Top 10 Best Fishing Rods 2018 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

There is nothing more thrilling like catching some fishes on a rod for people of any ages, any localities. If you are quite like-minded and looking forward to best fishing rods to start your fishing with, you are at the right place.

We know that in case of fishing accessories, it works like You get what you pay for. But, in the real-world market, there are a lot of overpriced instruments. If not done wisely, a random purchase of fishing rod can ruin your entire fishing plan.

All of the reviews and data are collected, filtered an ordered by our own experts with years of experiences in fishing. So, father the end of this review, we hope that you will find a perfect or to invest your money on.

Hey, wanna grab some Top quality fishing reels and gears? Please check this article best fishing reels including reviews.

Top 10 Best Fishing Rods Comparison Chart

Top 10 Fishing Rods Reviews

Well, you saw the selected top 10 high-quality rods for fishing on above comparison chart. Now see here are top 10  fishing rods reviews including of our editor’s comments.

#01. St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod Review – Highly Recommended For Its Premium Quality

With no doubt, St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod is dominating our top fishing rods under $150 In fact, while our team was performing the research for this review, St. Croix was always in our radar.

St. Croix is widely known as one premium brand producing quality fishing kits. The rod we are talking about belongs to the Triumph series. It’s a Mexican made up product and therefore, performs up to the mark as long as the weight, materials and functionalities are concerned.

From the real user’s view, most of the popular brands of fishing rods contain one or two special features to praise about. But we couldn’t help declaring that, it’s an all-rounder product that can fit any fishing purpose you can imagine.

Let’s dig down a bit deeper-

Technical Specification

Overview

We can’t wait to tell you that what impressed us most about this St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod. As per the first-hand user’s quote, the hook setting power and sensitivity of this rod is beyond expectation. With a handful of takes, you can barely detect the malfunctions. Even the slightest pick of the fish strike is responded by this product.

No matter whatever the fishing action is, there is always a Triumph product of fishing rod that’s equipped with superior strength and fast-sensibility. Especially, if I put the limelight on the SCII graphite structure and the premium tapers of this product, I can barely think of any other rod in this category. In an additional note, it’s got hard and tough aluminum-oxide guides which strengthen its structure even more!

To give the rod a full work-up, there is something special to take your fishing experience to next level. Th silver hoods make the fishing a smarter experience indeed, smarter than any other rods made of other brands.

Throw-out our entire review, we could manage to find only one feature that needs improvement in this product. It has got a split foam grip which is not probably the best option for year-lowing use. In summer, when you will fish with a sweat and wet hand, it would have been better to handle the rod if it had a full-cork grip.

If you ask me again, I personally in love with this model and I am pretty sure to try this out on my own next time I go fishing. Although, frequent and year-long uses might cause few of its functionalities. But as you know proper maintenance is the key to keep such devices full-functioning.

#02. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Review – Simple But Durable

When you want to catch fish whatever larger or smaller, the main things you need to ensure is a perfect combination of weight and balance. Yes, it’s simultaneously accountable to both you and your spinning rod. Hence, to provide you the best balance in lighter weight here’s some information on Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod. Let’s know more about it.

Technical Specification

Overview

Suppose, you want to continue fishing with your loving fishing rod, you’d got as a gift from your father. It will be only possible when the rod is durable enough. In that case, Shakespeare Ugly will vide you the best support for its nice durability. The cause of this special durability comes out for only its graphite and fiberglass-made structure.

If the “Ugly” name term in the name of this product creates any negative impression on you, then I can say that you’ll hugely run towards the wrong way. The “Ugly” in the name of this fishing rod is quite irrelevant to the performance of this rod. Rather, the rod is quite light and easy to carry. After all, it’ll come with a nice and stylish appearance.

However, now come to another crucial asking, which supposed to raise in your mind. And that is the confusion about reel seat. Yes, the strength of reel seat is very important as it needs to carry most of the pulling tensions. For this rod, the reel seat is also made of the combination of graphite and fiberglass. This combination has made the reel seat so strong that you can pull more than 30 lbs weight of fish.

