Rod reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 250 Reddit reviews across 18 subreddits and 100 posts to rank the best Rod brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Fishing_Gear, r/FishingForBeginners, r/bassfishing, r/flyfishing, r/Fishing. Top-rated brands include Ugly Stik (4.7/5), Shimano (4.6/5), Daiwa (4.5/5).
Stats
Reviews250
Subreddits18
Posts100
Brands69
Products67
250 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Ugly Stik
4.7
(29)
"I just bought an ugly stik I love them."
"You can’t go wrong with an ugly stik. Gx2 rods are really durable and strong."
"An Ugly Stik is 100% the best option. They're a lot lighter now, sensitive enough to work various rigs, and tough as nails."
"Ugly Stik combo."
"Any ugly stick + Shimano combo."
"Good overall is about a 6.5' to 7' ugly stick paired with a Pfleuger President."
"I’ll second an Ugly Stik GX2."
"Ugly Stick GX2 is a great inexpensive fishing rod. Extremely durable and more than capable of handing pretty much any fish you’ll catch."
"For a lot, I recommend the uglystik gx2."
"For pike I would just grab a MH 7’ Ugly Stik GX2 combo."
#2
Shimano
4.6
(27)
"I have an 8’ Shimano Talavera with a Diawa BG 4500 that I use as my heavy plugging rod."
"If you’re looking for a spinning rod the 7 foot light expride is killer for neds."
"Have you taking a look at the 7’ Heavy Shimano Expride?"
"Shimano anything is killer."
"Check out the Shimano Zodias line of travel rods."
"Shimano Zodias Casting is what I would recommend based on experience."
"7’2 mh expride or zodias. It fishes way above its price range."
"I use a Shimano Zodias Medium Heavy power as my main go to rod."
"Amazing Rod. Packs down really small and very light."
"I love Exprides."
#3
Daiwa
4.5
(18)
"I use the Daiwa Matchman with Diawa N’zon reel for feeding and I absolutely love the reel."
"I'd use the daiwa surf rod"
"I love my Daiwa Airdx and Daiwa Regal reel. Perfect combo imo right at $100."
"Daiwa Aird X is, imo, the gold standard for budget rods."
"Daiwa presso is awesome."
"Probably the best $50 rod out there."
"The rod is really nimble and sensitive while also being super comfortable."
"I have a tatula xt MH and a 13 Omen black 3 in a M."
"I like daiwa, so Tatula XT has been really good to me this summer."
"Daiwa Tatula XT or Shimano SLX. Buy them during Black Friday and they'll be like $80"
#4
Dobyns
4.3
(16)
"+1 for Dobyns Fury!"
"Also recommend dobyns fury."
"The dobyns lineup is nice, I like the fury and champions."
"I also always recommend Dobyns. They have a line of rods for every price point."
"Dobyns or Bull Bay"
"The Dobyns Fury line is on sale at Tackle Warehouse right now."
"Some solid rods that I like if you like a lifetime warranty are dobyns and G Loomis."
"I would get him a gift card for Tackle Warehouse or a Dobyns rod in your budget."
"Were the most suggested rods to me in the 1-200 range."
"Should be close to 100$."
#5
Okuma
4.3
(15)
"I still have my 7ft light SST special edition."
"Okuma crab snare special or Shakespeare big water are probably best for cheaper rods for snaring."
"Okuma makes a specific rod that’s targeted to handle casting heavy crab snares called the Crab Snare Special."
"Okuma Celilo for sure."
"Okuma Celilo is the shit!"
"Okuma Ceymar A ($59.99) -Highly Recommend."
"I used my Okuma Celilo for like 2 years before I upgraded."
"Okuma Celilo if you want around $50 or Okuma SST if you can spend $20 more"
"Okuma Celilo if you want around $50 or Okuma SST if you can spend $20 more"
"Lots of other folks recommend the Bass Pro Micro Lite."
#6
Orvis
4.8
(10)
"Orvis Recon, TFO LK Legacy, or stick with Echo and get another Lago in 7wt or ION XL, etc."
"Orvis helios 5wt F is seriously the best rod I have ever casted."
"Helios. Crazy awesome rod with a great warranty."
"The Orvis suggested is a great option."
"Absolutely love my Orvis Helios rods, great warranty service as well."
"I have an Orvis Helios and the difference between that and my lower end rods is night and day."
"I'm a fan of the Orvis Helios rods."
"My favorite is the Orvis Clearwater for sure."
"I’d go Orvis Clearwater."
"The build quality is awesome."
#7
Abu Garcia
4.2
(9)
"Abu Garcia Vendetta. Cant go wrong."
"Abu Garcia Veritas (2022 model, prior generation) is on closeout everywhere."
"I really like the Abu Garcia Vendetta series."
"I think I’d prefer the Abu Garcia over the Ugly Stik."
"Get the Abu over the Ugly Stik - I'd much, much rather use a 100% carbon rod instead of the Ugly Stick blank."
