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Catfish Rod Comparison - October 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.9Exceptional
2
9.8Exceptional
3
Best Value
9.7Exceptional
4
9.5Excellent
5
9.3Excellent
6
9.1Excellent
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Model

Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Catfish Spinning Rod, Two Piece Catfish Rod, 15-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/2-3 oz. Lure Rating
Model
Berkley 8’ Big Game Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating
Model
Ugly Stik® Catfish Casting Rods, 8 feet
Model
Berkley 7’ Big Game Casting Rod, One Piece Nearshore/Offshore Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating
Model
Fiblink Catfish Fishing Rod 1 Piece/2 Piece Catfishing Fishing Pole Portable Travel Heavy Cat Catfish Casting Rod (6'/6'6"/7'/8'/9') (9' - 2Pcs - Green)
Model
Fiblink Catfish Fishing Rods, 1 Piece/2 Piece Catfishing Pole, Medium Heavy Catfish Cat Casting Rod (7'6"/8'6’/9'6”) (2pc - 8'6"MH (10-50lbs))

Brand

Ugly Stik
Brand
Berkley
Brand
Ugly Stik
Brand
Berkley
Brand
Fiblink
Brand
Fiblink

Reviews

1,041 reviews
Reviews
5,553 reviews
Reviews
3,174 reviews
Reviews
1,668 reviews
Reviews
453 reviews
Reviews
-

Features

Lasts a long time

9.8
Lasts a long time
9.4
Lasts a long time
8.9
Lasts a long time
9.3
Lasts a long time
8.4
Lasts a long time
8.1

Durability

9.9
Durability
9.4
Durability
9.9
Durability
9.3
Durability
8.9
Durability
8.6

Worth the money

9.8
Worth the money
9.4
Worth the money
9.3
Worth the money
9.1
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
8.6

Light weight

9.8
Light weight
9.3
Light weight
9.1
Light weight
9.3
Light weight
8.9
Light weight
8.6

Tech Specs

item package dimensions l x w x h

45 x 4 x 2 inches
item package dimensions l x w x h
50 x 4 x 1.5 inches
item package dimensions l x w x h
50.5 x 3 x 0.5 inches
item package dimensions l x w x h
43.5 x 1.5 x 1 inches
item package dimensions l x w x h
56 x 2 x 2 inches
item package dimensions l x w x h
54 x 2 x 2 inches

target species

Catfish
target species
Catfish, Trout
target species
Catfish
target species
Catfish, Trout
target species
Catfish
target species
Catfish

color

Multi
color
Multi
color
Multi
color
Multi
color
Green
color
Green

included components

Rod
included components
Rod
included components
Rod
included components
Rod
included components
fishing rod, fishing bag
included components
Rod Protection Bag, Fishing Rod

package weight

0.32 Kilograms
package weight
0.39 Kilograms
package weight
0.34 Kilograms
package weight
0.36 Kilograms
package weight
0.95 Kilograms
package weight
0.54 Kilograms

item weight

0.32 Kilograms
item weight
0.26 Pounds
item weight
0.34 Kilograms
item weight
0.77 Pounds
item weight
16 ounces
item weight
10 Ounces

handle material

Fiberglass, Graphite
handle material
A
handle material
Fiberglass, Graphite, Stainless Steel
handle material
B
handle material
Fiberglass, Rubber, Stainless Steel
handle material
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

fishing technique

Spinning
fishing technique
Spinning
fishing technique
All
fishing technique
Casting
fishing technique
Casting
fishing technique
Catfishing

size

One Size
size
8 feet
size
8 feet
size
7'
size
7'6
size
Large

material

Blend
material
Blend
material
Ugly Tech Construction
material
Blend
material
Fiberglass
material
Glass Fiber

brand name

Shakespeare
brand name
Berkley
brand name
Ugly Stik
brand name
Berkley
brand name
Fiblink
brand name
Fiblink

style

7' - Medium Heavy - 2pc
style
8' Medium Heavy -2pcs
style
8' - Medium Heavy - 2pcs
style
7' Medium Heavy -2pcs
style
9'extra Heavy-2pc
style
2pc - 8'6mh 10-50lbs

customer reviews

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 347 ratings 4.7 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1, 851 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1, 058 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 556 ratings 4.4 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 151 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
-

grip type

Split
grip type
Split
grip type
Split
grip type
-
grip type
Split
grip type
EVA

lure weight

3 Ounces
lure weight
4 Ounces
lure weight
3 Ounces
lure weight
-
lure weight
20 Ounces
lure weight
5 Ounces

suggested users

unisex-adult
suggested users
unisex-adult
suggested users
unisex-adult
suggested users
unisex-adult
suggested users
unisex-adult
suggested users
-

number of items

8
number of items
2
number of items
2
number of items
2
number of items
-
number of items
-

line weight

30 pounds
line weight
30 Pounds
line weight
30 Pounds
line weight
-
line weight
80 pounds
line weight
-

action

Fast
action
Moderate Fast
action
Moderate Fast
action
-
action
Fast
action
-

age range description

Adult
age range description
Adult
age range description
-
age range description
-
age range description
Adult
age range description
Adult

