Best Cod Fishing Rods of 2025

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Cod fishing is a popular pastime for anglers who enjoy the challenge of catching these elusive fish. To get the most out of your cod fishing experience, it's important to have the right equipment. Cod fishing rods are designed specifically for this type of fishing and are built to withstand the harsh conditions of the sea. These rods are made from high-quality materials and are designed to provide the angler with the strength and sensitivity needed to successfully catch cod. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, investing in a cod fishing rod is a wise choice that will help you make the most of your time on the water.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cod Fishing Rods
Shakespeare Saltwater Fishing Rod 2.1m
The Shakespeare Fishing Rod features powerful and sensitive composite blanks, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble while fishing. The saltwater resistant zirconia rings enhance durability, making this rod perfect for harsh marine conditions. Additionally, the DPS reel seat ensures a secure fit for your reel, giving you peace of mind while casting. With high-density EVA handles that are easy to clean, you can maintain a firm grip and comfort during long fishing sessions.
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod
The Power Cast Marine Rod features a multi modulus carbon and glass fibre construction for progressive casting, making it ideal for your fishing adventures. Its hi-viz spiral reflective tip enhances bite recognition during low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a catch. With two handle options, you can choose the grip that feels most comfortable for you, improving your control. This lightweight 12ft rod is designed for intermediate anglers, providing excellent casting capabilities for various shore species.
Mitchell Tanager SW Boat Rod for Saltwater Fishing
The Mitchell Tanager SW Rod is specifically designed for boat fishing, offering solid yet sensitive performance that helps you succeed on the water. With good quality carbon graphite blanks, you can feel every bite while having the strength to play larger fish. The saltwater-resistant stainless steel guides ensure durability, making this rod perfect for the rigours of sea fishing. High-density EVA handles provide a secure and comfortable grip, even in challenging weather or during long fishing sessions.
Mitchell Tanager SW Jig Fishing Rod
The Mitchell Tanager SW Jig is expertly designed for jigging from boats, making it an ideal choice for both charters and personal vessels. Its quality carbon graphite blanks enhance sensitivity, allowing you to feel every bite while providing the strength needed to handle larger saltwater species. The saltwater-resistant stainless steel guides ensure durability in tough conditions. Additionally, the high-density EVA handles offer a secure grip, making it comfortable for extended fishing sessions, even in inclement weather.
Ugly Stik Bigwater Versatile Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start their fishing journey. With its impressive power and durability, this rod is designed to handle tough species, ensuring you can fish with confidence. The Ugly Tuff guides and full EVA grips provide comfort and reliability, making your fishing experience much more enjoyable. Additionally, the unique Ugly Tech construction enhances the rod's resilience, so you can tackle both fresh and saltwater fishing without worry.
Power Cast Marine Cast Surf Rod
The Marine Cast Surf Rod is expertly designed for fishing from piers and rocky areas, giving you the strength needed to pull in large catches like mackerel and cod. Its unique glass fibre and carbon blend makes the rod lightweight and easy to handle while providing impressive casting distance. With a sturdy 304 stainless frame and saltwater-resistant features, you'll find it both durable and comfortable during long fishing sessions. The eye-catching design ensures you’ll stand out while enjoying superior casting power.
PENN Prevail III LE 212 Boat Fishing Rod
The PENN Prevail III Rod is designed to deliver exceptional strength and versatility for sea fishing. Its unique dura-guides enhance durability, ensuring it remains intact even in harsh saltwater environments. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-clean x-shrink tube grip, providing excellent handling, especially in cold and wet conditions. Additionally, the sturdy graphite reel seat keeps your reel secure, giving you confidence while fishing. With three weight classes available, this rod offers impressive power reserves for catching bass, cod, pollack, and more.
PENN Squadron III SW Spin Fishing Rod
The PENN Squadron III Rod is designed with high modulus 24T carbon blanks, ensuring a lightweight yet strong construction for your fishing needs. Its SW Proof components make it suitable for sea fishing, giving you confidence against the elements. The slim design does not compromise on power, allowing you to handle larger catches like seabass, cod, and pollock with ease. Additionally, the ergonomic high-density EVA handles provide comfort and are easy to clean, giving you a more enjoyable fishing experience.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 All-Round Fishing Rod
The Shakespeare GX2 Fishing Rod is designed for versatile use in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. With a length of 2.31m and a two-section design, it is easy to transport and handle. The Ugly Tech Blank construction combines strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bite. Its lightweight graphite reel seat offers comfort during long fishing sessions, while the famous Clear Tip enhances your ability to detect subtle movements. This rod is perfect for catching a variety of fish, including cod and bass.
PENN Squadron III Travel Saltwater Spinning Rod
The PENN Squadron III Rod is designed for saltwater spinning, featuring high modulus, 24T carbon, four-piece blanks that provide an excellent balance of sensitivity and strength. Its saltwater-resistant components ensure durability in tough conditions, while the ergonomically shaped, high-density EVA handle grips offer a secure hold. With a handle length similar to regular Penn boat rods, this travel rod can easily fit into your suitcase, making it perfect for casting lures and spinners while on holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What kind of rod do you use for cod fishing?
The rod should be 6'6″-7'6″ with a fast to extra-fast action. We prefer a rod that has a little more beef to the rod to handle big diamond jigs and large sinkers up to 20oz. The reel should have at least a 5:1 ratio.
2. What do you use for cod fishing?
Cod have large mouths, so hook size may vary, but the bait need not be large—a good sized ocean clam will do for almost any size cod. Other good baits include strip baits of squid, fish, crabs, sand eels, and capelin.
3. What is the best bait for cod fishing?
Best baits are lugworms, squid and peeler crabs, although other baits catch codling in some regions but are not so effective countrywide. 'A large bait for a big fish' holds true for cod because it helps prevent small nuisance fish taking your offering.
4. What kind of rod do you use for Murray Cod?
Although these fish can be caught on lighter gear, using rated equipment large enough for when that superior fish strikes is recommended. A 6-10kg spin or baitcasting rod, with a reel that acquires approximately 7kg of drag pressure to pull these belligerent fish to a standstill, will be more than sufficient.
During our cod fishing rod research, we found 77 cod fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,530 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cod fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose cod fishing rods with an average price of £69.80.
The cod fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cod fishing rods, including SHAKESPEARE, Power Cast, Mitchell, Ugly Stik, Penn. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 401 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

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.