Catfishing is a lot of fun. A lot of new anglers begin their fishing careers this way, and for many of us, it’s turned into an obsession. When it comes to catfishing, all you really need is one of the best catfish rods and some chicken livers.
Catfishing poles might be a challenge for anglers to acquire in the beginning. The number of catfish poles available makes it difficult to go through them all and choose which one is best for your needs.
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Top Picks of Good Catfish Rods
We’ll cover all you need to know about picking the best catfish rod in this post. There’s a wide variety of materials, lengths, and actions in our selection, so you’ll always have the right gear for the task.
The catfish poles covered in this review and buying guide are capable of subduing even the largest catfish with ease, no matter whether you’re targeting channel catfish or record-breaking blues and flatheads.
1. LurEra Catfish Casting Rod
For capturing large catfish, the LurEra catfish rod is an excellent option. As for the carbon fiber blank, it’s very durable and sensitive. The power of the carbon fiber blank cannot be overstated.
It has stainless steel ceramic lines in it. Regardless of the weight of the fish you’re pulling in, they will be gentle on your line. It’s suitable for huge fish, it performs smoothly, and is well-balanced. This is a great option to consider when you want the best catfish rods.
Catfish casting rod model LurEra really draws the eye of every angler who sees it in action. All rods have black and white camouflaged handles that match the carbon fiber blank flawlessly. Holding onto the pole for a lengthy amount of time is made much easier because of this characteristic. In addition, it’s not slippery even when wet. However, the model’s attractiveness goes well beyond the skin’s surface.
With a smooth and snug grip, the EVA handle is ideal for long days on the lake or river bank fishing. It has a shorter length in rod making it fit well inside a fishing backpack. It has a high-strength reel seat that’s both sturdy and lightweight. Stainless guides have been added to the ceramic guides, which is also noteworthy. As a result, the line is less likely to break when put under stress.
2. Okuma Battle Catfish Spinning Rod
At one point in time, Okuma had a reputation for making inexpensive equipment for weekend warriors. It was over a decade before they paused and repositioned their firm to listen rather than push their alternatives. Because of their listening skills, Okuma came to recognize that catfishing was on the rise and that they could create catfishing-specific rods.
The Okuma battle catfishing rod is designed for spinning reels and used as flathead catfish rods mostly. This catfish rod is compatible with any spinning reel. The Okuma battle catfish rod is considered one of the most durable catfishing rods ever. E-glass rod blanks with a comfortable EVA foregrip and a cork rear grip reducing binding in rod holders.
Additional features include double-foot stainless steel eyelets, a heavy hook keeper made of stainless steel, and a two-piece design that links the grip for a single-piece feel and strength. These two-piece rods have a one-piece feel and performance because of the blade-to-handle connection. They include a stainless-steel guiding system with double foot soldered supports for unmatched strength.
All rods come with a revolutionary handle mechanism that’s only for the best cat fishermen. Composite cork caps protect the edges of the foregrip, which is made of soft EVA. The bright orange tips make them easy to see at night. The Okuma spinning rod is the best catfish rod for bank fishing.
3. Fire Stik Catfish Casting Rod
The Fire Stik catfish casting rod provides excellent performance without losing sensitivity. Their robust fiberglass composite construction makes them incredibly long-lasting and sturdy. For this reason, this rod was built with sensitivity in mind so that you can respond fast and reel in your catch before it gets away from you.
The Fire Stick is a carbon-based, MLS-enhanced rod that’s both inexpensive and durable. Comfortable foam handles and a comfortable reel seat make fishing all day much more enjoyable.
The lightweight composite material and ergonomically shaped handle of the Fire Stik ensure that it won’t readily wear out. If you compare it to other fishing rods, it’s a bargain.
In spite of your lack of fishing experience, a high-quality fishing rod may help you catch that big one. For catfish anglers, these poles are among the finest available on the market.
4. Ugly Stik Elite Casting Fishing Rod
For those occasions when you need a fishing rod that can do more than simply catch catfish, the Ugly Stik Elite has been introduced to the lineup. The flexibility of this line of rods makes it ideal for a variety of applications. This fish rod is considered one of the cost-efficient catfish spinning rods.
