Immersing yourself in the great outdoors, unwinding, reconnecting with nature and indulging in a sport Herbert Hoover once described as “a chance to wash one’s soul with pure air,” fishing holds a special place when it comes to summer fun.
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) reports that 52.4 million Americans — or 17% of the population — fished recreationally in 2021. And whether you envision yourself navigating the waters aboard a boat, staking claim to the perfect spot beside a serene lake or pond or seeking solace along a tranquil riverbank, fishing provides an array of experiences.
Ready to embrace angling and reel in some memories? Before setting off on your next outing, ensure you have a valid fishing license and consider the following advice from seasoned fishing pros on what to look for when purchasing a rod.
Best overall fishing rods and poles
Steve Miller, Bass Pro Shops fishing merchant and sales director, says the most important thing to consider when purchasing a new rod is the type of fishing you’re planning to do.
“Whether you are fishing for bass, panfish, catfish or saltwater fish, getting a rod that will match the application will make your trip more enjoyable,” he says. “For example, you wouldn’t want to take an ultralight trout fishing pole to the ocean — it just wouldn’t be strong enough.”
Unsure if you’re looking for light, medium or heavy action (fishing speak for how much weight the rod can handle)? Miller says working with a local outfitter or tackle store is a great way to get the right rod for the right fishing situation. But in general, he suggests a 6-foot-6-inch to 7-foot medium or medium-heavy action casting rod and a 6-foot-6-inch to 7-foot medium action spinning rod as great places to start for many fishing adventures.
Dave Chanda, president and CEO of the RBFF, says that not all rods are created equal, so it’s important to ask yourself what type of fishing rod or pole will perform best for your specific needs, interest, ability and price point.
“Spinning rods are probably the most popular rod out there,” Chanda notes. “It’s typically a fiberglass pole with eyelets that the line will run through, and it’s an easy way to cast live bait and catch fish. But if you’re going to a local pond, you can also use an old cane pole with a line and a bobber and drop it into the water. You’ll likely catch a sunfish if you’re by the dock.”
He adds many manufacturers make it easy on people by selling fishing rods and reels in what they call a comb. “That way, you don’t have to find a fishing pole and a reel and try to match it up,” he says. “They’ve got it ready to go for you.”
Miller says this durable, affordable beginner rod is his favorite. “The strength of the rod is in the way the rod is built with a triple-bonded hybrid blank with both carbon and e-glass for strength and flexibility,” he says. “They also come in a wide range of sizes and actions, from 5-foot-6-inch ultralight to 7-foot heavy, providing a size for almost any fishing style.”
Freshwater anglers looking to upgrade their rods, according to Miller, should opt for a rod built with high-quality graphite and the best guides. “Name-brand guides like Fuji will really give an angler a competitive edge over the fish,” he says. “The better the graphite or rod material, the more sensitive the rod will be, allowing anglers to better detect subtle bites. A quality guide will give the fishing line a super-smooth surface to prevent line fraying or line breakage when fighting a lunker.”
Cindy Nguyen, a professional fishing athlete with Columbia Sportswear, says this is her go-to vacation rod. “No matter where in the world I am, I can typically pack this one with a 2,500 to 4,000 series reel and take this with me in case there’s a puddle around to find something to catch. It’s a light spinning rod, and it breaks down nicely as my carry-on personal item on flights. I caught my first Bahamian bonefish with it; the rest is history.”
“I love supporting local businesses and seeing them grow,” adds Nguyen. “Temple Fork Outfitters is widely known for their fly rods, but as an avid inshore fisherman, the rods I’ve mentioned above are my go-to.”
“I like this rod for wading,” says Nguyen. “It’s super light and shorter than my typical go-to, which is great when I’m chest deep. It’s an amazing rod for throwing lures like plastics, topwater and spoons.”
