Fishing Rod Recommendations
The most important fishing accessory that you will even need on a fishing trip is a high-quality fishing rod that you are comfortable with using and operating. We will be looking at several of the top recommendations that you can purchase on the Amazon marketplace.
We will be making our selections based on customer feedback and brand reputation. We will also be factoring in the design specifications and design quality. It is also important for us to include a few selections for younger fisherman than are in their teenage years. You might notice a fishing rod that is specifically designed for younger children as well.
With that being said, most people that are reading this product review are probably already familiar with some of the fishing rods that are listed on the Amazon marketplace. There also might be some of you that are completely unfamiliar with fishing rods. If you are brand new to fishing, then be prepared to learn a lot of interesting details about high-quality fishing rods within this post.
Some of the most useful resources that we will include in this review will be the Frequently Asked Questions portion that will be located just after the review section. That FAQ section of the post will be specifically designated to answering common questions from customers about fishing rods. You will also notice a bullet-point list of pros and cons within the review portion of this buyer's guide. These pros and cons will be filled with useful resources of information.
With all of that being said, we are now prepared to shift our focus to the review section. We will slowly progress through this section by slowly going through each of our recommendations. We will start with our top-overall fishing rod choice and work our way throughout our top-five until we finally reach our final product. At the end of this post, we will have one final section that will summarize all of the things that we learned from our reviews.
Top 5: Fishing Rods Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
9.8 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.2 | ||
9.1 |
Our top recommendation is the KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod. This premium selection has an amazing level of quality that is seemingly unmatched within the industry. This fishing rod checks all of the boxes, including durability, strength, and accuracy.
The high level of quality and impressive attention to detail has propelled this fishing rod to the top of our list. It has earned an outstanding reputation on Amazon for its incredible design quality, and we highly recommend this fishing to our readers.
Pros
Cons
We are extremely pleased to have the chance to praise the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod within our review. This impressive stainless steel hooded reel is created with high-density carbon fiber to make this fishing role as durable and strong as possible.
For an affordable price, you can become the new owner of the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod. The existing customer ratings on Amazon are extremely positive, and we definitely think that a large portion of our readers will be interested in learning more about this selection.
Pros
Cons
We certainly don't want to exclude our youngest fisherman from this product review. With that being said, we certainly want to take a look at this PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod for Kids. This fishing rod is capable of providing a high-quality experience for a child's fishing trip.
This great outdoor fishing rod can be ideal for teaching kids the basics of fishing. The PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod for Kids is affordable and popular on the Amazon marketplace.
Pros
Cons
Our fourth review will take an in-depth look at the Blue Fire Fishing Rod Kit. This carbon fiber fishing rod is perfect for all ages. A convenient carrying bag is also included with this high-quality fishing rod kit from Blue Fire. The price range is also a little bit expensive, but it should still be reasonable enough for some customers that are on a tighter spending budget.
If you are looking for a cheap and reputable fishing rod kit, then you probably can't go wrong with this Blue Fire Fishing Rod Kit. This high-quality carbon fiber fishing rod can be used in saltwater and freshwater conditions.
Pros
Cons
We have finally arrived at the final individual product review that will be listed within this buyer's guide. The final selection for this product review is the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod. This high-quality fishing rod has improved durability and several high-quality additions.
The lightweight design stems from the high-quality construction of this fishing rod. The increased sensitivity is ideal for some types of fisherman, but this fishing rod is really comfortable for customers that are looking for a fishing rod with endurance-enhancing properties.
Pros
Cons
Frequently Asked Question
What are the most common types of fishing rods?
There are a wide variety of rods available depending upon which fishing method you like. Factors such as 1) where you plan to fish (i.e. on land, in a boat, at the beach, at a pier or on rocks) and 2) if you plan to use live bait or lures will impact your rod choice.
Six of the most common fishing pole types are spinning, baitcasting, surf rods, telescopic rods, overhead rods and fly rods. Spinning rods are the most frequently used ones because they can be used in a variety of situations.
These poles feature a spinning reel for the fishing line. This setup is great for catching small to medium-sized fish species. You can use a spinning rod not only from a pier or other onshore spot but also in a boat.
Baitcasting rods provide more sensitivity and control than spinning rods when trying to hook a fish. These poles also offer improved casting distance and accuracy for an experienced user. However, the reels on these rods are more likely get tangled than spinning reels.
