Best Cork Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Cork fishing rods are a type of fishing rod that feature a cork handle. The cork handle provides a comfortable grip for the angler, helping to reduce fatigue during long fishing trips. These rods come in a range of sizes and strengths, making them suitable for a variety of fishing styles and environments. The cork material also helps to absorb shock and stabilise the rod, providing a more accurate and controlled cast. Overall, cork fishing rods are a reliable and popular choice for anglers of all levels.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CARP ON HOTROD 10ft Carp Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
CARP ON HOTROD 10ft Carp Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 3
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cork Fishing Rods

Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod

1216277
Black
2.13m | 5-15g
Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod Cover
Abu Garcia Devil Spinning, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Allround Fishing,Classic Lightweight Carbon Spin Fishing Rod With Cork Handle - Freshwater and Saltwater, Unisex, Black, 2.13m | 5-15g

The Abu Garcia Spinning Rod is crafted with a carbon composite blank, making it both light and resilient. This feature ensures that you can fish for extended periods without feeling fatigued. It also comes with TS quality guides, which are perfect for braided line use, providing smooth performance and reducing line tangles. The cork handle adds comfort and grip, making it easy to handle even in wet conditions. With excellent value for money, this rod is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Great for braided lines
Comfortable cork handle
Suitable for various waters
Excellent value for money

CARP ON HOTROD 10ft Carp Fishing Rod

Black
CARP ON HOTROD 10ft Carp Fishing Rod Cover
CARP ON - HOTROD 3m / 10ft Carp Fishing Rod - 2 Piece Part-Tele Full Cork Handle - High Grade Korean Carbon Blank - Ultra Light - Stalking Freelining & Margin Fishing (3.25 lbs Test Curve) [12-19325]

The CARP ON HOTROD Rod is a versatile 10ft part-telescopic fishing rod designed for carp fishing enthusiasts. It collapses to just 54 inches, making it highly transportable and easy to store, ideal for anglers on the go. Constructed from high-grade Korean carbon, this rod is ultra-light at only 330g, allowing for easy handling during long fishing sessions. With three test curves available, you can choose the perfect option to suit your fishing style, whether stalking, freelining, or margin fishing.

What We Like
Highly portable design
Lightweight construction
Multiple test curves available
Durable carbon material

Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod

MCRSP562L
Black
5'6" - Light - 2pc
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Graphite Composite Blank, Light Rod Power, Comfortable Full Cork Handle

The Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod is ideal for fishing with lighter lures and lines, ensuring an enjoyable experience for you. Its durable performance with a line rating of 4 - 8 lb provides reliability without breaking the bank. The graphite composite blank construction makes the rod lightweight, allowing for easy handling during your fishing trips. Additionally, with six stainless steel guides, this rod can withstand friction and rough treatment, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable construction
Comfortable full cork handle
Designed for lighter lures
Dependable performance and value
Stainless steel guides for longevity
#TOP 4

Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod

1632635
2.44m | 10-40g
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod Cover
Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Travel Spinning Rod, Lightweight Fishing Rod with 24T Carbon Blank, Cork Handle, Compact Design for Traveling Anglers, Freshwater & Saltwater Predator Fish, 2.44m 10-40g

The Abu Garcia Tormentor2 Rod is a perfect choice for travelling anglers, designed with a durable yet lightweight 24T carbon blank. This construction ensures excellent sensitivity while being easy to carry on your fishing trips. Its compact design features 3- or 4-piece blank construction, allowing you to transport it effortlessly without sacrificing performance. The rod's moderate-fast action offers optimized casting performance, giving you precision in casting and quick hooksets for various fishing techniques, from soft plastics to hard baits.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Compact for easy transport
Optimized casting performance
High-quality components
#TOP 5

Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod

BERKLEY
1531537
2.4m | 7-28g
Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod Cover
Berkley Cherrywood Spinning Rod, Lightweight with Cork Handle - Saltwater and Freshwater Spin Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Predator Fishing, Unisex, Red, 2.4m | 7-28g

The Berkley Cherrywood Rod features a lightweight and well-balanced rod blank, making it easy for you to handle while fishing. Its moderate-fast action allows for versatile use, whether you're targeting saltwater or freshwater species. With lightweight stainless steel guides, you can expect smooth line movement and improved casting distance. The cork handle grips provide comfort during long fishing sessions, ensuring you have a firm hold as you reel in your catch.