"Aldi had some fishing rods/reel combos & tackle (Abu Garcia) in the middle aisle."
"Abu Garcia Veritas are pretty nice and reliable."
"Abu Garcia Veritas"
"Lews laser, any Berkeley or an Abu Garcia for cheap."
#8
Jigging World
4.7
(6)
"I loooooove my jigging world nexus 2.0"
"Jigging World nexus 2.0 if you looking for an awesome 7ft rod."
"Very sensitive and durable rods."
"Would highly suggest looking into the jigging world onyx it’s a very universal rod."
"I really like using my 7’ m nexus 2.0 by jigging world."
"It's a fantastic rod for an entry level price point."
#9
Phenix
4.5
(6)
"Phenix feather 7'1" mh super versatile rod, can recommend to almost anyone."
"I agree with Phenix. Look them up. Very light. Very sensitive."
"Now I want a new Phenix."
"I have the Phenix Feather in a L spinning and love it."
"I’m a fan of Phenix. They have some decent values."
"Phenix rods have been treating me pretty well."
#10
Major Craft
4.6
(5)
"Id get a 10 or 10’6 majorcraft shore jig heavy or xheavy"
"Benkei if looking for bass rods."
"I love my Major Craft Benkei 4pc!"
"I would look at the Major Craft Finetail stream series."
"I really like it. The casting distance is great and the sensitivity is good."
#11
Daiwa Tatula XT
4.4
(5)
"Tatula XT hands down."
"Tatula xt for sure"
"I hear good things about the Tatula xt"
"Daiwa Tatula XT ($100) or Aird-X ($50) for rods."
"I really like it."
#12
Penn
4.0
(5)
"Penn Battalion."
"Penn Prevail, I have a 12’ and a 10-6” for surf fishing."
"I have a battalion (casting) rod and it’s great."
"Go a step up and get the Penn battalion rods."
"I really like them."
#13
UglyStik
4.5
(4)
"UglyStik make the best rods and this is a great kids version."
"Get the ugly stick dock runner instead with a Shimano sienna."
"Ugly stick makes a 4'. Bass pro makes a 3'."
"The prior gen of the ladies' GX2 combo is still available on UglyStik's website."
#14
TFO
4.3
(4)
"My favorite is still the tfo axiom 2x."
"TFO, I’ve been happy with 13 fishing as well."
"TFO."
"TFO or Bull bay."
#15
Cashion
5.0
(3)
"Cashion and Ark Rods."
"Also Cashion."
"Cashion I can't recommend them enough."
#16
Shimano Zodias
5.0
(3)
"Bro the Shimano zodias is fireeee."
"Shimano Zodias or Expride are in those ranges and they are both amazing rods."
"You can get a Zodias for $179."
#17
Butter Stick
5.0
(3)
"I have a 4wt Butter Stick and a 3wt River Glass. Both are great and the 4wt is probably the most versatile rod I own."
"Love my butterstick. My favorite rod paired with cortland peach line for glass."
"Butter sticks are amazing landed my pb on one."
#18
iRod
4.7
(3)
"IRod Quercus Bobby’s Frog Rod."
"If you want a rod at a great price and a company that’s willing to stand behind them try I-Rod!"
"IRod."
#19
Raider
4.3
(3)
"I love them, would buy them again."
"Yes the raider is good value."
"All been great rods and 50 bucks is a good price."
#20
Ark
4.3
(3)
"Ark is really good."
"An ARK rod on sale BOGO ark. Com"
"Ark."
#21
Trika
4.3
(3)
"Trika .. won’t be disappointed."
"Just got a Trika and am really liking it."
"Trika."
#22
Fenwick
4.3
(3)
"Love my 7 foot hmg."
"Its been my do everything rod as its my only bass rod."
"FWIW, you can probably find a Fenwick HMG for around $100."
#23
Expride
4.3
(3)
"I can never go back its night and day difference."
"I’ve talked about the expride a lot."
"Used Expride off marketplace."
#24
Dock Demon
4.0
(3)
"It's a great little rod."
"The dock demon is a great children’s rod available in red or purple."
"Dock Demon all the way."
#25
Megabass
4.0
(3)
"They offer various models to meet their needs."
"Megabass, Shamano."
"I may suggest looking into brands like megabass and majorcraft."
#26
TFO Professional
5.0
(2)
"TFO professional for around 100 is the best bang for the buck."
"I like it a lot."
#27
Winston
5.0
(2)
"I'd go with a Winston - great rods."
"I loooove my Winston or Scott. American made and amazing customer service."
#28
Tsunami Airwave
4.5
(2)
"It's a great rod for a good price."
"Tsunami airwave is $110 at bass pro, I have the elite which is a little more but I’ve been very happy with it."
#29
Kaida
4.5
(2)
"Kaida if your streams go from medium to small."
"The Kaida is more versatile."
#30
Okuma Celilo
4.5
(2)
"I have 4 of these combos setup for trout and they’re awesome."
