10 Best Fishing Rods of 2021
Photo: sutori.com
The fishing rod is the most practical and useful fishing tool that you can buy. It comes in a wide range of lengths and can be paired with different types of reels for more versatility.
Moreover, this fishing tool is highly durable and will last you a very long time even if you regularly use it for heavy-duty big game fishing.
Amongst other things, many fishing rods are engineered for special casting techniques used by professional fishermen in tournaments.
If you are fresh on the market for a high-quality fishing rod, we have exactly what you need. Keep reading below to find out more!
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10 Best Fishing Rods - Review
- 1. Sougayilang Fishing Rod
- 2. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
- 3. Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Rod
- 4. Eagle Claw PK555SP Telescopic Fishing Rod
- 5. Fiblink Surf Fishing Rod
- 6. Eagle Claw Featherlight Fly Rod
- 7. UglyStik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
- 8. St Croix Triumph Spinning Fishing Rod
- 9. Pflueger Trion Fishing Rod
- 10. Abu Garcia 29ULCBO Fishing Rod
- Types of Fishing Rod
- How to Buy the Best Fishing Rods
- Conclusion
10 Best Fishing Rods - Review
|
Product Name |
Length |
Power |
Current Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Sougayilang Fishing Rod |
5.91 - 11.81 ft |
Medium |
|
|
2. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod |
7 ft |
Medium |
|
|
3. Sougayilang Baicasting Fishing Rod |
7 ft |
Medium-light |
|
|
4. Eagle Claw PK555SP Telescopic Fishing Rod |
5 ft 6 in |
N/A |
|
|
5. Fiblink Surf Fishing Rod |
10 - 12 ft |
Medium-light |
|
|
6. Eagle Claw Featherlight Fly Rod |
6 ft 6 in |
N/A |
|
|
7. UglyStik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod |
7 ft |
Medium-light |
|
|
8. St Croix Triumph Spinning Fishing Rod |
N/A |
12,000 |
|
|
9. Pflueger Trion Fishing Rod |
6 ft 6 in |
Light |
|
|
10. Abu Garcia 29ULCBO Fishing Rod |
2 ft 4 in |
N/A |
1. Sougayilang Fishing Rod
Photo: Sougayilang
- Length: 5.91 - 11.81 feet
- Line weight: 5 - 10 lbs
- Power: Medium
Sougayilang has made a name for itself in the fishing accessories industry. This model is a medium power fishing rod that makes it an excellent general purpose rod for casual use. Moreover, what distinguishes this model from others is that it is telescopic and comes in a wide range of sizes to fit individual needs.
This rod contains a spinning reel that is high quality and very easy to use, as all spinning reels are. It is CNC machined cut for precision and accuracy during casting. Moreover, the included spinning reel has no less than 14 ball bearings for a smooth drag.
Best, you have the ability to choose between various sizes and purchase which makes it extremely flexible. The shortest fishing rod measures5.91 feet while the longest is a whopping 11.81 feet.
Indeed, there is a little bit of everything for everyone with this Sougayilang unit which makes it one of the best overall fishing rods in this review
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2. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
Photo: UglyStik
- Length: 7 feet
- Line weight: 6 - 15 lbs
- Power: Medium
This UglyStik GX2 is lightweight and can accommodate a spinning reel that will make an excellent model for a young angular or absolute beginner.
This rod measures 7 feet which is pretty much the industry standard when it comes to a spinning fishing rod and comes as a 2 piece for ease of storage. Moreover, it is fairly lightweight and the handle is long and soft which makes it easy to use even for an extended period.
Further, the tip of this spinning fishing rod is extremely sensitive which makes it a very good model for fishing small game in freshwaters like rivers or lakes.
To make it even more durable and long-lasting, the manufacturer employs a combination of graphite and fiberglass that makes this fishing rod extremely durable.
All in all, despite a few shortcomings here and there this, unit is definitely one of the best spinning fishing rods based on its ease of use and performance.
