Best Selling Fishing Rods on The Market

best fishing rods
Last updated:

If you want to have a successful fishing expedition, you must have the right fishing rod with you.

Also known as a fishing pole, fishing rods can make or break your fishing experience. That said, there are so many rods out in the fishing world, so how are you supposed to know which one’s best for you?

Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!

Looking for the right fishing rod might be difficult, but if you know which ones are flying off the shelves this year, you will have a reference that you can use for your next buy.

For your reference, this article will discuss the best fishing rods to buy this 2022!

At a Glance

Top Selling Fishing Rods of 2022

1) Best Overall: St. Croix Legend Xtreme Casting Rod

St. Croix Legend Xtreme Casting Rod

If you’re willing to pay for a premium price, the St. Croix Legend Xtreme Casting Rod will deliver the best fishing rod casting experience that you will ever have on your next fishing trip.

Key Features

  • Length: 6’8″
  • Material: high-modulus SCVI graphite
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight: 10-17 lbs.
  • Lure Weight: 1/4 to 5/8 oz.

Pros

  • All-rounder
  • Super sturdy yet lightweight blank
  • Strong and flawless casting performance

Cons

  • Expensive

St. Croix Legend Xtreme is one of the higher end rods on this list.

The blank is a mixture of super-high-modulus graphite, overlaid with St. Croix’s Advanced Reinforcing Technology and Fortified Resin System.

Together, this combination creates a superior rod that you can pass to your grandchildren as an heirloom and still be good as new.

It also flexes super well because of IPC technology.

As a result, this great rod exhibits superior casting distance.

All of those factors combine to create a super-sensitive feel that can detect lure movement even from deep below.

With all of those excellent stats, this perfect fishing rod can handle anything you throw at it with ease.

If there’s anything that can be said against this rod, it would be the exorbitant price. If you’re like most anglers who are not ready to match the premium experience with a premium price, skip this rod.

2) Best Runner Up: Shimano Trevala PX Split-Grip Spinning Rod

Shimano Trevala PX Split-Grip Spinning Rod

Just recently, Shimano introduced the Trevala PX Split-Grip Spinning Rod: a sleek all-rounder that can handle any type of fishing with exemplary Shimano ease.

Key Features

  • Length: 7’
  • Material: high-modulus SCVI graphite
  • Power: Light
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight: max 50 lbs.
  • Lure Weight: max 7 oz.

Pros

  • Versatile techniques
  • Reinforced blank for strength
  • Designed to be the ultimate jigging rod

Cons

  • No hook keeper

The Shimano Trevala PX was made to be the ultimate butterfly jigging rod – but its revamped design made it a champion for many other offshore saltwater fishing techniques for lure fishing or live bait fishing.

Perfect as saltwater rods, Trevala PXs are made from one piece of high-modulus SCVI graphite with an attractive emerald-green patterned finish – perfect for catching saltwater fish like cape cod or pelagic fish offshore.

Besides that, this good rod also features Shimano’s Hi-Power X reinforcement: a two-direction band of diagonally-wrapped carbon tape, specifically designed to reduce twisting when fighting fish.

Paired with a competent spinning reel and excellent spinning gear, these features create a powerful rod – more than a match for the liveliest fish there is.

The Trevala PX also features an EVA foam grip for the handle, and Hi-Power X-wrapped EVA foam foregrip, a Shimano CI4 reel seat, and zirconium guides for extra durability.

It doesn’t seem to have a hook keeper though, which is odd considering its high-mid price range compared to other spinning rods.

3) Best for Beginner Anglers: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Ugly Stik GX2

If you’re looking for cost-effective fishing gear to up your fishing game as a beginner, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for a decent setup when you have the Ugly Stik GX2 Rod and Reel Combo.

Key Features

  • Length: 6′
  • Material: Graphite and fiberglass construction
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: NA.
  • Line Weight: 6-15 lbs.
  • Lure Weight: 1/8 to 5/8 oz.

