Fishing is a great way to relax and spend your time with close friends. While fishing at your local lake can be refreshing, there is nothing quite like going to fish out into the ocean. That is why we will focus specifically on saltwater fishing. There are plenty of different rods on the market, though, so let’s briefly go over what to look for and then, we’ll show you the top 20 picks.
There are many aspects that make up a solid rod. It is important to consider the length, power, action, and quality of materials. If you want to fish in shallow reefs, you will need quite a different rod compared to fishing on open waters.
A rod’s action is one of the most important things to consider. Fast-action rods flex near the tip and give you great casting accuracy. Medium-action rods have a longer cast and better hook-sets. Slow-action rods extend even further. The power will tell you kind of fish you can use the rod for.
Here are the best saltwater fishing rods.
UglyStik Spinning Fishing Combo Kit
We will start this list with a fishing rod made by Shakespeare. The Uglystik is a combo kit that comes with a spinning rod and reel. This combination is designed for lighter baits and line and is excellent for drop shotting. For portability, the spinning rod is two-piece. The rod length is 7 feet and is telescopic.
The spinning reel is size 50, made out of graphite, and features ball bearings for smooth action. For durability, it has EVA grip, guides made out of stainless steel (resistant to corrosion), and ceramic inserts. This is an excellent, high-quality model that very well could become your favorite fishing companion.
For more amazing options like this, check out our guide to the best tenkara fishing rods.
EAT MY TACKLE Sabiki Fishing Rod
Next, we have a bestseller from company EAT MY TACKLE. The Sabiki fishing rod is very similar to the Uglystik model with a rod that is 7 feet long. For easier storage, it features a 2-piece construction.
This is a great rod for catching Hard Tails, Google Eyes, Blue Runners, etc. The opening is 7/16-inch, which is enough to accommodate most hooks. The rod can be used with any bait cast reel. T
his is an extremely durable model that is designed to last you a lifetime. It has medium action and weighs under a pound. All in all, this rod is a great addition to your fishing gear that we’re sure will leave you impressed.
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod
Here we have another fishing combo, this time made by PLUSINNO. This fishing pole is made hard and durable thanks to the mix of high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass. You don’t need to worry about corrosion as the hooded reel seat is made out of stainless steel.
For comfort, it has EVA Foregrip. The fishing rod is telescopic, which makes it easily portable. This model features instant anti-reverse, and the bail spring is thick coiled. Line winding is also a cinch, thanks to the s-curve oscillation system. It also features power drive gears to give it high strength. The gear ratio is 5.2:1, and the line capacity is as follows: 0.20/240, 0.25/200, 0.30/140. You can choose between two different models.
The full kit contains a fishing rod, a fishing reel, fishing line, a variety of fishing lures and fish hooks, and a carrier bag. The second model comes with only a fishing rod and reel without lures and line. You can choose between 5 sizes, ranging from 6.89 feet to 9.84 feet. This model’s success lies in combining premium quality with a budget price. We recommend this wholeheartedly.
Entsport Rattlesnake 2-Piece 7-Foot Casting Rod
The designers at Entsport bring us a professionally designed fishing rod called the Rattlesnake. This model comes with three different power rod tips: medium-light, medium, and heavy. This makes the Rattlesnake a very versatile model that offers great value for the money. The rod is made out of premium-quality graphite, which enhances sensitivity and makes it more lightweight. It also features a 2-piece design that makes it a breeze to travel with.
This model features an enhanced reel seat with a cushioned hood that fixes the reel securely in place. The frame is made out of stainless steel and inside it, there are ceramic inserts that minimize friction, increase casting distance, and maximize durability. There are also 7 guides, which are precisely aligned.
The premium cork handles are there to reduce the weight and provide you with greater comfort while fishing. To conclude, the real strength of the Rattlesnake is that this is a 3-in-1 model designed to support you in a wide variety of fishing situations.
TROUTBOY Black Warrior Fishing Rod
This visually stunning model is made by TROUTBOY. The Black Warrior is made out of 24-ton carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass. It combines elasticity, sensitivity, and power with ease and elegance. The reel seats are hooded with anti-corrosive stainless steel, and the rod is portable with a telescopic design.
The EVA handle brings an added level of comfort, and the reel features high-strength T6 aluminum spool, which provides good stability. The 13+1 steel ball bearings are here to give you great precision and smoothness. The gear ratio is 5.5:1. Available rod sizes range from 5.9 to 11.8 feet.