More Detailed: UglyStik GX2 Review
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3. Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Rod
Photo: Sougayilang
- Length: 7 feet
- Line weight: 6 - 12 lbs
- Power: Medium-light
Here we have another Sougayilang fishing rod that this time comes equipped with a baitcasting reel. Again, we see the same high-quality build construction from aluminum for the baitcasting reel and graphite for the rod.
The baitcasting reel in this rod is included and can easily be switched from right to left. Moreover, the retrieving system can equally be changed just as easily.
With its standard 7 feet length, this Sougayilang fishing rod is fully equipped for heavy-duty fishing in both freshwater and saltwater. Moreover, you have the choice between different models and sizes based on your preference and need.
But what we really like about this fishing rod is definitely its gear ratio of 7:1 which is one of the fastest in this review. It will retrieve the line extremely quickly which means that this fishing rod is an excellent performer when it comes to long-distance casting.
If you're looking for a baitcasting fishing rod, look no further. This model is most certainly the best baitcasting fishing rod in this review.
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4. Eagle Claw PK555SP Telescopic Fishing Rod
Photo: Eagle Claw
- Length: 5 feet 6 inches
- Line weight: 4 -10 lbs
Many people prefer to go with telescopic fishing rods . That's because this is a very convenient type of fishing rod that is easy to install and easy to deploy. If you are looking for such a model, the Eagle Claw PK555SP is a telescopic fishing rod that is worth the consideration.
Above all, this fishing rod is also the most affordable solution we have in this review. Of course, the build quality cannot be compared to more expensive fishing rods. But despite the cheap price, the build construction and features are above average.
It has a decent line weight of 4 - 10 lbs which shows that it can be used for a small to medium-size catch like trout or even bass with comfort.
Moreover, the handle is coated with an EVA foam for comfort. There are 4 line guides made out of ceramic for accuracy and the rod itself is made out of a fiberglass material which is very durable.
All in all, for the price this model from Eagle Claw is definitely the best telescopic fishing rod that money can buy.
More Detailed: Eagle Claw PK555SP Review
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5. Fiblink Surf Fishing Rod
Photo: Fiblink
- Length: 10 - 12 feet
- Line weight: 15 - 30 lbs
- Power: Medium-heavy
We all know that the best surf fishing rod must be long, durable and heavy-duty. This is exactly what the Fiblink surf rod is. This unit comes in 2 different sizes of 10-foot and 12-foot for versatility. Moreover, the line weight of 15 -30 lbs makes it an excellent fishing rod for big game fishing in the marine open.
Additionally, it is a high-performance surf fishing rod that can reel in big-game catch without breaking. Best, it is very competitively priced that makes it value for money. There are ceramic guides for accuracy and smoothness when reeling the line.
Further, the handle is very discreet and coated with an anti-slip rubber material for comfort. You can hold this handle for an extended period and still not feel hand fatigue.
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6. Eagle Claw Featherlight Fly Rod
Photo: Eagle Claw
- Length: 6 feet 6 inches
Here we have another quality model from Eagle Claw but this time it is a fly fishing rod . This unit is extremely lightweight and has a long cork handle that makes it very easy and comfortable to hold even for an extended period.
It is a 2-piece item which means that it can easily be stored when not in use. Additionally, the rod itself is made out of fiberglass and not graphite for better sensitivity when using live bait.
Best, but we really like about this model is its excellent price to performance ratio. Indeed, this fly fishing rod has one of the most competitive prices we have seen. Therefore, we elect it as the best fly fishing rod in this review because it is well deserving of this title.
More Detailed: Eagle Claw Featherlight Review
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7. UglyStik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Photo: UglyStik Elite
- Length: 7 feet
- Power: Medium-light
The UglyStik Elite is actually a very sensitive fishing rod that can accommodate a spinning reel. Its sensitivity and medium-light power give you an edge, especially when fishing small freshwater game.
