Fishing from shore requires different gear than fishing from a boat, and we discuss some of the most key differences. If you are looking for the proper gear that will make your life easier fishing from the bank, we have your covered. The best shore fishing rods have a few main characteristics which we will discuss that make them more effective for shore fisherman. This article provides our top 5 best shore fishing rods, with options for both spinning and baitcasting varieties.
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Top 5 Best Shore Fishing Rods
- St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod (Spinning)
- Daiwa Spinmatic-SMD Rod (Spinning)
- Fenwick Eagle Travel Spinning Rod (Spinning)
- St Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod (Casting)
- KastKing Crixus Casting Rod (Casting)
Choosing Rod Power For Shore Fishing:
The power of the rod signifies how stiff it is. For example, a light power rod will easily bend and is designed for lighter lure applications. Meanwhile, a heavy power rod is much stiffer and ideal for heavier lures and larger fish. For those looking for a versatile fishing rod, a medium power is a great choice as it covers a wide range of techniques. A versatile fishing rod is critical for shore fisherman, as carrying fewer rods is necessary to minimize weight.
Choosing Rod Action For Shore Fishing:
The action of the rod signifies how much bend there is in the tip of the rod. A fast action rod will have a shorter tip section and will transition into backbone (stiff section of the rod) early. A medium or slow action rod will bend throughout the entirety of the rod, not just the tip. I highly recommend rods designed with a moderate or moderate-fast taper, which provides enough backbone to fight the fish while still allowing for a degree of flexibility to prevent the hook from pulling out. If this doesn’t make total sense, the picture below helps to illustrate the various rod actions.
Choosing Rod Material For Shore Fishing:
The main rod materials on the market today include glass, fiberglass, and graphite. For most casting applications, a graphite rod is the way to go. Glass and fiberglass rods typically heavier than graphite and have a more parabolic bend, making them ideal for trolling applications. Graphite rods are generally lighter and more sensitive, making them the go to option for jigging applications when bottom contact is imperative. Graphite rods tend to be the most versatile, which is why all of the top 5 best shore fishing rods have graphite blanks. To learn more about fishing rod materials, consider taking a look at this article
Choosing Rod Length For Shore Fishing:
Length of a spinning rod varies a lot depending on the specific technique it is designed for. Spinning rods may vary anywhere from about 5’ in length to over 8’ in length. There is no need to go to the far ends of the spectrum as a shore fisherman. I recommend selecting a rod anywhere between 6’ and 7’, and you will be set for most tactics. For shore fishing, you want a rod that is the most versatile and covers a wide range of techniques. For more information on rod length, check out this article
Bonus Tip For Shore Fisherman
When shore fishing, your equipment tends to take a beating. To keep your rods and reels in good shape, it is worth the small investment to buy rod and reel covers to protect your gear. You can find rod covers here and reel covers here.
Best Spinning Shore Fishing Rods
Information: SCIII Carbon Blank, Full Cork Handle, Sea Guide Guides, and Sea Guide Reel Seat
Pros: Lots of great lengths and powers to choose from and comes with a 5-year warranty. This rod blank is very versatile and can be applied to a wide range of techniques. Additionally it is very durable and can withstand the wear and tear from shore fishing
Cons: Slightly more expensive and not as packable and lightweight as some other travel rods
Daiwa Spinmatic-SMD Spinning Rod
Information: Low friction aluminum oxide guides, high performance graphite blank, cork handle, and 4-piece construction
Pros: Packs down very small, and very lightweight (best suited for light to ultralight applications)
Cons: Minimal size options available and cheaper components compared to other spinning rod options on the list
Fenwick Eagle Travel Spinning Rod
Information: Premium cork and TAC grips, stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, and 3-piece graphite blank construction.
Pros: More packable than a 2-piece rod construction, good components at this price point, and comes with a limited 5-year warranty.
Cons: Not as packable as a 3-piece rod construction, and doesn’t have as many model options as the St Croix Triumph to choose from.
Best Baitcasting Shore Fishing Rods
St Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod
Information: SCIII graphite blank construction, split cork grip, Kigan Master Hand 3D Guides with aluminum oxide inserts, Fuji Reel Seat, and 2-piece construction available.
Pros: Made from durable and high quality materials at this price point, 5-year warranty, and 2-piece construction is packable for shore fishing
Cons: Slightly more expensive than other recommended baitcasting option for shore fisherman
Information: Superpolymer handle, IM6 Graphite blank, 5′ to 7’6″ lengths, stainless steel guides with zirconium oxide inserts, and 2-piece construction
Pros: Budget friendly, lots of model options, golf style superpolymer handle for all weather conditions, and 2-piece construction is packable for shore fishing
Cons: Not as high of quality materials as the mojo bass
More Information
I hope you enjoyed this article about the Top 5 Best Shore Fishing Rods and found it to be informative. If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments down below.
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Looking for more gear for shore fishing? Check out the Best Gear For Shore Fishing To Make Your Life Easier
For a spinning rod under $100, check out our article about the Best Spinning Rods Under $100
If you are new to fishing and looking for a fishing combo to get started, check out our article about the Best Rod and Reel Combos For Beginners
More Rod Reviews:
- Top 5 Best Baitcasting Rods Under $150: Gear Talk
- Top 5 Best Shore Fishing Rods [2023 Guide]
- Top 5 Best Spinning Rods Under $150 [2023 Guide]
- Top 5 Best Spinning Rods Under $100 [2023 Guide]
- Top 3 Best Walleye Trolling Rods For Planer Boards [2023 Guide]
- Top 3 Best Trolling Rods For Walleye Fishing [2023 Guide]