Best Fishing Rod Brands in 2023 [Which One is Your Favorite?]

As an angler, you know the importance of a good fishing rod. Choosing the best one can really make your fishing experience a lot better.

It is always a good time to invest in an excellent new rod, and I personally love doing research, trying out new things, and getting something that will help me on the water.

Best fishing rod brands use quality materials, their manufacturing process is great, and the rods can perform excellent. Among the best brands are definitely Shimano, Ugly Stik, St.Croix, Penn, Daiwa, Okuma, Orvis, Abu Garcia, and some other brands that may not be as popular, but are also good. Of course, the price range of these varies a lot.

Which one you will choose depends on what you need it for. You can choose among different rod types and uses.

Paying attention to some specific details will help you determine the rod quality, and you must understand important rod features too.

Here I will tell you more about the best fishing rod brands, and hopefully one of those will be the right one for you!

How to Choose the Best Fishing Rod [Brand] in 2023?

There are many brands of rods that are considered best fishing rod brands.

The one you will choose depends on your needs. Some brands make excellent rods for fly fishing, while other make the best for spinning, jigging, trolling or for freshwater fishing. First of all, you must know what you need this rod for. Based on that, you will decide which type of rod to buy.

If you are fishing newbie you can also read this article about difference between fly fishing rod vs regular rod.

Of course, important rod features are type, materials used, length, action, power, line guides, reel seat, handle, connection points if the rod is multi-piece, and of course “the feeling”. Some rods will feel like they are made for you.

But, how to choose a brand?

When thinking about the brand consider the following:

Availability – some brands are excellent but may not be popular in your area. This means that you will have a hard time finding a shop that sells them, has spare parts available, and of course a repair shop in case that your rod gets damaged. Choose a brand that is widely present on your local market.

Rod use – some brands make all kinds of rod types, while others are specialized for some fishing techniques like fly fishing. Depending on the targeted fish species and fishing techniques you plan to do, choose brands that have rods just for that. Are you going bass fishing with crankbaits? Then you need a suitable rod, and you will not be shopping for Orvis that makes fly fishing gear.

Price – we all want the best gear, but sometimes that is out of the acceptable price range. Of course, locally made rods may cost a fortune, so you should turn to brands that mass produce their equipment. You will not loose on quality, because those are also excellent.

Which Fishing Rod Brands are Best in 2023? [My Opinion]

As already explained, various brands can be considered the best, depending on the rod types they make.

After some research and decades of experience, I chose the TOP three (3) in various categories. Here is my list:

Best Fishing Rod Brands for Saltwater [TOP 3]

The best fishing rod brands for saltwater have a few things in common. They all make rods that can withstand rough use and will not corrode even if you frequently use the. Of course, cleaning your rod (and reel of course) is important after every saltwater fishing trip.

OKUMA

Saltwater use will really put your rod to the test, and only the best brand make them reliable enough. Okuma may be the one that costs a bit much, but it is worth it. Their rods come with a warranty, so that you can rest assure that the rod will serve you well for a long time. Only the best materials are used in manufacturing. You can consider various models like PCH trolling rod or Altera EGI telescopic rod.

PENN

Penn is probably one of the most popular rod manufacturers in the world. Whether you are fishing from a boat or shore, there are models for you. Battalion II is a great model for surf fishing, or maybe Carnage or Rampage models for jigging. No matter what you need, Penn has a model for you.

SHIMANO

Shimano is well known for quality made rods, and reels too. So why not using both for some large saltwater fish!

Shimano is also one of the worlds leaders in developing new technologies and constant improvement when it comes to fishing gear. Their rods are strong, light, and extremely dependable. Terez models are great casting option, while Talavera models are excellent for offshore and deep water.

Best Fishing Rod Brands for Freshwater [TOP 3]

The best fishing rod brands for freshwater are also quality made, although a bit different from those for saltwater. When it comes to the brands, here are my favorite:

DAIWA

Daiwa makes some excellent rods, and I really like their freshwater models. This brand offers everything, and in all price ranges. If you like light spinning rods that are affordable, think about Spinmatic D model while Accudepth is a great trolling model. Of course, you may need another rod type, so check out Daiwa website!

