September 2023
Fishing Rods: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of fishing rods rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 7 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 79 fishing rod endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
60 fishing rods were endorsed in total, only 11 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 7 Sep 2023, St.Croix Triumph takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed fishing rod with 5 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 fishing rod' this month.
Brand breakdown
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KastKing: 4 fishing rods
(#1 is KastKing Perigee II)
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Sougayilang: 4 fishing rods
(#1 is Sougayilang Telescopic Combos)
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Ugly Stik: 3 fishing rods
(#1 is Ugly Stik GX2)
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Fenwick: 3 fishing rods
(#1 is Fenwick HMG Spinning)
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Zebco: 3 fishing rods
(#1 is Zebco 202 Spincast Combo)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Fishing Rod |
bestfishkeeping.com
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BestReviews
|
boatsafe.com
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Reviewed
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tripsavvy.com
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fishinggearcenter.com
|
Field & Stream
|
TheManual
|
OutdoorGearLab
|
fishingsrod.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1
|
- | Check price |
St.Croix Triumph
The St. Croix Triumph fishing rod is a versatile and high-quality spinning rod that offers excellent performance, durability, and sensitivity, making it a top choice for anglers of all skill levels.
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1
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1
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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7
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1
|
-
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2
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- | $36 |
Ugly Stik GX2
The Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rod is highly praised by experts for its exceptional construction, durability, and performance, making it a versatile and reliable choice for anglers of all skill levels.
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2
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4
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-
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-
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5
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1
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-
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-
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-
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2
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3
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- | $50 |
Ugly Stik Elite
The Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod is a versatile and durable option for anglers of all levels, offering excellent sensitivity and strength for a variety of fishing situations.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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4
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1
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4
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- | $60 |
Okuma Celilo Ultralight
The Okuma Celilo Ultralight fishing rod is a durable and sensitive option for anglers looking for a lightweight rod for light fishing techniques and targeting smaller fish species, with its graphite blank construction, aluminum oxide guide inserts, and stainless steel hooded reel seats contributing to its overall quality and responsiveness.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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4
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4
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-
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-
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-
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3
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5
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- | $50 |
KastKing Perigee II
The KastKing Perigee II fishing rod is highly praised for its quality, versatility, and performance, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing applications.
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-
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-
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9
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
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+1 | $48 |
Sougayilang Telescopic Combos
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3
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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|
7
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-1 | Check price |
Plusinno Elite Hunter
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-
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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12
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- | $54 |
KastKing Blackhawk II
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-
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-
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-
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-
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10
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-
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-
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3
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-
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-
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13
|
- | Check price |
Wild Water Standard Fly
The Wild Water Standard Fly fishing rod is a versatile and reliable option for beginners, offering different lengths for versatility and maneuverability, a forgiving slow action, and a decent budget option with quality materials and a lifetime warranty.
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-
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5
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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|
14
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- | $38 |
Entsport E Series Camo Legend
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-
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-
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5
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-
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-
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6
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-
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-
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-
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-
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15
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- | $120 |
Fenwick HMG Spinning
The Fenwick HMG Spinning rod is a highly regarded fishing rod that offers flexibility, sensitivity, and the ability to handle heavier weights, making it suitable for a variety of fishing applications.
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8
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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We ranked St.Croix Triumph #1 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked St.Croix Triumph as #1.
BestReviews
Best of the Best
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High-quality spinning rod with SCII carbon construction for impressive sensitivity and power.
Cork handle for comfortable grip. Boasts black aluminum oxide guides and double-coated slow cure finish.
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A little pricey. Warranty will still cost money.
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fishinggearcenter.com
Best for Budget
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You don’t have to put a lot of strength while using it.
Beginners find it quite easy to get started with the hobby of fishing.
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The piece isn’t good for the spin-casting followers. For them, buying a more high-end model will serve.
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OutdoorGearLab
Best Overall Fishing Rod / Editors' Choice
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Excellent feel
Great casting
Portable
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Slightly difficult to take apart
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We ranked Ugly Stik GX2 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ugly Stik GX2 as #1.
BestReviews
Balanced & Sensitive
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Several lengths available between 5.5 and 7 ft. graphite and fiberglass construction lasts a long time. Two-piece construction for traveling convenience. Good price point. Well-constructed.
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Eyes on the rod may come loose or spin out of position. Heavy.
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tripsavvy.com
Best for Crappie
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Multiple lengths and powers to choose from
Crappie model combines sensitivity and casting distance
Seven-year warranty
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Product information doesn’t specify rod action
Several customers say line guides cannot withstand braid
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fishinggearcenter.com
Best to Buy in 2022
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You’ll get the availability of a good Price to value ratio.
