11 Best Saltwater Fishing Rods in 2023

Fishing is all about patience and having a good fishing rod. The sea is filled with endless opportunities. You never know when your hook lands on your dream fish. This article contains a list of the best saltwater fishing rods I know and a guide to buying suitable fishing rods for the coastal waves. If you are not experienced at fishing and don’t know much about fishing rods, that guide will help you.

The point I was making was that having a lousy quality fishing rod can be risky, so make sure you are purchasing the perfect fishing rod. Moreover, a good fishing rod varies upon the environment and where you are fishing. This can make your selection a lot trickier since what works in one place might not work in another.

Furthermore, some fishing rods can be costly, so you need to make sure what you are buying is worth the money. This article has included the best saltwater fishing rods that can work ideally in most fishing environments and provide you with the best value for your money.

Our Top Picks

Best Saltwater Fishing Rods- Catch At Coast

1- Sougayilang Fishing Rod & Reel Combos with Carrier Bag:

The package contains everything you would need to catch a good fish. It comes with all the necessary accessories plus a carrier bag that makes it easy to take this thing around with you. If you travel and camp a lot, this is the perfect combo package for you. It is super light and compact, which makes it easier to carry.

Specifications:

• Rod size:         5.91-10.8
• Type:                 2 piece
• Reel size:          XY2000-XY5000
• Gear ratio:        5.5:1
• Weight:              1.21 pounds
• Material:            Carbon Fiber
• Brand:                 Sougayilang

The fishing rod is ideal for medium-sized saltwater fishes and sharks. The knob is just so comfortable and does not become slippery. Its weight and size also make it suitable for beginners.

One of the biggest problems with fishing rods is that they become rusted with time, but this fishing rod is rust-free. It contains carbon fiber mixed with Fiberglass making its design durable and clean. The length of the rod is just the right amount.

The rod is metal, but it feels very light on hand of low weight. The quality of the rod is just too good compared to its low price. This fishing rod also comes with a cover for the extendable pole, which I think is an excellent addition. This rod is perfect for you if you travel a lot or go fishing often since you can carry it anywhere.

The company provides a one-year service, so you know they got you covered if anything happens to your fishing rod. You don’t need to purchase everything separately as this package contains everything needed for fishing. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good fishing rod.

Also check our complete guide on Saltwater Fishing Gear, where we have compiled the list of all the things you should be having in your arsenal for saltwater fishing rather than rods only.

2-Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod for Saltwater:

Even though the brand is named Ugly Stik, their fishing rods are not ugly at all! This brand makes durable and rugged fishing rods in rough fishing conditions.

If you are looking for a fishing rod that can endure your wild fishing adventures, this is where you stop searching. These come up with a good warranty, so even if something happens to the fishing rod, you can always exchange it (given it’s within the warranty period).

Specifications:

• Rod size:           6’ medium size
• Type:                  2-piece
• Reel size:           30
• Gear ratio:         5.2:1
• Weight:              0.75 pounds
• Material:            Graphite and Fibreglass
• Brand:                 Ugly Stik

This rod is lightweight and feels comfortable to hold. The medium rod length works very well if you are fishing on a kayak or other low-level boats. You can cast it sideways since the kayak is low to the water. The rod tip does a whipping action when you cast due to the rod’s flexibility, which makes the casting very accurate. Even when fishing on a higher boat, the 6″ 6 inches rod length is extremely helpful in underhand casting.

Moreover, the whipping action helps in casting at longer distances. The fishing rod has a shorter handle, making it suitable for kayak fishing, but it is still worth purchasing even if you are not fishing on a kayak.

To sum it up, this is an excellent rod for anyone who likes to fish in rough conditions. The durable design and flexibility make it almost indestructible. This is one of the best saltwater fishing rods. Moreover, this fishing rod can easily catch big fish, making it ideal.

If you are interested to know about the detailed comparison of other fishing rods, then also check the below compiled list of the best fishing rods of each category currently in the market.

• Best Spinning Rods
• Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
• Best Surf Fishing Rods

3-Penn pursuit III and IV Saltwater Fishing Rod and Reel Combo :

For me, a spinning reel and fishing rod combo work perfectly for catching big fish. The spinning wheel is just so smooth. The spinning reel allows you to control the drag easily, so even if your drag seems to lose, you can hold the spool and slow down the fish. I like this feature since it is beneficial when catching big fish.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           7’ medium size
• Type:                  2 piece
• Reel size:           30
• Gear ratio:         6.2:1
• Weight:              0.96 pounds
• Material:            Carbon Fiber
• Brand:                 Penn

Moreover, this fishing rod is straightforward to work with. You don’t need to be an expert in fishing rods to use it because it’s elementary.

