Best Kayak Fishing Rods – Buyer’s Guide
Best Kayak Fishing Rods – Ask any kayak angler and they will tell you their secret to success. They’ll tell ya, “Arm yourself with the best gear.”
You will need a rod that is long enough to cast long castings from your deck but short enough to fit into your kayak. Your kayak is powered by humans so you don’t need to add weight to it. They are light and easy to maneuver.
Kayak anglers understand that the use of specialized gear can often make it difficult to fish successfully. Traditional tackle boxes and coolers are not practical for a kayak. Even ungainly items like landing nets can obstruct valuable space.
This is also true for rods. Do kayak anglers need specialized rods?
I will say “no” with the caveat of rods over 7′ becoming too heavy.
This leaves plenty of options for saltwater and freshwater anglers. We’ve got your back!
We aren’t trying to confuse you with the shape and features of your destined pole. Let’s get started!
Here’s a complete buying guide and reviews of some of our favorite kayak fishing rods.
Here’s a quick look at the top kayak fishing rods.
Here are some of the top fishing rods.
Freshwater Fishing Rods
- St. Croix Premier PS66MF – Spinning Rod
- St. Croix Premier PS60ULF – Ultralight Spinning Rod
- Dobyns Rods 734C FH Champion Series – Baitcasting Rod
- St. Croix Legend Glass Casting LGC74MHM – Crankbait Rod
- Dobyns Champion Series Swimbait Rod DC 807 MAG HSB – Swimbait Rod
- Doomsday Tackle “The 47”, Jig Rod
- Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 – Dropshot Rod
- Dobyns Champion 766Flip – Flipping and Pitching Rod
- St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod – Jerkbait Rod
- Shimano Talora Downrigger Rod – Trolling Rod
- Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo – Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
- Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Elite USESP702M – Affordable Fishing Rod
Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Penn Carnage II – Surf Rod
- Penn International VI INTVI305060AR – Offshore Rod
- Redbone Hurricane Inshore RDB-761MS – Inshore Spinning Rod
- Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Rod and Reel Combo
Fishing rods for special purposes
- Daiwa B.B.B. 6106TMLFS Telescopic Rod
- Fiblink Travel Spinning Rod – Portable Travel Backpacking Rod
- Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Spinning Combo – Fishing Rod For Kids
- St. St.
- Loop Opti Stream – Fly Fishing Rod
- Team Oni USA Oni Type I – Tenkara Rod
List of Best Freshwater Fishing Rods
Spinning rod
Both novices and professionals will enjoy spinning rods. They can be used in combination with a spinning rod to make it easy to cast in windy conditions. This makes them popular for walleye anglers, inshore surf casting, and walleye fishing.
St. Croix Premier PS66MF – Our Pick
| Specifications | Pros | Cons |
| Length6’6″ Materialgraphite Power/actionMedium/fast Size of the lure:1/4 to 5/8 oz. Line weight:6-12 lb Handle:Cork Guides7+1 Fuji stainless steel with aluminum dioxide inserts Pieces1 |
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St. Croix makes some great rods. Their medium-powered, fast-action Premier spinning rod is one of them. You can expect premium components and materials as well as meticulous attention to detail.
The Premier is extremely well-balanced, sensitive and strong enough to handle everything, from bass to reds, walleyes to stripers. This rod would be my one-rod choice if I had a single rod. This rod is sensitive enough to pick up light strikes and strong enough for real “do it all” options.
Ultralight spinning rod
Ultralight fishing can be a great way of increasing the excitement when catching panfish such as crappie, perch and sunfish. For experienced anglers it’s also a great option for bass fishing. Because they are designed to work with the light lines that you will use, spinning reels are great for ultralight applications.
St. Croix Premier PS60ULF
Length6
Materialgraphite
Power/actionUltralight/Fast
Size of the lure: 1/32 oz. 1/32 oz. to 3/16 oz.
Line weight:2-6 lb
Handle:Split cork/spinning 12.25 inches
Guide material 6 + 1 Fuji aluminum oxide
Piece1
As they are quickly surpassing their premium competitors, it’s not surprising that another St. Croix made our list.