Pros

  • Highly portable
  • Very cost-effective
  • Comes with a 30-size reel

Cons

  • The reel isn’t the best

It takes two to tango, as they say, and the Ugly Stik GX2 Combo is ready to dance right out of the box.

This fishing rod and reel combo come with a size 3000 reel, which gives you a decent three 4 bearing reel with a machined anodized spool.

Plus, the spinning rod itself is very decent, made with good materials.

The combo features an Ugly Stik Shakespeare rod, made with fiberglass mixed with high-modulus graphite for better strength and sensitivity.

It also comes in two parts for superb portability.

This fishing pole also features Ugly Stik’s technologies, such as Ugly Tuff guides and some fiberglass tips – perfect for bottom fishing and for smaller fish.

As expected, the reel will be the one to break first, but the rod will outlast it by far.

And considering the price you’re paying for it, you’re sure to get the usefulness you need.

4) Best Ice Fishing Rods: 13 Fishing Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rods

13 Fishing Tickle Stick Ice

Specifically made with ice fishing in mind, the Tickle Stick by 13 Fishing is made for the kind of power and technique that you need from ice fishing.

Key Features

  • Length: 27″
  • Material: PC2 Flat-Tip
  • Power: Medium Light

Pros

  • Flat tip design
  • Evolve Finesse reel seat
  • Comfortable anti-slid handle even in cold weather

Cons

  • The handle is a little short

Ice fishing gear is special. During the winter months, the fish tend to stay very low in the water, and you need to be able to reach them and entice them with your bait.

More than that, since ice fishing requires that you sit very close to your fishing hole, you need to have a much shorter fishing pole.

Plus, it should still have the maximum power output for you pulling fish.

For all of those properties, 13 Fishing’s Tickle Stick has the solution – and more. This makes it one of the best fishing rods on this list.

It’s specifically designed for ice-fishing, with an emphasis on sensitivity and rod strength, both enhanced by its flat tip design.

The flat tip is possible because of the rod’s Parallel Composite Construction, giving it the right amount of sturdiness without sacrificing weight.

Aside from that, the rod also features a well-designed Evolve Finesse reel seat and a Portuguese cork grip handle.

For most ice fishers, the handle might be a little short though. Also, it’s a stiffer rod for certain types of fish.

5) Most Durable: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik Elite

The Ugly Stik has had a reputation for putting out high-quality products at a very affordable price, and the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod certainly doesn’t disappoint in that respect.

Key Features

  • Length: ‎6′
  • Material: Stainless steel and graphite
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight: 6 to 14 lb
  • Lure Weight: 1/4 to 5/8 oz

Pros

  • Comfortable cork handles
  • Super durable blank and guides
  • Extra-sensitive Clear Tip design

Cons

  • Slightly heavier weight
  • Braided line damages the eyelets

If you want something that can take on more than its fair share of fishes, the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod should be one of your first main bets.

It’s light, yet from the graphite-inserted, one-piece, all metal body and guides, you’re not going to get a tougher construction.

The Ugly Stik Elite is also very sensitive due to the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design.

Plus, it has good heft and front-heavy weight that lets you lean into the action when it’s time to haul in the catch.

With its level of power and sturdiness, it’s good for reeling in even the liveliest of fishes, making it one of the best fishing rods on this list.

It is slightly heavier than what you might be used to, though, and the front-heavy weight might not suit anglers who prefer more balanced rods.

Also, the eyelets might be impervious to minor bumps and abrasions, but it can be easily damaged by consistent friction with a braided line.

6) Best Ultralight Rod: Okuma Celilo Graphite Ultra Light Trout Rods (CE-S-602UL-1)

Okuma Celilo Graphite Ultra Light Trout Rods

Ultra-light, versatile, and price-effective, the Okuma Celilo Ultra Light rod lineup is ideal whether you want to catch trout or bass, with or without cut bait.

