat, with no need to cast it.

In addition, they also tend to be very stout and heavy duty, made of solid fiberglass.

This is because you can expect to catch some very big fish while deep sea fishing, and need enough power to pull them up from a great depth.

For the same reason, boat rods are designed to be used with conventional reels that can hold a lot of heavy line.

6. Trolling rod

Trolling rods are durable and heavy-duty, made for use on boats. Specifically, they are mounted in a holder at the back of a boat, which moves slowly through the water, causing the lure to “swim” and catch the attention of any fish in the area.

Trolling rods are mostly used for catching larger species of fish, such as tuna and marlin.

They are not as widely used as the other types of fishing poles on this list, but they may be useful if you do a lot of fishing from boats, either in lakes or oceans.

For examples of trolling rods, check out our review of the best trolling rod for salmon .

7. Ice fishing rod

Ice fishing rods look similar to spinning rods, but they are the shortest types of fishing rods, sometimes only two to three feet long.

They can be used with spinning reels, or you can use an inline reel model designed specifically for this purpose.

Ice rods , of course, are only intended for ice fishing. Because of their small size, you won’t get much of a cast off of them.

They are meant for use in a confined space inside an ice fishing shelter , and for lowering your lure or bait through a small hole in the ice. 

Ice rods are only useful for catching small to medium fish species, up to the size of walleye and pike. Larger species could cause the rod to snap.

That said, they are fairly inexpensive. They are also super easy to use since you don’t have to know how to cast–simply lower your line down through the hole in the ice.

What to look for in a fishing rod

Now that you have an overview over the different types of fishing poles, let’s discuss what features you need to pay attention to when buying a new pole.

Telescopic rod vs two-piece

Spinning and casting rods come in two different variants: telescopic or two-piece rods. The main difference between them is that telescopic poles can be folded down into a very short and compact form, which is ideal for traveling. 

However, the performance of telescopic rods is generally not as good as that of two-piece models, since each piece has to be small enough to slide into the previous piece, which puts constraints on the taper and backbone performance.

In general, telescopic spinning rods are great for beginners, since they are very easy to transport, assemble and use, while more experienced anglers prefer two-piece poles due to their superior performance.

Rod size (also referred to as weight) is usually written next to the handle, and is given as the recommended line strength and lure weight to be used with it. 

So once you know what kind of fishing you want to do, you should choose a rod size that works best for that purpose.

You should also pair it with a reel designed to handle the same line strength and lure size (for more information on reel size, check out our article on spinning reel sizes ).

Fishing rod action refers to the amount of flex the rod has when it is bent. In general, a pole can bend along the whole length of its backbone (slow action), or only at the tip (fast action).

• Fast action : bends only at its tip
• Medium action : bends halfway along its length
• Slow action : bends along its whole length

In general, types of fishing rods that are used for throwing lures tend to be fast action, since this results in better casting distance and accuracy.

Boat rods and trolling rods, on the other hand, tend to be medium or slow action, since their greater flexibility helps to fight big fish.

For a more detailed discussion of this topic, check out our article: fishing rod action explained .

Rod power is often confused with action, since both terms refer to its bending behavior.

But while action refers to where along its backbone the bending occurs, power refers to how much force is needed to bend it. In other words, power refers to the resistance a rod has to being bent.

• Heavy : requires a lot of weight to be bent
• Medium : requires intermediate weight to be bent
• Light : bends very easily

In general, the bigger the fish you plan to catch, the heavier the power should be. On the other hand, fishing for small species is more fun with light power, which allows you more sensitivity.

To get a deeper understanding of this topic, and how to choose the right power rating, take a look at our fishing rod weight guide .

Rod material

Fishing pole blanks are made of 3 main types of materials: 

Fiberglass has been around the longest, and has the advantage of having more power and being more durable, which is ideal for heavy duty saltwater fishing.

The strongest sea rods are made of solid fiberglass, which is almost impossible to break. This is ideal for trolling rods, especially when using downriggers.

Graphite   was introduced more recently, and has the advantage of being much lighter than fiberglass, as well as being stiffer. These two properties make it ideal for any applications which require accurate casting of a lure or bait.

The lightness also helps to avoid casting fatigue if you fish many hours in a row, plus it’s ideal for ultralight fishing applications.