The Premier ultralight has a quick action and a cushioned hookset for fish like crappie. This rod is strong, flexible, light and well-balanced. This rod is perfect for fishing trout, bass, and perch.
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity
- Excellent casting
- Qualitative handles
- Amazing guides
Cons
- Expensive
Baitcasting rod
Baitcasting rods are designed to be paired with baitcasting reels, allowing excellent casting with heavier-diameter line. You can expect medium-to-heavy power and fast actions.
Dobyns Rods 734C FH Champion Series
Length7’3″
Power/Actionheavy/fast
Materialgraphite
Handle:Cork/casting
Guides10 + tip/Zero Tangle Knit with SiC Inserts
Size of the lure:1/4 to 1 oz
Line weight:10-20 lbs
Pieces1
Dobyns rods are a well-known brand to bass anglers. They have proven their reliability season after season, tournament after tournament. The 734 from Dobyns is a remarkable addition to our reviews.
This rod is powerful enough to cast crankbaits and jerkbaits as well as worms and jigs. This is the best all-arounder rod I have ever seen. If you only have one rod, it would be a great choice.
Pros
- Amazing, just-in-all blank
- Excellent guides
- Excellent handle
- Extremely sensitive
- Use a variety lures and techniques to attract them.
Cons
- Expensive
Crankbait rod
Crankbaits are a common item found in any bass anglers’ tackle boxes. Soft plastics may have an edge but crankbaits can be deadly for largemouth. I know of no one who doesn’t throw them. They’re deadly when they are paired with a rod that maximizes their action and cushions your hookset.
St. Croix Legend Glass Casting LGC74MHMSt.
Length7′ 4″
Power/action medium-heavy/moderate
MaterialFiberglass
Line weight:10-20 lbs
Weight of lure:3/8 to 1 oz
GuidesFuji K-Series tangle-free, tangle-free guides with Alconite rings. Corrosion Control matte-finish frames.
Handle:Split cork 16″
Pieces1
St. Croix’s Legend series is uncompromising in performance and their Glass Casting models rank among the top rods for crankbaits.
The 7’4″, moderate-action, medium-heavy power model is my favorite. It’s long enough to cast into another county, but it’s still light enough to be accurate and maneuverable enough to cast.
This rod’s fiberglass blank loads like a charm. It allows for great casting and provides the constant pressure and cushioned hooksets you need to keep your lures in bass. It’s actually a joy to fish with and will improve your crankbait performance immediately. This rod is often called the “Cadillac” and “Lamborghini of crankbait rods. One afternoon with it will show you why.
Pros
- Amazing blank
- Sensitive
- Amazing guides
- Easy loading
- Handling of excellent quality
- Long, accurate casts
Cons
- It’s expensive!
Swimbait rod
Swimbaits can be deadly on all fish, including bass, walleye, and pike. They combine life-like action and the smell and taste that will drive fish wild. They can be rigged on either a single hook or a jighead, and require a rod that has the backbone to drive the hookset home.
Dobyns Champion Series Swimbait Rod DC 807 MAG HSB
Length8
Power/actionextra heavy/fast
Materialgraphite
Handle:continuous EVA foam
GuidesFuji tangle-free Kguides with Alconite Inserts
Size of the lure:3-10 oz
Line weight:20-50 lb
Pieces1
You’ll almost always find Dobyns Champion Series rods if you look at tournament anglers boats.
The swimbait rod’s blank is unrivalled in hookset power and provides the stiffness needed to send one hook home. You’ll feel every bump, bite, and suck with this fast action that gives you the confidence to fish hard.
As you would expect from Dobyns this rod includes premium components such as excellent guides, a remarkable reel seat and a long, comfy EVA foam handle.
Pros
- Amazing blank that produces positive hooksets
- Amazing sensitivity
- Amazing guides
- Excellent handle
Cons
- It’s expensive!