The Black Warrior is the perfect rod for beginners.
Be sure to also browse our list of the top fishing watches.
Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod
Okuma Fishing Tackle is renowned for making great premium rods. This one features a 3-piece construction but also delivers one-piece rod performance with European spigot connections. The rod includes two tip sections—a lighter and heavier one—which increases versatility and frees up your space.
This model also features Alps guide frames and zirconium guide inserts. All components are of high-quality and, combined, they ensure great durability. With this rod, you will get a padded, waterproof case. If you want a rod with excellent stability and style and are willing to spend a few more bucks for it, this model is for you.
Fenwicks HMG Spinning Rods
Fenwicks enters the list with a solid, premium fishing rod. The HMG spinning rod is famous for being the world’s first graphite fishing rod, which changed the game completely. This is a redesigned and improved version of that rod. The action on this model can generate accuracy and high line speeds both far and close, which makes fishing with it really enjoyable.
The durability of the rod is ensured with carbon bound blanks that are spiraled with carbon thread. For excellent grip, there is a TAC handle, which is more durable than cork and won’t let you down when wet. The Fuji Reel seats are of high quality, and you can choose between 6.6 and 7-foot medium-heavy and medium-light models.
All said, this is an amazing rendition of a classic spinning rod.
Be sure to also invest in a quality fishing kayak for the best results.
Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod
Daiwa’s Tatula is yet another in a line of premium casting rods. It features an exclusive, ultra-durable SVF (Super Volume Fiber) graphite technology. The Tatula is specifically designed to provide flexibility without sacrificing strength and has almost zero blank twist, meaning it will last you a long time.
The rod has a micro pitch blank finish. It features a machined aluminum reel, custom reel seat, and alconite ring guides. The Zero-G design reduces the weight of the Tatula and makes it even easier to transport.
The rod is made out of one piece, and you can choose between gold and black colors. It is available in the following sizes: medium-light (6 feet 10 inches), medium (7 feet), medium-heavy (6 feet 10 inches), and heavy (7 feet 2 inches).
With this line of rods, Daiwa has cemented themselves at the top of the fishing game.
Penn Pursuit II
Next, we have another model made by Penn. The Pursuit 2 is another spinning fishing reel and rod combination that is made for professionals. It features a graphite composite blank and reel and graphite reel seats. The body of the rod is both corrosion-resistant and lightweight. This is a one-piece model with an EVA grip to provide great control.
The rotor is techno-balanced and gives smooth retrievals. There are plenty of options to choose from: medium (7 feet), medium-heavy ( 7 or 8 feet) and heavy (9 or 10 feet). All in all, this is another solid choice.
Fiblink Saltwater Offshore
To continue, we have a saltwater rod made by Fiblink. This 2-piece rod is made out of fiberglass blank, which gives you great pulling power. It is designed to give you maximum strength coupled with good sensitivity for a better fishing experience.
The 2-piece rod is extra heavy and 6 feet long. The weight of this model is 29 ounces, and the line can handle weights of 30-50 pounds. It features 4+1 heavy-duty guide frames and ceramic inserts that are resistant to corrosion. Great sensitivity is ensured with high-density EVA handles. The reel seat is made out of aluminum and is ready for extreme exposure. The handle piece has a length of 2.4 feet, and the stainless steel ring is of premium quality. All in all, this is another solid model.
Penn Squall
Penn strikes once again with another saltwater combo. Squall has a lever drag that is both economical and lightweight. It is made out of graphite and is corrosion resistant. This is a rod that is designed for trolling or dropping, not casting.
The aluminum spool is forged and machined and has line capacity rings. All the gears are made out of stainless steel, and the squall features a dura-drag system with 6 bearings. An anti-reverse switch is included, and that technique is good for small fish.
You can choose between the following options: 30/40 medium (7 feet), 50 medium-heavy (6.8 feet), and 60 heavy (6.5 feet). No matter which model you choose, this is another interesting option from Penn.
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel
Another bestseller comes from PLUSINNO. This model is aimed at novices and includes all the necessary accessories for saltwater fishing. Excellent elasticity and durability are achieved with a mixture of fiberglass and high-density carbon fiber. The hooded reel seats are made out of anti-corrosive stainless steel. For comfort, an EVA foregrip is included in the design.
