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Kayak fishing is becoming an increasingly popular pastime as, amongst other things, it gives anglers the chance to reach fishing marks otherwise inaccessible by boat or land. Once you’ve purchased a pedal-powered fishing kayak or a seafaring fishing kayak you’re going to need one of the best kayak fishing rods.
The best kayak fishing rods can really make or break a fishing session. They are designed to be durable, lightweight, and shorter than your standard rods, with enough leverage to land larger fish and a sensitive enough tip to feel every bite. These fast-action, medium-heavy power rods are typically one or two pieces, around 7′-8′ in length and made from high-spec materials that won’t be corroded by saltwater exposure. Or at least they shouldn’t be.
So we’ve thoroughly tested, researched and reviewed dozens of rods to put this comprehensive list of the best kayak fishing rods together. For beginners and experienced anglers alike.
The 8 Best Fish Finders For Kayaks in 2023 Editor’s choice
What makes a good kayak fishing rod?
A good kayak fishing rod must fulfil a few different kayak-specific requirements:
- Length: a kayak fishing rod can be anywhere between 6-9 feet long. Shorter rods around the six-foot mark are easier to transport and sturdier but have less sensitivity and leverage. Longer rods around nine feet long are better for landing bigger fish and for bite detection but can be a challenge to portage. Typically a 7-8 feet long rod is perfect.
- Action: A moderate-heavy, fast-action rod is a good choice for most kayak fishing situations, as it provides the necessary strength and durability to handle larger, more powerful fish, while still having enough sensitivity to detect bites.
- Material: Whilst the material of any fishing rod must be high-quality – particularly if you’re targeting larger fish – kayak fishing rods need to cater to a number of different variables and are more exposed to adverse weather conditions. Graphite or equally high-quality composite materials are the best options.
- Corrosion resistance: Corrosion resistance is only important if you’re fishing in saltwater conditions. If you’re a freshwater kayaker, then your rod won’t be exposed to the corrosive nature of the sea.
- Line rating and casting weight: Not exclusive to kayak fishing rods, but you need to marry your line’s breaking strain with your rod and its casting weight. Typically in the UK waters a 20-30lb braid with similar strength fluorocarbon line is a good setup.
Kayak Fishing Tips and Techniques For Beginners
What is the best kayak fishing rod?
The Hart Bloody Reaction Rod is the best kayak fishing rod on the market. Standing 7’6″ in length with a supreme casting weight range of 20-80g it’s made from extremely high-quality fastenings and fittings and is corrosion-resistant. Perfect for saltwater seafarers and freshwater fanatics alike.
It’s long enough to offer real leverage when targeting big fish and sensitive enough to cater to smaller bites. For the trolling fanatics out there it’s more than capable of standing up to the test. At least in UK waters.
At a glance
The 6 best kayak fishing rods
Daiwa Super Kenzaki Braid Special Boat RodBest for saltwater fishing
- Flexible rod series ranging from lighter weight 6-12lb model to a 30-50lb heavy duty rod
- 7’6″ model length
- Two or three-piece rods
- Premium carbon blanks, with a lightweight construction
- Sensitive tip and durable body, great for precision casting
- Zirconium guides are extremely heat and corrosion resistant
- No model shorter or longer than 7’6″
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Daiwa Super Kenzaki Braid Special Boat Rod is one of the best kayak fishing rods on the market. At 7’6″ long it is bang in the middle of what we recommend for an all-around kayak fishing rod, giving you the flexibility to land larger fish whilst being sensitive enough to feel smaller bites. It’s by no means the most sensitive rod on the market, but it isn’t designed to be. It’s meant to provide enough leverage to land larger fish, whilst being sensitive enough for nibbles.
The rod blanks are made from an ultra-premium grade of carbon that makes it noticeably lighter. Unlike the majority of tougher kayak fishing rods, the casting distance and accuracy are surprisingly good thanks to the rod’s flexibility and reserve power. The guides themselves are made from zirconium, which gives the rod excellent heat and corrosion resistance. Ideal for long sessions on the salt and for targeting some serious predators.