Jig rod
You can use jigs for swimming, casting, flipping, and even swimming! They are a popular choice for largemouth bass fishing, especially during high summer when the vegetation is thick. You can use jigs with weedless versions and they can be used to fish areas that other lures can’t reach. You need a rod that is both strong and sensitive to maximize this amazing option.
Doomsday Tackle “The 47”
Length7’3″
Power/actionheavy/fast
MaterialCarbon fiber
Handle:Split cork/casting
Guides9 + tip/Fuji Tangle FreeK guides with Alconite inserts
Size of the lure:3/8 to 1 1/2″ oz
Line weight:12-30 lb
Pieces1
Doomsday Tackle’s 47 may look like the rod your grandfather or father fished when you were a kid. Its creme-red styling is definitely a nod to that. It’s high-tech, but not a joke!
The 47 is 7’3″, made of carbon fiber. This makes it both light and strong. The tip is soft and sensitive, which allows you to get maximum performance from your jig. However, it quickly stiffens to create a strong, bass-dragging backbone. This blank is a great choice for the best jiggingrod. It ensures hookset and control.
Pros
- Amazing blank
- Excellent guides
- Excellent handle
- Extremely sensitive
Cons:
- Cons:?????
Dropshot rod
Drop shooting is one of the most popular techniques for bass. Drop shotting is a great way to present worms in a subtle and elegant manner that largemouth bass can’t resist. You can actually work the edge of a weedbed that has been hard hit by anglers and still catch a big one.
This technique requires a fine presentation. A standard bass rod with a strong backbone is probably not the best option.
Abu Garcia Villain 2.0
Length6′ 10″
Power/Actionmedium-light/extra-fast
Materialgraphite
Handle:Split EVA foam/casting
Guides10 + tip/titanium
Size of the lure:1/8 to 1/2 oz.
Line weight:6-12 lbs
Pieces1
Abu Garcia’s Villain series casting rods has won more than a few conversions from Shimano and G. Loomis. The Villain is a quality casting rod that offers top-notch quality for a very affordable price.
You’ll notice two key things about the medium light Villain. It’s sensitive and has enough power to muscling large fish. You should be aware that Abu Garcia’s version of a medium-light rod may be slightly stiffer than the average. This is why I would call the rod medium.
Despite having a backbone, the tip can translate bottom composition, soft bait movements, and actions of bass to your fingertips. The bottom will tell you if it is sandy, rocky, or muddy. You can also feel the changes in it.
The tip is flexible, making it easy to work a worm. With a few clicks of your wrist you can make the worm gyrate attractively and the Villain will have the authority to set the hook.
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity
- Excellent backbone, more like a medium than an average-light
- Excellent guides
- Excellent handle
- You can get great action with your bait
Cons
- For anglers looking for a medium rod, this rod may be too light.
- Casting will be affected by lighter lines
Flipping/pitching rod
Flipping is a technique used by bass anglers to throw a lure at a short distance, targeting heavy cover such as a lay-down or a weedbed. Your rod must be both stiff and sensitive. Without a great blank, this combination can prove difficult to deliver.
Dobyns Champion 766Flip
Length 7′ 6″
Power/Action heavy/fast
Material graphite
Handle: continuous cork
Guides Zero Tangle Kigan Guides with SIC Inserts
Size of the lure: 3/8 to 2 1/2 oz
Line weight: 14-30 lbs
Pieces 1
The Champion series of Dobyns rods are what professional anglers use, and the 766Flip for flipping is as good as they come.
A few casts will provide the stiffness and sensitivity you need while also providing the rigidity you require for this technique. You can expect top-quality materials everywhere, including the cork handle and Kigan guides.
Pros
- Very stiff blank with enough power to make big bass sounds
- Excellent sensitivity
- Fantastic guides
- Amazing handle
Cons
- Expensive
Jerkbait rod
Jerkbaits mimic the unpredictable action of an excited or injured minnow and trigger reaction strikes in fish like walleye, bass, and stripers, regardless of whether or not they are hungry. To get the best out of jerkbaits, you need the right rod. This means that the rod must be able to combine stiffness with sensitivity.
