Best Saltwater Fishing Rods – 2021 Reviews

| Last Updated January 26, 2022

If you are a fishing enthusiast, then you know that there are broadly two main types of fishing i.e., freshwater and saltwater.

Both these environments vary drastically not only in their mineral quantity but also on the marine life that is found there. Depending on that, you need specialized equipment for each.

Here we will discuss the best saltwater fishing rods. Saltwater tends to be trickier, and we will see why that is next.

Comparison of the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Collapsible carbon fiber fishing rod
  • Materials: IM6 carbon fiber with a fibreglass tip, Graphite reel seat, Stainless steel guides
  • Full length is 7 feet and 2.5 inches
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  • Durable construction despite the lower cost
  • Materials: Graphite and Fiberglass, Stainless steel guides
  • Handle: EVA
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  • Best for the money
  • Materials: Graphite and Fiberglass, Stainless steel guides
  • Handle: EVA
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  • Best saltwater telescopic fishing rod
  • Materials: Carbon Fiber, Stainless steel hooded reel seat
  • Handle: EVA
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  • Editor’s pick
  • Materials: Carbon Fiber, Stainless steel hooded reel seat
  • Handle: EVA
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Can Any Fishing Rod Be Used in Saltwater?

You can use any rod for saltwater fishing if you like, but it might not give you the same results, or you might end up doing constant maintenance or replacements. Saltwater, as the name suggests, has more dissolved salt content in it, which results in more corrosion of boats and other fishing equipment. Although many of the rods available on the market today are designed to withstand different conditions, you should check for the specifications before buying.

Your rod and reel both should have corrosion-resistant features. Saltwater fish are also different than freshwater ones. They are larger in size and hence require more bait and a rod that can handle all that.   

Characteristics of Our Favorite Saltwater Fishing Rods

As we discussed earlier, there are certain specific qualities that a saltwater rod should always have. Some of them are discussed below.

Anti-Corrosion

If you use a normal freshwater rod in saltwater, it will not take you long to realize what a big mistake that was. The high mineral content in saltwater can easily damage the equipment that will end up with you buying equipment regularly and wasting unnecessary money. This is why our top consideration for any salt water rod is corrosion-resistance. The reels are also made to be resistant to water getting in and causing rust, which can hinder their performance.    

High Line Capacity

Line capacity is how much weight a rod can handle. A good rod, whether it’s saltwater or fresh, should be strong and heavy enough to handle different kinds of fish. Saltwater generally has larger fish, so their rods are made, keeping that in mind. A fiberglass rod is more strong and preferred for big fish.

Grip and Handling

The handle of the rod should be long enough for you to hold it comfortably. The grip should be strong enough that it does not slip out of your hand, especially if a stronger fish is pulling on it on the other side. Since you are working in a wet environment, that also factors into the grip.

Key Terms to Know

To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.

  • Materials: The materials the rod is made of.

  • Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.

  • Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.

  • Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.

  • Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc. 

  • Fishing Technique: The technique(s) the rod is intended to be used for.

Review of the Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

Now that you know what to look for in a saltwater rod, you can better judge which ones are better for your needs. Here are the top best saltwater rods trending on the market.

Best Overall:
Whistytwig Telescopic Fishing Rod

Whistytwig Portable Telescopic Fishing Rod - Compact Lightweight Carbon Fiber Collapsible Telescoping Fishing Pole for Lure Fishing and Travel, Great for Bass Trout Cod Salmon Catfish - 7ft 2.5inch

PROS

  • Easy to grip fishing poles for long use
  • Can easily handle up to 15 lbs. line weight
  • Can be used easily in different environments
  • The rod has a retractable frame for easy storage
  • Made from strong and dependable carbon fiber

CONS

  • The eye hooks could be lower

What Recent Buyers Report

This is considered a very sturdy and durable rod. It easily fits into a bag when traveling, so there is no hazard of someone getting poked in the eye. It is lightweight and easy to use with a solid build. Often composite rods are preferred over telescopic ones, but this seems to be of higher quality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Carbon fiber makes for some of the strongest fishing rods. This rod uses IM6 carbon, which is very lightweight and durable. The reel is made from graphite, and the guides are made from stainless steel to improve dependability. The guides have a plastic protective cap for when it is not in use. The handle can be extended in size for better casting accuracy.

Who Will Use This Most

This rod has different sized guides for different kinds of fish. Because of the retractable size, it can be used for traveling and as a gift as well. The poles are easy and comfortable even for long use in different areas like freshwater, saltwater, lakes, boating, kayaking, beach, and jetty.

Bottom Line

This is our top pick for a saltwater rod because it has strong and dependable graphite, Carbon, and stainless steel in its construction. This makes it resistant to corrosion by saltwater as well. This is a multi-purpose rod that can be easily used in all kinds of sports and casual fishing. The telescopic rod is retractable for convenience.

