Whether you want to spend a lazy day catching bass in the middle of a lake or wade in a local river for trout, you will need the best fishing rods. Below we have reviewed some of the best fishing rods available on the market. Having the best rod while fishing will lessen the chance that you go home empty handed.
The rods below range from absolute beginner to bass-tackling angler. Some of these rods do not come with reels, so you will need to buy those separate. We have also broken out which rods are best for bass, trout, catfish, walleye, and other types of fish.
Best Fishing Rods of 2018
| Fishing Rod | Ideal For | Material | Fishing Level |
| 1. G. Loomis E6X | Bass | Graphite | All Levels |
| 2. St. Croix Premier Series | Catfish | Graphite | All Levels |
| 3. Fitzgerald Vursa Series | Trout | Graphite | All Levels |
| 4. G. Loomis GLX | Bass | Graphite | Intermediate |
| 5. Lamiglas LX 86MHC X-11 | Salmon | Graphite | All Levels |
| 6. Fenwick Eagle | Bass | Graphite | Beginner |
| 7. Sougayilang Spinning Rod | Bass | Carbon Fiber | Beginner |
| 8. Shimano IX / SRS | Trout | Graphite | Beginner |
| 9. Daiwa Mini System Minispin | Bass | Carbon Fiber | Beginner |
| 10. PLUSINNO Spin Spinning Rod | Bass | Carbon Fiber | Beginner |
How to Pick a Fishing Rod
Picking the right fishing rod is important in order to be able to catch any fish. There are several factors you must take into account in order to pick the right fishing rod.
The first thing you need to understand is what you will be fishing for and your skill level. This will determine whether you need a spinning rod or a baitcaster.
Spinning rods are mostly used by amateur fishermen who need a general fishing rod that can catch most fish. These rods are better with lighter baits and lures. Baitcasters, on the other hand, are generally for more advanced fishermen who need a rod that provides accuracy. Casting rods work well for artificial baits, plugs, and jigs that are heavier.
Next, you need to decide on the material of the fishing rod. Fishing rods generally are made from fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass fishing rods are generally more durable and less expensive. Graphite fishing rods are lighter, stiffer, and more sensitive usually more expensive. You need to figure out which material is right for you and your budget.
Once you have these decisions, it’s time to find a fishing rod that matches your preferences. Continue reading to see our review of the best fishing rods.
What Else You’ll Need
Many of the fishing rods don’t come with spinning reels or fishing line, so you will need to get these on your own. You can buy these from either Amazon or your local fishing shop. Once you’ve bought the spinner and line, a fishing shop can load the line onto the spinning reel. If you still insist on loading it DIY, here are some instructions.
You will also need a tackle box with all of the bait, lures, sinkers, and floats that you need for a day of fishing. You can read more about what you need in your tackle box here.
1. G. Loomis E6X
It is designed to deliver maximum power which makes it ideal for bass fishing when you have to aggressively fight your catch. You can use almost any bait and lures with this rod while it still maintains it’s accuracy and balance.
The EX6’s split-grip handle configuration gives it perfect balance and swing weight so you can aim your cast accurately. A premium-grade cork handle ensures this balance. The E6X’s handle provides excellent ergonomics so that you can fish all day.
2. St. Croix Premier Series
The Premier Series is one of St. Croix’s most popular fishing rods and for good reason. These rods are affordable while still being durable, lightweight, and highly sensitive.
These rods are handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A. using SCII graphite blanks. The whole shaft is precisely made such that it has finely tuned actions and tapers for superior performance.
A great choice for the value-conscious angler, buying the St. Croix Premier Series will be a decision you won’t regret.
3. Fitzgerald Vursa Series
One of the most versatile fishing rods on the market, the Fitzgerald Vursa series has 14 models to choose from for catching everything from bass to musky. Fitzgerald’s rods are made of a high-quality, proprietary Fitzgerald Fishing high modulus blank that gives it superior durability and sensitivity.
These rods were designed by professional bass anglers with any level of fisherman in mind. These rods utilize bulletproof Airwave guides by American Tackle that are a ringless design so anglers won’t have any tip or guide failure. Fitzgerald Vursa fishing rods are sure to take your fishing to the next level.
4. G. Loomis GLX
Since they first launched graphite fishing rods in 1993, G Loomis has been producing the best fishing rods. The GLX model is definitely one of their best fishing rods, but it is intended for intermediate anglers which is why it didn’t get our #1 spot.
The new GLX is up to 20 percent lighter and features better handle design ergonomics than its predecessors. It features a Fuji ‘K’ frame guide with SIC rings which deliver sustained durability. If you’re looking for a great fishing rod used by the pros, you need to check out the G Loomis GLX.
5. Lamiglas LX 86MHC X-11
The Lamiglas rods are built for catching salmon. They are designed for back bouncing for salmon in fast-moving waters. Additionally, the deep pressed aluminum oxide guides are extremely durable and hold up well in inclement weather. The guides also help the rod withstand rapid currents when you have a heavy fish on the end.
The LX X-11s come in multiple lengths so they can fit any angler and the cushioned cork grips provide additional fighting support. If you plan to go salmon fishing, you need the Lamiglas LX X-11 fishing rod.
6. Fenwick Eagle
Fenwick Eagle has been producing quality fishing rods for the last 60 years, but the new Fenwick Eagle is anything but antiquated. The new rods merge tradition with the present, introducing modern components to bring you a design that is lightweight and comfortable.
Fenwick Eagle rods features burled cork and stainless steel guides and inserts enhance the durability of the rod. Time-tested, bass battle-worn, the Fenwick’s are looking for a modern performer with tradition.
7. Sougayilang Spinning Rod
The Sougayilang spinning rod is a great beginner rod because of how easy it is to set up and how affordable it is. At only $26, this rod is a reel (yea, I did that) steal! It’s ightweight, features a telescopic rod for easy portability, and is perfectly balanced. What more could you want if you’re just starting out?
This fishing rod is highly versatile and can be used to catch most kinds of fish. The 24-ton carbon fiber rod itself is highly durable and can lift up to 10 pounds. You’ll be catching big fish in no time.
The rod can be used in almost any environment as well. It’s a great rod for freshwater bass trout fishing, saltwater surf fishing, and inshore fishing. If you’re look for an affordable rod that is extremely convenient, look no further.
8. Shimano IX / SRS Spinning Combo
Another great beginner fishing rod that handles well and is quite comfortable. Shimano boasts about how easy to cast these fishing rods are and we agree!
We have found better luck with them though by switching out the reel to a $20-30 reel. Casting becomes a lot smoother.
10. PLUSINNO Spinning Rod
This is the only beginner spinning rod on this list that comes with a complete fishing kit including rod, reel, fishing line, various fishing lures, fishing hooks, and other necessary accessories.
If you’re just looking for a simple fishing rod starter kit, you should get the PLUSINNO spinning rod to quickly get up and fishing.
Conclusion
All of the fishing rods on this list are tested and approved by us. We highly recommend that you evaluate your skill level before picking the fishing rod for you and make sure that you know what kind of fish you are trying to catch. With these two decisions in mind, you can use the table above to evaluate which fishing rod to buy. Happy fishing!
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