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
Length6′ 6″
Power/action Medium/fast
Material graphite
Handle: continuous cork
Guides 7 + tip aluminum oxide inserts
Size of the lure: 1/4 to 5/8 oz.
Line weight: 6-12 lb
Pieces 1
St. Croix’s Triumph Series rods were designed for serious anglers. They combine outstanding blanks and premium components to create a rod that anyone would love to fish.
The Triumph spinning rod is a great choice for casting and operating jerkbaits. It provides the stiffness to rip your lure and the backbone to handle hard hooksets or nasty fights. You also have the ability to sense what’s happening at the end.
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity
- Excellent casting
- Excellent handle
- Amazing guides
- A great all-arounder for jerkbaits
- Right price
Cons:
- Cons:?????
Freshwater trolling rod
The best way to catch walleye is with freshwater trolling rods. They are designed to be used in tandem with a downrigger and rod holders.
Shimano Talora Downrigger Rod
Length8′ 6″
Power/Action medium/medium fast
Material N/A
Handle:12″ rear/6″ fore)continuous EVA foam
Guides Fuji with aluminum oxide inserts
Size of the lure: 1/4 to 1 oz
Line weight: 15-40 lbs
Pieces 1
Shimano’s Talora Downrigger Rod measures 8 feet and has 6 inches of walleye doom. It is a trolling rod designed from the ground up and delivers the performance you want on northern lakes.
This rod is ideal for trolling and dedicated trolling. It has a medium-powered blank which provides control in fights as well as a medium fast tip that can be used for hooksets.
Pros
- Great tip for solid hooksets
- Handle long EVA foam
- You can fight and muscle large fish with a strong blank
- Amazing guides and reel seats
Cons:
- Cons:?????
Freshwater fishing rod and reel combination
Are you looking to fish your local lake or pond, but aren’t sure which rod and reel you should buy? You can fish in no time with a solid combination.
Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo
Length6′ 6″
Action/powermedium-light/moderate-fast
Materialgraphite
Handle:Split EVA foam
GuidesStainless steel with SIC Inserts
Line weight:N/A
Weighing Lure:N/A
Pieces2
Cadence’s C4 reels offer a great value for money and come with a rod that will put a smile on everyone’s face.
This all-rounder is ideal for panfish, trout and walleye. It has enough backbone to control fights while still throwing light lures at light lines. It’s strong enough to catch large walleyes and bluegills, but sensitive enough for sunfish and sunfish.
Pros
- Great all-arounder for freshwater
- Beautiful blank
- Extremely sensitive
- Fantastic guides
Cons:
- Cons:?????
Saltwater Fishing Rods
You can find our complete buying guide for saltwater fishing rods here!
Surf fishing rod
A long rod is essential for surfing fishing. It must have a smooth cast and a handle that is clad with shrink tubing. For large fish and large spinning reels expect fiberglass composite rods with medium-heavy power.
Penn Carnage II
Length 11
Action/power medium-heavy/moderately fast
Material Composite graphite/fiberglass
Handle: Continuous rubber shrink tube
Guides 8 + 1 Fuji K with Alconite Inserts
Line weight: 20-50 lbs
Weighing Lure: 2-6 oz
Pieces 2
Penn is a specialist in saltwater fishing tackle. If you are an inshore, off-shore or beach angler, Penn will be familiar to you. The Carnage II series of surf rods is a great choice, as they are built to fight, cast, and last.
Penn outfits the Carnage II using a combination of graphite, fiberglass and epoxy that combines the rigidity and sensitivity the former with flexibility and durability the latter. The tip is very sensitive and you will be able to see what is happening at the end of your line, from nibbles to crankbait action. The blank bends easily for the first 40% or so, before hitting the real backbone this rod offers, which is confidence-inspiringly stiff.
Are you looking for a rod that will allow you to muscle a 6-foot or larger shark?
