Best Catfish Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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For those who love to fish, having the right equipment is essential, especially when it comes to catfish fishing. Catfish fishing rods are designed specifically to handle the size and strength of catfish, making them the perfect choice for any angler looking to reel in these elusive fish. Made from high-quality materials, these rods offer superior strength and durability, ensuring that they can handle the toughest conditions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, catfish fishing rods are a must-have for any serious angler looking to up their game.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.80 m Cover #TOP 1
Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.80 m
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PENN Legion Cat Silver Spin Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
PENN Legion Cat Silver Spin Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.70m Cover #TOP 3
Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.70m
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Catfish Fishing Rods

#TOP 1

Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.80 m

Black Cat
Black / Yellow
2.80 m
Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.80 m Cover
Black Cat Premium Perfect Passion XH-S Catfish Rod Versatile with IM6 Blank Catfish Fishing Rod in 5 Lengths Black/Yellow 2.80 m

The Black Cat Perfect Passion Rod offers exceptional performance for catfish anglers. Developed by experts, it combines durability and innovation, ensuring you benefit from decades of experience. With high-quality IM6 carbon fibre construction, this rod provides excellent stability and balance, making it perfect for endurance fishing. The non-slip handle guarantees a secure grip during those long battles with large fish, enhancing your comfort. No matter your fishing method—whether from shore or boat—this rod caters to every technique, ensuring you find the right fit for your needs.

What We Like
Durable and reliable construction
Excellent balance for endurance fishing
Non-slip handle for secure grip
Covers various fishing techniques
Great value for performance
#TOP 2

PENN Legion Cat Silver Spin Fishing Rod

1519177
Black Silver
2.40m | 40-160g
PENN Legion Cat Silver Spin Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Legion Cat Silver Spin, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea Fishing, Catfish, Unisex, Black Silver, 2.40m | 40-160g

The PENN Legion Fishing Rod is designed for serious anglers who need reliability and strength. Its powerful carbon blanks provide a robust backbone, ensuring you can tackle larger fish with confidence. The high-quality seaguide rings enhance durability, so you can fish in various conditions without worry. With an EVA handle, you benefit from easy cleaning and a comfortable grip, allowing for extended fishing sessions without discomfort. Plus, a case is included for convenient storage and transport.

What We Like
Powerful carbon blanks
Durable seaguide rings
EVA handle for comfort
Easy to clean
Includes storage case
#TOP 3

Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.70m

Black Cat
Black / Yellow
2,70 m
Black Cat Perfect Passion Catfish Rod 2.70m Cover
Black Cat Premium Catfish Rod Perfect Passion Spin Fishing Rod Spin Rod Catfish Fishing Catfish Rod Casting Weight 60-200g Black/Yellow 2.70m

The Black Cat Passion Rod is expertly developed for modern catfish fishing, ensuring durability and reliability. With an exceptional price-to-performance ratio, this rod features high-quality IM6 carbon fibre for a smooth fishing experience. The non-slip handle provides a secure grip, making it comfortable during long fights with large catfish. Additionally, the series offers various models to suit different fishing techniques, whether you're on the shore, a boat, or fishing from a belly boat.

What We Like
Durable and reliable design
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Comfortable non-slip handle
Variety of fishing models available
#TOP 4

PENN Legion Cat Silver Fishing Rod

1519179
Black Silver
1.80m | 200g
PENN Legion Cat Silver Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Legion® Cat Silver Vertical, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea Fishing, Catfish, Unisex, Black Silver, 1.80m | 200g

The PENN Cat Silver Rod is designed for serious anglers. Its extremely powerful carbon blanks provide a strong backbone, ensuring you can handle larger fish with ease. The EVA handle offers excellent grip and is easy to clean, making your fishing experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Plus, with the included case, you can protect your rod during transport and storage, adding to your convenience. This rod is perfect for sea fishing and targeting catfish.

What We Like
Powerful carbon construction
Comfortable EVA handle
Includes protective case
Strong backbone for bigger fish
#TOP 5

J-BARZILLAI Raptor 6ft Offshore Fishing Rod

J-BARZILLAI
6 feet spinning
Grey
1.8 M
J-BARZILLAI Raptor 6ft Offshore Fishing Rod Cover
Raptor Saltwater Fishing Rod 6 Foot Spinning Casting 2 Pieces Offshore Boat Pole 27T High Carbon Fiber Baitcaster Lightweight Stainless Steel Guides Bass Trout Catfish Boat Fishing Rod

The Raptor Offshore Fishing Rod is designed for exceptional durability and strength, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its advanced materials, including high-carbon fibre, enhance sensitivity, allowing you to detect even the subtlest bites. The lightweight design ensures easy handling, perfect for use in tight spaces like boat cabins. With its stylish appearance and corrosion-resistant coating, you can enjoy a reliable and enjoyable fishing experience while targeting bass, catfish, or trout.

