Fishing is a great way to relax and unwind in nature. It’s a popular hobby for millions. And, it can even put food on the table. What’s more, fishing has been shown in research to boost mental and physical well-being. But choosing the wrong gear can lead to stress, frustration, and poor results—especially if you’re new to the sport. So, finding the best fishing rods is a great place to start before you head off to the nearest (or perhaps farthest away) fishing hole.
Having the best fishing rods for the job can help you catch small creek bass in freshwater to large marlin, sailfish, or tuna from the deep saltwater sea. The gear, though, can vary significantly. So, before you choose the best fishing rods and reels for the job, you first need to know where you’re headed for your next adventure—or if you want something that can handle a wide variety of fishing types and techniques.
The lines can cross between some different types of fishing, but some of the most common general categories include:
For many who are just starting to get into fishing, freshwater fishing with your rod and reel is where it’s at. But it can also depend greatly on what waterways are most available.
Whether you’re looking at saltwater or freshwater fishing, you’ll also want to choose a type of rod and reel that match the type of fishing as well as the size of the fish you’re going for. For instance, light tackle is a good setup for catching smaller fish. But if you’re going for the big one, you’ll need heavier tackle with stiffer action.
Here are some of the best fishing rods along with their best uses:
- Affordable
- Durable
- Range of sizes (4’8 to 7’)
- Well-balanced
- Comfortable
- Smooth casting
- Affordable Strong
- Durable
- Versatile
- Smooth casting
- Portable
- Versatile
- Well-balanced
- Comfortable
- The company is known for great customer service
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Sensitive with crisp action
- Guides are lightweight yet hold up against corrosion or braid
- 15-year warranty
- Reasonably priced
- High performance
- Versatile with formats that fit multiple types of fishing
- Highly versatile from freshwater to saltwater
- Strong and durable
- Wide range of power
- Finely tuned actions
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Strong spinning rod that’s also sensitive
- High performance yet lightweight and comfortable
- Affordable
- Excellent reel seat
- Smooth casting
- Casts a wide net to make fishing simple and fun
- Budget-friendly
- All-inclusive (rod, reel, tackle, and case) kit
- Telescoping rod that’s lightweight and portable (even in a backpack)
- Low friction
Especially if you’re new to fishing, it can be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming to pick from the abundance of options from the nearby sporting goods store. Fortunately, there are great, affordable options available for nearly every type of fishing. And with the best fishing rod and reel options, you’ll be ready to pack up your gear and head for the nearest fishing hole and start catching.