It’s there!
Pros
- Excellent sensitivity
- Excellent durability
- You can fight and muscle large fish with a strong blank
- Excellent handle
- Amazing guides and reel seats
- Casting is great
Cons
- Not as light as graphite bars
Saltwater rod offshore
Saltwater trolling for marlins and tuna, sharks and other aggressive species of fish requires a strong rod and specialized gear. Casting is not necessary, but rods that aren’t strong enough can be broken by hard fighting.
Penn International VI INTVI305060AR
Length 6
Power/Action Medium/fast
Material tubularfiberglass
Handle:EVA foamhttp://www.amazon.com/Slick butt
Guides 4+ 1 Aftco Wind on Roller Guides
Size of the lure: N/A
Line weight:30-50 lbs
Pieces1
Penn’s International VI rod is what I would use to chase tuna, sailfish and sharks. It is made from strong tubular fiberglass and features five Atfco roller guides. This rod can handle heavy lines and wind on leaders without a problem. The handle is made from EVA foam and ends in a slickbutt. This gives you the control you need to hook big fish.
Pros
- Amazingly strong blank
- Handle long EVA foam
- Amazing roller guides
- Amazing reel seat
Cons
- It’s expensive!
Saltwater spinning rod for inshore use
A good inshore rod for snook, reds and specks is important, whether you are fishing the Intercoastal or a mudflat south Louisiana in South Louisiana. They are tough and can cast in the wind well, as well as hold their own against tough opponents.
Redbone Hurricane Inshore RDB-761MS
Length7’6″
Materialgraphite
Power/actionMedium/fast
Size of the lure:3/8 to 3/4 oz
Line weight:8 to 17 lbs
Handle:Cork
Guides 8 + 1 Fuji New Concept
Pieces1
Many professional guides will hand out Redbones to customers. More than a few even use them. This is a testament to the quality of these rods, and it’s amazing that they don’t cost a lot.
The blank quality is exceptional, as it combines strength and sensitivity. This rod is quite long and can reach the next county or parish. Its backbone begins to show its stuff around a third of its length towards the handle. There are many things you can do to get a brute out of cover, make a runner, or set your hook.
You won’t find a better rod at a lower price, or indeed any price.
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity
- Excellent casting
- Excellent handle
- Amazing guides
- A great all-arounder for larger fish
- Right price
Cons
- Nothing much.
Saltwater fishing rod and reel combination
A solid rod and reel combination is a great option if you are looking to quickly get out on the water. This combo pairs a great rod with a fantastic reel and, in the best cases, eliminates the need to select a rod or reel individually.
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Length7
Power/Actionmedium/extra fast
MaterialN/A
Handle:continuous cork
Guides7 + 1 aluminum oxide inserts
Size of the lure:N/A
Line weight:10-17 lbs
Pieces1
Penn’s Battle II reels provide a solid spinning option to saltwater species such as redfish and striper. In this instance, a 4000-sized reel is matched by an excellent Penn rod.
This rod has a medium power blank and the backbone to fight large fish. You’ll be able to feel every ripple in the bottom, every wiggle of your lure and even detect the smallest strikes with the extra fast action.
The cork handle is long and gives you ample space to hold onto your weapons.
Pros
- Strong blank that can withstand muscle strippers, reds and small sharks.
- Excellent sensitivity
- Fantastic guides
- Amazing handle
Cons
- Packaging can be damaged
Fishing rods for freshwater and saltwater at an affordable price
Many rods are expensive and not everyone can afford them. If you know what you want, you can find a great rod for a fraction of the price you would expect.
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Elite USESP702M
Length7
MaterialComposite fiberglass/graphite
Power/actionMedium/Moderate
Size of the lure:1/4 to 5/8 oz.
Line weight:6-14 lbs
Handle:Cork
Guides7 + 1 Ugly Tuff stainless Steel
Pieces2
Ugly Stiks are known for their bomb-proof toughness. If you have ever broken a rod tip while doing something stupid, then you will immediately understand the appeal of a sturdy Stik!