“For serious salmon and steelhead anglers, this rod handles both species with several fishing techniques,” says Ashley Nichole Lewis (aka Bad Ash Outdoors), the founder of a YouTube and social media community all about fishing. She’s also a salmon and steelhead fishing guide and a PhD student studying history at the University of California, Davis.?
“It’s best for float fishing, but this powerhouse rod has the strength to fight a PNW Chinook and the finesse to properly handle steelhead.”
“This rod has the same sensitivity and strength of the Stargate Casting Rod, but I like this rod specifically because of the flexibility of the rod when throwing crankbaits,” says Samantha Gay, an avid angler, bass tournament fisherman and founder of the Fishers of Kids Anglers Academy, a youth outreach fishing program created to provide free fishing experiences and gear to at-risk youth in North Carolina and abroad.?
“The reel touches the rod directly instead of sitting in a reel seat, which helps the angler feel the vibrations coming from bites or cover in the water,” she adds.
Saltwater rods
Meanwhile, saltwater rods, Miller adds, will likely be a blend of quality graphite and fiberglass for more durability, as saltwater fish grow bigger and stronger than freshwater species and put more stress on the rod.
A saltwater rod that’s lightweight but with superior strength, the Teramar Southeast features Fuji guides, a Fuji reel seat and cork handles with a hook keeper. One reviewer calls this rod “a beast,” while others give it 5 stars for its ability to catch trout, flounder, snook, tarpon, redfish and more.
“Big game salt rods generally have fiberglass construction for ultimate strength when fighting trophy game fish,” Miller says. “In both cases for saltwater, a quality guide on the rod is important to ensure smooth and consistent line flow, especially with the increased popularity of braided fishing lines that put additional pressure or strain on the rod.”
Miller says Winn Grips, slide-on sleeves that stop slippage, continue to be a popular material for rod handles, while guides on rods have continued to get smaller and more streamlined.
“Higher-end rods are getting stronger while still being extremely lightweight, with rod builders using new technology like carbon wrapping, layering and micro resins in their products,” he says. “The quality of rods continues to improve every year at every price point, giving the fisherman more value for their dollar.”
“This is my go-to rod for inshore [saltwater fishing] from Texas to the Carolinas,” says Nguyen. “It’s great for sight casting reds, stout enough to work sheepshead on the rocks and still light enough to work lures all day without getting worn out.”
Lewis recommends this saltwater rod for inshore rock fishing. “When I fish out in the ocean you never know what you are going to bring up; a saltwater-worthy rod that can handle rockfish, lingcod or castable crab traps makes the work easy,” says Lewis. “It also makes a great kayak angler rod.”
“For the more experienced angler, my favorite rod, hands down, is the Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Rod series,” Miller says, noting the high-quality RT4 graphite blank, carbon coil reinforcement, Fuji guides and Winn Grip handle material. “It’s a number-one-selling rod series at Bass Pro and Cabela’s, and well known for quality at a great value. These rods pair great with a Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 baitcast or spinning reel.”
Fly-fishing rods
If you’re inspired to pick up a fly-fishing rod this summer, Tom Rosenbauer, Orvis fly-fishing expert, podcast host and author, agrees beginners should first decide where they will be fishing and what species they want to catch.
“Although you can get one rod that will work for trout and bass, it’s difficult to find a rod that would work for small trout and large saltwater fish,” he says. “Fly lines are rated 1 through 12, with 12 being the heaviest.”
“When selecting your first rod and reel, take into account the type or size of fish you will be targeting,” says Rebeca Granillo, owner and head guide of Immerse Fly Fishing, a Utah-based guide service that offers fishing trips and educational courses, and the founder of Wasatch Women’s Fly-Fishing Club. “Some fish are very aggressive, large and pack a punch, while others are small, lighter and easier to bring to the net.”
“Redington has many great starter kits, along with affordable waders and boots for you and the kids,” adds Granillo. “For most small to medium trout streams, a 9-foot, 5-weight is a great size to start with.”