It has a long cork handle throughout the entire the lower part of the body for maximum handling comfort.
Moreover, you can choose between a wide range of styles and sizes depending on your need with this model. As expected for a fishing rod of this price, the build quality is excellent and this is a very durable and heavy-duty fishing rod that can be used in both freshwater and seawater for versatility.
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8. St Croix Triumph Spinning Fishing Rod
Photo: St Croix Triumph
- Power: Light
The St Croix Triumph is a general purpose high-end fishing rod that can be used in a wide range of situations. However, due to its low power, we recommend it only for small-game fishing.
This fishing rod will accommodate a spinning reel and comes in different sizes for flexibility. Moreover, this model uses a high-quality SCII graphite material that is very durable and will not break under tension.
For those who like to fish for an extended period, the cork handle provides excellent handling. Furthermore, the whole lower part of the fishing rod has an ergonomic shape so as to prevent hand fatigue.
All in all, get this model if you need a comfortable, durable, and general purpose fishing rod and do not mind paying a little bit extra for it.
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9. Pflueger Trion Fishing Rod
Photo: Pflueger Trion
- Length: 7 feet 7 inches
- Power: Medium
The Pflueger Trion is known for its three-part cork handle that makes it a superior fishing rod when it comes to handling. Indeed, this model was designed for those who usually fish for long hours.
Moreover, this unit already comes with a standard spinning reel that is fitted at the bottom. The reel is high quality and comes with a 7 ball bearing system that offers a very smooth drag.
For more flexibility, the user has the choice between style, power, and length during purchase. Best of all, this rod is lightweight and offers excellent maneuverability.
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10. Abu Garcia 29ULCBO Fishing Rod
Photo: Abu Garcia
- Length: 2 feet 4 inches
This 29ULCBO fishing rod from Abu Garcia is quite unique. It is a mini fishing rod that measures only 28-inch so you can forget long-distance casting. However, for general purpose freshwater fishing it offers a nice experience, especially to young anglers and beginners.
It comes equipped with a spinning reel and has a 4 ball bearing system that offers a smooth drag. The short fishing rod is made from graphite which bends easily but will not break even when reeling a big catch.
All in all, if you're looking for a basic and mini fishing rod to learn or teach young anglers how to cast, then the 29ULCBO is a great fishing rod for this purpose.
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Types of Fishing Rod
Photo: thetravelmanuel.com
There are several types of fishing rods. Having an understanding of each type will help you make a better choice when choosing a fishing rod. Here is a brief overview of some of the most important ones on the market.
1. Casting Rod
The casting rod is one of the most sensitive and accurate fishing rods that you can buy. This fishing rod focuses on build construction and precision. Further, the casting rod is usually used with baitcasting lures for maximum efficiency.
However, unlike what its name would suggest, the casting rod will accommodate both the baitcasting reel and spinning reel with equal ease. You will simply need to choose one based on your preference and need.
Additionally, the casting rod is the preferred type of fishing rod used by professionals during tournaments. Mostly because of their lightweight and optimally engineered form factor for casting and retrieving.
If you are planning to use a baitcasting lure then the casting rod will be an excellent match as the casting rod has been specifically designed for this type of lure.
2. Spinning Rod
The spinning rod is one of the most popular fishing rods that are beginner-friendly and used by many young anglers to learn how to cast and retrieve.
This type of fishing rod is usually paired with a spinning reel that is known for its user-friendliness and fast retrieve speed. Essentially, this reel allows you to retrieve much faster than any other type of reels on the market.
Moreover, there is no visual difference between the casting rod and the spinning rod. To differentiate between the two, you will need to pay particular attention as to how manufacturers label them.
3. Fly Rod
The fly rod is generally one of the longest types of fishing rods on the market. Many models can even reach 12 feet long, but on average most are around 9 feet in length. For a fly rod, a 6 feet rod would be considered small, which is quite long for any other type of fishing rods.