And Few More…

Well, its enough longer rod along with lighter weight will provide you an easy moving facility. You can get enough comfort moving it with both of your hands separately. Also, you will get a fantastic balance along with the finger grip for the presence of graphite in the handle. In fine, the total combination will provide you a perfect rod for fishing any size of fishes comfortably.

In fine, you won’t get any telescopic facility here. But its mechanism is very easy. So, if you want to get the taste of hundred percent natural fishing with a simple but durable fishing rod, then simply trust on Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod.

#03. Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod – Cheap & Sturdy

Are you in need of a keen, accurate and all-out usable fishing rod? Probably, you’re thinking that you won’t get this type rod within a relevant price, isn’t it?

But here’s some information on Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing rod which will be absolutely in your budget. Additionally, you can use it in both salt and fresh water for its graphite carbon fiber material. So, it might be a quality rod within your budget and I’m assuring it after researching a good number of reviews.

Technical Specification

Overview

The most exciting thing you’ll get here is nothing but the telescope which is actually a composite of carbon fiber and E-glass. It’ll give you excellent accuracy while catching smaller fishes in both fresh and salt water.
But along with this, you’ll get some additional faculties also. As an example, the presence of carbon fiber will provide a long-time durability. The graphite coating protects it from all kinds of natural corrosion in both fresh and salt water.

Well, now it comes about the performance. Yes, you’ll get a smoother performance also. Especially it generates medium pulling power. It’s actually a medium heavy rod. Its size is also appropriate for comfortable handling. Hence, the summation of these has made it a good rod for handling.

Next, to that, the very common question will raise in your mind is about its reel seat, isn’t it? Yes, the reel seat is hundred percent corrosion-less for using CNC machined Aluminium as its main component. So, you needn’t worry.
You may also see that this rod is appropriate for the spinning reel. Hence, you can call it a spin rod also.

Last of all, if you look for best fishing rod without any limitation, then I can say that you can’t find that type of product anywhere. The reason is that every product is under some limitations. In the same way, this rod isn’t perfect for catching large fishes of more than 3 pounds. Additionally, it’s not suitable for the beginners. But if your intention is to catch smaller fishes with great accuracy, Sougayilang Spinning Telescopic Fishing Rod with reel combo will be a nice choice for you.

#04. Okuma Surf Rods Reviews – Long Length Fishing Rod

The longer the fishing rod, the better for the fishing. So, when your intention is to get a longer fishing rod in the relevant price, then Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods will offer the best features to you. Even you can get a complete package of all average requisite for comfort fishing if you take this rod. So, let’s see the other specialties of this rod.

Technical Specification

Overview

If you have limitations in your budget, then you simply look for a fishing rod which will provide you the best benefit in limited budget. Then you can easily rely on this Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite rod.

Moreover, this rod will provide you a long length of about 9-12 feet. This larger length will provide you a huge facility to maintain balance while fishing. So, it is especially useful for catching both larger and smaller fishes.

Now, let’s discuss the grip. Here you’ll find EVA grip and the grip mechanism is traditional cork tape grip. So, it can be very familiar to the beginners.

Well along with the grip, the weight is another important parameter to make the rod comfortable for fishing. To make the rod lighter, Okuma is giving you graphite composite blank in its body. Hence, you’ll get a nice lighter weight in this rod. So, it’ll become an easy moving and comfortable rod for you.

Moreover, a double –foot guide created by stainless steel is also available here for you. It’ll make the total fishing rod very smoother and you can use it for catching any size of fishes. To improve the performance and make the rod more inclusive, aluminum oxide is also inserted in it.

In fine, the reel seat is providing you a very smooth and highly capable running of reel to make your angling more enjoyable. So, I can say that you are getting all the necessary features in this rod within your budget. It is a very basic type rod. That’s why, beginners and especially students which have limitations in budget, can easily take it as a nice fishing rod.

