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10 Best Fishing Poles 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PENN 10’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos, 10’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black/Silver

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Action
Material

Most important from
1949 reviews

Action
Casting is impressive, delivering long and precise throws, and the response is very noticeable, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Material
The rod fits together seamlessly, making it hard to tell it's a travel rod, and it feels extremely sturdy with a nice backbone.

The PENN 10’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is a solid choice for saltwater anglers looking for a durable and versatile fishing pole. Its 10-foot length and heavy power rating make it suitable for catching larger fish, while the moderate-fast action provides a good balance between sensitivity and strength. The rod is made from graphite composite, making it both lightweight and durable, which is essential for long fishing sessions.

It features a split EVA handle that is comfortable for both right and left-handed anglers, enhancing its versatility. The 8000 size reel, with a gear ratio of 4.7:1, offers a smooth recovery rate, supported by four sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing for seamless operation. The HT-100 drag system ensures effective line control, capable of handling mono and braided lines with ease.

The combo's 1.26-kilogram weight might be a bit heavy for some users, particularly those who prefer lighter setups. Additionally, while the 2-piece design is convenient for transport, some might find it less robust compared to one-piece rods. Despite these minor drawbacks, the PENN Pursuit IV offers great value and reliability, making it a strong contender for both novice and experienced anglers targeting larger saltwater species.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,321
Action
Material

Most important from
1949 reviews

Action
Casting is impressive, delivering long and precise throws, and the response is very noticeable, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Material
The rod fits together seamlessly, making it hard to tell it's a travel rod, and it feels extremely sturdy with a nice backbone.
#2

PENN 9’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Surf Spinning Combos, 9’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black/Silver

Rating
10.0
Power
Action
Material

Most important from
1949 reviews

Power
The rod’s backbone feels solid and durable, able to handle medium to heavier saltwater species while maintaining good sensitivity for bites.
Action
The rod’s action may feel a bit stiff for those targeting lighter fish, but it excels in power and durability for typical saltwater species.
Material
Constructed with corrosion-resistant graphite and stainless steel guides, the setup stands up well to harsh saltwater conditions without compromising lightweight handling.
Handle
The handle’s split EVA foam grip is comfortable for extended use, though some parts of the reel, like the drag knob, feel somewhat plasticky.

The PENN Pursuit IV 9-foot fishing rod and reel combo is designed for saltwater fishing and suits anglers looking for a durable yet lightweight setup. Its length of 9 feet offers good casting distance, which is helpful for surf or shore fishing. The rod has medium-heavy power and a moderate fast action, meaning it can handle fairly large fish while still giving you decent sensitivity to feel bites. The graphite composite material keeps the rod light and sturdy, making it easier to use for extended periods. The handle uses split EVA foam, which is comfortable and works well for both right- and left-handed users.

The included size 6000 reel is equipped with a smooth 5.6:1 gear ratio for efficient line retrieval, supported by durable ball bearings and an HT-100 front drag system that provides reliable control over fighting fish. It handles braided lines well and has a good line capacity, suitable for fish rated up to 30 pounds. The 2-piece rod design allows for easy transport and storage.

Some users may find the rod slightly stiff if they prefer a more flexible action for lighter fish, but for medium to heavier saltwater species, it provides solid performance. The combo’s build quality and features make it a dependable choice for saltwater anglers, whether beginners or more experienced. While it may not be the absolute top-tier option for serious tournament fishing, it offers excellent value and versatility for most fishing situations.

Rating
10.0
Power
Action
Material

Most important from
1949 reviews

Power
The rod’s backbone feels solid and durable, able to handle medium to heavier saltwater species while maintaining good sensitivity for bites.
Action
The rod’s action may feel a bit stiff for those targeting lighter fish, but it excels in power and durability for typical saltwater species.
Material
Constructed with corrosion-resistant graphite and stainless steel guides, the setup stands up well to harsh saltwater conditions without compromising lightweight handling.
Handle
The handle’s split EVA foam grip is comfortable for extended use, though some parts of the reel, like the drag knob, feel somewhat plasticky.
#3

PENN 7’ Pursuit IV 2-Piece Fishing Rod and Reel (Size 4000) Inshore Spinning Combos, 7’, 2 Graphite Composite Fishing Rod with 5 Reel, Durable and Lightweight, Black/Silver

Rating
9.4
Power
Action
Handle

Most important from
1949 reviews

Power
The 3-piece travel rod feels extremely sturdy and well-built, with a backbone that inspires confidence once assembled.
Action
Casting distance and precision are impressive, enabling successful catches of species like Walleye, Redfish, and Shovelnose Sturgeon.
Handle
The reel delivers a super smooth retrieval experience and features a comfortable knob handle that enhances control.