On the downside, however, graphite is more brittle than fiberglass. Because of this, graphite rods break a lot more easily under strain than fiberglass ones, which can be a problem if you hook a much bigger fish than expected.

Composite materials (as the name suggests), combine both graphite and fiberglass, which can result in combining their strengths, while avoiding their individual weaknesses.

The most famous example of this are the Shakespeare “Ugly Tech” rods (for an example of this, check our review on Ugly Stik GX2 vs Elite ).

Handle material

Rod handles are usually made of either cork or EVA foam. Both of these are great for most purposes, so the one you choose basically boils down to your personal preference.

It’s important to note, however, that some cork handles are made of pressed cork, which is not as durable and high quality as real cork.

Line guides

Line guides can vary a lot depending on the type of rod you choose. Casting rods have smaller line guides that sit on top of the rod facing the angler. They also tend to be of uniform size along the whole length of the pole.

Spinning rods, on the other hand, have bigger line guides towards the base of the pole, while the guides get smaller and smaller towards the tip. 

Line guides are usually made of stainless steel, and often they have inserts such as zirconium or alconite, which helps to reduce line friction.

Heavy duty trolling and boat rods have a rotating insert inside the top most line guide, which also helps to prevent line breakage due to friction, especially when fighting big fish.

And there you have it – these are the most popular types of fishing rods . At this point you should have at least a basic understanding of each type of fishing rod and its different specialties.

So the next time you head to your local fishing shop, you’ll know which type of rod to buy for your specific purpose.

Please enable JavaScript

• Yachting Monthly
• Digital edition

How to tension your yacht’s rig with wire or rod rigging

• August 28, 2024

Ivar Dedekam author of Illustrated Sail & Rig Tuning gives his guide on tensioning a yacht's wire or rod rigging

If you want to trim your rig correctly you should have some idea of the tension in the shrouds and stays, either by rules of thumb or a more exact method, such as this. Here, you measure the stretch of the wire as a percentage and then establish the tension as a percentage of the wire or rod’s breaking load.

You can either measure the stretch of all the wire or a part of it, e.g. 2m. Accuracy will improve with the sample length. Begin with a minimum tension in the wire.

Mark off a 2m length of the shroud on one side of the boat using the shroud terminal for reference. Measure the elastic extension (f) of the measured length as the rigging screws are alternately tightened, little by little. Stop when f = 3mm. (4mm on fractional rigs with aft swept spreaders).

Note that stretch of f = 1mm over a sample of 2m of the wire corresponds to 5% of breaking load independent of the wire diameter. For rod, an f = 1mm stretch over 2m corresponds to 7.5% of breaking load. Use a similar method to establish backstay tension. Remember that a different sample length will have a different stretch for the same load. Also remember that the stretch is always measured from hand tight wire/rod (minimum tension).

Mark up the shroud Mark up 2m of shroud using the terminal for reference…

Rod rigging is made of a straight, single strand. Wire rigging is made of many twisted strands. Normally rod rigging is 20% stronger than wire of the same diameter.

Wire has the advantage of an early warning of fatigue when a strand breaks. Fatigue in rod happens without any warning at all. It can be sudden and sometimes catastrophic.

Tensioning cap shrouds

When you have straightened the mast sideways and adjusted the rake, it is time to look at the cap shrouds. Tighten the cap shrouds to approximately 15% of breaking load. This corresponds to a stretch (f) of 3mm over a length of 200cm. On a fractional rig with aft swept spreaders the cap shrouds should be tensioned to 20% of the breaking load. This corresponds to a stretch of f = 4mm.

Measure the stretch…then measure the elastic extension when the rigging has been tightened.

To avoid excessive forestay sag upwind, the cap shrouds should be relatively highly tensioned. If 20% cap shroud tension is not sufficient to keep sag at an acceptable level, increase the tension to 25% of breaking load. Do not exceed this tension.

Slack rigging will produce shock loads that can cause rig failure and may even bring the mast down. Note that you will not be able to overtighten a wire of 40-50cm length with hand tools. The lower shrouds and intermediate shrouds should be quite loose at this stage.

If the mast has distinct bends you should try to straighten them by sight and hand tensioning.

Many yachtsmen intuitively tension their standing rigging and adjust it later when sailing has begun. This may lead to acceptable results but the methods described above, while taking some time, are more certain and reliable.

Enjoyed reading this?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price, so you can save money compared to buying single issues .

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals .

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

• Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
• Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
• Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.