We've cast our net far and wide to bring you an incredible selection of black friday fishing rod deals. From ultra-lightweight rods perfect for those delicate catches to robust, heavy-duty ones designed for the big game, our deals cover it all. This is your chance to upgrade your fishing arsenal with top-quality rods from leading […]
Designed and priced to compete with mid-range offerings from the likes of Falcon, St. Croix, and Lew’s, how does the KastKing Speed Demon Pro stack up? Let’s find out! Analysis and Results Blank, power, and action KastKing sent us their crankbait-specific, 7-foot medium/moderate rod. The blank is made from a composite of S-glass and high-modulus […]
While experienced anglers may chase the latest and greatest tackle, new anglers need a rod that maximizes the performance/price ratio. They’ll often be a bit tougher on their gear as they learn the ropes, so durability matters. But they also appreciate tackle that allows them to experiment with different techniques, whether that’s various styles of […]
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stiks have won a hard-earned reputation for nearly unbreakable durability. Priced right, and tough enough for pretty much any situation, these budget-friendly rods deserve a second look. And while they’re certainly not going to give your G. Loomis a run for its money or offer sensitivity that rivals a St. Croix, their fiberglass […]
Longtime readers of USAngler will know that we’re huge fans of St. Croix rods. The reasons are clear. High quality components and super manufacturing yield rods that are strong and sensitive, and until you’ve fought a personal best with a St. Croix in your hand, you don’t know what you’re missing! If you’re in the […]
More often than I would care to admit, I find myself stuck in the middle of the debate over which fish is stronger: salmon or steelhead. The answer, in my opinion, is an easy one, but one I get a lot of hate for. Salmon are the harder fighting of the two by far. Steelheaders […]
Rod and reel combos can offer tremendous value for the money, and they can take a lot of the guesswork of rod and reel choice out of the fishing equation for less experienced anglers. Both of those are great things. But the wrong combo will cost you far more money than it’s worth, or worse […]
There’s no one “best” trolling rod, and which tackle is a good choice largely depends on the species you’re chasing. For instance, a great spider rod for crappie isn’t going to do you much good for walleye, and an excellent walleye rod will simply fail under the stress of a tuna. If you’re wondering what […]
The ultralight tackle you use for fishing panfish turns each of these little fish into whales, adding to the addictive excitement angling for this species offers. In fact, just one afternoon catching these speckled devils will have you as hooked as they will be! And the good news is that reels for crappie doesn’t need […]
Whether you hunt your panfish in open water or in the tangles of downed trees, rod selection is critical to success. If you’re wondering what makes an ideal panfish rod, look no further. Below, you’ll find out more about how we select our own rods, as well as reviews of some excellent choices. Quick glance […]
The Ned rig is a fantastic finesse presentation for bass. But unlike worm fishing, a stout rod and heavy line are counter-productive with a light Ned head and a small trailer. Instead, you want finesse tackle - and that means reaching or an entirely different kind of “bass rod.” If that idea leaves you feeling […]
Anglers who travel a lot and want to get some fishing in or who need to pack rods in carry-on luggage know that real fishing tackle that meets their needs is in short supply. Yes, you can opt for some of the products that promise performance - Plussino comes to mind - and you’ll see […]
Best Saltwater Fishing Rods Saltwater rod for surf fishing Surf fishing demands a long rod that can cast like a dream, as well as an extra-long handle clad in shrink tubing to provide a no-slip grip. Built for big fish and large spinning reels, expect medium-heavy powered rods made of fiberglass composite. Amazon Length: 11’ Action/power: medium-heavy/moderately […]
Between challenging weather; long, rough rides; and big, mean fish, inshore anglers put their tackle to the test. And the right choice for an inshore rod can mean the difference between a memorable catch and a disappointing failure. From sight-casting to reds to throwing live bait specks or flounder in a channel, a good inshore […]
If you’re anything like us, the pull of the salt has you by the heartstrings. And if you need a new rod and reel, a great combo can get you on the water quickly. At their best, combos offer excellent reels matched to equally nice rods, but it can be hard to know which of […]
The best rod and reel combo delivers all the performance you need at a price you’ll love. Awesome as a quick way to get you into the action, plenty of anglers opt for a combo to save time and money. Not sure about which might be right for you? Keep reading! Quick glance at the […]
Need a good fishing rod but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find an exhaustive list of the best fishing rods for any situation, freshwater or saltwater. After careful research, field testing, and detailed comparison, we’ve put together an unbeatable resource to help you make the best choice for your […]
If there’s a little angler in your family, you’re probably counting the days until they catch their first fish. But if you’ve searched the shelves for a kids’ rod that’s more than a cheap toy, you’ve probably come away frustrated. And if you did pull the trigger on one of these toys, you know all […]
Shakespeare’s UglyStik has built a reputation for bomb-proof toughness, and if you’ve ever felt the heart-wrenching pain of a broken rod, you can understand just how important that can be. They also price their rods for the rest of us, putting them within easy reach of the vast majority of anglers. But inexpensive rods often […]
Bass Pro’s Micro Lite spinning rod is an excellent value, delivering lots of performance at a reasonable price point. If you’re in the market for a new ultralight rod, you could do a lot worse than this, even if you’re willing to spend big bucks, you might not do as well with a pricier model. […]
When you’re after big bass, pike, or muskie, you need the best baitcasting rod with plenty of backbone, excellent guides to protect your line, and the ability to throw heavy lures on the strongest lines you can buy. That’s just as true if you’re on the hunt for catfish, monster walleye, or lake trout. Baitcasting […]
Finding the right rod for spinnerbait fishing can be a bit tricky, as you need to look for certain actions, power, and materials. Don't worry, we're here to help. Below, you’ll find a complete buying guide, as well as reviews of the top spinnerbait rods. Quick glance at the best spinnerbait rods on the market: […]
You don’t want to use just any rod when going out and casting swimbaits, as they can be quite hefty! You’ll need to make sure your rod is strong enough to handle casting and retrieving such a large lure. The weight of a swimbait can range from minuscule to 8 ounces or more, and if […]
Catching perch, crappie, trout, and bass on an ultralight will put a smile on your face every time. When you hear your drag start to complain and you know you’ve got a fight on your hands, there’s an adrenaline rush that only comes with light tackle. If you’d like to give ultralight a try, we’d […]
Sneak a peek into any bass angler’s tackle box, and you’ll find crankbaits. Yes, soft plastics might have the edge, but there’s no denying that crankbaits are deadly on largemouth, and I don’t know anyone who doesn’t throw them. That said, I know quite a few folks who’ve missed a nice fish or two by […]
One of the most fun and rewarding ways to catch bass is by fishing with jerkbaits. If you want to get into this awesome technique and land more fish, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper equipment for the job. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the best jerkbait rods for angling! […]
Surf casting rods are unlike anything else on the angling market, and they’re built to deliver the long casts, unimpeachable strength, and rugged durability surf anglers demand. Do you know what separates the best from the rest? Looking for a great rod at a price that won’t break the bank? Keep reading! Here's a quick […]
Telescopic rods offer maximum portability. They’re an awesome choice if you want to keep your fishing gear in the trunk of your car, pack a rod on a hike to a stream, or bring your rod on your next flight. While probably not the equal of a conventional rod, they’re much easier to store and […]
Talk to any experienced angler, and you’ll quickly realize that the right rod plays a huge role in their success. In fact, a good rod, quality line, an excellent reel, and the right lures are nearly as important as raw skill and know-how. But there’s an old adage about lures that applies to rods as […]