The PENN 7’ Pursuit IV spinning rod and reel combo is designed as a solid choice for saltwater anglers seeking a dependable, lightweight setup. With its 7-foot length, it offers good reach for inshore fishing, making it versatile for targeting species like bass. The rod’s medium power and fast action mean it can handle fish in the 10-17 pound line range, providing a nice balance of sensitivity and strength that suits a wide range of fishing situations. Constructed from graphite composite, the rod is both durable and light, helping reduce fatigue during longer fishing sessions. The EVA handle is comfortable and works well for both right- and left-handed users.

The reel is a size 4000 with a gear ratio around 6.2:1, allowing smooth and efficient line retrieval, which is important when fighting fish or reeling in lures quickly. Its HT-100 front drag system and sealed ball bearings add to the durability and smoothness, while the line capacity supports both braided and monofilament lines with decent strength. On the downside, this rod and reel combo leans towards medium power, so it may not be ideal if you’re targeting much larger or heavier fish regularly. Also, as a 2-piece rod, it’s slightly less sensitive than a one-piece rod, though this design is common for portability. The PENN Pursuit IV provides a great all-around saltwater setup for beginners and intermediate anglers wanting a reliable, user-friendly rig without breaking the bank.

Rating
9.4
Power
Action
Handle

Most important from
1949 reviews

Power
The 3-piece travel rod feels extremely sturdy and well-built, with a backbone that inspires confidence once assembled.
Action
Casting distance and precision are impressive, enabling successful catches of species like Walleye, Redfish, and Shovelnose Sturgeon.
Handle
The reel delivers a super smooth retrieval experience and features a comfortable knob handle that enhances control.

Buying Guide for the Best Fishing Poles

Choosing the right fishing pole can greatly enhance your fishing experience. The right pole will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do, the species you are targeting, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of fishing poles will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have the best tool for your needs.
LengthThe length of a fishing pole is the measurement from the tip to the butt. This spec is important because it affects casting distance, accuracy, and the type of fishing you can do. Poles generally range from 4 to 14 feet. Shorter poles (4-6 feet) are great for close-quarters fishing and better control, making them ideal for small streams or boat fishing. Medium-length poles (6-8 feet) offer a balance of distance and accuracy, suitable for a variety of fishing situations. Longer poles (8-14 feet) are used for long-distance casting and are often preferred for surf fishing or targeting larger species. Choose a length based on where you will be fishing and the type of fish you are targeting.
PowerPower refers to the pole's resistance to bending under load, also known as its 'backbone.' This spec is crucial because it determines the size of the fish you can handle. Power ratings range from ultra-light to extra-heavy. Ultra-light and light poles are best for small fish like panfish and trout, providing more sensitivity and a fun fight. Medium power poles are versatile and can handle a wide range of species, including bass and walleye. Heavy and extra-heavy poles are designed for large fish like pike, muskie, or saltwater species. Select the power based on the size of the fish you plan to catch.
ActionAction describes how and where a pole bends when pressure is applied. This spec is important for casting, sensitivity, and hook-setting ability. Action is categorized as slow, moderate, or fast. Slow action poles bend throughout the length, providing more flexibility and are ideal for small lures and light lines. Moderate action poles bend in the top half, offering a balance of sensitivity and power, suitable for a variety of fishing techniques. Fast action poles bend mostly at the tip, providing quick hook sets and better control with larger lures. Choose the action based on your fishing style and the type of lures you will be using.
MaterialFishing poles are typically made from graphite, fiberglass, or a composite of both. This spec affects the pole's weight, sensitivity, and durability. Graphite poles are lightweight and highly sensitive, making them ideal for detecting subtle bites, but they can be more brittle. Fiberglass poles are more durable and flexible, making them great for beginners and for handling larger fish, but they are heavier and less sensitive. Composite poles offer a balance of both materials, providing a good mix of sensitivity and durability. Choose the material based on your experience level and the type of fishing you plan to do.
HandleThe handle of a fishing pole is where you grip the pole, and it can be made from materials like cork, EVA foam, or a combination. This spec is important for comfort and control during long fishing sessions. Cork handles are lightweight, comfortable, and provide a good grip, but they can wear out over time. EVA foam handles are durable, comfortable, and provide a firm grip even when wet. Some poles have split-grip handles, which reduce weight and improve balance. Choose a handle that feels comfortable in your hand and suits your fishing style.

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