The Elite series, as its name implies, is a step above the Ugly Stik’s other offerings. It provides a lot more graphite in a predominantly fiberglass blank. This reduces the weight and gives stiffness to the fiberglass. This rod would be rated medium for action.
You’ll have plenty of rod to cast long distances, and enough backbone to catch big fish at seven feet. This rod is so good that I feel confident using it on all kinds of fish, from pike to bull reds. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering the price.
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity
- Excellent casting
- Excellent handle
- A great all-arounder for larger fish
- Right price
Cons
- It is not as elegant as the more expensive options
Speciality fishing rods
Telescopic rod
Telescopic rods are lightweight and portable. These rods are a great choice for anyone who wants to transport their fishing gear easily. Although they are not as portable and easy to store, they are still very useful.
Daiwa B.B.B. 6106TMLFS
Length6’10” extended, 16.5″ collapsed
MaterialCarbon fiber
Power/actionmedium-light/moderate-fast
Size of the lure: 1/16 oz. 1/16 oz.
Line weight:4-10#
Handle:Split cork/spinning
Guide materialStainless with SiC Inserts
Segments:8
Daiwa is a well-known name in fishing. They supply high-end products to anglers. They are located in Japan and offer a variety of products. Unfortunately, they do not sell telescoping rods to the US.
Amazon stocks a few items from their Japanese line, including the B.B.B. The “Triple B” telescoping rod, also known as the “Triple B,” is a popular choice for anglers looking for a travel rod.
It measures 6’10” long when extended and its eight segments are made from premium carbon fibre blanks. This travel rod is more durable than a traditional challenger. It’s sensitive, strong, and durable. Although it is not as sensitive as a St. Croix or one- or two-piece rod, I would fish the Triple B.
Pros
- Amazing blanks
- Very sensitive
- Very strong
- Excellent handle
- These guides are very nice
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
Portable/travel/backpacking rod
A standard rod is a pain in the neck, and a rod that’s only one or two pieces can cause problems when you travel. It’s a smart move to buy a travel rod that can be broken down into four pieces. This will allow you to carry it in everything from a backpack to a bag.
Fiblink Travel Spinning Rod
Length6′ 6″
MaterialCarbon fiber
Power/actionMedium/fast
Size of the lure:1/4 to 5/8 oz.
Line weight:8-14 lb
Handle:Split cork
Guides7 + 1
Pieces4
Fiblink’s travelrod can be broken down into four pieces, and then reassembled to its full length of 6 feet, 6 inches. It’s made from high-quality carbon fibre and is very stiff and sensitive. This allows anglers to get the most out of their time on water, whether they are on vacation or on business.
It is a capable rod with a medium power blank. This rod can handle line weights that are within the reach of most North American species.
Pros
- It’s easy to pack!
- Amazing price
- Strong blank, sensitive
- Excellent handle
- A good all-arounder
Cons
- The last two segments may be fragile
For kids, rod
You’re likely counting down the days until your little angler gets their first fish. You’re probably frustrated if you have searched for a children’s rod that is more than a toy. Don’t worry, there are fishing rods that kids can use if they know where to look.
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Spinning Combo
Length 5′ (two pieces)
Weight:N/A
MaterialFiberglass
Power/actionLight/fast
Guides4
Line weight:2-6 lb
Ugly Stick’s spinning combo is great for children if they are looking for a lighter, longer rod to catch panfish. This combo is great for young anglers who are interested in fishing, but not big enough to handle adult tackle.
Ugly Stik’s legendary toughness. This rod will not be damaged by a few slaps on the rail or pier. The light, fast blank makes catching any bluegill, perch or sunfish feel like Moby Dick!
Casting is quite easy for such a small rod. It’s also a great option to teach fishing basics.
Pros
- For kids, sized right
- It’s affordable!
- This rod is truly capable of catching fish
- Includes a reel already spooled and line
- Ugly Stik Blanket is strong and durable
- Nice, adult-grade handle
Cons
- Quality is just as acceptable at this price point.
