The angler's guide to the best fishing rods

Fox News

2 days ago

Fishing season brings long days out on the water in serene settings. It's honestly one of the best ways to spend a summer's day. The last thing you want when you're out on the water is to deal with a broken pole or a pole that can't handle the fish you're trying to catch. Make sure you have the right pole for your experience level with our guide on fishing rods, reels and combos.
We've lined up options for beginners, kids and traveling anglers. There are also fly-fishing poles and poles for experts who need to upgrade to a more durable option.
Beginners need a lightweight pole, often made from fiberglass. These poles are easier to control and are best for smaller fish. It's also a good idea to get a spinning rod and reel combo, which has the reel under the pole for easier handling.
Ugly Stik is a well-known brand, particularly for beginners. The Ugly Stik GX2 is a spinning reel and rod combo made from a mix of fiberglass and graphite. The strong construction is still lightweight enough for beginners, but durable enough to last for years. Stainless steel guides (the loops that hold your fishing line for those who don't know) won't corrode, are durable and won't fray your fishing line.
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get some of these fishing poles sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
Weighing just over half a pound, the Daiwa D-Shock spinning combo is the perfect weight and price point for someone hitting the water for the first time. The cork grips ensure your grip doesn't slip while you're reeling in a fish. Best used for bass and smaller fish, this fiberglass pole isn't especially high-tech, but it's easy to use and reviewers praise its easy casting ability.
One of Bass Pro Shops' signature rod and reel combos is the micro-lite spinning combo. It's an ultra-light option that's tough, thanks to the graphite frame. Equipped with a soft PVC foam grip, you don't have to worry about losing your grip. Ideal for beginners with some experience, this quiet, smooth-casting combo is a low-profile option that's built to last.
The stainless steel guides add to the durability of this rod and reel combo. You get a PowerLock reel with an anti-reverse feature that makes it so the reel only spins in one direction, ensuring the line stays tight.
Kids and beginners should get the same lightweight fiberglass poles with reels already attached. There are smaller rods that aren't as difficult to cast with, which is helpful for kids just starting out.
Original price: $19.99
This youth spincast reel and rod combo is a fishing pole that floats! So, if your kiddo drops it, it's not lost. There's a no-tangle design that's easy for kids to use, and the push-button anti-reverse feature helps keep the light tight. Since it's pre-spooled, the pole comes ready to use immediately. Included is a casting plug that keeps the pole safe to use on and off land. Your kids can practice in the backyard before hitting the water.
Original price: $24.99
Older kids will appreciate the Ugly Stick Dock Runner combo. It comes pre-spooled with a six-pound fishing line. Made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass, this isn't the most lightweight option, but it is more durable than most kid-friendly poles. The cork grips are comfortable for a long day of fishing, and you get a seven-year warranty, which is helpful for kids who may not treat their fishing poles as carefully as adults.
L.L. Bean's Discovery spincast combo is made from a composite material that's lightweight but durable. Casting is easy; just push the button on the side of the reel, and you're good to go. The handle is comfortable and sticks to your hand, also making it easy for beginners and kids to cast. The two-piece design makes it easy to transport and store the pole. Designed for smaller fish, this combo is best for panfish, trout and small bass.
Fly-fishing rods are built for more experienced anglers looking for a new challenge. They're often more expensive than spincast and baitcast reels, but are made from highly durable materials.
Ideal for beginners to the fly-fishing world, the Redington Crosswater is easy to use and made from durable graphite. The rod breaks down into four pieces for easy storage in the included carrying case. You get a pre-spooled reel that features an easy-drag system.
You can get the Orvis Clearwater fly rod in a variety of weights, all for different sized fish. Choose from two weight, four weight or 12 weight for extra-large fish. Made with a medium-fast action, the Clearwater is ideal for a variety of different situations. You can launch large flies, and the rod can withstand heavy gusts of wind.
Fly-fishermen who want the best rod possible should look no further than the Winston Air 2. This do-it-all pole can handle any type of water and most types of fish. The pole ranges from three to six weights, so you can choose the model that feels best. Its fast-action design means the pole can bend and twist in the wind without breaking or wearing down. Despite its durability, this pole is super-lightweight. Made from S-2000 graphite, this pole is constructed for the highest strain rate on the market.
Expert anglers looking for a new pole can find hundreds of options. The ones we've chosen below are a mix of spincast and baitcasting rods that are designed to handle larger fish.
Advanced anglers will appreciate the PENN Pursuit. Ideal for saltwater fishing, this lightweight option breaks down into two pieces for easy carrying. There's a graphite reel seat and six guides that are built to last. The line is rated for 15 to 30 pounds, which is more than enough for any fish you'll encounter. Plus, the fast action line means reeling in larger fish is smooth and easy.
The St. Croix Bass X casting rod is made from carbon fiber with premium stainless steel guides that make for a reliable performance every single cast. Reviewers cite the strong backbone that makes reeling in large fish a breeze. Best for bass fishing, this lightweight pole is durable and beautifully designed. The only complaint some reviewers have is the seat where the reel sits. Some say it's not attached well and doesn't always hold up over time.
Salmon and steelhead anglers will be hard-pressed to find a better rod than the Okuma X-Series. Specifically designed for these unique fish, this lightweight option is great for all-day fishing expeditions. It's made from Toray Carbon, which reacts even to the lightest bites. The double-locking Sea Guide Alien reel seat keeps your reel locked in place, making it a strong troll rod as well as a casting rod.
Made from 24-ton graphite, the Abu Garcia Max STX combo will last for years. With five ball bearings and a roller bearing inside the reel designed to reduce friction, reeling in your catch is smooth and efficient. The MagTrax brake system helps reduce the chance of your fishing line tangling and makes casting easier. The integrated reel can be customized for left or right-handed anglers.
If you like to take any chance you get to go fishing, having a traveling pole in the back of your car or truck is a must. These poles often telescope up and down, so they can even fit in your luggage when you're traveling.
This 55-inch mini pocket fishing rod compactly folds up into an adorable fish-shaped case, which is about the size of a pen. The rod is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy and is corrosion and fade-resistant, even with continued use. A soft-touch handle is comfortable to hold, and the reel screws in between two grooves on the pole in seconds.
KastKing's telescopic fishing rod collapses down to just 17 inches, perfect for loading in your trunk or luggage. It's made from graphite, which is lighter than most fiberglass poles, and is more sensitive, so you'll feel even the slightest bite. You can choose between spinning and casting options and get up to medium-heavy action, perfect for bass, trout and other larger fish.
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When you're trying to pick out a rod, reel or combination of both, there are a lot of questions to answer. To help you pick the right option, here are a few questions many anglers ask when finding the right pole for their fishing needs.
When picking out the right rod, consider your experience level and what you're using the rod to catch. Spinning rods are more beginner-friendly, often with built-in reels underneath the rod. Baitcasting rods offer more control, especially when using heavier lures designed to catch larger fish. You should have a few years of fishing under your belt before going with this type of rod.
Most fishing poles are made of fiberglass, graphite or a blend of both. Graphite rods tend to be lighter and more sensitive, so you can ensure you never miss a bite. Fiberglass is typically cheaper, so it's best for beginners. Composite rods that combine both materials offer a balance of strength and sensitivity, making them a versatile option.
The ideal power and action of a fishing pole depends on the type of fish you're targeting. Power refers to the rod's strength, and ranges from light to heavy. The higher the power, the larger fish you can catch without worrying about breaking your line.
Action describes how much the rod bends when you hook a fish. Fast-action rods bend near the tip, making it easier to see right away so you can reel in smaller fish. Slower action rods bend throughout, offering more flexibility when you hook a big fish.