What We Like
Lightweight for easy handling
Versatile for saltwater and freshwater
Comfortable cork handle grips
Durable stainless steel guides
#TOP 6

Abu Garcia Tormentor Spinning Rod, 2.13m

1520997
Black
2.13m | 5-20g
Abu Garcia Tormentor Spinning Rod, 2.13m Cover
Abu Garcia Tormentor Spinning Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Slim Blank, Premium Cork Handle, All-Round Predator Fishing Rod, Unisex, Black, 2.13m | 5-20g

The Abu Garcia Tormentor Rod features a powerful 24T carbon construction, ensuring durability and strength for all your fishing adventures. Its slim blanks with semi-progressive action provide excellent sensitivity and responsiveness, allowing you to detect even the slightest bites. The quality LTS SIC guides enhance line flow and reduce friction, making your casting smoother and more efficient. Additionally, the premium grade cork handle offers comfort and a secure grip, ensuring you can fish for extended periods without discomfort.

What We Like
Durable carbon construction
Sensitive and responsive action
Smooth casting performance
Comfortable cork handle

Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod

BERKLEY
1531524
1.7m | 2-7g
Berkley Cherrywood Lightweight Spinning Rod Cover
Berkley Cherrywood Spinning Rod, Lightweight with Cork Handle - Saltwater and Freshwater Spin Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Predator Fishing, Unisex, red, 1.7m | 2-7g

The Berkley Cherrywood Rod is designed with a lightweight and well-balanced blank, making it ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Its medium action provides versatility, allowing you to adapt to various fishing techniques effortlessly. The lightweight stainless steel rings enhance durability and reduce wear, ensuring a smoother experience while casting. Additionally, the cork handle offers a comfortable grip, giving you better control during your fishing trips. With these features, you can enjoy a more enjoyable and successful fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and well balanced
Versatile medium action
Durable stainless steel rings
Comfortable cork handle

Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing

Mitchell
1446207
Black
1.80m| 2-12g
Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing Cover
Mitchell Epic Spinning, Spin Fishing Rod for Saltwater and Freshwater, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Trout Fishing, Trout, Unisex, Black, 1.80m| 2-12g

The Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod is specifically designed for trout anglers, ensuring every feature meets your needs when fishing in rivers, streams, and lakes. Its high-performance blank construction, made from 30T carbon, delivers exceptional sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the lightest bites. The enhanced reel seat and grip provide secure handling, ensuring comfort during long fishing sessions. Additionally, the elegant black and gold finish not only adds style but also makes this rod a stunning choice for your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Designed for trout anglers
High sensitivity and precision
Comfortable grip for long sessions
Stylish black and gold design
#TOP 9

FLADEN VANTAGE PREDATOR 9ft Fishing Rod

12-57270S
Green
FLADEN VANTAGE PREDATOR 9ft Fishing Rod Cover
FLADEN Fishing VANTAGE PREDATOR Spinning Carbon Stylish fishing Rod with Cork Handle and LTS Guides - 2 Piece - for Boat and Shore (2.7m / 9ft - 100g cw) [12-57270S]

The FLADEN VANTAGE Fishing Rod features high-quality green 24-tonne graphite blanks, ensuring both durability and style. The inclusion of LTS guides enhances casting performance, making it easier for you to achieve long distances. With a comfortable cork handle, this rod provides a secure grip, allowing you to fish for extended periods without discomfort. Designed for versatility, it excels in various fishing scenarios, from light pike fishing to float trolling, making it an ideal choice for any angler.

What We Like
Durable 24-tonne graphite construction
Comfortable cork handle
Versatile for different fishing styles
Excellent casting distance

Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod

ZF-CK1.8MZB-GREEN
Green- Spinning
6'0"/Medium/Fast
Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rods, Graphite Spinning Rods, Lightweight 2 Pieces Cork Handle Casting Rods-6'-Green Spinning Rod

The Sougayilang BRAVO II Rod is designed for anglers seeking an edge in fishing. Its 36-ton graphite blank construction offers excellent sensitivity for quick hook sets while ensuring durability. The premium cork handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to fish for longer periods without fatigue. Additionally, the lightweight design and perfectly spaced guides enhance distance casting and reduce friction, making your fishing experience more enjoyable and efficient.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Comfortable cork handle
Excellent sensitivity
Compact two-piece design
Friction-free line flow
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should I seal the cork on my fishing rod?

You could stop at this point, but I've found it helpful to take it a step further by applying cork sealant to prevent oil and debris from penetrating the cork's surface. This prolongs the life of a rod handle more than anything else.

2. What is cork rod?

A rod is a bar or a stick, like the curtain rods in your windows or the steel rods inside the structure of a building that help make it sturdy. A rod can be a staff, like a walking stick, or a metal bar used in construction projects.

Editor's Notes

During our cork fishing rod research, we found 101 cork fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,595 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cork fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose cork fishing rods with an average price of £37.83.

The cork fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cork fishing rods, including Abu Garcia, Carp On, SHAKESPEARE, BERKLEY, Mitchell. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 379 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.