Key Features

  • Length: 6’
  • Material: Graphite composite
  • Power: Ultra Light
  • Action: Medium
  • Line Weight: 2 to 6 lbs
  • Lure Weight:  1/32 to 1/4 oz

Pros

  • Accessible price
  • Whippy casting throws
  • Premium cork handles
  • Comes in two sections for portability

Cons

  • Tends to over flex
  • Reel holder sometimes comes loose

If you want a price-effective ultralight rod to play with, the Okuma Celilo Ultra Light Trout Rods are second to none.

It is made of graphite composite, with aluminum guides.

The reel seat and hook keeper are also made of sturdy stainless steel for added protection, and the handle and fore-grip feature premium cork.

Despite being extremely lightweight, this medium action rod has a very flexible whippy feel, allowing you to throw your lures and fishing line flawlessly.

There are also plenty of length choices for whatever ultralight fishing using light lines, whether aiming for the big game or small trout.

However, the blank on this fishing pole does tend to over flex when drawing in fish, and the reel holder would sometimes need to be screwed back on.

7) Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod

If you want a top-performing baitcasting rod that won’t snag your wallet, this Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod is the perfect go-to.

Key Features

  • Length: 7’
  • Material: Graphite and fiberglass composite
  • Power: Medium heavy
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight: 10 to 20lb
  • Lure Weight: 3/16 to 3/4 oz

Pros

  • Braided-line ready
  • Very cost-effective
  • Improved grip and reel seat design

Cons

  • Plastic reel seat holder

Baitcasting rods need to have the length and strength, perfect for putting in the hours waiting for large fish.

In that case, you don’t need to look any further than the Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod.

Made of fiberglass and graphite composite, this rod is strong and sturdy, but without the weight that some rods have.

Despite being made of two pieces, the parts fit together snugly and allow you to draw a lot of power.

The guides are also made with stainless steel, with added Zirconium inserts to minimize slippage and be braided-line ready.

Piscifun has also paid specific attention to the grip and reel seat, as it complements the high-density EVA foam handles well.

It’s the best rod for most anglers if you want comfort during long hours of fighting larger fish.

However, this said reel seat holder is plastic, which means that it doesn’t tighten as well as metal holders.

8) St. Croix Rods Premier Ice Fishing Rod & Reel Spinning Combo

St. Croix Rods Premier

Ice fishing doesn’t have to be difficult if you’re willing to pay for top-notch fishing gear such as the St. Croix Rods Premier Ice Fishing, Spinning Rod & Reel Combo.

Key Features

  • Length: 24”
  • Material: Solid high-modulus carbon
  • Power: Medium Light
  • Action: Fast

Pros

  • Sturdy guides
  • Comes with a 500 reel
  • Sensitive yet sturdy blank

Cons

  • Reel is not as sturdy

If you want competent ice fishing gear without having to mix and match rods and reels yourself, this one comes ready for an experienced angler to fish right out of the box.

This combo features a three-bearing reel with an aluminum spool, an equally-sturdy aluminum folding arm.

Unlike other rods, it even has a special grease that will keep everything turning despite the harsh temperature when fishing.

St. Croix has also paid special attention to the reel seat and handles; implementing their Sea Guide rail seat technology with extra-comfortable, oversized, soft-touch EVA handles.

However, as expected the reel doesn’t measure up to the quality put forward by this fan-favorite rod. Nevertheless, the entire thing is still a bargain considering the amount of use you will get from it.

9) Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod

Fiblink Surf Spinning

Strength and performance despite its excellent portability, the Fib Link Surf spinning rod line won’t occupy much space in your bag but will certainly take up space in your heart.

Key Features

  • Length: 10’
  • Material: Stainless steel and carbon fiber composite
  • Power: Medium heavy
  • Action: Moderate fast
  • Line Weight: 15 to 30 lb
  • Lure Weight: 1 to 5oz

Pros

  • Non-slip-wrapped rubber handle grip
  • Ceramic, braided line-ready guides
  • Two-piece construction for added portability

Cons

  • Weighs a bit heavier
  • Doesn’t have a hook holder

If you want to catch big fish, you need to be able to reach over the surf with an extra-durable and very powerful rod.