rod length

7 Feet
rod length
8 Feet
rod length
8 Feet
rod length
-
rod length
9 Feet
rod length
-

item dimensions lxwxh

47 x 3 x 3 inches
item dimensions lxwxh
1 x 1 x 1 inches
item dimensions lxwxh
54 x 5 x 5 inches
item dimensions lxwxh
44 x 3 x 3 inches
item dimensions lxwxh
-
item dimensions lxwxh
-

tension level

medium, high
tension level
-
tension level
High
tension level
-
tension level
-
tension level
High

warranty description

-
warranty description
-
warranty description
Manufacturer Warranty
warranty description
-
warranty description
1 Year
warranty description
1 Year Warranty

Available On

Available On Available On Available On Available On Available On

Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.9
    1
    Ugly Stik

    Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Catfish Spinning Rod, Two Piece Catfish Rod, 15-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1/2-3 oz. Lure Rating

    9.9 Durability
    9.8 lasts a long time
    9.8 worth the money

    Why we love it

    Highly durable for tough catfish fishing conditions.
    Sensitive enough to detect even slight bites.
    Backed by a 7-year warranty for peace of mind.
  • 9.8
    2
    Berkley

    Berkley 8’ Big Game Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating

    9.4 lasts a long time
    9.4 Durability
    9.4 worth the money

    Why we love it

    Durable fiberglass construction.
    Ideal for heavy-duty fishing.
    Comfortable Type-A EVA handle.
  • 9.7
    3
    Ugly Stik
    38% Off

    Ugly Stik® Catfish Casting Rods, 8 feet

    9.9 Durability
    9.3 worth the money
    9.1 Light weight

    Why we love it

    Durable and reliable for catfish fishing.
    Sensitive yet strong rod design.
    Excellent for both big and small fish.

Catfish Rod Buyer's Guide

Written by Dan Gibson

Intro

Catfish rods are an essential tool for anglers who are looking to catch catfish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, it is important to choose the right type of rod to ensure that you have the best possible experience while fishing. There are several factors to consider when selecting a catfish rod, including the type of rod, length, power, action, and more. In this guide, we will provide an overview of the different types of catfish rods, as well as some tips for choosing the right one.

Types of Catfish Rods

The type of rod you choose for catfishing depends on the type of catfish you are targeting. For example, if you are targeting large catfish such as blue catfish, you will need a heavy-duty rod with a lot of power. On the other hand, if you are targeting smaller catfish such as channel catfish, you may be able to get away with a lighter rod. Some of the most common types of rods for catfishing include spinning, spincast, baitcasting, and trolling rods. Each type of rod has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences before making a decision.

Length

The length of the rod you choose will depend on the type of fishing you want to do. If you are planning on fishing in tight quarters, such as in a river or stream, a shorter rod will be most effective. However, if you plan on fishing in open waters, such as in a lake or reservoir, a longer rod will be more effective. It is also important to consider how much casting you plan on doing and how far you plan on casting. A longer rod will be more effective for longer casts, while a shorter rod will be more effective for shorter casts.

Power and Action

The power and action of the rod are two of the most important factors to consider when selecting a catfish rod. The power of the rod refers to the amount of weight the rod can support. For example, a light power rod will be able to support lighter weights, such as 1/4 ounce jig heads, while a heavy power rod will be able to support heavier weights, such as 3 ounce jig heads. The action of the rod refers to how fast the rod will bend when a fish is hooked. A slow action rod will bend slowly, while a fast action rod will bend quickly. It is important to choose a rod with the right power and action for the type of fishing you plan on doing.

Material

The material the rod is made of is also an important factor to consider. Most catfish rods are made of either fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass rods are more durable and less prone to breakage, while graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive. It is important to choose a rod that is made of a material that will be able to withstand the strain of fishing for catfish and also provide the sensitivity to detect bites.

Price

The price of a catfish rod will depend on the type, length, power, and material. Generally, higher quality rods will cost more, but it is important to find a rod that is within your budget. It is also important to consider the price of any additional items you may need, such as a reel, line, and lures. With the right research and comparison shopping, you should be able to find a quality catfish rod that fits your budget.

Our ranking system

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Features

Our AI-driven analysis examines key attributes, capabilities, and other critical factors tailored to each product category. This method allows us to assess effectiveness from various perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation.
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Consumer Reviews

We aggregate and evaluate consumer feedback from across the internet, giving weight to ratings and reviews that reflect the most reliable insights. AI enhances this process by filtering and prioritizing data, offering a balanced view without the need for direct personal endorsements.
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Popularity

Our system also considers the popularity of products, analyzing factors such as market presence, reputation, and user satisfaction. By leveraging AI, we capture a comprehensive picture of a product's standing in the market, which may not always be evident through traditional testing.
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Value for money

AI allows us to compare products based on attributes like price, specifications, and user feedback, helping to determine their value for money. This data-driven approach offers an efficient and reliable way to assess how products stack up against one another in terms of cost-effectiveness.
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