Best Fishing Rods of 2021 – Complete Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to fishing, patience and strategy are key. But both these things are greatly amplified with the help of a good fishing rod. While there are many that come with commendable features, there are others that are only pricey and aren’t worth your time or your money. 

If you are looking for a fishing rod that greatly complements your style and your technique, then this is definitely the place for you.

This article not only includes some of the best fishing rods but also contains a complete buying guide that will help you make the best decision possible.

Comparison of the Best Fishing Rods

Are All Fishing Rods the Same?

If all fishing rods were the same, anglers wouldn’t really be able to apply their special techniques and ideas for fishing. There is a range of multiple products on the market, each of them with their unique features, building compounds, and lengths. These components decide the type of fishing rod and also determine its price.

The most unique element that differentiates all these compounds is the construction material. There are usually 4 components that make up fishing rods. These include bamboo, fiberglass, graphite, or a combination of any of these. Each of these materials comes with its unique features. Bamboo rods are usually smooth and offer a fluid backcast. They are also slightly heavier compared to graphite rods that are compact in shape.

Moreover, graphite and fiberglass are good construction materials that allow for a delicate and subtle presentation and an ideal experience for new anglers. Graphite is the most expensive material out of all of these, but its higher price is not unjustified as graphite rods are also extremely sensitive and hence ensure the fastest action. This fast action is very important to fishing, but more on that later.

As for fiberglass, although it is heavier, it is less likely to break. This not only makes it a long-term solution for anglers but also ensures that the construction material doesn’t wither away or break after a year or two.

But the construction materials are not the only feature that differentiates all these products; they also come with a range of different lengths, actions, and prices. So when it comes to which product to buy, fishermen often have to look for a combination of all the best features.

What Size of Fishing Rod Do I Need?

This is one of the most recurring questions that anglers have, and more often than not, they end up getting the wrong information and hence buying the wrong sized fishing rod. This makes a huge difference because unless the fishing rod complements your height and your action style, it is almost impossible for you to excel in the sport or task.

The size of fishing rods varies from model to model, with some rods being 4 feet tall and others being 14 feet tall or even more. The choice of which length to buy should also be determined by how much experience you have in the field. If you are still new to fishing and don’t really have much experience, then it is recommended that you buy a rod with a slightly shorter length. This will not only allow you to develop but also enhance your technique over time. Once you are well acquainted with the sport, you can always switch to longer lengths. 

The problem with longer lengths is that they often require your action technique to be perfect, and as amateur fishermen, this might not be very easy. Moreover, if you want to catch really big fish and you think you have the necessary experience for it, then you should definitely go for a strong but short rod.

How to Choose a Fishing Rod

All the above information introduces the different types of rods and talks about the generic things that you have to keep in mind before you buy a good fishing rod. This section will primarily deal with the final choice of you buying your favorite rod. There are so many products on the market; you need to know how to differentiate the best ones from the ordinary ones. Here are all the prominent features that you need to look out for before buying a fishing rod.

The Handle

The handle is crucial to your technique and might also influence the number of fish that you catch per day. The handle is usually attached to the lower portion of the pole and allows you to hold the rod properly. When looking for rods, you should prefer handles that are made with either EVA material or cork material. These aren’t only extremely comfortable but also ensure that you can lift heavier loads easily. Moreover, if you intend to catch larger fish, then you should definitely try to get a longer handle.

Solid Reel Seat

This is often overlooked by anglers, although it shouldn’t be. The reel seat is actually the area where you can place the collars and hence strengthen your grip and ensure a proper setup. While fishing for bigger fish, you need to make sure that the angling that you set up is both solid and reliable. This also needs to be consistent from top to bottom in order to avoid any inconsistencies.

Construction Material

The importance of construction material has already been explained in the above portion of the article; however, we think you should know that there is no right or wrong construction material. Each one comes with its unique features and should be preferred based on its uniqueness. There are 3 main materials that are used, which include bamboo, graphite, and fiberglass. These vary in weight and price, and a combination of them is also available on the market.

Review of the Best Fishing Rods

At this point, we are sure that you are as impatient as we are to find the best fishing rods on the market. After thorough research, we have finally come up with a list of the most notable fishing rods in the world. This portion of the review will not only highlight the pros and cons of these models but will also enlighten you with buyers’ opinions and other prominent features of these rods.

How to Cast a Fishing Rod

The casting of your rod heavily depends on the length you are using, but using the right length isn’t the only thing needed to complete the action. There are a few simple steps that you need to follow in order to do this step accurately.

1. The first step is to hold the rod using your dominant hand. This could be either your left hand or your right hand, depending upon your frequent usage of that hand. 
   
   
2. The reel should be lower than the rod, and the reel foot should be between your ring finger and your middle finger. However, if you don’t feel comfortable this way, you can always use your other fingers. 
   
