March 2023
Fishing Rods: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Fishing Rod rankings posted by key online experts, as of March 2023.
Summary
Between 14 Mar 2023 and 16 Mar 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 78 Fishing Rod endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
59 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 16 Mar 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. It is followed by Ugly Stik GX2 and Ugly Stik Elite , with 5 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
KastKing:
4 Fishing Rods
(#1 is KastKing Crixus )
-
Sougayilang:
4 Fishing Rods
(#1 is Sougayilang Graphite Fiber )
-
Fenwick:
3 Fishing Rods
(#1 is Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye )
-
Zebco:
3 Fishing Rods
(#1 is Zebco Dock Demon Combo )
-
Berkley:
3 Fishing Rods
(#1 is Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting )
Price breakdown
At a glance - March 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Fishing Rod |
boatsafe.com
|
tripsavvy.com
|
fishingsrod.com
|
BestReviews
|
Field & Stream
|
bestfishkeeping.com
|
TheManual
|
fishinggearcenter.com
|
Reviewed
|
OutdoorGearLab
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $155 |
St.Croix Triumph
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
7
|
8
|
-
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $36 |
Ugly Stik GX2
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
4
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $50 |
Ugly Stik Elite
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Okuma Celilo Ultralight
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+1 | $50 |
KastKing Perigee II
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
+1 | $48 |
Sougayilang Telescopic Combos
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
+1 | Check price |
Plusinno Elite Hunter
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
12
|
-7 | $54 |
KastKing Blackhawk II
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $99 |
Wild Water Standard Fly
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $38 |
Entsport E Series Camo Legend
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $120 |
Fenwick HMG Spinning
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Fishing Rod |
|---|---|---|
| #2 | $36.35 | Ugly Stik GX2 [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $37.99 | Entsport E Series Camo Legend [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $47.98 | Sougayilang Telescopic Combos [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $49.95 | Ugly Stik Elite [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $49.99 | KastKing Perigee II [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $53.99 | KastKing Blackhawk II [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $99 | Wild Water Standard Fly [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $119.95 | Fenwick HMG Spinning [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $155 | St.Croix Triumph [buy] [more info] |
We ranked St.Croix Triumph #1 in March 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
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
A little pricey. Warranty will still cost money.
|
fishinggearcenter.com
Best for Budget
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
The piece isn’t good for the spin-casting followers. For them, buying a more high-end model will serve.
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Overall Fishing Rod / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Excellent feel
Great casting
Portable
|
Cons
Slightly difficult to take apart
|
We ranked Ugly Stik GX2 #2 in March 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ugly Stik GX2 as #1.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Crappie
|
Pros
Multiple lengths and powers to choose from
Crappie model combines sensitivity and casting distance
Seven-year warranty
|
Cons
Product information doesn’t specify rod action
Several customers say line guides cannot withstand braid
|
fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Combo Under 100
|
Pros
The handle is very lightweight.
To feel comfortable to use.
Clear tip and two piece construction.
Graphite and fiberglass combination.
|
Cons
Not used for sea fishing.
|
BestReviews
Balanced & Sensitive
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Eyes on the rod may come loose or spin out of position. Heavy.
|
fishinggearcenter.com
Best to Buy in 2022
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Foam vs. cork handle is a major drawback.
When the package arrives, the 2 piece comes apart.
|
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 March 2023 ranking
boatsafe.com
tripsavvy.com
fishingsrod.com
BestReviews
Field & Stream
bestfishkeeping.com
TheManual
fishinggearcenter.com
Reviewed
OutdoorGearLab
We ranked Ugly Stik Elite #3 in March 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
|
Pros
Durable, lightweight blank with extra graphite
One- and two-piece options available
Seven-year warranty
|
Cons
No slow or moderate action option
Some reviewers say line guides are easily grooved by braid
|
fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Under $100
|
Pros
Light weight and strong.
Very comfortable cork handle.
Clear tip design fishing rod.
Seven year- warranty.
|
Cons
Many customers are not as like lightweight fishing rods.
|
OutdoorGearLab
Great for Small Fish
|
Pros
Strong
Versatile
|
Cons
Short handle, short casting distance
|
We ranked Okuma Celilo Ultralight #4 in March 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Trout
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Limited warranty is only valid for one year
No crossover for larger fish species
|
fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod Under 100
|
Pros
Strong and durable.
Comfortable.
One year warranty.
Good line weight capacity.
|
Cons
Some customer not like multicolor.
|
fishinggearcenter.com
Best Strength
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Lack of quality control is a major drawback.
|
We ranked KastKing Perigee II #5 in March 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
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
No extra-length rods for long-distance casting applications
Some reviewers report that the rod can be fragile
|
We ranked Sougayilang Telescopic Combos #6 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best Budget
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Reel’s low gear ratio is more suited to some techniques than others
Quality is unlikely to satisfy more experienced fishermen
|
We ranked Plusinno Elite Hunter #7 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
boatsafe.com
|
Pros
Two pieces
Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts
Comfortable grip
Lightweight
Durable
|
Cons
Not as much sensitivity in the rod as other options
|
OutdoorGearLab
Best Bang for Your Buck
|
Pros
Great balance
Ergonomic handle
Casting
|
Cons
Not as portable
|
We ranked KastKing Blackhawk II #8 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
tripsavvy.com
Best for Backpacking
|
Pros
Collapses to less than a third of extended length
Can leave reel and line attached when collapsed
Available in spinning and baitcasting styles
|
Cons
A lack of alignment markers can make it difficult to line guides up
Warranty has significant limitations
|
We ranked Wild Water Standard Fly #9 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
BestReviews
Simple yet Solid
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Poor quality control results in incomplete sets being delivered.
|
Reviewed
|
Pros
Quality materials
Rod breaks down for transport
Line and flies included
|
Cons
Users have reported product defects
|
We ranked Entsport E Series Camo Legend #10 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
boatsafe.com
|
Pros
Affordable
2 different tips; medium and medium-heavy
Strong
Lightweight
Comfortable
|
Cons
Rod tip can break if you have the wrong size combined with the wrong type of fishing line
|
fishinggearcenter.com
Best Warranty
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Catching big fish is a problematic one.
|
We ranked Fenwick HMG Spinning #11 in March 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Fishing Rods” rankings.
fishingsrod.com
Best Fishing Rod for Beginners
|
Pros
Very sensitive and strong.
Impressive strength and durability.
Light to medium heavy.
Lifetime warranty.
|
Cons
No
|