One distinctive factor of the fly rod is that the real is usually round and it has a very short handle. The fly rod is used with live bait like dry flies, nymphs, and even fish food.
Additionally, the fly rod is known for its lightweight and thin form factor. Essentially, the fly rod is a great fishing rod for a small-time freshwater game.
4. Surf Rod
The surf rod is a usually used for big game fishing in the marine open. This type of fishing rod is expensive but has a very durable build construction.
Indeed, this seawater fishing rod is mostly used for long distance casting and it can reel in some of the biggest catch out there.
The surf rod is usually paired with either a baitcasting reel or a spinning reel for ease of use. In any case, both of those reels usually have an extra-sized spool for long distance casting.
5. Telescopic Rod
Telescopic fishing rods are one of the most practical models that you can buy. They can easily be extended to gain length during a fishing party and pulled back together for easy storage. They do not sacrifice on durability and a telescopic rod is as durable as any other.
Nevertheless, due to the multiple layers that constitute the telescopic rod, it is not as sensitive as a single piece fishing rod. If you are focusing mostly on portability and storage, then the telescopic rod makes sense.
If that is a non-issue, then we recommend choosing a more sensitive fishing rod like a casting rod or spinning rod.
How to Buy the Best Fishing Rods
Photo: revm.com
1. Action
The action is simply how fast the rod will bend when force is applied to the fishing rod, as in having a fish at the end of the hook.
The faster the action, the less responsive and control you have when retrieving your catch. However, it is much easier to reel in a big catch with a low action fishing rod.
For smalltime fishing, a fast action is usually better because small fish exert less force on the line.
2. Power
The power is essentially the amount of force required to bend the fishing rod. Therefore, the bigger the catch the more power you will need in your fishing rod. Power is usually denoted as ultralight, light, medium, medium heavy and heavy in a fishing rod.
If you are not sure which type of power to choose, then medium power is most of the time the sweet spot and general-purpose power that will fit most users needs.
3. Material
The material used in the fishing rod is also one of the most important aspects to consider. You do not want to use a fishing rod that is cheaply built with low-quality materials. Look for materials like graphite and fiberglass when it comes to the build construction of the fishing rod.
Graphite is a lightweight and highly durable material that can bend without breaking. On the other hand, fiberglass does not bend as much as graphite but it is more durable and offers better responsiveness and control.
4. Responsiveness
Responsiveness in a fishing rod is very important because it directly dictates the maneuverability. The more responsive the fishing rod, the better maneuverability you have.
However, you do not necessarily need the most responsive fishing rod. It will all depend on your need and purpose.
For big game fishing, responsiveness is more important than for small-time freshwater fishing because big fishes are more easily unhooked than smaller ones.
Responsiveness here is important because you need to have the ability to adapt quickly to the fish movement.
5. Rod type
There are multiple fishing rod types that each have its advantages and disadvantages. You will need to choose a type that is based on your purpose. Moreover, you also need to take into consideration the type of reel that you will be using with your fishing rod.
Not all reel is compatible with the same fishing rod. Check if your preferred reel is compatible with the rod before purchasing.
6. Handle
The handle is where your hands will rest most of the time on the rod and it needs to be comfortable. Most experts agree that a fishing rod equipped with a cork handle provides the best user experience and most comfort. Especially if you plan to use your fishing rod for an extended period of time.
Additionally, the longer the handle, the better will be your grip which eventually makes it more comfortable to hold.
Conclusion
As we've seen, the fishing rod is sold at different prices for different budgets and has features that fulfill specific needs. The best thing about this fishing tool is that you never have to pay more than what you need.
You can get a good fishing rod at bargain prices if you know where and what to look for. Hopefully, our fishing rod review above has helped you spot a decent rod for your need.
We hand-picked some popular and quality rods that are used by both beginners and experts throughout the world with great satisfaction. If not, then we recommend that you go through our review one more time.