   
3. Next, you have to pull out the reel in line until you have approximately 6 inches of your line hanging out of the tip-top.  
   
   
4. Then you need to turn the handles slowly until your line rollers are directly below your index fingers. 
   
   
5. Now comes holding of the line. This needs to be done by placing the rod against your index fingers. 
   
   
6. Then you need to use your non-dominant hand to open the bail carefully.
   
   
7. Next, you have to point your rod straight at your target. This step might require some extra time, but rest assured that with practice and patience, you’ll learn it in no time. 
   
   
8. You then have to bring your rod upwards and make sure it is in a vertical position.
   
   
9. You also need to allow the rod to flex, which means that it should bend back, preferably behind you. This is known as the loading of your rod.
   
   
10. Then without pausing, you need to push the rod in the forward direction simply. You also need to make sure that this movement is only happening in your elbow and your wrist and not on your shoulders.
    
    
11. As soon as your rod tip is about halfway to your target, you need to let go of your line with the help of your index fingers. This will send your lure flying to your target.

For a more detailed guide, refer to the video below.

How to String a Fishing Rod

Anyone who has some experience of fishing will tell you how important the stringing of a fishing rod is. But contrary to what people might tell you, it’s not a difficult task. Just follow these steps, and you will be good to go in a couple of minutes.

1. First comes the assembly of your pole. Most rods on the market detach at one to two spots, and these spots need to be brought together at a 45-degree angle. You then need to push and twist the guides so that they are aligned.
   
   
2. Next, you need to attach the reel to your rod by carefully hooking your reel foot. This needs to be done on the reel seat, which is located in the middle of your handle. 
   
   
3. Attaching the line is also easy and requires you to open the bail first. Then you need to tie the line onto the exact center of your spool. You can do this with the help of a special arbor knot. 
   
   
4. Then you need to place the line spool onto the floor, label it up and apply very light pressure onto the line. This will initiate turning of the handle and will load the line onto your spool. 
   
   
5. Now you are ready to string the rod. This requires you to open the bail once again and then to allow the line to unravel from your spool automatically.  
   
   
6. Then you have to feed your tag towards the first guide, which is closest to your handle, and make sure that you pass the line carefully through each of the guides. 
   
   
7. Once you are done with the earlier steps, it’s now time to attach your hook to your bait. You need to pass the line carefully through the eye of your hook and wrap the tag around the smooth standing line at least five times.

This is pretty much a brief summary of what you need to do. For a more detailed instruction guideline, refer to the video below.

How to Hold a Fishing Rod

People often ignore this part of fishing, and it is due to this that they end up losing or not catching many big fish in the first place. While fishing, it is extremely important that you hold your fishing rod accurately. Here are a few tips to help you out in this regard.

1. When you hold your rod, whether it is while waiting on a bite or retrieving the line, it is important that your left hand is always at the front side of the reel. 
   
   
2. This is essential because it allows you to properly guide the line and the back onto your reel correctly. Moreover, if it is not straight, it will also hamper your alignment. 
   
   
3. You need to also guide your line back on your reel and evenly too. Also remember that if your line is on a pile, then your next cast will be a total disaster. 
   
   
4. You also have to ensure that you don’t give your fish any sort of leverage. This can be a huge issue as it will then require you to exert a lot of power to bring your fish onto the surface. 
   
   
5. While swinging on your fish, you need to use your left hand that is properly aligned. This will ensure that the power of the hook comes directly from the shoulders, forearms, and biceps. 
   
   
6. Another important thing to remember is that while fishing, your right index finger should always be on the spool, and the right thumb should be on the trigger. 
   
   
7. While setting the hook, your lever needs to be thrown with the left hand. Your right hand should ideally not have to move much, and the left arm is principally responsible for the setting of the hook.

Holding the rod in the right position is essential in fishing, so if you still don’t understand the prerequisites of it, here is a video to help you out.

How to Reel a Fishing Rod 

Reeling is one of the most important parts of fishing, and when done right, it can ensure the best of results. When it comes to catching bigger fish, reeling can become quite a challenge, even for people who have significant experience in the area. One of the first signs that you have caught a big fish is the sound that your reel makes when it speeds into reverse.

This not only takes the line off your reel but also allows you to play with other fishing techniques. But more on that later. First, let’s learn how to reel a fishing rod.

1. You need first to relax and let your rod and dragging power do the work for you. 
   
   
2. You need to keep the fishing rod at an angle of about 45 degrees towards the water and ensure that the aim is straight and towards the fish. 
   
   
3. You need to be ready to reel when the drag of your rod stops buzzing and moving. 
   
   
4. When the fish that you have caught slows down and stops taking the line off your reel, it is time to get to the important work. 
   