#05. Fiblink 4 Piece Travel Spinning Rod

In the usual sense, you know, powerful push-up capacity and lightweight are two most important but completely opposite features for a fishing rod. The perfect combination of these two features is simply a hard task. But Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Casting Rod has appeared before you containing millions of modules of revolutionary carbon fiber. Therefore, it is the perfect fishing rod, if you want to get the perfect combination of lightweight and push-up power. Moreover, it has some unique features also which can attract you. Let’s know a bit about them.

Technical Specification

Overview

When you are professional enough and want to get the best service from your rod, then Fibnink 4 piece travel spinning rod will place at the top position of your list. It’ll fulfill all of your needs like power, lightweight, fantastic grip and sensitive casting performance simultaneously.

Firstly, let’s discuss about the power. It possesses a nice technology called Armour-Core technology. Along with this, millions of modules of the fiber of carbon has made it a light-weight and extremely powerful fishing rod.
Next, to that, the grip of the handle comes in sequence. It’ll simply provide a nice grip for its high-density EVA handles.

On the other hand, durable stainless-steel frame along with the ceramic glass sets allow this rod to perform more accurately and with more sensitivity. So, the possibility of catching the larger amount of fishes will also get increased.

Another most important thing, which is the unique feature of this fishing rod is about its casting facility. Virtually friction-free line flow is available here and it’ll ensure maximum casting performance for you. Therefore, the entire reel can easily run more freely through the reel seat.

Again, here you’ll find multi-purpose hook keeper and the result will provide you both spinner and crankbait facilities. Along with this, you’ll also get drop-shot weight and rigged worm.

Last of all, if you are a traveler then you have another unique facility and that is you can carry this rod putting on your backpack. So, this fishing rod is appropriate for the professional travelers, not for the beginners. Therefore, if you are a traveler and professional enough in angling, then take this rod to increase the enjoyment of your travel.

#06. Berkley C-Series Crappie Pro Spinning Rod Review

If swift and smooth handling is your first priority along with high strength and durability, then obviously you need a handle which presents you a nice combination of titanium oxide and stainless steel. For this, you can trust on Berkley C-Series Crappie Pro Spinning Rod because it’ll be the good fishing rod in this case. Therefore, it’ll fulfill your demands more perfectly than other fishing rods.

Technical Specification

Overview

You know, the total comfort in fishing vastly depends on the combination of some criteria such as grip, easy moving, fatigue, light-weight, durability, control and also some others. Berkley C-series provides you a nice combination of all of these facilities.

Firstly, come to the grip. It is essential to have a nice grip to balance with the pulling stress while fishing large fishes. In this case, carbon fiber tip will provide you the smooth and sensitive feeling with a nice grip. And the result is, you can keep pace with a large amount of stress while fishing.

Well, another important precondition for a fishing rod to ensure the best fishing is a strength to weight facility. It is that facility which protects the rod from certain broken. This rod is covered with titanium oxide and stainless-steel guides are inserted in it also. This combination makes this rod tremendous fatigue with ductility. So, it possesses nice protection again sudden break also having light in weight. So, you can move it easily.

Another important reason for this lighter weight is the presence of 24 TON carbon fiber blank. This special carbon fiber simultaneously creates the lightweight and smooth sensitive feelings. Besides EVA power grip allows this rod to make a good sort of control while fishing.

Additionally, lightweight leads to easy handling. Obviously, a fishing rod with lighter weight is easy to handle but this rod allows bell-shaped rear handle for more swift handling. Moreover, you can get it as a secured rod holder also.

Finally, Berkley C-Series Crappie Pro Spinning Rod is giving you the facility to catch fishes of larger size and weight. It is not for the beginners but for the professional anglers. So, if you are professional enough, simply take it without any hesitation.