Another reason because of which I love Penn pursuit fishing reels is they don’t have that additional reverse switch for the direction of the handle, so you can only reel it forward. The reverse switch can cause water or sand (fishing on the beach) to get into the reel causing tear. Penn pursuit reels don’t have that reverse switch, so there is less chance of sand or water getting inside. The fishing rod is also of excellent quality and is pretty flexible.

Everything about this fishing rod and reel is excellent. This is one of my favorite fishing rods and reels from our best saltwater fishing rods list. This works very well for saltwater fishing, but this fishing rod won’t disappoint you even if you like fishing on the beach. The reel does not allow sand from the beach to get inside, thus staying secure from the tear. The drag is better than most expensive reels, so you also save a lot of money.

4-Penn Squall Level fishing rod and reel for Saltwater:

The Penn Squall level fishing rod has a big casting reel, so it’s not a spinning reel. The reel handle has a nice feel. A common problem with reel handles is falling off, but that doesn’t happen with this reel. A star drag system controls the drag. You can adjust it to be loose or tight depending on the size of the fish you are about to catch.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           6′ medium-heavy size
• Type:                  1 piece
• Reel size:           30
• Gear ratio:         4.3:1
• Weight:              1.28 kg
• Material:            Stainless steel
• Brand:                 Penn

With anti-reverse stainless steel, the bearing prevents the rotor back play. Lightweight graphite side plates enhance durability. Bronze alloy with marine-grade gear makes it a perfect rod for salty waters.

It has a line adjuster that makes your line even when casting. The line itself is pretty long so that you can throw it far. The rod is very friendly and durable. Compared to another rod I have seen, it is heavier, which is not ideal for beginners. A heavier rod takes more force to get a reasonable casting distance. The rod is firm and takes more effort to bend, unlike the other rods discussed above.

Since this is a one-piece fishing rod, it is hard to carry around in bikes or cars. So if you like traveling a lot, it might not be suitable for you. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fishing on a boat, mainly trolling and fishing with baits. The rod is pretty durable and can survive rough conditions, so it’s perfect for Saltwater.

5- SHIMANO Trevala Casting Rod for Saltwater:

The Shimano Trevala Casting Rod comes in different versions and sizes so that you can choose a different version depending upon your preference.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           7’ light size
• Type:                  1 piece
• Reel size:           reel not included
• Gear ratio:         Depends on the reel
• Weight:              0.27 kg
• Material:            Graphite
• Brand:                 Shimano

 This is the 7ft light version which works perfectly for kayak fishing. I like the 7ft light version because it has more backbone than the 6ft heavy or extra heavy models. It all depends upon what you prefer, so if you like the more minor but heavier models, you can go for those; there isn’t much difference in the quality.

This is also a one-piece rod, so I wouldn’t recommend it to people who travel a lot as carrying a 7ft rod in the car, or a bike is challenging. The rod itself is pretty flexible and has a strong backbone which comes in handy when catching big fish. The adjustable rod helps to keep the line tension, so the hook stays in the mouth of the fish.

This is a good fishing rod in every aspect. Compared to its price, it gives you more value than what you pay for. The casting distance might not be the best, but it’s still pretty long. It deserved a spot on our list of the best saltwater fishing rods. Moreover, this rod is perfect for kayak fishing or boat fishing. The rod is flexible and has a strong backbone, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking due to a big fish.

6-Fiblink Saltwater Fishing Rod:

The Fiblink saltwater fishing rod comes with a pretty lovely protective cover. The packaging is excellent. This rod is ideal for offshore fishing, so it’s a bit heavier compared to other rods on this list.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           6’ light size
• Type:                  1 piece
• Reel size:           reel not included
• Gear ratio:         Depends on the fishing reel
• Weight:              0.4 kg
• Material:            Stainless steel, glass
• Brand:                 Fiblink

The weight range of this rod is 50 to 80 pounds, so it is a sturdy rod. This rod has two nuts for extra security for your reel. Moreover, it is very affordable and even comes with a tip cover that protects the tip of your rod.

I love the design of this rod. It has a really strong and durable design. I haven’t tried it myself, but one of my friends used to have this rod, and he was pretty satisfied with its performance. The rod is not that flexible, but its durable design allows it to keep up with big fish.

As stated earlier, my friend used to have this rod, and he mainly used it for offshore fishing, so I would recommend this rod to anyone who does offshore fishing. The rod has a classic and durable design. It’s a bit heavier, so you might have some trouble casting the line if you are a beginner.

