Best Mackerel Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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For those who enjoy the thrill of fishing, mackerel is a popular catch due to its abundance and flavour. Mackerel fishing rods are designed specifically for catching this type of fish, featuring a lightweight and flexible design that allows for easy casting and reeling. These rods are ideal for both novice and experienced anglers, offering the perfect combination of sensitivity and strength to reel in your catch. With a variety of models and brands available, there is a mackerel fishing rod to suit every budget and level of expertise.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 1
Ugly Stik GX2 7ft Multi-Use Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ugly Stik GX2 6ft Spinning Rod for Fishing Cover #TOP 3
Ugly Stik GX2 6ft Spinning Rod for Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Mackerel Fishing Rods

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

Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod

Black/Purple/Green
3pieces
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod Cover
MARINE saltwater rod - Surf, Sea, Beach, Pier and Rock fishing for bass, ray, tope, cod, Mackerel (3pieces)

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Hi-viz tip for bite detection
Two comfortable handle options
Suitable for various shore species
Progressive casting action
#TOP 3

Ugly Stik GX2 6ft Spinning Rod for Fishing

USSP602L
Black
1.80m
Ugly Stik GX2 6ft Spinning Rod for Fishing 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, Black, 1.80 m

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod is a versatile 6ft fishing rod designed for lure or bait fishing from various settings, including shore, boat, or kayak. Its construction of graphite and fibreglass offers a balance of strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. The graphite reel seat fitting ensures a secure attachment for your reel, enhancing your fishing experience. Additionally, the newly designed guides provide maximum durability, making this rod a reliable choice for targeting species such as mackerel, bass, and wrasse.

What We Like
Versatile for different fishing styles
Lightweight and durable materials
Secure reel attachment
Designed for maximum durability
#TOP 4

Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod for Sea Fishing

1580518
Assorted
2.7m | 15-60g
Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod for Sea Fishing Cover
Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod, Fishing Rod, Sea Fishing, Versatile Spinning Rod and Boat Rod Range, Fresh and Saltwater, Unbreakable Design, Mackerel, Bass, Pollack, Wrasse, Assorted, 2.7m | 15-60g

The Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod is perfect for those seeking a reliable and powerful fishing experience. With its durable construction featuring Ugly Tuff guides and full EVA grips, you can fish with confidence. The unique Ugly Tech construction ensures that the rod can withstand tough species, making it an ideal choice for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Designed by expert anglers, this rod offers great value for money, ensuring you can tackle your fishing challenges effectively.

What We Like
Durable and reliable construction
Versatile for fresh and saltwater
Designed by expert anglers
Offers great value for money

Shakespeare SALT Boat Spinning Rod 1.8m

1544311
White/Blue
1.8m | 12-20g
Shakespeare SALT Boat Spinning Rod 1.8m Cover
Shakespeare SALT Boat Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Boat Fishing, Saltwater Fishing Rod for Bass, Pollack, Cod, Conger, Mackerel, Unisex, White/Blue, 1.8m | 12-20g

The Shakespeare SALT Boat Rod is designed for saltwater fishing, offering powerful and sensitive composite blanks that enhance your fishing experience. The saltwater resistant zirconia rings ensure durability, allowing you to tackle tough conditions without worry. Its DPS reel seat provides a secure and comfortable fit for your reel, making it easy to use for extended periods. The high-density EVA handles are not only easy to clean but also provide excellent grip, giving you the confidence needed when reeling in your catch.

What We Like
Powerful composite blanks
Durable zirconia rings
Comfortable EVA handles
Secure reel seat

Power Cast Marine Cast Surf Rod

White
4 pieces
Power Cast Marine Cast Surf Rod Cover
Marine cast lightweight, eye catching design, long casting, extra heavy action beach, pier, surf rod for mackerel, bass, cod, tope, ray (4 pieces)

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.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Durable saltwater-resistant materials
Impressive casting distance
Comfortable grip for long use
Eye-catching design
#TOP 7

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 All-Round Fishing Rod

1308987
Black
2.31m| 30-50lb
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 All-Round Fishing Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Boat Fishing Rod - Boat or Kayak All-Round Lure and Bait Rod for Saltwater or Freshwater - Cod, Bass, Mackerel, Pollack, Wrasse

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.