If that’s what you’re looking for, we have the best surf spinning rod on our list: the Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing Rod.

This medium heavy rod is made of highly-durable stainless steel and carbon fiber composite in an adequate length for surf spinning, creating a strong yet sensitive rod.

It also features tough ceramic guides – frictionless so that they won’t cut braid lines while you’re surf fishing.

Plus, it has powerful reel seats and a wrapped, comfortable yet highly durable handle.

It can also be placed very securely in rod holders, making sure that your new rod is safe at all times.

It comes in two pieces so it’s very portable; however, unlike other rods with two pieces, this one doesn’t suffer from the weakness of its connection.

Some of its minor disadvantages include not having a hook keeper around the reel and being a little bit heavy compared to others of its type.

10) Psycho Stick Bass Rods

Psycho Stick Bass Rods

Hold on to your horses and wait for these ultra-premium Okuma rods to give your bass fishing experience a real boost.

Key Features

  • Length: 7′ 2″
  • Material: High-modulus, low-resin carbon
  • Power: Medium Light
  • Action: Fast
  • Line Weight:  6 to 12 lbs
  • Lure Weight:  1/8 to 1/2 oz

Pros

  • Tangle-reducing guides
  • Comfortable and solid rear grip
  • Features a trapezoid hook keeping

Cons

  • Expensive

If you’re up for some freshwater fishing for bass and can wait for a while, then you can definitely add the Psycho Stick Bass Rods to your to-buy list.

It’s a premium rod, made of fine rod material. The blank is made with low-resin carbon, creating a solid yet lightweight and responsive frame.

It also features a carbon reel seat and rear grip, Fuji angle guides, and stainless steel hook keeper.

When released, you can expect it to have the right versatility you need when executing fishing techniques for bass, striped bass, sea bass, or largemouth bass hunting.

It is one of the most expensive rods on the list though, mainly due to its lighter weight, so buyer beware. That said, if you’re going for freshwater fish, few rods are better than this.

11) BeFiblink Portable Travel Ice Fishing Rod

BeFiblink Portable Travel Ice Fishing Rod

Where the other ice fishing gears in this list are good for a variety of techniques, this one is specially made for walleye deep in the ice.

Key Features

  • Length: 26”
  • Material: Glass carbon fiber composite
  • Power: Light
  • Action: Medium
  • Line Weight: n/a
  • Lure Weight: n/a

Pros

  • Sturdy reel seat
  • Non-slip cork handle
  • Stainless steel guides and hook keeper

Cons

  • Not as flexible due to its sturdiness

Walleye can be notoriously difficult to catch, especially if you’re ice fishing.

You need the right rod to be sensitive enough to reach the right depth, and you need it to be sturdy enough to pull in fish even in inclement weather.

Fortunately, you get all of that when you get the Fiblink Portable Travel Ice Fishing Rod.

This portable two-piece rod is made with solid glass carbon fiber composite, stainless steel guides, a nylon plastic reel seat, and a hook keeper.

It has a high-quality construction that can go toe to toe with some of the most expensive offerings out there, and it works especially well with an attached ice fishing reel.

In short, this is a sturdy, reliable, and very portable ice fishing rod for walleye or crappie.

However, it’s not as flexible as others on the list, so best be careful with your line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which top-selling fishing rod should I get?

There are many different kinds of fishing rods available for use, so the perfect rod for you will depend on what fishing you will do. For example, it’s far more difficult to use a spinning rod for fly fishing. You can use a spinning rod as a fly rod, but it requires more skill to pull off, so you need to pick a rod suited for your preferred technique.

What are the best brands of fishing rods?

The best fishing rod for you will ultimately depend on your individual preference, but generally, some of the most renowned and time-tested rod makers include St. Croix Rods, Ugly Stik, and Shimano.