The rod is telescopic, meaning it is easily portable. It is for medium power and features instant anti-reverse, which is useful for smaller fish. The power drive gear is there for high strength. Line capacities are as follows: 0.20/240, 0.25/200, and 0.30/140 (mm/M). The gear ratio is 5.2:1.
In the full kit, you will get carrier bag, fishing rod, reel, line, and lures. Choose from the following rod lengths: 6.89 to 8.86 feet (2.1 to 2.7 m). This is an ideal option for beginners as it offers everything you will need.
Fiblink 3-Piece Spinning Rod
Next, we have a heavy spinning fishing rod made by Fiblink. The 3-piece design makes this rod very easy to carry everywhere you go. It is made out of a carbon fiber mix, which provides sensitivity mixed with durability. The action on this model is precisely tuned to fit it for boat fishing.
The rod is lightweight and has passed 30-50-pound stress tests. It features 6+1 stainless steed guides filled with ceramic inserts. They are placed perfectly to guarantee nearly friction-free line flow, as well as great casting performance.
The reel seat is made out of aluminum alloy and is resistant to corrosion. The lure weight ranges from 2 to 8 ounces. Its great handling and comfort are made possible with high-density EVA handles.
You can choose between 6, 7, and 8-foot rods, and the prices go from approximately $50-65. With this model, you also get a 31-inch protection bag. This is a medium-priced rod that delivers a great performance.
Sougayilang’s Black Hawk
The Black Hawk is a telescoping rod made out of a combination of high-density carbon fiber and E-glass, which provide good power and sensitivity. The rod is lightweight and perfectly balanced, which is important for any type of fishing.
The reel seat is made out of corrosion-resistant aluminum and will serve you for years to come. Great control is ensured with its 3-point welded steel guides with ceramic inserts, used for mono or braided fishing line.
Aside from being lightweight, this model is also easily portable. You can choose from the following rod lengths: 6.89, 7.87, 8.86, 9.84, and 11.81 feet (2.1 to 3.6 m).
While not the best, this is a solid budget model that is well worth its price.
Sougayilang’s Fishing Rod Combos
If you are a beginner, you might be interested in this reel and rod combo from Sougayilang. The rod is a standard combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass. It is both hard and lightweight. The guide ring is made from SIC ceramic and features epoxy resin adhesive, which makes it very solid.
The reel features 13 + 1 smooth ball bearings that are precisely adjusted. The gear ratio is 5.5:1 and gives great performance. The EVA knob is non-slip and will remain comfortable even when you are fishing for longer periods of time. Sizes range from 5.9 to 7.87 feet.
Fiblink 4-Piece Surf Rod
Here we have a 4-piece rod made by Fiblink. This rod is constructed to be both solid and sensitive at the same time. It is made out of carbon, which gives it improved performance-action. The guides are made of stainless steel and ceramic to minimize friction and bring you long, smooth casts. The guides are also aligned precisely along the spine in a perfectly straight position.
The tube handle is made out of non-slip rubber and has a tapered rear grip. For maximum strength, there is a butt ferrule connection. The hood transitions are machine tapered.
You can choose between 3 sizes: 10, 12, and 15 feet. This rod is a decent, medium-priced option.
Goture Fishing Rod and Reel Combos
Goture makes an entry with another solid beginner fishing set. It features a high-quality SWORD telescopic spinning rod. The freshly designed GT-V spinning reel will give you great performance. It includes 6 ball bearings and a one-way clutch for consistency.
The body is lightweight and portable, making this a great model for traveling. The material is a classic fiber and E-glass combination, which is quite durable. This model has heavy power, medium action, and is easy to cast. You can choose between 6.9, 7.9, 8.8, 9.8, and 11.6-foot rods.
Overall, this is a good introductory model that will not overly impress you but is quite reliable.
CAPACI Fishing Rod
We will end this list with a model from CAPACI. This is a fishing rod reel combo that is lightweight, durable, and offers low friction. You can choose between various lengths: 5.9, 6.9, 7.8, 8.8, and 9.84 feet. The 7.8-foot model and above comes with an extra 2000 reel.
The reel features 10+1 smooth ball bearings that are matched with precision. Its smooth performance is achieved with a 5.5:1 gear ratio, and the CNC machined aluminum handle can be held in the left or right hand.
This may be the last model on our list, but it is still worth considering.