Surf rods are a good choice if you plan to fish while you are out on the beach. These rods are some of the longest ones available at between 9 and 14 feet. This additional length allows you to cast your line out past the break of the waves.
It is strongly advised that you consider your own height and physical ability when choosing the length for your surf pole. Taller people may want to select a longer pole for ease of use.
However, most people who fish using this method are happy with 10 to 12-foot shafts.
Telescopic rods are an excellent choice for someone who likes to travel frequently. These rods collapse down, similar to a tripod leg, into a length that can easily fit into the trunk of your car or a compact carrying case.
Most serious anglers used to avoid these rods because they were made with easily breakable plastic reels and other fragile components. However, thanks to advances in composites, many of these folding rods are sturdy enough to handle medium-sized fish.
Overhead rods are the classic choice for marlin fishing or other deep-sea game fishing trips. You can easily use these poles even from large fishing boats. They are referred to as overhead rods because the reel is typically mounted to the top of the pole.
Unlike the other types described above, you should not cast with these rods. Your best bet might be to just drop your line into the water and see what happens. These poles are shorter than surf or other rods, but they are some of the most powerful poles available.
Fly rods are designed specifically for fly fishing. This approach to fishing uses an ultra-lightweight lure known as a fly to try and catch freshwater or saltwater fish. Unlike baitcasting or spinner casting, your line's weight will determine your casting distance.
Fly fishing can be challenging for the beginner or novice angler. You may want to consult with someone experienced with this type of fishing when choosing your rod, reel and line combination.
Many fishing rod manufacturers also make rods specifically for kids. These rods are typically shorter, which allows younger family members to also share in the fun of fishing,
We would strongly recommend a versatile option such as a spinning rod and reel for younger anglers. These rods can be used in a variety of situations and can be bought in a length that will be easier for them to control.
What other attributes should I consider when picking out a new fishing rod?
Deciding on what type of fishing rod you want to use is only the beginning. Within each of the rod types, there are literally hundreds of options with unique characteristics. Some of the most important attributes of a fishing rod are:
Rod Action: The rod's action rating refers to the amount that the pole flexes. This attribute affects the amount of the rod that will bend during casting and when trying to reel in a fish.
Rod action is rated as very fast, fast, moderate or slow. Very fast rods generally only bend in the top third or less of the pole's overall length. These rods are ideal for bass fishing because they provide enhanced sensitivity.
If you prefer to use worms or jigs when you fish, then a pole with a fast action may be the best option. A fast action pole will provide more maneuverability for hooks with live bait.
Medium or medium-fast rod action will allow you to cast your line further out. These rods are well suited for topwater lures or baits that use motion to attract the fish, such as spinbaits or crankbaits.
Rod Taper: The rod's taper refers its thickness. This term is often used in place of rod action.
Power: A rod's power rating refers to the amount of force required to bend the rod or the amount of effort that you need to use to lift a fish out of the water. Rods are rated between ultra-light and heavy depending upon the fish you want to catch.
For example, if you primarily want to fish for bass or trout in fresh water, you would likely want to select a medium or medium heavy rod with fast action. This setup will help you rapidly bring the fish up through any reeds or other debris.
What material is best for my fishing rod?
There are two main materials that are used to manufacture fishing rods, fiberglass and graphite. Fiberglass has been a popular choice for fishing rods since the 1950s. These rods generally cheaper and have slower actions than other types.
Fiberglass rods are ideal if you want to use larger lures such as crankbaits or bigger worms. These poles are generally more durable and can handle reeds, rocks and other debris while fishing.
Fish with soft mouths, such as salmon, are less likely to have the hook break out of their mouths with a slower action fiberglass rod. As a result, these rods are often good choices for beginners because they are a bit more forgiving while you are still learning the best techniques.
Graphite fishing poles were introduced in the 1970s and are usually the most expensive options available today. With the added price, you also get increased power ratings and faster actions than fiberglass poles.
These rods are an excellent choice if you plan to primarily go bass fishing. The graphite is very sensitive to movement and will give you more feedback than a fiberglass pole when a bass nibbles on your line.
The drawbacks to a graphite pole are that the extra sensitivity can cause you to feel tremors from fish that are one foot or more away from your line. As a result, you may try to reel in a "fish" and discover that you haven't actually hooked anything.