What We Like
Exceptional durability and strength
Outstanding sensitivity and handling
Lightweight and easy to control
Stylish and corrosion-resistant design
Comfortable ergonomic grip
#TOP 6

Sougayilang 2-Piece Composite Trolling Rod

SZLJ-Y-18
Blue,Green,Orange
180cm/5.9ft
Sougayilang 2-Piece Composite Trolling Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rod, 2-Piece Composite Graphite & Glass Blanks Saltwater Trolling Rod Offshore Surf Fishing Pole with Stainless Steel Line Guides for Catfish, Salmon Glass Fiber Spinning Rod

The Sougayilang Trolling Rod is designed for avid anglers seeking a robust fishing experience. Its two-section structure comes in four vibrant colours, allowing you to choose one that suits your style. Constructed from composite graphite and glass blanks, this rod offers exceptional strength and durability, making it ideal for saltwater trolling. The comfortable lengthened EVA handles help reduce fatigue during long fishing sessions, ensuring you can fish for hours without discomfort. Additionally, the sturdy graphite reel seat provides a secure fit, preventing loosening even in rough waters.

What We Like
Durable composite construction
Comfortable EVA handles
Available in multiple colours
Secure reel seat design
#TOP 7

Catfish Pro 7'6 Heavy Action Fishing Rod

Catfish Pro
TS76HC
Catfish Pro 7'6 Heavy Action Fishing Rod Cover
Catfish Pro Tournament Series Casting Fishing Rod 7'6 Heavy Action

The Catfish Pro Casting Rod is a robust 7'6" heavy action fishing rod designed for serious anglers. Its optimized S-Glass, E-Glass, and Carbon Graphite blank provides exceptional strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. The super grip premium handle ensures a firm and comfortable hold, making long fishing sessions more enjoyable. Additionally, the glow-in-the-dark tip is perfect for night fishing, helping you keep track of your line in low light conditions.

What We Like
Exceptional strength and sensitivity
Comfortable grip for long use
Glow-in-the-dark tip for night
Durable stainless steel guides
Handles large catfish easily
#TOP 8

Daiwa Exceler CF 3.30m Catfish Rod

11818-336
Black
3,30
Daiwa Exceler CF 3.30m Catfish Rod Cover
Daiwa Exceler CF Buoy 3.30 m 200-600 g Catfish Rod

The Daiwa Exceler Catfish Rod is designed for serious anglers who seek reliability and performance. With a length of 3.30 metres and a casting weight of 200-600 grams, it allows you to tackle heavy weights effortlessly. The semi-parabolic composite blanks ensure that you can break riplines and cast over long distances with ease. This rod's slightly softer backbone enhances the thrill of reeling in medium and smaller fish, making every catch enjoyable. Additionally, its durable components are built to withstand extreme stress, ensuring longevity during your fishing adventures.

What We Like
High casting weight range
Durable for heavy use
Great for long-distance casting
Enjoyable for medium fish
Reliable in strong currents
#TOP 9

Madcat 2.40 m Catfish Fishing Rod

DAM
51844
Green
Madcat 2.40 m Catfish Fishing Rod Cover
Madcat Cat Stick 2,40 m 150 – 300WG Catfish Fishing Rod

The Madcat Cat Fishing Rod is designed for serious anglers targeting large catfish. With a length of 2.40 m and a transport length of 127 cm, it offers excellent portability without compromising on performance. Weighing 568 g, this rod is lightweight yet robust, making it easy for you to handle during long fishing sessions. Its 150 – 300 g casting weight allows you to use heavy bait effortlessly, ensuring you can attract those big catches. The double wound ring bindings enhance durability, making it perfect for challenging conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
High casting weight capacity
Durable construction
Suitable for heavy bait fishing
#TOP 10

HANDING M1 Ultralight Fishing Rods

Handing
Black
Cast-7'-M-F
HANDING M1 Ultralight Fishing Rods Cover
HANDING M1 Fishing Rods, Fuji O+A Ring Guides, 2 Pcs Spinning and Casting Fishing Rods, 24 Ton and 9 Layers Carbon Fiber Blank Ultralight SFS and BFS Fishing Rod for Bass, Trout, Walleye, Catfish Etc.

The HANDING M1 Rods are designed for serious anglers, featuring exceptional durability thanks to their 9-layer, 24Ton carbon fibre blank, which allows you to tackle tough fishing environments confidently. You will appreciate the smooth casting enabled by the Fuji O+A guides, ensuring your throws are precise and efficient. The carbon fibre handle offers a lightweight feel, enhancing sensitivity so you won’t miss any subtle bites. Additionally, the customised carbon reel seat provides stability and control, making your fishing experience more enjoyable and effective.

What We Like
Exceptional durability
Smooth and accurate casting
Lightweight and sensitive handle
Customised reel seat for stability
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What weight rod should I use for catfish?

An 8-foot casting model handles 12 to 30 pound test and matches medium duty channel and blue cat situations. The medium-heavy action 7-foot spinning rod is a fine all-purpose catfish rod.

2. What makes a catfish rod?

Rods such as the Rippin Lips rods mentioned earlier have a little less rod bend and a little quicker backbone. The tip has enough give to turn a circle hook, and a fast enough tip to the backbone that you can get enough set on a catfish.

3. What line do you use for catfish?

Catfish aren't line-shy, so you can use light or heavy fishing line as situations dictate. High-strength, small-diameter monofilaments testing 15 to 25 pounds are good inexpensive choices for all-round use, but when hunting the big boys, you may have to upgrade to 30-, 40-, even 80-pound-test.

Editor's Notes

During our catfish fishing rod research, we found 84 catfish fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,717 customer reviews through our big data system to write the catfish fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose catfish fishing rods with an average price of £56.58.

The catfish fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of catfish fishing rods, including Black Cat, Penn, J-BARZILLAI, Sougayilang, Catfish Pro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,950 consumers with an average rating of 3.7.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.