Product Specs

Materials:

IM6 carbon fiber with a fibreglass tip, Graphite reel seat, Stainless steel guides

Available Lengths:

7 ft 2 in

Available Power(s):

Medium

Available Action(s):

Medium

Fishing Technique:

Casting

Runner-up:
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod

Ugly Stik 12' Bigwater Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 20-40lb Line Rating, Heavy Power, Lightweight, Durable Graphite & Fiberglass Construction

PROS

  • Good priced fishing rod
  • Light and comfortable grip for long use
  • Stainless steel guides are corrosion resistant
  • Clear tip design gives strength and sensitivity
  • Fiberglass construction makes it strong and durable

CONS

  • The one-piece construction makes it difficult to carry

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a strong rod that can be used for big fish as well. The metal guides are strong and help easily catch any fish. It is heavier in weight because of the long length and heavy-duty construction. It gives good value for money.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod is very big, with a length at 12 feet. It is made from strong graphite and carbon fiber so it can handle a lot of weight. The clear tip design adds to the strength as well. Even though it is heavy, it still feels very balanced when using and makes it easy to cast the bait. The grips are made from EVA foam, which improves grip and is more durable.

Who Will Use This Most

This rod is designed for large fish. Everything from the size, guides, and grip are designed to handle the weight and make reeling the big fish in easily. The stainless guides are perfect for saltwater use. You can also use it for long fishing trips without losing grip.

Bottom Line

This is a specially constructed fishing rod that might seem too big and heavy, but all that is needed for large prey. It ensures a strong grip and rust-resistant construction. The price considering its features is very reasonable. Ugly Stick has been making high-quality fishing rods since 1976 and has proven its dependability.

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite and Fiberglass, Stainless steel guides

Handle:

EVA

Available Lengths:

12 ft

Available Power(s):

Heavy

Available Action(s):

Medium

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Best for the Money:
 Ugly Stik USCA662MH

Shakespeare Ugly Stik 6’6” GX2 Casting Rod, One Piece Casting Rod, 10-25lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/4-3/4 oz. Lure Rating, BLACK

PROS

  • A very budget-friendly price
  • EVA foam handle to improve grip
  • Durable and lightweight construction
  • 2-piece construction for easy carrying around
  • Clear tip design to improve catching chances

CONS

  • Some users reported that it broke easily

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a medium-heavy rod that people use for everyday fishing instead of professional fishing. It is light and reliable. The handle is large enough for a good and comfortable grip. The line weight is also very good.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This is an ultra-durable baitcast fishing rod. It is very lightweight and easy to cast. The construction material is graphite and fiberglass, which adds to its strength. The two-piece construction makes it easier to store and transport. It also uses Ugly Stik’s clear tip design for responsiveness to even the slightest nibbles. The guides are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and it has an easy to grip EVA handle.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a medium-strength rod for saltwater use. Its tested weight handling is 10 to 25 pounds. It can be used for long periods because of the good EVA foam grip. The two-piece design is also good for traveling and storing.

Bottom Line

This is the best budget fishing rod. It is not exactly a heavy-duty one, but it is still very durable and handles a good amount of weight. Paired with a good rust-resistant reel, you get the ideal everyday fishing rod. Just like every saltwater rod, it has corrosion-resistant properties as well.

Product Specs

Materials:

Graphite and Fiberglass, Stainless steel guides

Handle:

EVA

Available Lengths:

5 ft 6 in / 6 ft / 6 ft 6 in / 7 ft / 7 ft 6 in

Available Power(s):

Medium Light / Medium / Medium Heavy / Heavy

Available Action(s):

Medium

Fishing Technique:

Casting

Best Saltwater Telescopic Fishing Rod:
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod

PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod Pole Spinning Fishing Rod Carbon Fiber Travel Rod for Saltwater Freshwater Rods(2.1M 6.89Ft)

PROS

  • Welded stainless steel guides
  • Anti-seawater corrosion reel seat
  • Retractable design for easy storage
  • Smooth and balanced operation for fishing
  • Carbon fiber construction with stainless steel frame

CONS

  • People usually don’t prefer telescopic rods

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a good rod that can be contracted to a small size and stored in its carry-on bag. It is very high-quality and durable with a good grip. It is extremely low priced when you look at the quality it provides. This is a very convenient rod for family trips.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod is made from high density, elastic, and lightweight carbon fiber. It easily retracts down to a small size for fishing trips. For corrosion-resistant features, it has ceramic inserts, welded stainless steel guides, and anti-seawater reel seats. The baking varnish process makes it waterproof and adds to the durability. The stainless steel frame is corrosion-resistant.

Who Will Use This Most

It has a strong EVA grip for long and comfortable use. Because of its fiberglass and graphite construction, it can catch a good large fish easily. Plus, it is retractable so you can use it for trips, send it as a gift, and store it.

Bottom Line

This rod has a very good modern design with black handles and a stainless steel frame. The price is very low, so anyone can enjoy it. It is very light and gives a very smooth and balanced operation. It has many elements with corrosion-resistant features, including a hooded reel seat and stainless steel.