#07. Tica UEHA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Review – Best Surf Fishing Rod

Now the rod we have in hand is named as Tica UEHA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod. From many of our reliable sources, we have been pretty confirmed that this is the best surf fishing rod in the market. With it’s convenient two-piece design and smooth handling, you will like it to use as your own.

A durable graphite construction, an easy to handle and lightweight rod and sleekly designs are a perfect combination to fish in west and east coasts.

Technical Specification

Product Overview

On an important note, we would like to warn you not to use this rod in large-scale saltwater fishing. This rod is likely to break the tip under pressure. Although it’s not important to mention here, but some customers have found this product a little bit slugging while using for a long period of time.

The tip top guide is something maximum manufacturers of surf fishing rods don’t focus on. But luckily, we have got Tica UEHA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod in hand which is equipped with high-grade titanium oxide ring guides. In addition, the TICA APS graphite reel seat will provide accurate signals from even the thinnest bite of fish in the tip.

As we are talking about the whole series of fishing rods from Tica UEHA Series, we can put a general conclusion of all of these models. As per our observation, if you are a surf water fishing lover, you can find at least one perfect match for your fishing requirements and budget from all of the models of this series.

But apart from both pros and cons, we are happy to find such a mid-range fishing rod in the budget. If we talk about the available surf rods, we can’t find so many quality options like the Tica UEHA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod.

#08. Fenwick HMG Spinning Rods

Before proceeding to the technical details of this Spinning Rod, one thing I can’t help mentioning- Fenwick HMG Spinning Rodis the first graphite rod that hits and gets familiar with the market.

Apart from its strong brand value and huge popularity among the users, Fenwick HMG is one of the lightest and strongest rod the HMG has ever made. The ultra-sensitive carbon-bound blanks have m are the very impression while we were reviewing this product for our top 10 lists. Although it belongs to the higher range of budgets, but we are pretty sure that it will pay back every single penny that you invest on it.

Technical Specification

Overview

Most of the experienced fishers are worried about the material of the fishing rod and Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod has taken a proper case of this smoothly. The rods of this series have handles that are made of TAC which is more durable than corks. The greatest benefit of this materials is, it provides still a perfect grip, no matter how much wet the handle is.

As mentioned earlier, this rod has caught our attention in a fabulous way through its ultra-sensitiveness. And as it’s spirals with carbon thread, it creates unparalleled strength. As a direct result, it can transfer even the slightest of the fish strikes straight to the user’s hand.

For the beginners, it often becomes tough to keep the handle straight and regrind while fishing in open water. Concerning the problem, Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod has for Fuji reel seats that keeps the reel and rod in place and prevents unbalanced movements.

With three different models and variations in line and lure lengths, you can always find the right fit of rods from the Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod series. For any specific fishing stunt, it has got one particular fishing rod in a collection.

We have merely found any negatives about this series of the fishing rod. But two things we think worth mentioning. Firstly, no protective package for the rod is included in the package. But you can get one from the local store if you want. Secondly, the hook holder of this rod which is an open hook. So sometimes, while casting it can catch your line.

Apart from this tiny issue, we found it extremely likely for fishers of any age. Being one of the best mid-range fishing rods on market, it promises to worth every penny you invest on it.

#09. Abu Garcia Spinning Rods – Stylish Fishing Rod

Now we are going to describe about the fabulous Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Spinning Rod. What’s impressed our critics the most is its extreme lightness in weight and well-balanced capability of handling. Therefore, we found it most suitable for first-time fishers among all of the 5 rods we have reviewed in this category.

There are also some more features that will catch the attention of an expert fisher as well. The 30-ton graphite body, spiral construction with carbon core texture, sensitive tip and micro-click reel seat hood is an all-in-one package for fishers.

Let’s get to know the features in details-

Technical Specification

Overview

Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Spinning Rod is an example of the perfect combination of traditional and new technologies. They contain a string breaking strength where other models of similar price range merely do. And most importantly, it would fit great in any hands with its lightweight design and sensitive rod tip.