What We Like
Versatile for saltwater and freshwater
Lightweight and easy to handle
Sensitive Clear Tip for bites
Durable Ugly Tech construction
#TOP 8

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 9ft Fishing Rod

USSP902M
Black
2.70m
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 9ft Fishing Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod - Multi-Use Rods for Lure or Bait Fishing From Shore, Boat, Kayak - Mackerel, Bass, Wrasse, Pollack, Black, 2.70m

The Ugly Stik GX2 Rod is a versatile 9ft fishing rod designed for both lure and bait fishing. Its two-section design makes it easy to transport, while the combination of graphite and fibreglass construction ensures durability and strength for various fishing conditions. You'll appreciate the graphite reel seat fitting, which provides a secure and lightweight attachment for your reel. Additionally, the newly designed guides enhance durability, allowing you to enjoy a more reliable fishing experience without worrying about wear and tear.

What We Like
Durable construction
Lightweight and easy to transport
Secure reel fitting
Suitable for various fishing styles
Enhanced guide durability
#TOP 9

PENN Regiment III Boat Braid Fishing Rod

1544365
Black / Red
2.50m
PENN Regiment III Boat Braid Fishing Rod Cover
PENN Regiment III Boat Braid , Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea Boat Fishing, Boat Braid Fishing Rod - Wreck, Charter or Reef Fishing - Cod, Conger, Bass, Pollack, Mackerel, Unisex, Black / Red, 2.50m

The PENN Regiment III Rod features a high modulus 30T carbon blank, ensuring that it is both lightweight and strong, giving you confidence when fishing. Its SLS3 blank construction enhances sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. With SW Solid SeaGuide Rings, this rod promises excellent line flow, reducing friction and increasing casting distance. The high-density ergonomic EVA handles provide comfort during long fishing sessions, enabling you to maintain a firm grip with ease.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong construction
Enhanced sensitivity for bites
Excellent line flow
Comfortable ergonomic handles
#TOP 10

PENN Squadron II Saltwater Spinning Rod for Sea Fishing

1436231
Black/Red/White
2.40m| 50-100g
PENN Squadron II Saltwater Spinning Rod for Sea Fishing Cover
PENN Squadron II Saltwater Spinning Rod - Sea Fishing Lure and Spin Fishing - Inshore for Rock, Pier, Kayak - Bass, Cod, Mackerel, Pollack, Wrasse

The PENN Squadron II Rod is designed for inshore fishing, making it ideal for targeting species like bass, cod, and mackerel. Weighing 304 grams, it offers a comfortable handling experience during long fishing sessions. With a power range of 50-100 grams, this rod provides the strength needed to tackle larger fish effectively. Its 240 cm length ensures excellent casting distance, allowing you to reach those prime fishing spots with ease. Additionally, the transport length of 120 cm makes it convenient to carry and store.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Strong power range
Good casting distance
Portable transport length
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of rod do I need for mackerel fishing?

There is no need for finesse or complicated rigs when fishing for mackerel. Nor is there any need for any specific rods and reels. For the best sport, choose a light spinning rod or lure rod and match it up with a small fixed spool reel. Use 15 lb monofilament line or better still 15 lb braid.

2. How do you catch mackerel on a rod?

You can often catch them by just dropping the line into the sea below you and simply slowly raising and lowering your rod. Mackerel tend to not be at the bottom on the sea bed so let it drop to the bottom and then move it around half way up and then start raising and lowering your rod.

3. What is the best bait for mackerel fishing?

The best bait for catching mackerel is either a sandeel or strip of mackerel, but lures are also highly effective. I recommend the spinners listed on this page alongside Japanese Sabiki feathers for more hook ups. Fishing with baited mackerel feathers allows you to catch mackerel as well as other species.

4. What size hooks for mackerel?

What size hooks should I use for mackerel? The most often used hook for mackerel is a size 1O, however many anglers consider this to be an excessively big size. Sabiki feathers, a Japanese alternative to typically large mackerel feathers, are considerably superior to the traditional sized mackerel feathers.

Editor's Notes

During our mackerel fishing rod research, we found 86 mackerel fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 23,484 customer reviews through our big data system to write the mackerel fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose mackerel fishing rods with an average price of £56.47.

The mackerel fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of mackerel fishing rods, including Ugly Stik, Power Cast, SHAKESPEARE, 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.