Product Specs

Materials:

Carbon Fiber, Stainless steel hooded reel seat

Handle:

EVA

Available Lengths:

8 ft 9 in / 6 ft 10 in / 7 ft 10 in / 6 ft 

Available Power(s):

Medium

Fishing Technique:

Spinning

Editor's Pick:
Ecooda 2-Pieces Saltwater Offshore Casting

Ecooda 2-Pieces Saltwater Offshore Spinning Carbon Fiber Boat Fishing Rod Portable Travel Fishing Rod with Pearlized Color Rod Tip (Length 7'6"Max Drag 44LB)

PROS

  • Luminous rod tip for night use
  • 2-piece design for easy storage
  • Frictionless line flow for an easy catch
  • Carbon fiber construction for strength
  • Ceramic guides prevent rust better than metal

CONS

  • Length is smaller than the other options available

What Recent Buyers Report

This is a very dependable and high-quality rod. It is recommended by anyone who uses it. The grip and balance are perfect for long use. The illuminated tip is a great feature to make things easier when fishing at night. The different sizes and weight availability help people choose the perfect fit for them.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This rod has 70 carbon content, which makes it strong but is still light enough to cast easily and accurately. The guides are made of ceramic instead of metal because ceramic is more resistant to rust and decay. The guides are spaced in a way that gives a smooth performance. It can be retracted for easy storage as well.

Who Will Use This Most

The feature that makes this rod stand out among others is the laminated tip. This helps catch fish easily at night time. The EVA foam handle makes the grip strong and comfortable for longtime use. You can also store it easily by retracting the frame. The price is also suitable for everyone.

Bottom Line

This is a high-quality rod with a good drag power of 57 pounds. Different sizes are available with an increasing number of guides, so anyone can use it without it being too big or too small for them. It is easy to cast the bait as well because of the lightweight construction.

Product Specs

Materials:

Carbon Fiber, Stainless steel hooded reel seat

Handle:

EVA

Available Lengths:

6 ft 6 in / 7 ft 6 in / 8 ft 6 in

Fishing Technique:

Casting / Spinning

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

When buying any fishing rod, there are several things you should consider, like how it feels in your hand, your grip, etc. Here are some of the things you should always consider when buying.

Length

Longer length rods can cast further away, which means your chances of catching fish increase. But these rods can be heavier and more difficult to handle. Thus, for starters, a smaller rod is preferred. Generally, the length ranges from 6 to 12 feet. The length also depends on the type of fish you are trying to catch. Shorter rods are better when used for fighting fish. They both have their purposes, but which one you use depends on your preference and comfort.

Material

After reading through the reviews, you would have guessed that most of the high-quality rods use carbon fiber. This material is strong, has high tensile strength, and is resistant to chemicals and temperature while maintaining a lighter weight than most metals. These features help make the fishing rod stronger to handle large fish. This is the go-to material now for any rod. This is combined with stainless steel to prevent rust and graphite.

Durability

If you fish a lot or in saltwater, then the durability of the rod is of utmost importance. Saltwater is not the most environment-friendly for most fishing equipment. This is the reason why these rods are made separately to give them a better chance of longevity. Instead of buying new rods all the time, be sure to invest in one that will serve you longer. All of the rods in our review have features to prevent rust just for this.

How to Clean Saltwater Fishing Rods

Even if you are using a corrosion-resistant rod, you should always clean it after every use to avoid any damage. All you have to do is follow these two simple steps for thorough cleaning of your rod.

  1. Spray the guides, reels, and ends thoroughly with water for a few seconds.

  2. Just let the rods sit and dry for a while, and you are good to go.

For more tips on improving your rod life, you can refer to the video given below.

Conclusion

This article lists the best of the most durable fishing rods. There are many options available for you to choose from, and they are all generally low priced. The most commonly used material is carbon fiber, as it is the most tested material for these types of rods. 

People Also Ask

If you have some more questions about saltwater fishing and fishing rods, you can read through these frequently asked questions.

What's the Difference Between Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Rods?

The major difference between the two bodies of water is the salt content. Freshwater contains less than 1% salt. The higher content of salt in saltwater also makes it denser. Because of the salt, marine life also differs in both. Thus, fishing rods made for saltwater have corrosion-resistant features. Other than that, there is not much different about them. They both perform similar functions and are designed the same way.   

Do I Need a Saltwater Reel?

Just like saltwater rods are made to be corrosion resistant, the reels have this property as well. Water can easily get in and corrode the inside of the reel, which hinders performance. This is why it is a good option to go for specifically made saltwater reels.

Can You Use a Saltwater Fly Rod in Freshwater?

Any saltwater rod will work in freshwater as well. Having the extra ability to resist rust never hurts. It is just not a good option when you use a simple freshwater rod in saltwater. These rods need more strength.



My name is Caleb and I am obsessed with hunting, fishing, and foraging. To be successful, you have to think like your prey. You have to get into the mind of your target - and understand Big Game Logic. If you have any questions, or just want chat about your latest hunting score or big catch, you can reach me at admin@biggamelogic.com. Read more about Big Game Logic.