As you know, a good rod should do something to ensure a solid connection between the rod and reel. On that purpose, this model of the fishing rod has done something great. It contains a micro-click reel hood design so that almost any models of spinning reels fit and functions great inside it.

Surprisingly, that’s not all. You will get even more beneficial when you can utilize the perfect combination of a stout mid-section and a sensitive tip into your fishing. In together, it enables to face even soft bytes of fish, no matter whatever the water type or season is.

While reviewing, we found a bit of negative as well that we want to bring on your attention. If the hook isn’t set perfectly, it becomes a little break-prone. Also, it’s not a much recommended one in case of heavyweight fishing.
In an overall note, we think kayak fisherman who look for a qillatu rod for moth inshore and hardcore freshwater fishing, should keep the Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 Spinning Rod on their short list.

#10. Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod Review

We are at the very bottom of our top Rated fishing rod review and here we have the Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod. Although, Hurricane isn’t probably a band you have heard much of, but as a bow brand, it has constantly stacked to its promises.

Technical Specification

Overview

What will draw your attention at the very frit glance at the Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod is its rich and strong looking structure. You can say, that the most influencing reason for which we have kept it on this list.

If you’ve heard of the famous Redbone Celebrity Fishing Tournament series, you might have known that Hurricane Redbone is one of the rising stars among all of fishing manufacturers brands. Therefore, the most promising model of fishing rod is the Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod and that’s promised to provide top-knots angling.

As it’s a new brand, we found almost no negatives except one. The front tip of the rod is break-prone of you keep doing heavyweight tasks with it. Therefore, it’s best to keep it in mid-range fishing tasks for best use.

Redbone Inshore Rod is a one-piece spinning rod and it’s made of string and durable IM7 graphite. Alling with string materials, it’s smart hook keepers, graphite reel seats, genuine cork grips and through-handle design are the most important virtues of this mid-budget quality rods.

What is a Fishing Rod For?

By dictionary, a fishing rod is an evince designed for use with a reel and line to catch fish. But it’s hard to get the total image just from that definitions. Let’s go into deeper explanations.

In terms fishing gears and gadgets, there are five main combinations of fishing rods and reels. While each of them has sub-categories, but we can still have bird’s eye view on these to have a basic idea-

Spincasting Fishing Rod

A spin casting fishing rod is something specialized as a beginner’s kit. Being combined with a beginners spin casting reel, it can be a great tool to start your first fishing with.

Spinning Rod

Spinning rods are mechanically packed up with a wire bail used to retrieve the fishing line. The design of such a rod is aimed to be combined with fixed spool fishing reel.

Baitcasting Rod

Baitcasting fishing is the most versatile and most commercially used kind of fishing rod. It offers a lot of variation is you look at detailed features. Both round and low profile, low and high retrieve speed and reverse and anti-reverse handles are available options in case of a baitcasting rod.

Trolling Rod

The name itself represents the type and purpose of use of such fishing rods. It’s a particular type of angling in which hook-rigged lures and lines are dragged behind the boat. It actually entices fishes to bite.

Fly casting Fishing Rod

The art of a fly casting fishing rod is inspired by 100s years of ancient times. The angling method of fly fishing had been an ancient practice where a hook-tied fur, foams/features and a lightweight material to mimic insects. in the most modern version of fly fishing, we use a fly casting fishing rod instead.

Benefits of Having a Fishing Rod

It requires a lot of accuracy and patience to do good in fishing. But having a quality fishing rod can lessen your effort on a great scale. Therefore, before investing on a fishing rod, you should have competed for an idea on what benefits actually it’s going you serve you with.

Have a look at the most recognized benefits of having a fishing rod in hand-
First and foremost, a long and strong fishing rod is an obvious part of modern fishing. Unless you aren’t thinking of fishing with a net, you should either go for kayak fishing or river-bank fishing. In both of the cases, a fishing rod is something you should keep at the top of your priority list.