Ice fishing rod
Special tackle is required for ice fishing, such as short rods that can be used with in-line reels. These rods can be used vertically to present tiny jigs that dance with just one flick of the wrist.
St. Croix Mojo Series Ice Fishing Rod
Length24″ or 28″.
Power/Actionultralight/light/medium-light/medium/medium-heavy/heavy
MaterialCarbon fiber
Guides3 + 1
Size of the lure:N/A
Line weight:N/A
Handle:Split cork/EVA foam
Pieces1
St. Croix makes top-quality rods for all types of anglers, regardless of their species or situation. Their Mojo Ice Fishing Series is no exception. You won’t find a stronger rod made from carbon fiber that is more flexible and strong than this one. It also makes it easier to catch sluggish fish.
The Mojo is a rod that can feel firm, sensitive, or strong. The combination cork/EVA handle allows for many grip styles.
Pros
- Ultra sensitive
- Strong
- Amazing handle
- Guides that are useful
Cons:
- Cons:?????
Fly fishing rod
A rod that is accurate and can travel distances will be essential if you want to catch brook trout in the eddy of a stream. We have the answers! Fly fishing gear can seem complicated to novices.
Loop Opti Stream
Length9
Weight:5wt.
Loop’s Opti Stream fly rod is one of the most value-oriented and high-performance you will ever find. These are not strong words, but it is an extraordinary 5wt. Very affordable rod.
It’s amazing to cast at 25-45 feet. It’s accurate, light-in-hand and tangle-free making it a favorite of serious fly anglers. Casting over longer distances can be difficult because the Opti Stream isn’t strong enough to provide you with super-long range.
However, you can’t get a better 5wt. for a short to medium distance at any price.
Pros
- Casting is excellent for both the short- and long-range.
- Amazingly balanced
- Light in hand
- Amazing price
Cons
- Long-range casting suffers
Tenkara rod
Tenkara fishing was developed in Japan’s trout streams. It is now gaining popularity in Western countries, particularly among hikers and backpackers at high altitudes. This is partly due to the simplicity and clean aesthetic of tenkara fishing: rod, fly, and line–the three elements of fishing stripped down to their core.
Team Oni USA Oni Type I
Length13’/24 3/8 ”
Segments:8
MaterialCarbon fiber
Weight: 3.1 oz.
Flex profile6:4
Handle:11 3/4″ “EVA foam
The Oni Type I is considered the best rod in tenkara by more than one expert. This is an impressive feat considering its competition. If you want the best, this could be the place to start.
The Oni Type I was designed by Masami Sakakibara and is meant for experienced tenkara anglers because of the light lines it casts. The Oni Type I is a perfect example of no-nonsense excellence. It’s subtle, strong, delicate, powerful, and more than its parts.
Pros
- Excellent casting
- Extremely sensitive
- Strong
- Amazingly balanced
Cons
- This line is for experienced anglers who prefer very light lines.
How to Choose a Kayak Fishing rod
It is possible to believe that the most important feature of a kayak fishing rod’s length is what you should be looking for. There are other important features that you should keep in mind. Make sure to understand the benefits of a fishing rod before you pull the trigger.
1. Length
Your rod’s length will be determined by the length of your fishing yak. A fishing yak is typically 12-14 feet long. The rod should reach the bow and stern. This is to ensure that the line does not get caught if a fish runs for its lives under your yak. Your rod must not be shorter than 7 feet.
You will also need to be able to stand, so you’ll need a pole long enough for casting casts and sitting on the middle of the deck. To maneuver the pole from a small space, keep it under 10 feet in length.
2. Telescopic or multi-piece
While this is only a matter for storage and transport, it is still important on a kayak. Multi-piece rods can easily be divided into multiple segments, while telescopic rods fold in themselves to reduce their size. Because they are so small you can easily fit them in your trunk or in your backpack when traveling.
A multi-piece or Telescopic rod is great for paddling and searching for good fishing spots.