The lightweight and durable design make it stand out.
You’ll get lots of weights available.
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Foam vs. cork handle is a major drawback.
When the package arrives, the 2 piece comes apart.
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fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Combo Under 100
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The handle is very lightweight.
To feel comfortable to use.
Clear tip and two piece construction.
Graphite and fiberglass combination.
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Not used for sea fishing.
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend fishing rods.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of fishing rods, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking
bestfishkeeping.com
BestReviews
boatsafe.com
Reviewed
tripsavvy.com
fishinggearcenter.com
Field & Stream
TheManual
OutdoorGearLab
fishingsrod.com
We ranked Ugly Stik Elite #3 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ugly Stik Elite as #1.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Bass
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Durable, lightweight blank with extra graphite
One- and two-piece options available
Seven-year warranty
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No slow or moderate action option
Some reviewers say line guides are easily grooved by braid
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OutdoorGearLab
Great for Small Fish
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Strong
Versatile
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Short handle, short casting distance
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fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Under $100
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Light weight and strong.
Very comfortable cork handle.
Clear tip design fishing rod.
Seven year- warranty.
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Many customers are not as like lightweight fishing rods.
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We ranked Okuma Celilo Ultralight #4 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Trout
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Ultra-light and light models in a range of lengths
Fore and rear cork grips for added comfort
One of the most affordable rods on this list
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Limited warranty is only valid for one year
No crossover for larger fish species
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fishinggearcenter.com
Best Strength
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Ultralight action rod comes with an awesome 7-foot rod.
It presents the amazing ultra lightweight action and lets you cast all day long without fatigue.
The lightweight quantum 20 reel makes it perfectly balanced.
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Lack of quality control is a major drawback.
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fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Under 100
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Strong and durable.
Comfortable.
One year warranty.
Good line weight capacity.
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Some customer not like multicolor.
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We ranked KastKing Perigee II #5 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked KastKing Perigee II as #1.
tripsavvy.com
Best Overall
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Great performance for under $100
29 length, power, and action combos to choose from
Twin Tip option gives you two different power rods in one
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No extra-length rods for long-distance casting applications
Some reviewers report that the rod can be fragile
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We ranked Sougayilang Telescopic Combos #6 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best Budget
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Includes rod, reel, and tackle for less than many rods on this list
Telescoping rod in a choice of three lengths
Reel has a high number of ball bearings for reduced friction
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Reel’s low gear ratio is more suited to some techniques than others
Quality is unlikely to satisfy more experienced fishermen
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We ranked Plusinno Elite Hunter #7 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
boatsafe.com
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Two pieces
Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts
Comfortable grip
Lightweight
Durable
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Not as much sensitivity in the rod as other options
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OutdoorGearLab
Best Bang for Your Buck
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Great balance
Ergonomic handle
Casting
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Not as portable
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We ranked KastKing Blackhawk II #8 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Backpacking
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Collapses to less than a third of extended length
Can leave reel and line attached when collapsed
Available in spinning and baitcasting styles
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A lack of alignment markers can make it difficult to line guides up
Warranty has significant limitations
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We ranked Wild Water Standard Fly #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
BestReviews
Simple yet Solid
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A good choice for beginners, this set includes a rod, reel, and 9 flies. The 9-foot rod has a comfortable cork handle and a locking reel seat. The aluminum reel arrives loaded with a floating fly line that has a monofilament leader. The set includes the necessary tools.
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Poor quality control results in incomplete sets being delivered.
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Reviewed
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Quality materials
Rod breaks down for transport
Line and flies included
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Users have reported product defects
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We ranked Entsport E Series Camo Legend #10 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
boatsafe.com
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Affordable
2 different tips; medium and medium-heavy
Strong
Lightweight
Comfortable
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Rod tip can break if you have the wrong size combined with the wrong type of fishing line
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fishinggearcenter.com
Best Warranty
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You will always get a sturdy solid connection between the casting rod and reel.
The quality of EVA handles will reduce the overall weight and provide pressure strength.
There are guides that will give friction-free flow and cutting performance.
It is an ergonomic design model that allows direct contact with the fingers.
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Catching big fish is a problematic one.
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We ranked Fenwick HMG Spinning #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best fishing rods” rankings.
fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod for Beginners
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Very sensitive and strong.
Impressive strength and durability.
Light to medium heavy.
Lifetime warranty.
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No
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