Depending on the quality and length of fishing rods, they serve a lot of purposes. Short rods are used in fishing in garden lakes or ponds. While longer rods serve while you are in open water and making long casts.
In modern rods, there are a lot of options to adjust other fishing kits as per your requirement. The fishing reel adjustment, the assemble the handle grip and many other options to tailor your fishing style is there with a fishing rod.

Some of us use to enjoy to fish so much that it becomes a lifestyle rather than merely hobby. In that case, a quality fishing rod can open the door of wide creativity for you. You can develop intricate thread pattern, personalize your blank with decals and many more.

In a nutshell, a serious fisher can’t even think of fishing without a strong fishing rod equipped with him. So, it’s time for you to get the best fit of a fishing rod in hand.

What to Look for in a Fishing Rod?

Now at this section of the article, it’s time to get informed with the buying factors of a durable fishing rod. Before proceeding to the buying tips, let’s get introduced to the main components of a fishing rod if you aren’t yet;

Parts and components of a modern fishing rod-

As we are already familiar with the main parts of a rod, let’s look at the advice on buying a quality fishing rod-

Freshwater and Saltwater Rod: Understand Which One You Require

Fishing rods are crafted from a wide variety of materials. What matters the most is, the type of water the rod will be used in. Between two main water types: Freshwater and Saltwater, you have to select one and then proceed to the available models of fishing rods for that particular type of rod.

Based on both of the water types, there are three major categories of fishing rod materials nowadays. They are- Fiberglass Rods, Graphite Rods and Bamboo Rods. We are discussing on these materials types in the next paragraph.

Material of the Rod: Fiberglass Graphite or Bamboo Rods

As we have mentioned before, there are three majors catered of materials of which fishing rods are made of. While each of them has variation in prices, also the functions the do vary accordingly. Here we have noted the functions of each type briefly-

Fiberglass rods are mainly best suited for beginners. As the rod requires the least amount of maintenance, they fit best for a person who is just beginning with open water fishing. They have an average weight and good rod strength. But in case of fishing larger fishes such as walleye or pike, a Fiberglass rod won’t be enough.

Graphite Rods are way more advanced versions of fiberglass rods. Due to the lightness in weight and strength in structure, these sorts of rods can handle any kind of fishing tasks well.

Lastly, Bamboo Rods are one special kind of rods that produces a smooth and fluid back cast. From our experts, we recommend this type, especially for occasional uses. Because blue to rough use, it can cause a dampening effect that would definitely harm the lifetime of the rod.

Length and Tapper of the Rod

One of the crucial buying factors is the length and related taper angle of the rod. If you are an experienced fisher, you should have pretty enough idea on the required angle and length of rod you need. But in case you are a first timer, here is the basic buying guideline on them-

Length of a fishing rod varies from 6 feet to 12 feet usually. Depending on the type of fishing you want to do, you should pick up the length of the rod. Also, the size of fish and the fishing environment are string influencers behind the right section of rod length.

On the other hand, the Tepper angle is another technical property that defines how much the rod will bend when enough amount of stress will be applied to it. There is no specific range of taper angles, but there is something that can help you determine what angle you may need. Slower rods are easier to cast and the lave large tapper angles. On the contrary, wider loops are for forwarding casting that can reduce casting distance.

Apart from these, there are some other buying factors which are not negligible at all. The power and action, the line and lure length, the suggested reel combo and some other buying factors determine a quality fishing rod together.

Final Verdict

It’s a market with hundreds of products and therefore, you have hundreds of reasons to make a wrong investment. We are not trying to confuse you, but no offense, this is what actually happens.

To hook up with exactly what you need in case of fishing rods, it’s important to understand both of your technical requirements and budgets for the fishing rods under the price. We have provided a complete buying guideline right before we started the reviews and we hope that’s all you need to know to make the buying decision.

Finally, we hope that you find the right fit for the fishing rod and enjoy your days on the water.

Happy fishing!