Zirconium’s excellent corrosion resistance means it is often used as an alloying agent in materials that are exposed to aggressive environments; such as surgical appliances, light filaments, and watch cases. So saltwater fishing is a breeze.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Kayak Fishing RodBest short kayak fishing rod
- Available in four and five feet models
- Long-tip, short-butt action
- Ugly Stik blank technology, Ugly Tuff guides and lightweight graphite reel seat
- Good power in the midsection
- An excellent option for extreme portability and transportation
- Excellent value rod
- Only available in very short models
- Very limited casting distance
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Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Kayak Fishing Rod is the best short kayak fishing rod on the market. And to top it all tremendous value. Coming in two sizes – four feet and five feet long – Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik is a superb rod for fishing in confined conditions. Think smaller rivers or tree-covered ponds.
The stiff butt and longer tip are specifically designed for fishing from a seated position within a kayak. The rod itself is incredibly convenient for portaging and transportation. However, it does have some drawbacks and shouldn’t be used as your primary fishing rod when kayaking. It just doesn’t have the casting power, accuracy or leverage to cater to your needs. Particularly if you’re targeting larger fish.
Whilst the four feet version of the rod is (obviously) shorter, it comes as a one-piece the five-foot-long version of the rod is a two-piece. As such consider what is better suited to your fishing style.
A Guide To The Essential Kayak Fishing Accessories and Setup
Hart Bloody Reaction Fishing RodBest all-around kayak fishing rod
- 7’6″ kayak fishing rod
- Casting weight of 20-80g
- High-quality fastenings, fixtures and guides
- Extremely versatile 1+1 piece rod suitable for trolling and casting from all manner of kayaks
- Lightweight, but an excellent combination of power and sensitivity
- Mounted with FUJI K ALCONITE guides.
- Not the easiest rod to transport or manoeuvre in tighter conditions
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Hart Bloody Reaction Fishing Rod is an incredibly versatile rod designed for boat and kayak fishing. The 7’6″ length gives enough leverage when targeting big fish and the casting weight of 20-80g gives you real flexibility.
The manufacturing is really excellent. The guides are made from FUJI K spec alconite (a special type of ceramic that offers 80% greater compression strength and is 20% lighter than Aluminum Oxide), a FUJI reel seat and high-quality carbon blanks. It’s lightweight, powerful and capable of landing some serious fish.
Whilst the rod’s versatility is one of its biggest assets it can also be seen as its biggest weakness. Casting with 20g lures is a bit of a challenge as the comparatively high power output required for landing fish that would take the 80g lure does give up some sensitivity. But that shouldn’t detract from the fact this is a brilliant all-around kayak fishing rod.
PENN Squadron II Boat Fishing RodBest for big fish
- 7’1″ two-piece fishing rod
- Models available range from 6-12lb up to 50lb
- High-quality blanks, reel seat
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight, but powerful rod with good power and reasonable bite sensitivity
- Good casting distance and carbon material construction
- The lighter models aren’t powerful enough for saltwater fishing and the powerful models don’t have great bite sensitivity
PENN Squadron II Boat Fishing Rod is a 7’1″ two-piece rod that comes in a few different options – starting with a lighter weight of 6-12lb and a heavier-duty option of 30-50lb. The tip sensitivity is surprisingly good, particularly on the lighter model. But the 30-50g is our preferred model for kayak fishing.
Unlike the majority of kayak fishing rods that have a short butt and long tip, the Penn Squadron II comes in two pieces of equal length. This new series features a more modern, flexible sporting blank with fast action and moderate-heavy power output that makes for superior casting distance and accuracy. The carbon composite blank gives this powerful rod series lightweight and flexible.