It’s considered by many as durable and inexpensive. Even the most dedicated catfish fishermen will benefit from this rod, which can handle 10 to 20 pounds of line. Even a 50-pound catfish would be forced to confront this blank. Use your favorite bait caster to get the most out of this rod.
In order to increase sensitivity and rigidity, the blank is made of Ugly Stik’s E-glass or the graphite composite with an additional amount of graphite.
The guides on the Ugly Tuff catfish rod are superior to any other rod. It has been shown in controlled trials and real-world testing that they guard the line like a marine battalion. The handle is lengthy, and the cork is both beautiful and comfy.
5. Fiblink Catfish Fishing Rod
Carbon fiber construction provides remarkable strength and flexibility to resist the rigors of catfishing for long periods of time while also increasing the rod’s sense of touch. The foregrips and handle are made of high-density EVA foam. The aluminum alloy reel seat and non-corrosive aluminum hoods are just two of the many other features.
Smooth and long-lasting castings are made possible by the use of high-quality stainless-steel guides and a hook keeper with ceramic inlays. The new catfishing rod design was created specifically for the purpose of luring catfish using artificial bait.
It allows you to throw large, heavy lures and setups for huge fish. So, the two-piece design allows it to fit in a vehicle, boat, or hatch with ease. A lightweight fishing pole makes it simple to go to your fishing area.
Rubber shrink tube handles and an aluminum reel seat keep your reel secure and stable. The stainless-steel hoods with rubber shrink tube grips let you keep a solid hold in slippery circumstances, which makes it simple to clean and wipe. Aluminum reel seats are also corrosion-resistant.
6. BnM Silver Cat Elite Rod
The BnM silver cat elite rod is the best rod for trophy catfish due to its adverse power. Among its features are a high-vis tip for night fishing, an e-glass rod blank, an aerospace-grade aluminum double-locking reel seat, an x-grip with enhanced traction for slippery circumstances, and a one-piece rod design. When a huge fish eats the bait, the rod’s fiberglass blank flexes in just the right places. Because of its strength and durability, the fiberglass blank outlasts similar-sized graphite rods.
With a reel seat made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the BnM Silver Cat catfish rod ensures a strong connection between the reel and rod. This rod’s bright color makes it easy to see at night during night fishing.
Fiberglass and aluminum oxide are used to make this catfishing rod. This item’s promise was recently made and it was based on innovation and new features and functionalities. This casting rod’s handle is specifically designed for casting and it is light in weight and responsive.
If you like to anchor and fish or often drift suspended baits with multi-pole presentations, this BnM rod is perfect for you. This device is a glow-in-the-dark catfish rod that allows the angler to see a bend in the pole when the bait is grabbed by a sneaky catfish.
7. Championship Catfish Rod
The Championship rod is a great option if you want a long and medium-weight rod. It’s built to withstand the huge catfish and hard use.
Easy-to-clean EVA foam grips and glossy fiberglass surfaces make it a breeze to clean up after snaring catfish. You can also spot bites at any time because of the high-visibility fluorescent tip.
Big catfish may be caught with this medium-heavy rod. It’s also capable of handling smaller channel cats. Easy to see even the tiniest bites due to the bright yellow tip, it has a line capacity of roughly 50 pounds. Leverage is made possible because of the lengthy handle.
The two-piece design of this fiberglass rod makes it easy to transport. Low-profile stainless-steel guides that can withstand the wear of thick braided lines and are double-footed so they don’t get in the way are included.
8. Berkley Shock Casting Fishing Rod
Stainless-steel guides and a shock absorption tip make Berkley shock casting fishing rods capable of handling braided lines which may help draw large catfish from weedy regions.
Braids, on the other hand, may wreak havoc on fishing rod line guides. Has an engineer-created shock-absorbing tip to deal with the braided line’s inability to extend. Line grinding and cracking aren’t an issue with these stainless-steel guides, which have titanium oxide inlays.
With today’s modern braided lines in mind, these carbon-composite rods may also be used with other kinds of lines.
They’re designed to help anglers get the most out of braided lines by slowing down the motion and increasing the backbone.
How to Choose the Best Catfish Rods
Catfish anglers should be aware that an “excellent” rod for one catfishing approach may not be ideal for another.
You must answer a few questions before you can choose a good catfish rod.
