If you are an avid fisherman or just getting into fishing, it might be time to buy a new fishing pole. There are literally thousands of fishing poles out there, which makes choosing one pretty hard. However, that is what we are here to help with today, to provide you with some top picks in terms of the best fishing pole on the market right now.
Top 5 Best Fishing Pole Reviews
01. Plusinno Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
What is nice here is that you get a high quality fishing reel and a rod all in one, plus you get a carrying case and several other things too. It is a very inexpensive option to go with, one that manages to retain a high level of quality nonetheless.
Product Highlights:
This is a telescopic fishing rod, so although it can extend to a total length of nearly 9 feet, when it is not extended it is barely 4 feet long, which makes it convenient for transportation. The rod is made out graphite, which is good because it is very sensitive to nibbles. It comes with aluminum oxide guide inserts and stainless steel hooded reel seats. What is also cool here is that you can actually select from multiple lengths, power ratings, and action ratings. This is a big benefit because you can choose the length, action, and power that works best for you.
In terms of the included reel, it has a high tensile strength, but it is only made of plastic. We would like to see a bit more metal being used here. The gear ratio is 5.2:1, which means that it allows for fairly fast line retrieval. It comes with a special oscillation system for good line winding, plus a left/right interchangeable handle. It also comes with pretty decent line capacity, plus line already included and a carrying bag.
The Good:
We like how this rod is telescopic and easy to transport, lightweight and durable, and sensitive too. The reel has a good gear ratio and is easy to use. The whole setup is also quite inexpensive.
The Bad:
You can’t really go for big fish with this combo. The reel is not that strong and not built to hold too much heavy line. This is for some pretty basic fishing activities.
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02. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
If you need a really affordable and versatile fishing pole, the UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod is a good way to go. Keep in mind, this is just the rod and does not include a reel. It is a good option to keep in mind nonetheless.
Product Highlights:
What is really nice about the UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod is that it comes with so much variety. In terms of length, you can choose a pole length ranging from 4 feet 6 inches all the way up to 9 feet. Therefore, you can choose the length that works best for you in relation to casting distance, casting accuracy, and maneuverability. Some of the longer options come in 2-piece designs for added portability.
On that same note, the UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod also comes in many different action and power ratings. Here you can choose from everything ranging from ultra-light power to super heavy power, as well as slow, medium, and fast action. Once again, the high level of choice and versatility is a pretty big deal. The durable and lightweight EVA grips are quite nice here as well. They are comfortable and easy to hold.
The UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod is made with a mix of graphite and fiberglass. This is a good combination because fiberglass is very strong and can handle a lot of weight, and graphite allows for a high level of sensitivity so you can feel nibbles with ease. The clear tip is both sensitive and durable. The one piece stainless steel guides are a nice addition here as well.
The Good:
The good part about the UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod is that it comes in so many length, action, and power variations; you should be able to find a combination that is right for you. Overall, this rod is also very sensitive, yet also quite durable, not to mention lightweight as well. It doesn’t even cost that much for what it is.
The Bad:
Keep in mind that two-piece are less durable than one-piece designs. Although the UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod is fairly durable for what it is, it cannot pick up really long or heavy fish – it’s not built for that.
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03. Sougayilang Fishing Rod
Yet another totally inexpensive and convenient option to keep in mind, the Sougayilang Fishing Rod is a telescopic pole that comes in various lengths, it’s fairly durable, and quite functional as well. It also comes with quite a bit of variety.
Product Highlights:
The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is a telescopic fishing rod. This is convenient because you can retract it down to a small package for easy storage and transportation. Now, being telescopic is nice for portability’s sake, but it won’t do you many favors in terms of durability. This rod is made with 24-ton carbon fiber, which is very strong on its own, but remember that the telescopic connections points take away from that durability a little bit. With that said, the Sougayilang Fishing Rod is quite sensitive so you can easily feel nibbles.
Here you can choose from various lengths that range from 5 feet 9 inches all the way up to 11 feet 8 inches. This is pretty cool because different fishing applications require different lengths of rods. Also keep in mind that the longer models are heavier, have a bit more power, and can handle heavier lures. You can also choose between a variety of action ratings depending on what you need.
The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is also a good option to go with because it is hollow and lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver. Furthermore, it comes with ergonomically designed high-density EVA grips that are both durable and comfortable. Here you also get 3-point welded stainless steel guides and ceramic inserts, plus a strong composite ABS reel seat. Keep in mind that this rod is specially designed to be able to be used in saltwater as it is corrosion resistant.
The Good:
The good part about the Sougayilang Fishing Rod is that it comes in so many different length options, as well as action and power ratings. It’s very versatile and comes with a lot of choice. Moreover, it is a fairly sensitive rod so you can feel nibbles; it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver; and of course, the telescopic feature is pretty useful too.
The Bad:
While the Sougayilang Fishing Rod does have a fairly high level of overall durability, the telescopic connection points are weak spots. They are not super weak, but they don’t do you favors in terms of durability either. Keep in mind that it is also not designed for very heavy fish.
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04. Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
This is a super affordable and lightweight fishing rod that comes in various lengths and ratings. It has a nice cork handle, a good graphite blank, and it barely weighs anything at all. It’s a good option for beginners, basic fishing, and for going after smaller fish.