Penn Regiment III Spin and PilkBest kayak fishing rod for targeting large and small fish
- Three models available; a lighter weight of 12-20lb up to a heavy-duty 30-50lb
- Two-piece, 8’2″ rod weighing 260g
- High-quality guides, handles and construction
- Carbon blank construction is ultra-durable
- Heavy-duty rod with an elongated tip increases bite sensitivity
- Corrosion-resistant
- Hard to find even one…
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Penn Regiment III Spin and Pilk is another superb kayak fishing rod. Thanks to the quality of the materials used, the rod is flexible, powerful and lightweight at just 260g. Designed for the saltwater fishing market, the models are all finished with the best saltwater-proof SeaGuide guides. This makes the rod corrosion-resistant and ultra-durable. Even in the toughest conditions.
With a high-quality carbon fibre blank, a premium grade cork handle and a heavy-duty reel seat, the three models are made to a fantastic spec. The blank is thin, lightweight and equipped with a surprisingly sensitive tip. We say surprisingly sensitive not because we’d expect any less from a Penn rod, but because the rod is so powerful. The guides, reel seat and grip are all geared towards you being able to cater to some serious fishing.
Shimano Beastmaster BX Slim Boat Fishing RodJust another very good kayak fishing rod
- Two-piece 7’6″ rod
- Casting weights; a 12-20g version up to one with a 30-50g capacity
- Made with high-quality materials
- Enhanced blank power
- Lightweight, high-quality manufacturing specifications
- Capable of fighting big fish and feeling bites of smaller fish thanks to increased sensitivity
- Not quite as high-quality as the carbon composite-made rods
Shimano Beastmaster BX Slim Boat Fishing Rod is another excellent all-around kayak fishing rod. At 7’6″ long and with three different line capacity options (the heavier duty model going up to 50lb) there’s no reason why you shouldn’t purchase a couple of different varieties to target all manner of fish. Kayaks always need a couple of rods and having some flexibility is a good idea.
The Shimano aluminium blank is strong and reliable – albeit not to the same spec as a carbon fibre composite – and the balance between sensitivity and power output is good. Not as good as the aforementioned Penn model, but still to a very good standard. The butt grip, reel seat and guides are all very durable, if a little unspectacular.
A Guide to Buying a Fishing Kayak
FAQs
What rod should I use for kayak fishing?
Typically a two-piece fishing rod that is around 7-8 feet long and has a medium-heavy action is a good choice for kayak fishing. It is long enough to avoid tangling around your kayak, strong enough to cater for trolling and sensitive enough to detect bites from smaller species. That tends to be your best starting point for a kayak fishing rod. If you’re fishing in saltwater conditions, a rod with corrosion resistance is a good bet too.
What size rod do I need for kayak fishing?
For most kayak fishing situations, a 7-8 foot rod is a good choice. This length provides enough leverage to handle larger fish, while still being compact enough to fit in a kayak. Perfect for fishing in larger lakes or the open ocean. If you’re targeting larger species a slightly longer, heavier-duty rod up to around nine feet long is ample.
If you’re fishing in closer quarters – like narrower rivers or smaller ponds – then a 6-7 feet long rod may be more suitable.
How long should a kayak rod be?
A kayak rod should be somewhere between 6-9 feet in length. If you’re targeting saltwater predators like tuna, then an 8-9 feet long rod is a good bet.
However, if you’re primarily trolling for larger fish off the back of your kayak, you may want to consider a 6-7 feet-long one-piece rod.
Are shorter rods better in kayaks?
Shorter rods are not necessarily better in kayaks, but they are beneficial in certain circumstances when it comes to kayak fishing. Shorter rods are more manoeuvrable in tight spaces, so are a great option when fishing in tighter spaces. They’re also easier to store (unless the rod is a one-piece), so take up less space on longer trips and when transporting them. Finally shorter rods tend to be sturdier, better for trolling and make it easier to control fish in close quarters.
However, shorter rods are also less sensitive and lack both leverage and casting distance. So may not be suitable for targeting larger fish.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