"Budget UL-L rods: okuma celilo, shimano sensilite, Shakespeare micro finesse."
#31
Zodias
4.5
(2)
"Zodias is the best fit."
"I use a Zodias ML, but that's out of your price range."
#32
Falcon
4.5
(2)
"Falcon rods are the shit id stick with them."
#33
Trident
4.5
(2)
"Is the best rod imo."
"Trident is very good"
#34
Berkley
4.5
(2)
"Lightning Rod is like $35 right now and punches way above its price."
"6'6" Medium power Berkley Lightning Rod would be a good versatile and budget-conscious pick"
#35
Ugly Stik Combo
4.0
(2)
"You'll be fine with that uglystick combo and can expand in the future."
"I really don't think you can beat the ugly stick combo for the price."
#36
Bull Bay Rods
4.0
(2)
"[Bull Bay Rods] has a 3 piece that would be good for inshore."
"Bull Bay Rods."
#37
Pflueger
4.0
(2)
"Phleuger President."
"For spinning gear in that price range I find it hard to beat a pflueger president."
#38
Ugly Stick
3.5
(2)
"Ugly stick. Shakespeare. Bass pro has a house brand that’s cheap too."
"Ugly stick won't break but not as sensitive."
#39
Benkei
5.0
(1)
"I dont think there are many rods that can beat the Benkei or AceHawk for the price."
#40
Whisker Seeker
5.0
(1)
"I really love Whisker Seeker FMJ or Ugly Stik GX2 for rods."
#41
Echo
5.0
(1)
"I have the echo glass 6wt in 8ft and it’s a fun rod at a good price point."
#42
Old18
5.0
(1)
"Don't sleep on Old18 rods. They're damn nicely balanced and fish wonderfully!"
#43
Ninja
5.0
(1)
"I have 2 ninja rod reel combos, both with 8ld line. Have had carp up to 21lb on them. I love my ninja reels they’ve been flawless for the 5 years I’ve owned them."
#44
Breakaway
5.0
(1)
"I have a couple of breakaway rods and I have no complaints."
#45
Dragontail
5.0
(1)
"The Dragontail Mizuchi is a great nymph"
#46
Star
5.0
(1)
"Check out Star rods. They have several lines, figure out which one fits your budget."
#47
No-life
5.0
(1)
"Best rods atm imo are No-life rod."
#48
Northern Expedition
5.0
(1)
"If you can save for 40k, save for 35k and buy the arctic rod."
#49
AliExpress
2.5
(2)
"I landed a 4lb bass on the white glass rod that sells for 16 bucks."
"It's horrible. No sensitivity, bending curve is: top half overcooked noodle, lower half broom stick."
#50
Lew's
4.0
(1)
"I know it's listed @ $110, but try this Lew's combo."
#51
Sonik
4.0
(1)
"Sonik are cheap and very cheerful."
#52
Beef Stick
4.0
(1)
"I got a used Beef Stick 11’ for $30."
#53
Aioushi
4.0
(1)
"Aioushi fiberglass trout rod."
#54
All Star
4.0
(1)
"Get an all star classic in 7’ medium and pair it with a pfluger president."
#55
Tsurinoya
4.0
(1)
"I would recommend a tsurinoya dragon light game 2-10g rod."
#56
Offshore Angler
4.0
(1)
"Brand new wise I’d do an offshore angler gold cup$60 paired with a shimano catana."
#57
Abu García
4.0
(1)
"Jordan lee abu García combo."
#58
Pfluger
4.0
(1)
"I would avoid combos as your usually paying for the reel or the rod."
#59
Bill Dance
4.0
(1)
"Bill dance special at bass pro."
#60
Piscifun
4.0
(1)
"Rod
Piscifun Spinning Rod"
#61
Cabela's
4.0
(1)
"Cabelas fish eagle rods. Less than $100 and i have both the M and MH spinning, both 7ft. Break down into 2 piece and i love em."
#62
Fox
4.0
(1)
"Fox warriors are great for budget."
#63
Fox Rage
4.0
(1)
"As far as entry level gear goes you can't really go wrong with Fox Rage Warrior."
#64
Bass Pro
4.0
(1)
"I second the Bass Pro King Kat. I use a 9' King Kat and a Shakespeare Alpha Big Water that is similar and the same price."
#65
Savage Gear
4.0
(1)
"Look at savage gear SG2 or perhaps an Sg4 on sale medium game travel rods."
#66
Tica
4.0
(1)
"Tica UMGA 9 or 10 ft."
#67
Steady
4.0
(1)
"I’d either get steady rod which is 7k ( I think) or save up for arctic rod which is 35000, arctic is quite a bit better but also more expensive"
#68
Shakespeare
4.0
(1)
"Best super budget is the Shakespeare Micro Series."
#69
Heavens
4.0
(1)
"Heavens rod/no life rod. 3rd would be kings rod."
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