UGLY STIK

Ugly Stik is one of the best price-performance options in the world. The GX2 model is one of the most popular spinning rods that will not cost you a fortune! These rods are light, sensitive, dependable, and extremely enjoyable to use.

If you are a fan of ice fishing, make sure to check out their Elite Ice Spinning rod!

ABU GARCIA

Abu Garcia, same as any other reputable manufacturer, has many models to offer. There is a great selection of spinning and casting rods, in various price ranges. Among the best models are definitely Vendetta Casting rod which is on a cheaper side, and Fantasista X casting rod, which will cost you a bit more.

Best Japanese Fishing Rod Brands [TOP 3]

Japan is well known for new technological solutions and precise craftmanship. The best Japanese fishing rod brands will amaze you.

Some of those were mentioned before, but I think that is quite expected for the best brands in the world. Those are of course DAIWA and SHIMANO, but here I will mention some of the local brands that may not be as popular, but they are in the same category.

RAID JAPAN

Raid Japan is a Japanese brand that manufactures mostly bass fishing rods. There are two main series of rods, and both perform excellent. Besides that, these rods are very beautiful too. There are various options, from ultra-light to heavy.

Some of their most popular models are Gladiator Maximum MAXX and the model Bishop from the same series.

JACKALL

You may have seen their lures in various shops, but this company also makes some excellent rods! These rods are well known for their incredible balance and sensitivity. If that is the feature you are looking for, maybe you should invest in one of those.

Revoltage series from Jackall offers some of the best rods.

MEGABASS

Japanese manufacturers make all kinds of rods, but many of them focus on bass fishing. Megabass is becoming more and more popular around the world due to their high-quality rods. These rods are sold outside of Japan too, and you can find them around Asia, UK, and the USA.

If you are an experienced and serious angler who participates in tournaments, these rods could be for you. Even if you are a beginner with a good budget for equipment, you should check out these rods. Models like Destroyer P5 (spinning) and Levante (casting) are truly excellent.

Best American Fishing Rod Brands [TOP 3]

Buying rods that were designed or even made locally is excellent. You are supporting local economy, and you can rest assure that the product is an excellent quality. The best American fishing rod brands are the following (you can also check which fishing reels are made in the USA):

ST. CROIX

Some of you will say that a part of their production happens out of state, but the design and testing is definitely local. And of course, some high-end components, as well as the rods, are also from the USA.

St. Croix offers a selection of rods for various uses, like freshwater, saltwater, and ice fishing. All of those are great, but I have to mention two of their models, and those are Legend X casting rods and Avid series spinning rods.

LAMSON

Lamson is an excellent manufacturer of fly-rods. These rods are not easy to make, and Lamson is a company that is extremely reliable. In my opinion, these fly rods are also the best in the price-performance category. They do not have a wide selection like some larger companies that make various rod types. Velocity model is great, and you can’t go wrong with it.

LAMIGLAS

This US company (Lamiglas) offers a selection of saltwater, freshwater, and fly rods. Long tradition in manufacturing made them one of the best brands, and you can rest assured that Lamiglas rods will fulfill your expectations.

This brand offers some of the best salmon and steelhead rods on the market, so make sure that you check out their SI and Infinity series.

Best Australia Fishing Rod Brands [TOP 3]

Australia is one of the best places in the world for fishing, and it is no wonder that they have some excellent equipment manufacturers.

The best Australia fishing rod brands are the following;

WILSON FISHING

This company is family-owned business with long tradition and locally made equipment. Their equipment is made mostly to suit local fishing conditions, but that doesn’t mean that you can use it around the world.

Various series offer the best rods for different conditions and fishing techniques. The one that really stands out is Live Fibre. This series has everything. From light trout rods to big game fishing rods. Make sure to check out their Crank Bait series of rods too.

JARVIS VALKER

This company makes all kinds of fishing equipment, including rods. Very long tradition and local craftmanship made them very popular and anglers love their rods.

Jarvis Valker has two types of rods available, and those are spinning and casting. If you are looking for a great spinning rod, check out their Scorpion ST series. These rods are extremely versatile. And the best of all, these rods will not cost a fortune. Prices are suitable for everyone, including complete beginners.