Composite rods are an alternative to fiberglass and graphite. These poles include both of these materials in different amounts. Combining fiberglass with graphite adds strength and durability, but still allows you to maintain more sensitivity in the line.
These options are less likely to break when exposed to sudden loads than graphite rods. The ability to vary the number of fiberglass and graphite in each rod also enables manufacturers to tailor each design to specific applications.
What type of fishing line should I use with my rod?
You should use fishing line that has the same rating as your pole's power. A heavy rod will often snap an ultra-light or light line. In contrast, a heavy line can actually snap an ultra-light or light pole.
No matter what type of rod you choose, you should have plenty of fishing line on your reel. Fish sometimes break lines or your lines can become tangled throughout the day. 100 yards is a good amount to ensure that you have enough line for your trip.
Can I use a spinning rod for fly fishing?
While you could fly fish with a spinning or baitcasting rod, it is not recommended. You would need to add weights or a casting bubble in order to cast the lightweight flies with these pole types.
However, you would most likely not be able to cast the flies very far even with added weights. You would be better off buying a rod, line and lures specifically designed for fly fishing if you are going to make this your hobby.
What is the appropriate length for a fishing rod?
As you may have guessed from the rod descriptions above, the ideal rod length depends upon what type of fishing you want to do. For instance, if you are primarily going to try and catch bass, then a 5 to 7-foot pole may be sufficient.
Alternatively, surf fishing requires a significantly longer rod that will allow you to cast further out. Normally a rod between 9 and 14 feet will be long enough to allow you to cast past the waves as they come over the rocks by the beach.
Telescopic rods can fold down to as little as 1.5 feet for a medium powered rod and a little over 2 feet for a medium-heavy design. Amazingly, these poles can expand to lengths from 7 feet to more than 11 feet when fully extended.
Should I use live bait or lures with my pole?
Whether you use live bait, such as worms, squid, pinfish or shrimp, or plastic lures is a personal preference. Some anglers prefer live bait because it provides a more natural experience.
As a bonus you can also catch your own worms or other bait, which can save money. If you want to take this approach, then you should invest in a high-quality cast net. This tool is a weighted circular net that you throw, or cast, into the water to catch live bait.
However, some people believe that using live creatures as bait is cruel. If you feel that way, then you may want to opt for plastic lures. These objects to attract the fish can be expensive and there are thousands of different options to choose from.
We recommend that you select a few specific lure types that are designed to attract the main type of fish that you want. You can experiment with these first lures for a while until you get more familiar with which ones work best with your style.
Perhaps the best benefit of artificial lures is that they are durable and reusable. That being said, strong fish can and do break plastic. In addition, your hooks, weights or other components may rust over time and need to be replaced.
We suggest that you try both live bait and lures if you are new to fishing. That way, you can decide which approach you like best.
What other equipment should I have to complement my fishing rod?
In addition to your rod, reel and fishing line, you will also want to have hooks, bait or lures, bobbers, sinkers and other tools for your fishing trip.
Bobbers are floating balls or other objects that help keep your bait closer to the top of the water. These floaters will help you identify when a fish is hooked on your line.
If you plan to cast your lines, then sinkers are another critical item for you to have. Sinkers, or weights, were traditionally made from lead, but this material can be poisonous to the fish, New eco-sensitive sinkers are now made from brass, steel or tungsten alloys.
Ultimately, our recommendation would be to have a tackle box that you can use to store and organize all of your fishing gear. The size of the box will depend upon the number of hooks, lures, bobbers, and other items that you want to bring with you.
How much does a fishing rod cost?
The price gap between varying fishing rods can be quite significant. We have included several different products with wide ranges of prices. Depending on your specific budget, you may have to filter out some of our recommendations when trying to make your purchase decision.
For a quick answer, one of our most cost-effective choices in this review happens to be the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod. There is also a fishing rod from the same brand that is specifically designed for kids. If you have a young child that you'd like to bring along on your next fishing trip, then also check out the PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod for Kids.
Final Verdict
Finding the right fishing rod can be a lengthy process of searching through Amazon's extensive catalog. We have tried to simplify the search process by filtering out products that are considered to be in the lower-tier of products.
We have selected five of the most valuable fishing rod products on Amazon. These selections are extremely popular among customers, and they have several impressive features that place them above the rest of the competition.