3. Rear Grip
The handle of a kayak rod is an exceptional case. Surf anglers like longer grips but they might not work well in a kayak’s limited space. To prevent the rod’s bottom from touching the seat, long grips require that the angler holds his arms up high. This isn’t the best position for anyone fishing while sitting.
You will find handles made from cork or EVA foam. Cork grips transmit vibrations better, are lighter and warmer than EVA foam. Foam handles, on the other hand are stronger and more resistant to damage by rod holders such as those made of cork.
4. Material
Fishing blanks are typically made with graphite or fiberglass, or a mixture of both. Graphite blanks are preferred by experienced anglers who will pay more for them. They give the fish the feeling of nibbling on the end of the line. These are stiffer and can be used to jig or work live baits.
Fiberglass is actually at the lower price end of the spectrum. Although it isn’t as sensitive as graphite but it is much more flexible and sturdy than graphite. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn on a hard pole.
Composite rods are, as you might have guessed from their combination of the strength of fiberglass and the incredible sensitivity of graphite, the best.
5. Power
The rod’s power is the amount of pressure or weight required to bend the blank. This can be anything from very light to very heavy, and should be determined based on the species being targeted.
If you intend to fish for small panfish and trout, then use ultralight rods or light rods. Because they are less sensitive, heavy-power rods can take the joy out of fishing for small fish. They should therefore be reserved for large-game fish such as salmon and bass.
The medium power provides excellent all-round power. You will be able to land any fish, from pickerel and walleye to pike and bass without losing your sensitivity.
Don’t underestimate the power of your rod. You won’t be able to catch small fish with a heavy rod, as you will lose the sensitivity that you get from a lighter rod.
6. Action
The ability of a rod to bend under pressure is called its action. It is a way to measure the pole’s sensitivities. Fast-action rods are stiffer and bend only at the tip. This allows it pick up subtle vibrations from the most sneaky fish.
Medium-action rods bend in the middle, making them suitable for all types of jigging techniques. A slow-action pole will give you a very flexible rod that bends throughout its length. However, it won’t be as sensitive as a normal rod.
7. Reel Seat
This is where your reel will be mounted to your rod. Logically, it should be compatible with your reel’s type and will hold your reel securely without any wiggles.
Because they are less expensive, some rods with lower prices have seats made from metal-alloy. A corrosion-resistant graphite chair is the best option. It can withstand constant exposure to saltwater, debris and water.
8. Line Rating
This feature is important. The manufacturer will include the line weights in the product description. It should be able to accommodate the line you intend to use. Kayak fishing is not able to handle heavy tasks so look for rods that are able to work with line tests between 2 and 20 lbs.
9. Guides
Guides are the eyelets that allow your line to flow freely. Your rod’s quality will depend on how many guides you have. However, you should not ignore the material from which they are made. Choose stainless steel guides because they are less likely to rust or bend.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between casting and spinning rods?
They vary in terms of the size and shape of the seats, the guides, as well as the overall performance. Casting rods can match baitcasting reels, while spinning rods can match spinning reels. Casting rods are smaller and more comfortable for experienced anglers because they have smaller guides.
What is the difference between a regular fishing rod and a kayak fishing rod?
Yes, in a sense. Kayak rods are usually shorter than regular rods because fishing from a kayak from the ocean or large vessels is different. They should be telescopic, or foldable into two or three sections so that they fit in a kayak.
Last Thoughts
It was quite an adventure, wasn’t? Although we are certain that we have covered everything, a quick summary will not hurt.
The Ugly Stik Elite series is our favorite kayak fishing rod. These rods are durable and can last a lifetime. These rods have everything, from the lengths to sensitivity to the power to haul all sorts of species.
Piscifun sword is a great choice for both beginners and professionals. The lightweight and compact design of the sword will not disappoint when cast from your yak.
Kalex XT2 is our last recommendation. We like to have a budget-friendly option for the stage. It can be used as a primary rod or backup rod. We’re certain it will be your best friend on every kayak trip.