ALVEY

Alvey makes various fishing tackle, including locally made reels, however, they also produce some very good rods. Price range varies from very cheap to insanely expensive for offshore models.

If you are surf fishing enthusiast, check out their Stealth model. Stealth is technologically advanced, made from the best materials, and probably the best rod of this type made by Alvey.

Best Fishing Rod Brands for Bass [TOP 3]

Bass fishing is probably the most popular type of fishing in the USA.

The best fishing rod brands for bass have to satisfy really high expectations from experienced local anglers.

G. LOOMIS

G. Loomis may be owned by Shimano, bit they kept their tradition and original design that made the popular through history, but with addition of Shimano newest technologies. All of their rods are made in the USA which guarantees quality.

This company has a huge section of conventional bass rods, and although some are very expensive, they are worth it. One of the best is definitely Conquest Mag Bass.

DOBYNS

This brand was founded by a pro bass angler, and he used his expertise to design excellent rods. It is true that these rods are made overseas, in China, however, they are made up to a high standard.

There are numerous rode series made by Dobyns, and not all are for bass, but for the most demanding bass anglers I would recommend Champion Extreme HP series.

ST. CROIX

One of the best USA manufacturers makes excellent bass rod, so naturally, it is mentioned twice here. When it comes to bass fishing and a bit more affordable rods, you should think about Mojo spinning rods made by St. Croix. These rods are well made, easy to use even for beginners, and because these rods are designed especially for bass fishing, they will perform excellent!

Best Fly Fishing Rod Brands [TOP 3]

Fly fishing is a form of art, and so is manufacturing fly fishing equipment. The best fly fishing rod brands offer exceptional product.

ORVIS

Orvis is probably the most popular brand, and that title is well-deserved. Company has a very long tradition, more than 150 years, and of course that they perfected they rods to a point that every fly angler will be satisfied.

Their Helios series is expensive, but top of the line, while series like Clearwater are more suitable for beginners and those who are looking for excellent rods at a decent price. This rods offers really the best features and are really good for fly casting.

REDINGTON

Redington is a company that offers a great selection of fly rods, both for fresh and saltwater. Considering usual prices of fly gear which is always more expensive than gear for “regular” fishing, Redington brand offers great value for the money.

Trace series are popular among trout anglers, so if you are one of them, make sure to consider Redington rods if you are planning a purchase.

SAGES

And lastly, here is the Sages. These mostly hand-crafted rods come at a high price, but they are worth it. Igniter and X series are among the most popular among fly anglers.

Sages offers some of the best performance rods on the market even though the company is relatively new. Every angler, from complete beginners to pros, will definitely find a Sages rod they like.

What is the Best Place to Buy a Good Brandable Fishing Rod?

Top fishing rod brands are sold in various places. Depending on your location, there are tackle stores that sell all kinds of equipment, and of course, popular fishing rods. But going to the store may not be for everyone. Luckily, there is internet.

Many brands ship their products all over the world, and you can buy directly from a manufacturer. In addition to that, there are many online shopping platforms that are widely available, reliable, and have reviews from thousands of buyers. Use this for your advantage.

The best place to buy fishing rods is the one that makes your buying experience enjoyable. I like to order online because I like the convenience of it. I can do it at any time, from the comfort of my home. But, if you want to see and hold the rod, visit a tackle store. You can then buy it there, or order online if you found a better deal.

The third option is buying used fishing equipment. This is excellent if you have a limited budget, but you would like to buy a good brand. Or maybe if you are unsure that the specific rod is for you, and you want to save a bit of money. Search online for adds or visit a local fishing club and ask them to help you.

Or check my e-book where you can also find a lot of helpful tips: NEVER AGAIN WITHOUT FISH, A Beginner`s Guide.

Conclusion

All of the best fishing rod brands are quality made, and which ever you choose, you will not get disappointed. It is always better to invest in proper equipment then getting frustrated with cheap and unreliable one.

Choose the one that is suitable for your needs. This list covers all the basic types and brands, so there is something for everyone.

Technology and innovation are developing fast, and the best fishing rod brands may be a lot better than those you bought 15 years ago!