“For rods and waders of small to medium rivers, a standard 9-foot, 5-weight rod, reel and line are good to start with,” says Erica Nelson, an Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing guide with Willowfly Anglers, host of the “Awkward Angler” Podcast and co-founder of Real Consulting, guiding organizations toward racial equity and inclusion.?
“I like the Orvis Encounter as a good first-timer outfit (outfit meaning it comes as a kit with rod, reel and line). It’s about $200, and the only downfall is that it is not covered under their warranty so Orvis won’t replace it if it breaks.”
Miller calls this Orvis option “a terrific all-around trout rod at a reasonable price, yet 100% made in the USA.” He also notes that the most popular all-around trout rod is a 9-foot, 5-weight, while a 9-foot, 6-weight is best for both trout and bass as well as most other freshwater fish.
“I purchased mine over 10 years ago and never leave it at home,” says Bryan Quick, director of outfitters at The Fly Shop in Redding, California, who manages the shop’s guide service, private waters, school and fish camps. “This is a great budget rod and one of my favorite dry fly rods on our Lower Sacramento River here in Redding, as you can make long, accurate presentations and the power allows you to turn a large Rainbow in current to quickly bring it to the net.”
Paul Lenos, a guide with The Fly Shop, owner of Four Winds Guide Service and longtime Alaska fly-fishing guide who loves chasing salmon, trout and steelhead, adds The Fly Shop’s Fresh H20 Rod/Reel/Line Outfit (from $295) is arguably the best deal in fly-fishing. “The rod is durable and cast well above its price point. The combo with rod, reel and fly line is a great deal to get on the water with quality gear at a great price.”
“For an all-around rod for bigger fish like steelhead, large bass and saltwater fish, a 9-foot, 8-weight is best for all but the largest fish (over 30 pounds),” Rosenbauer adds. “But fly line size is the most important consideration; length of the rod is less important. When in doubt, go with a 9-footer.”
He says the Helios is great for all fish except large tarpon or sailfish. “It’s a fantastic all-around saltwater rod that is deadly accurate and very strong, with precise casting ability.”
More experienced fly-fishers should look for a high-performance rod that’s lightweight and, most of all, accurate, according to Rosenbauer. “Accuracy is the holy grail because fly-fishing is often a game of inches as opposed to making a very long cast,” he says.
On the hunt for something a little different? “This is a great rod for the very popular Euro nymphing method,” Rosenbauer says, noting its very sensitive tip that “delivers the flies perfectly and has the sensitivity to detect strikes.”
This American-made Sage Foundation 9-foot fly rod comes with a Sage Spectrum C reel, Rio Gold fly line and nylon rod case with a reel pouch.
“If I am cornered into choosing the finest piece of equipment to chase rainbow trout with no cost limits, Scott’s Centric is it,” says Quick. “A 9-foot, 5-weight is the Swiss Army knife of trout rods, large enough to throw large dries; you can load this rod up and it will deliver long casts with precision while retaining sensitivity and suppleness to play large fish in strong currents. All the thumbs up!”
Bass fishing rods
Fishing rods and poles specifically for bass fishing are all about the flexibility of the pole and its power to withstand the pressure of reeling in a possibly enormous bass fish.
“This rod is a medium light, making it the perfect lightweight rod for shore fishing for bass, crappie and even pier fishing for croaker,” says Tiffany “Snookie” Risch, a longtime angler and fishing content creator. “Catch the Fever stands by all [its] products with a warranty. They are willing to go above and beyond for their customers, and I like that they take the time to educate customers on and off the water about their products and fishing.”??
Snookie also loves the Catch the Fever Hellcat (from $112) if you’re looking for a slightly more durable rod.
Ugly Stik is a favorite of bass fishers, and this rod is beloved because of its light weight and strength. It features one-piece stainless steel guides, a fiberglass tip and comfortable sure-hold cork grips.