Product Highlights:
As the name of this product suggest, this is specifically an ice fishing rod. It has been made of materials and specially treated in order to withstand the effects of freezing cold water. What is really nice about the Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is that it weighs only 2.4 ounces, making it by far the lightest fishing pole on this list. It is easy to maneuver and easy to hold for long periods of time without becoming fatigued.
The Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is made with 100% high modulus graphite blanks; graphite is quite durable, and this option is certainly more than durable enough for basic ice fishing needs, especially when smaller fish are in question. However, keep in mind that it’s not made for catching big fish. With that being said, the graphite blanks are very sensitive, more than ideal for feeling those small nibbles. The down-locking reel seat, as well as the smoked stainless steel guides with zirconium oxide inserts, are fairly high quality.
The Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod comes in various lengths ranging from 16 inches all the way up to 42 inches. Remember that ice fishing rods are not very long because you need to be able to maneuver in a tight space with them, so the variety of lengths here is just fine. You can also choose between ultra-light, light, medium light, medium, and medium heavy power ratings. This is more than enough choice for all of your basic ice fishing needs.
The Good:
The good part about the Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is that it is a great ice fishing rod. It comes in various lengths and power ratings, has a good handle, and is fairly durable too.
The Bad:
The bad part about the Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is that it can only be used for ice fishing and for nothing else.
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05. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
This might be the final option on our list today, but it certainly is another good one. You can choose from many options in terms of length, action, power, and how many pieces the rod is in. It is a very affordable rod made with high-quality components.
Product Highlights:
The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod comes in various sizes ranging from 6 feet 7 inches to 7 feet 4 inches. Generally speaking, these lengths are good because they all offer a good mix of casting power and accuracy. Moreover, here you can choose between medium light, medium, medium heavy and heavy power ratings.
What is also cool is that you can choose between spinning and casting rod options. You get a whole lot of variety here, something we always appreciate. You can also choose between 1- and 2-piece rods, with the 1 piece rods being more durable than the 2 piece models, but with the 2 piece options being a bit better in terms of portability. Either way, this is a lightweight rod, which helps in terms of fatigue fighting and overall maneuverability.
The 24-ton carbon fiber blank used is very strong and durable, more so than most other blanks. Keep in mind that it does have a high level of sensitivity, but not quite as much as graphite blanks have. The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod has a good power transition system as well. You also get high-density EVA handles for good grip, comfort, and durability.
The Good:
The good part about the KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod is that it is very affordable, it is durable, great for small-time fishing needs, and comes in various piece designs, lengths, action, and power ratings.
The Bad:
The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod is not the best for hauling in large fish. Also, the carbon fiber build is not very sensitive to nibbles.
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Fishing Pole Buyer’s Guide
Before you go out and buy any fishing pole, there are a few main considerations you need to make.
Power:
What is the power rating of the rod in question? For most purposes, a medium power rating will do just fine. That said, heavier power ratings mean that the rod can handle heavier line and lures, and the other way around too.
Action:
What is the action of the fishing pole in question? Slow action rods are great for slow paced fishing and for tiring out large fish. Fast-action rods are great for finesse fishing techniques, fast hook setting, and for responsiveness too.
Length:
The length of the fishing pole is another important factor to keep in mind. Shorter poles are good for beginners, for tight spaces, for maneuverability, and for casting accuracy. Longer rods are not quite as maneuverable, but they do have better casting distance and leverage.
Material:
Generally speaking, fishing poles will be made out of either carbon fiber or graphite. Most people like graphite because it is decently strong, versatile, and very sensitive to small nibbles. On the other hand, carbon fiber rods are a little less sensitive, but they also have a higher tensile strength.
Handle:
You also want to take a look at the handle of the fishing pole in question. Cork handles are nice because they are very durable and provide a good grip. However, if you are going for long lasting comfort, high-density EVA handles are also a good way to go.
Weight:
The other thing to look for is the weight of the fishing pole. Heavier poles tend to work well for heavier fish as they tend to be more durable. Lighter poles are easier to use and more maneuverable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01. If I am a beginner, should I use a casting rod?
No, probably not. Baitcasting rods and reels, although more versatile and better for big fish, are harder to use than spinning and spin casting rods.
02. What is a good fishing pole length?
When it comes down to it, if you are just getting into fishing, 7 feet is a good length to start with. A 7 foot rod will allow for good casting distance, as well as accuracy and maneuverability. Longer rods, while being able to achieve longer casting distances, are also a bit harder to use.
03. What is the difference between rod action and power?
Fishing rod action is determined by where the rod bends. A fast-action rod bends only near the tip, whereas a slow action rod will bend a good ways down the whole length of the rod. The power of the rod refers to how much force needs to be applied to the pole before it bends, with heavier rods being able to handle more force, and thus heavier lines, and therefore are ideal for heavier fish.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, one of the best fishing poles out there is the Plusinno Fishing Rod & Reel Combo. The reason we like it so much is because the pole itself comes in many options, plus it is durable, versatile, and easy to use. Moreover, it actually comes with the reel included, which is an obvious bonus. If you are just going for a fishing pole, any of the other options will do just fine as well. Keep in mind that the Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is only for ice fishing.
