Fishing Rod Review: Best Fishing Rods

Best inexpensive fishing rod

*Est. $40 with reel Compare Prices

One of the most popular rods for over 25 years, Shakespeare's Ugly Stik is cited by almost all reviewers as a solid, dependable rod for smaller fish that fits all anglers of all skill levels. The Ugly Stik features a… graphite core surrounded by fiberglass, giving it sensitivity but also making it one of the strongest rods available. This, combined with the low price, makes the Ugly Stik a top-rated fishing rod of its type.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Field & Stream: The article's headline is inaccurate because the Shakespeare Ugly Stik did not snap, the only one of the seven rods that didn't. ...

BassProShops.com: About 50 reviewers give the Shakespeare Ugly Stick very high average scores, and even some of the most critical say this is a ...

Cabelas.com: About 50 users give the Shakespeare Ugly Stik high average scores, most liking the rod's strength and price. Only a few disliked ...

MyFishing-Guide.com: This website gives no indication of its testing standards, but calls the Shakespeare Ugly Stik "one of the best." On another part ...

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Best overall value

Okuma Guide Select

*Est. $75 Compare Prices

The Okuma Guide Select finds a comfortable place between low and high-end fishing rods, mixing quality components with a reasonable price. The rod is solid graphite making it light and sensitive. The molded handle is made… from high-grade cork and offers sturdiness and comfort without sacrificing sensitivity. Reviewers are often surprised at the power the rod brings when reeling in, despite its light weight. You can also buy this rod as part of a kit that includes a reel.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

TackleTour.com: This review starts out by saying it's never influenced by reputation and doesn't expect much from a $100 pole, but winds up ...

CaliFishing.com: There's no comparative testing, but CaliFishing.com rates a lot of rods. Reviewer Rob Belloni says, "I don't think you're going ...

Troutlet.com: There are just a handful of user reviews of the Okuma Guide Select on this retailer website, each overwhelmingly positive and one ...

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Modells

for $89.99

Luxury fishing rod

Shimano Cumara

*Est. $210 Compare Prices

The latest reviews say that for high-end fishing rods, the Shimano Cumara provides the ultimate in comfort and sensitivity. The quality IM-10 graphite comprising the rod is ultra-light and sensitive, making for accurate… casting and the detection of even the smallest nibbles. It also features Fuji SIC black frame guides and two-piece handles that are custom designed with a carbon insert and shaped EVA foam grips. The Cumara won the 2008 Best of the Best award for a spinning rod from Field and Stream magazine and a 2008 Best Value from TackleTour.com.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

TackleTour.com: This review includes lab testing and hands-on use in Mexico by editor-in-chief Alex "Zander" Mei. He says that kinds of fish he ...

TackleReviewer.com: This is really more of a blurb than a review, but TackleReviewer.com has a broad frame of reference. So it's credible when ...

AbqSportfishing.com: Reviewer Bryan Talmadge, who has competed in professional bass tournaments, calls the Shimano Cumara "probably the lightest and ...

Field & Stream: Field & Stream's annual roundup of best products includes winners in 14 fishing-equipment categories, with the Shimano Cumara ...

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Fishing Rods: Reviews

Best inexpensive fishing rod

Best overall value

Luxury fishing rod

Fishing Rods by Price Range


	G. Loomis Smallmouth Bass Bronzeback Series Casting Rods Model: SMR702C - TW (5' 10", MH) from Amazon.com New: $230.00 In Stock. Average Customer Review: