Best Saltwater Fishing Rods of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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For those who love to fish in the sea, a good saltwater fishing rod is essential. These rods are specifically designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean while providing a reliable and sturdy platform for reeling in big catches. They come in a variety of sizes, lengths and actions to suit different types of fish and fishing techniques. With high-quality materials and construction, these rods are built to last and provide a great fishing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing Cover #TOP 1
Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 2
Abu Garcia Lightweight Carbon Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 3
Power Cast Marine 12ft Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Saltwater Fishing Rods

#TOP 1

Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod for Trout Fishing

Mitchell
1446208
Black
2.10m| 5-15g
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, 2.10m| 5-15g

The Mitchell Epic Spinning Rod is specifically designed for trout anglers, ensuring that every feature meets your needs while fishing in rivers, streams, and lakes. Its high-performance 30T carbon blank construction provides exceptional sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. The enhanced reel seat and grip offer secure and comfortable handling, perfect for long fishing sessions. Plus, the elegant black and gold finish not only enhances its performance but also makes you look stylish on the water.

What We Like
Designed for trout fishing
Excellent sensitivity and precision
Comfortable grip for long sessions
Stylish and elegant design

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

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

Mitchell Adventure II Surf Fishing Rod

Mitchell
1558856
Black / Blue
3.9m | 80-150g
Mitchell Adventure II Surf Fishing Rod Cover
Mitchell Adventure II Tele Surf Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Allround Fishing, Durable and Strong Glass Composite Surf Fishing Rods, Saltwater Proof, Unisex, Black/Blue, 3.9m | 80-150g

The Mitchell Adventure II Rod is an excellent choice for beginner and junior surf anglers. Its two-piece glass composite construction ensures durability, allowing you to handle powerful casts and fight tough saltwater fish with confidence. The stainless steel guides are saltwater proof, minimising rust and corrosion while providing smoother casts. Additionally, the comfortable EVA handle grips give you better control when reeling in your catch, making your fishing experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable glass composite construction
Saltwater-proof stainless steel guides
Comfortable EVA handle grips
Ideal for beginners and juniors
Affordable entry-level option

PENN Squadron III Travel Saltwater Spinning Rod

1558375
2.40m | 15-40g
PENN Squadron III Travel Saltwater Spinning Rod Cover
PENN Squadron III Travel Saltwater Spin Spinning Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea - Inshore/Nearshore Fishing, Great Cod, Pollack, Bass and More Unisex, Red, 2.40m | 15-40g

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.

What We Like
High sensitivity and backbone
Durable saltwater-resistant components
Portable four-piece design
Ergonomic handle for comfort
#TOP 6

Mitchell Tanager SW Boat Rod for Saltwater Fishing

Mitchell
1562080
Silver / Black
1.8m | 60-120g
Mitchell Tanager SW Boat Rod for Saltwater Fishing Cover
Mitchell Tanager SW Boat Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Boat Fishing, Great for Cod, Ling, Halibut and Other Saltwater Fish, Unisex, Silver / Black, 1.8m | 60-120g

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.

What We Like
Great for various saltwater fish
Sensitive yet strong construction
Comfortable grip in all conditions
Durable stainless steel guides
#TOP 7

Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod 2.4m

1580517
Assorted
2.4m | 15-40g
Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod 2.4m 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, 2.4m | 15-40g

The Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod is an excellent choice for those seeking their first fishing rod. Designed for both fresh and saltwater fishing, it boasts impressive durability and performance at an affordable price. The high-quality Ugly Tuff guides and full EVA grips ensure comfort and ease during use. Additionally, the innovative Ugly Tech construction provides remarkable strength and resilience, making it suitable for tackling tougher species. This rod is crafted by expert anglers, guaranteeing reliability on your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Durable and reliable materials
Comfortable EVA grips
Unbreakable design
Wide range of choices
Great value for money

Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Carp Fishing Rod

Black
Sougayilang Carbon Fiber Carp Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Carp Fishing Rod, Carbon Fiber Casting Rod, Portable 4/5 Section Fishing Rods with EVA Handle Comfortable for Saltwater Carp or Freshwater Carp Rods-4

The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight yet robust fishing experience. Made from carbon fibre, this rod offers exceptional strength, ensuring it withstands even the toughest battles with large fish. The high-quality ceramic guide rings provide smooth, long casts and enhance sensitivity, allowing you to feel every nibble. Its ergonomic EVA handle is non-slip and anti-perspirant, ensuring comfort during extended fishing sessions. Additionally, the portable 5-section design makes it easy to transport, fitting conveniently in your car or backpack.

What We Like
Ultralight and strong design
Smooth, durable casting guides
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Portable and easy to transport
#TOP 9

Mitchell Adventure II Durable Boat Fishing Rod

Mitchell
1558857
Black/Purple
2.1m | 100-250g
Mitchell Adventure II Durable Boat Fishing Rod Cover
Mitchell Adventure II Boat Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Sea - Boat Fishing, Durable Glass Composite Boat and Kayak Fishing Rod, Saltwater Proof, Unisex, Black/Purple, 2.1m | 100-250g

The Mitchell Adventure II Rod is an excellent choice for beginner and junior boat anglers. Its two-piece glass composite construction ensures strength and durability, allowing you to tackle powerful casts and challenging saltwater fish without worry. The stainless steel guides are designed to resist rust and corrosion, enhancing the rod's longevity and performance. With a soft EVA handle grip, you will enjoy a comfortable and secure hold while reeling in your catch. This rod offers great value and can be easily paired with other Mitchell fishing gear for an all-inclusive fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable and affordable
Saltwater resistant materials
Comfortable EVA handle grip
Ideal for beginners
Versatile fishing kit options
#TOP 10

Shakespeare Saltwater Fishing Rod 2.1m

1544314
White/Blue
2.1m | 20-30g
Shakespeare Saltwater Fishing Rod 2.1m Cover
Shakespeare SALT Boat Rod, Fishing Rod, Spinning Rods, Boat Fishing, Saltwater Fishing Rod for Bass, Pollack, Cod, Conger, Mackerel, Unisex, White/Blue, 2.1m | 20-30g

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.

What We Like
Powerful composite blanks
Durable zirconia rings
Secure DPS reel seat
Easy-to-clean EVA handles
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of rod do you use for saltwater fishing?

Deep-Sea Fishing In general, you can get by with a 6 to 7-foot medium-action offshore fishing rod with a heavy baitcaster reel and 20-pound test monofilament line. If you're going for deep-sea bottom fishing, however, you'll need 50-pound line.

2. Can you use any rod for saltwater fishing?

Light tackle saltwater rods can be used in freshwater, but you would not want to use a freshwater rod in a saltwater environment because freshwater rods and fishing gear may not be made with the corrosion-resistant guides or components that saltwater rods are.

3. Are saltwater and freshwater rods the same?

Conclusion. The main difference between freshwater and saltwater rods is that rods made for saltwater are made of corrosion-resistant materials. Yes, you can use saltwater rods for freshwater and vice versa, but just make sure to rinse and dry your rods off after every trip (especially saltwater trips).

Editor's Notes

During our saltwater fishing rod research, we found 214 saltwater fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,802 customer reviews through our big data system to write the saltwater fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose saltwater fishing rods with an average price of £32.15.

The saltwater fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of saltwater fishing rods, including Mitchell, Abu Garcia, Power Cast, Penn, Ugly Stik.

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.