7- Okuma Fishing Tackle Saltwater:

This is the dream fishing rod for anglers. The rod is pretty lightweight, which allows you to cast the line further. The rod’s flexibility helps in casting due to the whipping action of the rod. Moreover, the rod also has a pretty strong backbone to tackle big fish. It has small diameter inserts, which help guide the spinning reels to a straight running line.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           6’ light size
• Type:                  1 piece
• Reel size:           reel not included
• Gear ratio:         Depends on the fishing reel
• Weight:              1 pound
• Material:            Stainless steel
• Brand:                 Okuma

The casting experience is just unique with this fishing rod. The grip is excellent and comfortable. The rod contains spirals of carbon graphite on the tips, so you don’t need to worry too much when catching big fish.

It has fuji frame guides which are the highest quality guides available. This fishing rod has an Alps reel seat which is made of aluminum. It is extra heavy and super strong, perfect for those 20,30, or 50 size reels that you will use.

This fishing rod is one of the best saltwater fishing rods. It is ideal for surf fishing. I would suggest going for a reel size of 30 because anything above 50 might upset the balance. The long casting distance combined with the high-quality guides allows you to cast straight and far. This rod is lightweight and easy to carry. Compared to its price, this rod outperforms in terms of the value it provides.

8-Zebco 808 Satwater Fishing Rod:

The Zebco 808 fishing rod is available in various sizes, but I prefer a 7ft rod because it is ideal for boat fishing. The reel has a button at the back, which allows you to get pretty accurate with your casts.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           7’ medium size
• Type:                  2-piece
• Reel size:            40
• Gear ratio:         2.6:1
• Weight:              1.8 pounds
• Material:            Stainless steel
• Brand:                 Zebco

 You might need to adjust the drag on the reel in case you get your hands on a 20-30 pounds fish. A fish of this weight can snap your line so adjusting the drag is very important. This reel can easily change the drag if it gets too loose.

The rod itself is pretty high quality and comes with a one-year warranty, so you can replace the rod if it gets damaged during normal usage. The 808 is the 2^nd most extensive reel that Zebco makes. The only reel bigger than this is the 888. It has zero bearings, unlike the 606, which has one bearing.

 The reel has a stainless steel real foot, unlike the plastic in other reels. Moreover, it has a reversible left and right hand retrieve, so you can just undo the screw, flip it over, put it back in, and tighten the screw.

This fishing rod has a pretty good casting distance. My only complaint would be the reel’s weight, and if the reel were a bit lighter, this fishing rod would have been perfect. Other than that, I couldn’t find anything negative about this fishing rod or reel. You can select a smaller rod size if you like, but I suggest a 7ft rod since it performs well on a fishing boat.

9-Eatmytackle Saltwater Fishing Rod:

This is an ideal rod for boat fishing in saltwater. It features a high-quality fiberglass rod. The tip is sensitive, which allows you to feel the bite of the fish. Moreover, the rod is flexible and has a strong backbone. This will enable you to catch big-sized fish without worrying about the rod breaking into two pieces. Furthermore, it features double rollers up to the roller tip.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           7’ medium size
• Type:                  2-piece
• Reel size:            40
• Gear ratio:         2.6:1
• Weight:              1.8 pounds
• Material:            Stainless steel
• Brand:                 Zebco

 All of the frames are CNC cut with aluminum, so you know it’s high quality. The grip has EVA foam which provides reasonable control over the rod. It also has a rubber cap at the bottom to make it easier.

 This is a casting rod that you can cast at a comparatively large distance. Moreover, the rod is durable and can catch big fish easily. I used this rod for boat fishing and was surprised by the quality of this fishing rod. It deserved a spot on our list of the best saltwater fishing rods.

I would recommend this fishing rod to anyone who likes to fish on a boat. The overall design of the rod makes it a perfect choice for boat fishing. My experience with this rod was enjoyable, and I didn’t face any problems. It is a 2-piece rod so you can carry it around with you.

10-Okiaya Composit Mack Daddy Saltwater Rod:

When it comes to big game fishing you can’t settle for a cheap and low-quality fishing rod. A low quality rod will break in half when faced with the force of a giant fish. This is where Composit Mack Daddy fishing rod comes in. This rod was specially built to tackle big fish.

Specifications:

• Rod size:            5’6 ft
• Type:                  1 piece
• Reel size:           Reel not included
• Gear ratio:        Depends on the reel
• Weight:              1.5 pounds
• Material:            Composite fiber
• Brand:                 Okiaya

With CNC machined aircraft grade alloy this rod can sustain more than enough force from big fishes. It has a composite fiber shaft so you can detect even the smallest bite from a fish. The rod doesn’t lose its looks even after years of usage because of its durable design.

