Best Graphite Fishing Rods of 2025

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Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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Graphite fishing rods are a popular choice among anglers due to their lightweight yet durable construction. Made from a composite material of graphite and resin, these rods offer excellent sensitivity and responsiveness, allowing anglers to feel even the slightest bite. The graphite material also provides strength and flexibility, making it less likely to break during casting or fighting a fish. With a variety of lengths and actions available, graphite fishing rods can be tailored to suit different fishing styles and species. Overall, they are a reliable and versatile option for any angler looking to upgrade their gear.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Light Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
Sougayilang BRAVO II Lightweight Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 3
Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Graphite Fishing Rods

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

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

Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod

1264735
Black
2.10m
Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod Cover
Ugly Stik Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod - Multi-Use Rods for Lure or Bait Fishing From Shore, Boat, Kayak - Mackerel, Bass, Wrasse, Pollack

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod is a versatile fishing tool, measuring 7ft and composed of durable graphite and fibreglass. This construction ensures a lightweight feel while maintaining strength, allowing you to fish comfortably for longer periods. Featuring a graphite reel seat fitting, it provides a secure attachment for your reel, enhancing your fishing experience. The newly designed guides offer maximum durability, meaning less worry about wear and tear, letting you focus on catching mackerel, bass, wrasse, or pollack.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Secure reel attachment
Newly designed durable guides
Versatile for various fishing styles

2X Carp Stalker Rod and Reel Setup

Black
2X Carp Stalker Rod and Reel Setup Cover
2X Carp Stalker Rod Master Fibreglass 8ft/ 2.4m 2.5lb 2pc | 2x Reel 2BB 10lb Line Graphite Spool Carp Fishing Setup

The 2X Carp Setup is designed for effective carp fishing using stalking tactics. The 8ft fibreglass rod offers a 2.5lb test curve, making it ideal for catching carp off the surface. It comes with two 2BB 'carp runner' reels, which are spooled with 8lb line, ensuring you have the strength needed for your catch. The S-Curve Oscillation System provides smooth retrieval, enhancing your fishing experience. With a graphite spool, this setup is lightweight yet durable, making it a convenient choice for anglers.

What We Like
Lightweight fibreglass construction
Smooth retrieval system
Strong 8lb line included
Inter-changeable handle feature
Ideal for stalking carp
#TOP 5

Sougayilang 7'0" Graphite Spinning Rod

TYZZB210
Black
7'0"
Sougayilang 7'0" Graphite Spinning Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rod, 2-Piece Graphite Composite Blank Spinning Rod with EVA Grip, Smooth Transition Fishing Pole- 7'0"

The Sougayilang Spinning Rod is crafted from high-quality carbon material, making it both featherweight and durable. This means you can fish for hours without feeling fatigued. Its unique water transfer printing design adds a stylish touch, enhancing your overall fishing experience. You will also appreciate the comfortable high-density EVA handle, which offers a secure grip to maximise control while casting and reeling in. Additionally, the stainless steel and ceramic guides reduce friction, ensuring smooth casting and protecting your fishing line.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Stylish water transfer design
Comfortable non-slip grip
Smooth casting performance
Convenient to carry
#TOP 6

PENN Wrath II Surfcasting Rod for Sea Fishing

1581623
Assorted
4.50m | 250g
PENN Wrath II Surfcasting Rod for Sea Fishing Cover
PENN Wrath II Surfcasting Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea Fishing, Great Sea Fishing Rod for Beachcasting and Surfcasting, Great Value for Money, Unisex, Assorted, 4.50m | 250g

The PENN Wrath II Rod is an excellent choice for sea anglers seeking high performance without breaking the bank. Its lightweight and strong graphite blank enhances your casting experience, making it easier to handle during long fishing sessions. With durable titanium oxide guides, you enjoy smooth casting and increased durability. The strong blank and anti-slip casting grip ensure that you can cast accurately, while the sensitive tip allows you to detect even the faintest bites, giving you confidence when fishing at distance.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong design
Smooth casting performance
Accurate and long casting
Sensitive tip for bite detection

PENN Prevail III LE 212 Boat Fishing Rod

1589205
Assorted
2.10m | 30-50lb
PENN Prevail III LE 212 Boat Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Prevail III LE 212 Boat Rod,Spincasting rods, Sea Fishing Rods, Long-Lasting Durability, Perfect for Boat Fishing for Bass, Cod, Pollack, and More Unisex, Assorted, 2.10m | 30-50lb

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.

