Fishing is a great hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age, skill or budget.
Whether you want to catch dinner, relax by the water with friends or challenge yourself with a trophy fish, a day spent catching fish can offer plenty of fun. But before you head out to the nearest lake, river or ocean, you need to have the right equipment for the job. And (surprise, surprise) one of the most important pieces of gear is your fishing rod.
A fishing rod is more than just a stick with a line attached. It’s a tool that can help you cast accurately, fight effectively and land your fish safely. But not all fishing rods are the same. You'll find different types of rods for different types of fishing and each one has its own features and benefits. Choosing the right rod can make a big difference in your fishing success and enjoyment.
Before choosing your next fishing rod, you'll want to keep in mind the length, material, action, power and handle of the rod. You also need to think about the type of fishing you want to do, and the kind of fish you want to catch. For example, if you’re fishing for small panfish in a pond, you’ll need a different rod than if you’re fishing for big tuna in the ocean. Or, if you’re hoping to do both of the above and more, you’ll want a versatile rod that ticks all the boxes.
We’ve rounded up all of the best fishing rods.
Fox EOS Pro Fishing Rods
These Fox EOS Pro Fishing Rods are made of lightweight low resin carbon, which gives them strength and durability when carp fishing and other float tactics.
The anti-frap tip guide prevents the line from getting tangled or damaged while the rods have a high-quality 18mm reel seat, which ensures a secure and stable fit for your reel. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile rod that can handle different situations and conditions, these Fox EOS Pro Fishing Rods are a great choice.
Buy now £49.99, Angling Direct
Daiwa Emcast Carp Fishing Rods
Renowned for being impressively lightweight and versatile for its price, this Daiwa Emcast Carp Fishing Rod ticks all the boxes. If you’re looking for a fishing rod that can handle any challenge, this is the rod to opt for.
It has a slim and strong body that gives you both power and accuracy as well as a matt low glare finish on the top and bottom. The reel seat is comfy and stable, while its red trim adds a fun dash of colour.
Buy now £99.99, Angling Direct
Daiwa Black Widow G50 12ft 3.25lb
This Daiwa Black Widow G50 12ft 3.25lb fishing rod is a rod that offers a balance of finesse, power and performance for carp fishing. It’s made of lightweight carbon blanks that provide strength and durability, as well as a smooth casting action.
The rod has a DPS-style reel seat that ensures a secure connection with your reel, and a slim profile full shrink grip handle that gives you comfort and control. It also features stainless steel frame guides with lightweight LS ceramic rings that ensure optimal line flow and guidance.
Buy now £73.14, Amazon
Abu Garcia Tormentor Spinning Fishing Rod
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly fishing rod, this Abu Garcia Tormentor Spinning Fishing Rod is one of the best options around. It’s a high-quality rod that’s designed for all-round spinning and predator fishing with powerful 24T carbon construction that gives it a moderate-fast action and great sensitivity.
It also features quality LTS SIC guides, a premium grade cork handle, and an ergonomic reel seat with a unique appearance.
Buy now £29.99, Angling Direct
Sonik Vaderx RS Carp Rod 12ft 3.00Lb
The Sonik Vaderx RS Carp Rod 12ft 3.00Lb is constructed from slim, lightweight armoured carbon blank and offers progressive casting action with superfast tip recovery. Its super-light M-SERIES DL black guides ensure protection for your line as well as the hard-wearing anti-frap ceramic tip ring which lowers the risk of losing a fish.
All the rods feature a fold-friendly ringing pattern to make transport easier and this rod has a 17mm black DPS reel seat to house all big pit reels as well as a slim Japanese shrink-wrap butt grip for maximum control.
Buy now £55.00, Total Fishing Tackle
SVENDSEN Wave Power Tele Spin 7ft 10-30g
Not all good quality fishing rods have to set you back a fortune and this SVENDSEN Wave Power Tele Spin 7ft 10-30g rod offers amazing action for a fantastic price.
One of the most affordable spinning rods in the Okuma range, the Wave Power Tele Spin sports SIC guides with a silver frame for fantastic accuracy. The rod also features a graphite reel seat with cushions to ensure a comfortable grip whilst spending time by the water.
Buy now £24.97, Go Outdoors
Korum Barbel Fishing Rods
You’ll find a great variety of lengths available when it comes to these Korum Barbel Fishing Rods, ensuring a comfortable experience no matter your preferences. Designed for a premium experience with less margin of error, they’re perfect for chasing big barbel and have white tips for bite detection, which means you can see when a fish takes your bait or feeder, even in low-light conditions or against dark backgrounds.
They also have tough SIC-lined rod guides, which are durable and smooth, reducing friction and wear on your line.
Buy now £49.99, Angling Direct
Shakespeare Sigma 10ft #7 Fly Combo
A fully loaded fly fishing kit that includes rod, reel and line, this Shakespeare Sigma 10ft #7 Fly Combo delivers excellent performance and gives beginners everything they need at an affordable price. The 4-piece rod has a slim, lightweight carbon blank and is perfectly balanced thanks to the complementary Sigma graphite fly reel. The reel is pre-loaded with backing, matching fly line and braided loops.
Buy now £59.97, Fishing Republic
Sougayilang Fishing Rod
This lightweight fishing rod is perfect for getting started on the river without investing a fortune. A telescopic fishing rod that’s made of premium, weather-resistant carbon fibre, it’s designed for portability and convenience and can be easily collapsed and stored in a carry bag. The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing and can handle different types of fish up to 10 lbs.
It’s lightweight and powerful, with a smooth action and a strong drag system. The rod has a good medium action feel to it, and is just flimsy enough at the tip for a nice cast but remains very strong when in tug.
Buy now £26.98, Amazon
Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Set
Looking for all the bells and whistles? This Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Set is a great choice for anglers who want adaptable and portable fishing gear. It’s made of high-quality 24T carbon fibre and stainless steel, which is both durable and corrosion-resistant.
One of the most versatile options around, it’s suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, and can be used for bass, salmon, trout and other species.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
Verdict
For a mid-range fishing rod that’s versatile enough for all kinds of days on the boat, we’re big fans of these Fox EOS Pro Fishing Rods.