One more thing that I love about this rod is that they managed to make it flexible even with this much durability and strength. This flexibility allows for a much easier and farther cast. They even included the premium okiaya rod cover to give this rod more protection.

To sum it up, this rod is ideal for big game fishing. It is just the right combination of flexibility and durability. Moreover, it is lightweight and can also be used for fishing with a boat. The stainless steel rollers make it ideal for saltwater fishing. The price is quite affordable and for its price, I think it performs more than good.

11-Daiwa Megaforce Travel spinning rod:

This is a multi-piece fishing rod and is made of 4 pieces. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a good travel rod. Even though this is a fast-action rod, it becomes a lot more potent due to the reinforcement on the graphite. This power might not be needed for a versatile travel rod, but it’s better to be prepared because you never know when you land your hand on a big fish.

Specifications:

• Rod size:           7.3’ medium-heavy size
• Type:                  4-piece
• Reel size:            reel not included
• Gear ratio:         depends on the reel
• Weight:              0.26 pound
• Material:            Aluminum
• Brand:                 Daiwa

Settling with a medium-heavy gives you more options since a medium-light might not be able to hold a big fish. As an angler, a medium-heavy provides you with more versatility. Daiwa offers more coverage on graphite in the blank, allowing you to have more control over the fishing rod.

When you catch a fish, it will move your fishing rod left and right, making you lose balance, but with this fishing rod, the 45 degrees graphite coverings prevent the rod from going left to the right.

Most of the other rods have a delayed reaction when casting, but the 45-degree graphite coverage causes the fishing rod to have a much faster-responding blank. I recommend using a Bgmq reel because the medium-heavy rod’s backbone and power will balance better with the Bgmq reel.

Buying guide

While getting a good fishing rod depends upon many things, I recommend keeping these three essential things in mind.

1-Rod action:

Many people confuse rod action with rod power when these are two different things. Rod’s motion depends on the area a rob flexes.  Some rods flex at the bottom while others flex at the tip, depending on where the rod bends.

 The rod’s power means the pressure it takes to flex a rod. There are different action rods like heavy action medium action or light action. It is important to know which one will serve you the best. Light action rods are suitable for inshore fishing or, in other words, when you are trying to catch small fish. The heavy action rods catch bigger fish before making your final choice. Take a look at the rod action.

2-Speed:

The speed of the fishing rod can differ from one fishing rod to another. Some rods have faster action speeds while others have slower actions speeds. Different action speeds are useful for different cases, so knowing which one might work the best for you.

The fast action responds at the tip; the medium action responds in the middle while the slow action responds at the bottom; the slower the action, the lower the bend, and the faster the action, the higher the bend. You need slower action for soft bait so you can easily cast it. Look out for the action speed of the rod before purchasing one.

3-Length:

This is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. The length of the rod determines the distance of the cast. So if you want to cast your line far, you need a longer rod. It depends on your preference. A rod with a shorter length might be much stiff and provide more control. So depending upon what you want with your fishing rod, you can decide the correct size for your rod.

FAQs:

1-What is the difference between a freshwater rod and a saltwater rod?

There isn’t much difference between freshwater fishing rods and saltwater fishing rods. The only main difference would be their material since saltwater rods are made of rust-free materials. This is essential because saltwater can cause your rods to rust quickly. As for quality, both rods perform the same, and there isn’t much difference.

2-Do longer rods cast further?

A longer rod can cast further, given that a balanced reel is attached to the rod. A longer rod is also a bit more flexible, thus increasing the bend and recoil, making the casting distance longer. Some rods do a whipping action that allows them to cast even further.

3-Are long rods better than short rods?

It depends on the situation. If you want your cast to be precise and not too long, a 6ft rod would be more than enough, but if you don’t want too much precision in your casts and casting distance is what you are worried about, you should go for a longer rod like 7ft.

4-Is a 2-piece rod better than a one-piece rod?

Technically a one-piece rod performs better in fishing, but if you are limited on space, I recommend going for a two-piece rod since it can save you some space.

Final Verdict:

So to sum it up, there isn’t one specific best saltwater fishing rod because a fishing rod that works in one condition might not work in the other, so it’s challenging to pick one which works the best in all situations. I have personally used a few fishing rods mentioned in our article, while others were added because of highly positive customer feedback or incredible features. My top 3 favorite fishing rods from the list are:

• Penn pursuit III fishing rod and reel combo:
• Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rod:
• Zebco 808 Fishing rod:

These rods are based on my preference since I love durable and heavy action rods. I tried to keep the list diverse and include the best fishing rod for every case, so you might have more options to choose from. If you don’t know anything about fishing rods, the buying section will help you understand what to look for when buying a good fishing rod. I hope this article helped you find your dream fishing rod!