- Are you looking for a certain kind of catfish?
- What’s the size of the fish you’re attempting to land?
- What methods do you intend to use?
- What’s your budget for the best catfish poles?
In response to these queries, you narrow down your choices by eliminating rods that don’t fulfill your requirements and concentrate solely on the ones that do.
Catfish fishing poles come in a broad variety of lengths, weights, and actions, so you’ll be able to choose the right one for your style of angling.
Type of Catfish You’ll be Fishing
The type of catfish rod you’ll need depends heavily on the type of fishing strategy you want to use. Let’s talk about the best ways to catch three common types of catfish.
Channel Cats
The fragrance of channel catfish attracts them from a distance and persuades them to bite your bait. The best way to catch them is to use stink bait, shrimp, chicken livers, or cut bait to lure them in.
Suckers, shiners, and crayfish may be more fruitful when used as live bait, but in most circumstances, artificial bait would suffice.
Because channel cats like a fixed bait, often eat in shallow water and have a modest stature, a 7”² graphite medium-weight rod that comes with a moderate action is ideal for pursuing them.
Blue Cats
Blue catfish are more aggressive predators than channel catfish, preferring to prey on other fish that are alive. Fishing for blue catfish is a popular pastime for many anglers, and the best bait is usually oily baitfish.
Blue cats like spending time in deeper water, either on the bottom or hanging above the surface. Since they may grow to enormous proportions and love to feed on live bait, a powerful catfish pole is needed.
With a medium to medium-heavy weight and moderate action, a 7”²-7’6”²”² fiberglass rod would be a suitable choice for blues fishing. For night fishing, you may consider investing in glow-in-the-dark lures or catfish rods.
Flathead Cats
As nocturnal creatures, flatheads are excellent hunters. A piece of chicken liver or a dead fish will certainly turn their nose up at you if you display it to them.
They’re looking for something that’s fully functional! When fishing for blues, you’ll need a big rod if you want to utilize the kinds of bait that blues like, such as a two-pound sucker or extra-large shiner.
A 130-pound bruiser may be waiting at the other end of your line if you hook up with a blue. An 8-foot, medium-heavy-weight fiberglass rod with a moderate action would be ideal.
Casting vs. Spinning Rods
Casting and spinning fishing rods are readily available today. They are equally effective for catfishing, therefore the decision between the two is purely a matter of taste.
The “personal preference” we’re referring to here is more about the reel type you feel more comfortable with than it is with the strength and flexibility of the rods. A casting reel, which looks like a miniature winch attached to a casting rod, is necessary.
To wind the line, spinning rods use a rotating bail on an underslung, open-faced spinning reel. Both types of rigs are capable of tossing your heavy bait into place and fighting lunker catfish in the appropriate size class for catfishing.
As a result, you’re free to follow your instincts. Catfishing is best done with a heavy-duty spinning rod if you’re a fan of the sport. Invest in a heavy casting rig for battling ravenous cats if you’re into casting gear.
Length of Rod
It’s common for catfishing rods to be longer than those used for other types of fishing. Because of this, there are a number of causes.
Longer rods allow for longer distances and more precise throwing. A longer rod also provides you better control over the fish, which is critical for catfishing since they put up a fight.
If you want to catch catfish, you’ll need a rod that’s composed of graphite or E-glass or S-glass or carbon fiber or a combination of these materials.
Material
Cork, composite cork, or foam handles are ideal for catfishing rods. Cork is the most often used material because of its comfort and durability.
Power
Your rod’s strength is directly related to the power of your rod. The power of the rod will vary according to the kind of catfish being hunted.
If you want to catch catfish, you’ll need a rod with either medium (M) or medium-heavy power (MH). A catfishing rod that combines these characteristics will be a success.
The kind of catfish you’re fishing for, the water you’ll be using, and your budget are all factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a catfish rod.
Conclusion
With so many designs and features to choose from, finding the best catfish rods for the job might be a challenge. However, with the aid of our buyer’s guide, the procedure becomes much simpler.
The top catfish poles discussed in this post provide excellent handling and results but for the best performance and durability, we recommend the LurEra Catfish Casting Rod.
It provides an incredible amount of power and does not produce friction when casting. It’s a good option when you want the toughest catfish rods.
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