Another favorite for bass fishing, this comes with both a rod and powerful reel. With a fiberglass and graphite construction, it’s almost impossible to break, and the slick guides allow the line to feed freely.
Kids’ fishing poles
Be sure to add a junior rod to your camping gear or packing list so your kid doesn’t miss out on the fishing fun, either.
Help your kids reel in that bass, trout, panfish or walleye with this durable spincast fishing kit that includes a durable fiberglass rod, built-in hook keeper, Twist-Lock reel seat and 44-piece tackle kit. “This is my favorite rod and reel combo for children,” says Gay. “They are easy for any angler to use and that makes teaching kids how to fish a lot less difficult. Zebco rod and reels are dependable and designed to last.”
Make your next fishing trip a family outing when you outfit your little one with a telescopic fishing rod, spinning reel, line and tackle.
Help your kids reel in that bass, trout, panfish or walleye with this durable spincast fishing kit that includes a durable fiberglass rod, built-in hook keeper, Twist-Lock reel seat and 44-piece tackle kit.
Choose your rod length (5-foot-6-inches, 6-foot-6-inches or 7-foot) and power (light, medium light or medium heavy) when shopping for this combo kit that comes with a durable rod, titanium oxide ring guides, a stainless steel hooded reel seat, comfy cork grips and a hook keeper.
Best fishing gear for beginners
When it comes to experienced anglers, Tucker Ladd, owner of Trouts Fly Fishing — an acclaimed fly shop, outfitter and guide service in Denver, Colorado — says the end use/application of the fly rod and targeted species become important factors. “For beginner anglers, the need is to introduce them to the sport with a fly rod that will help them progress in the sport, where more experienced anglers will typically have a specific end use that they are trying to fulfill,” he says.
Here are a few more highly rated picks to give you a leg up on your fishing game.
This Amazon bestseller comes with a rod and reel, plus a carrier bag, fishing line and lures. Strong and study, this rod is well reviewed for its easy assembly, compactness, smoothness and, most of all, ability to hook fish.
This affordable 6-foot, medium action rod comes with a smooth reel with industrial-grade stainless steel covers and all-metal gears. Reversible for right- or left-handed anglers, it also features bite alert and dial-adjustable drag, and it comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound line.
Granillo recommends the Men’s Clearwater Waders, which boast all the performance features you need and then some. “Orvis has been doing a great job at providing more sizing options and has great entry-level waders.”
Granillo elaborates that it’s important to consider all body shapes, sizes and abilities when picking out the right type of waders. “If you can comfortably squat or get down on your knees, then you need to size up or down until you can find a size that allows for you to have fluid mobility,” says Granillo. “For women looking to find a wader that is more inclusive to our sizing, I recommend checking out Miss Mayfly; they have the largest range of wader sizes for women.”
She also calls out Oaki as a great brand for finding kids’ waders, which include fun colors and options in tan and camo varieties, too.
When you’re wading in the water or standing in a river, you need a pack to keep essentials at hand. This loaded pack includes flies, a fly box, nippers, forceps, a tungsten weight, a mesh leader wallet, tippets, leaders and more.
“A small fly box like the Reyr Mini is my favorite to just toss in my pocket and not even have to worry about bringing a pack,” says Nelson. “If you are using a dry fly (a fly that sits on top of the water versus below), I like to use floatant, too. There are several options and being budget-friendly is OK as you get started.”
Some recommended budget floatant includes the Gehrke-Feets Gink ($8) and Goat Float ($7), which you can find on Amazon.
This bestselling lure, developed in 1936, boasts a wounded minnow balsa profile and is hand tuned and tank tested. It attracts both freshwater and saltwater fish, remaining a go-to lure for anglers everywhere.
Users give this four-layered storage box high marks for its storage room, durability and variety of compartments.
This durable, lightweight hand net features a compact handle and a large hoop, making it easier to snag that fish — and remove your fly.?