   
5. You can experiment with different types of reeling, but if you are a beginner, you can try the pump and reel method mentioned in the later steps. 
   
   
6. You need to lift the tip of your rod up without reeling your fish inside. This will look like you are trying to point your reel upwards at about a 90-degree angle. 
   
   
7. If your fish is significantly heavier than an ordinary fish, then it is possible that you might need to apply greater strength. It will also increase the amount of bend in your rod, but this is quite normal and not something for you to worry about. 
   
   
8. Next, you need to reel at the same time as your rod top backs down and reach an angle of 45 degrees. This needs to be done, keeping a greater amount of pressure on the fish.

These are just some of the simple steps you need to follow to reel the fish. For a more thorough guide, refer to the video given below.

Types of Fishing Rods 

Fishing rods are extremely popular and not just for their efficiency but for their versatility too. They aren’t all identical; on the contrary, there are many different types of rods that you would come across on the market. In this part, we will not only discuss the variations but will also tell you why each rod is better than the other. 

Spinning Rods

These rods are one of the most popular ones on the market, and their popularity stems from the unique features. They come with large eyelets that face downwards, and their reels are located beneath the rod. Moreover, their handles are also mounted on the sides of their non-dominant hands. In simpler words, this means that the spinning rods require you to hold the rod with your dominant hand and the reel needs to be handled with the non-dominant hand.

Casting Rods

Casting rods differ significantly from all other rods primarily on the basis of its eyelets that aren’t only smaller in size but also face upwards. This means that the line of these rods is pulled down, and the force needs to be applied on the rod and not the eyelets. There is also a special trigger grip on the handles. This makes your task easier, but there is a catch. To excel in this technique, you need a significant amount of practice, but once you are through the process, rest assured that you can catch larger and better fish.

Sea Fishing Rods

As the name suggests, these rods are designed specifically for fishing in the ocean. Their lengths aren’t fixed, and they can vary from extremely small lengths to extremely long ones. They can also be used on both the rocks and the shore. The rods are also made of heavy-duty construction material and are slightly heavier than other models. Moreover, models also cater better to larger fish; hence people who don’t intend to catch larger fish do not need to spend extra money on these rods.

Conclusion

Fishing rods can completely transform your fishing experience; that much is certain. But whether this transformation is positive or negative heavily depends on the type of rod you end up buying. The choice of getting the best rod becomes even more important when catching fish is more than a hobby to you, and you intend to generate revenue through it. 

So before you make a hasty decision, which is likely to be wrong, we recommend you read this article thoroughly. One quick read is all you need in order to make one of the wisest decisions of your fishing career.

People Also Ask

People are really excited about fishing rods, and they can’t stop talking about all the different models that exist on the market. It is due to this reason that the internet is flooded with a range of questions regarding them. We went through all these questions and tried to answer the most prominent ones.

Who Invented the Fishing Rod?

Fishing rods have long fascinated consumers, not only because they are extremely efficient to use but also because they are extremely cheap, so it’s quite natural that people are curious to know the name of the inventor too. The rod was first invented by John Torrance, who belonged to the railroad industry. It is due to his efforts and ideas that anglers all over the world can catch fish this easily.

What's the Difference Between a Spinning Rod and a Casting Rod?

These are two of the most popular type of fishing rods on the market, and their unique features are what separate them from each other. A casting rod is one where the whole setup is pushed down on the eyelets. This forces them downwards too. Another difference is that a spinning rod comes with reels that allow for greater friction, which then leads to the easier snapping of line. 

Can You Take Fishing Rods on a Plane?

Fishing rods are extremely safe equipment to use not only on the field but elsewhere too, so it’s obvious that they are permitted on any plane. Passengers can either carry them in checked bags or in carry-on bags. However, passengers should confirm the size and length limitations of any such equipment before they board the plane.

How Long Should a Fishing Rod Be?

This has been a recurrent question, especially with new anglers, but there is no one answer for this. Each fishing rod comes with different lengths, and this variation allows them to be used for different purposes. The range is often between 4 and 14 feet. For people who aren’t very experienced, it is advised that they use a length that is slightly shorter.

Why Do Fishing Rods Bend?

The main purpose of using a fishing rod is to ensure that it bends accurately and smoothly. This is to ensure that it can deliver a specific resistance and consistency while completing its task. The rod basically acts as a catapult, and by moving forward, it ensures that it can lure the fish towards itself with the help of the bait attached to it.

Does a Longer Rod Cast Further?

The answer to this is quite simple, and it is a quick affirmative. A longer rod will definitely allow for a longer cast. The power and the action of the rod will be almost the same, meaning that a 7-foot rod is likely to cast the same lure as compared to a 6 foot rod.