What We Like
Durable in saltwater
Excellent grip in wet conditions
Secure reel seat
Versatile weight options
#TOP 8

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 5ft Fishing Rod

641-1404571
Black
1.52m| 12-20lb
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 5ft Fishing Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Kayak 12/20lb Rod - (2pc) - Black, 5ft

The Shakespeare GX2 Fishing Rod is a versatile 5ft, two-piece rod designed for line classes of 12-20lb, making it ideal for offshore fishing. Its Ugly Tuff guides provide superior durability, ensuring smooth line flow and reducing the risk of breakage. The Ugly Stik blank technology enhances sensitivity, allowing you to detect even the slightest nibble. Additionally, the lightweight graphite reel seat offers comfort during long fishing sessions, enabling you to fish with ease and convenience.

What We Like
Durable Ugly Tuff guides
Sensitive Ugly Stik technology
Lightweight and comfortable design
Versatile line class range
#TOP 9

Westlake Traxis 11ft Carp Fishing Rod

Black
Westlake Traxis 11ft Carp Fishing Rod Cover
Westlake Traxis 2 Piece Carp Fishing Rod (11ft) with Lined Guides, Folding Hook Keeper Ring, and Graphite Screw Reel Seat - Feeder, Ideal for Modern Commercial Fishing - Rod

The Westlake Traxis Carp Rod is designed for modern commercial fishing, featuring high-quality lined guides that enhance your casting accuracy and reduce line friction. Its quality graphite screw reel seat ensures a secure fit for your reel, providing stability during use. The folding hook keeper ring offers great convenience, allowing you to keep your hooks neatly stored when not in use. With its two-piece design, this 11ft rod is easy to transport and store, making it an ideal choice for anglers on the go.

What We Like
High-quality lined guides
Secure graphite reel seat
Convenient folding hook keeper
Easy to transport
Ideal for commercial fishing
#TOP 10

FLADEN FESTIVAL 2.1m Spinning Fishing Rod for Kids

Pink
FLADEN FESTIVAL 2.1m Spinning Fishing Rod for Kids Cover
FLADEN FESTIVAL 2.1m / 7ft (2 Piece) Spinning 10g to 30g Fishing Rod - Ideal for Kids - Sea and Freshwater (Pink) [12-8470P]

The FLADEN FESTIVAL Fishing Rod is an excellent choice for young anglers looking to explore the joys of fishing. At 2.1m in length, it is perfectly sized for children, making it easier for them to handle and cast. The bright pink colour is not only appealing but also helps in spotting the rod during fishing trips. Weighing just 210g, it is lightweight, ensuring that kids can fish for long periods without fatigue. Its strong foam handle and durable construction provide a comfortable grip and reliable performance, allowing you to catch both small and large fish with ease.

What We Like
Ideal for young anglers
Lightweight and easy to handle
Bright colour for visibility
Durable and strong construction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are graphite fishing rods any good?

Graphite is considered by many to be the superior version of fiberglass, but while graphite can withstand more intense conditions than fiberglass and may be more appropriate for catching larger fish, one can't replace the other. Graphite is best for experienced anglers who don't mind the fast action of a graphite rod.

2. Do graphite fishing rods break easily?

When graphite rods came out, they broke fairly easily. I was always on a quest for a stick that would not break trying to pump up a large grouper with 50-pound line,” Nielsen says. “Rods tended to break when anglers were fighting fish straight up and down: It's all about the angle.”

3. What are graphite rods used for?

JC3 graphite rods are mainly used in heat treating and electrochemical applications. They are also used to support beams or hearth rails to allow for thermal expansion. More uses include fixtures or support posts, stir sticks, electrodes, and other reaction purposes.

4. What is the strongest material for fishing rods?

At the other end of the spectrum, graphite rods tend to be the most expensive choice on the market today. They are the most sensitive and the most powerful when it comes to lifting weight. They also have the fastest action. That's because, with graphite rods, only the rod-tip to the first-third of the rod flexes.

Editor's Notes

During our graphite fishing rod research, we found 161 graphite fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,233 customer reviews through our big data system to write the graphite fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose graphite fishing rods with an average price of £47.83.

The graphite fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of graphite fishing rods, including SHAKESPEARE, Sougayilang, Ugly Stik, DNA Leisure, Penn.

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.