Best Kayak Fishing Rod

How We Chose the Best Kayak Fishing Poles?

Top 5 Best Kayak Fishing Rods

What to Look For When Choosing the Best Rods for Kayak Fishing?

Kayak fishing requires the right combination of knowledge, skills, patience, and luck. Most of all, you will need the right equipment to make sure you actually catch some fish – and this includes your kayak fishing rod. The problem is, knowing and choosing the right gear isn’t exactly easy. It gets even harder if you don’t know what to look for.

So to help you out and make sure you end up with the right kayak fishing rod, here’s a guide on what you need to look for in one. 

Length

The first thing you have to consider when choosing a rod for kayak fishing is length. See, you’ll find that your favorite 10-foot rods won’t work as well as they do when you’re fishing from a kayak. While longer rods are better for landing bigger fish and detecting bites, they are challenging to carry. They also have longer butts, which can get in the way when you’re seated.

On the other hand, shorter rods offer better accuracy when fishing along trees, mangroves, and other hazards. They also take up less space and are easier to use inside the confined spaces of a kayak. On top of that, they are sturdier and easier to transport. On the downside, they’re less sensitive and have less leverage. You should also make sure not to go with a rod that’s too short as your line can get caught on your boat, especially if you have a longer kayak.

That said, your choice of rod length depends on where you are planning to fish, the type of fish you’re targeting, and your style of fishing. For instance, if you need to be precise in casting or dropping your line directly below your kayak, then you may want to check out 5 to 6-foot fishing rods. If you’re looking for a fishing rod kayak model that allows longer casting while still being accurate, then you can choose anywhere from 6 to 7 feet. This length is also ideal for those who usually sit while fishing. 

The longest rod you can go with when kayak fishing is 7 to 8 feet. This length is great if you are trolling or drifting with a lure. It’s also a good choice if you need extra casting distance. In terms of length, many kayak anglers opt for 7-foot rods for their versatility. 

As a side note, you might also consider looking for telescopic rods. Regardless of their length, they are more portable, convenient, and easy to carry. 

Power and Action

• Power

One of the things you need to check for in a fishing rod is its power, which is basically a measure of how bendy it is. This could be rated from ultra-light to heavy, with ultra-light being the most bendy. A light power rod will bend with little force, while a heavy one will require a lot more pressure to bend. 

For power, consider the general size of the fish you’re targeting. Light power means you have to deal with smaller lures and lighter tackle. This is perfect for trout and panfish. If you usually fish for bass and walleye and use common lures and rigs, then you may want to look for a medium-powered one. Meanwhile, a rod with heavy power is great for bigger lures and rigs, which are meant for catching big pike, bass, and catfish. 

If you were to choose and bring only one fishing rod, you might want to go with a medium-heavy power rod. It covers the most possibilities in both fresh and saltwater. 

• Action

A fishing rod’s action goes hand in hand with its power. This refers to where the bend or flex happens and how quickly the rod pulls back when pressure is applied. Generally, action is rated from fast to slow. 

A fast action rod offers the most sensitivity, helping you notice bites better. It’s great for going against big and strong predators in deep water. It’s not ideal, however, in small or shallow waters as you’re only likely to catch weeds and driftwood. As for slow-action rods, they work better with small fish. They’re more accurate due to their short cast distance but are more likely to get blown in windy conditions. 

To sum it all up, if you’re casting smaller lures, best go with a slow action and light power rod. For pulling bigger fish, you’ll want to check out fast action and heavy power rods. But for general use and kayak fishing, you may want to look for rods with fast action and medium-heavy power. This will provide you with the necessary durability and strength you need to handle bigger and more powerful fish while still having sensitivity in detecting bites. 

Material

Fishing rods are generally made of different materials, including graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Choosing which one to go with depends on your style and skill level of fishing and what you are looking for in a fishing rod. To help you understand better, here’s an overview of each material:

• Fiberglass: This type of fishing pole for kayak is extremely strong and durable. It requires very little maintenance, too. You can just rinse it off after use, and you’re done. On top of that, it’s also the most affordable type of rod. This makes it a popular choice for beginners. 

Regarding performance, fiberglass fishing rods are in the slow or light to medium power class. It’s great for dealing with soft-mouthed fish and small to medium-sized streams. With it, you’ll have no problem fighting a fish. 

On the downside, rods made of fiberglass are not very sensitive. So you may miss a few bites now and then. They’re also heavier and don’t have much power. Thus, you might want to look elsewhere if you’re targeting bigger fish. 

• Graphite: Compared to fiberglass, graphite rods are lighter and more sensitive, allowing you to lure better. Plus, they have more power, which can help you cast further. 

This type of rod is usually rated with medium to fast action, providing a solid hook set for bass fishing. With its strength, you’ll also have no problem controlling fish in a fight, so they can come in fresh every time.

However, if you’re interested in graphite rods, be ready to pay more. You’ll also need to handle it more carefully as it’s a bit delicate. In fact, it can snap when bent too much. 

Take note, that graphite and carbon fiber are technically the same material when it comes to fishing rods. So when you see carbon fiber rods, it means they have the same qualities and characteristics as graphite rods. 

• Composite: This type of fishing rod is made of a material that combines both fiberglass and graphite. So it has some of the same features as that of these two materials. 

That said, composite fishing rods sit right in the middle of graphite and fiberglass. They are more lightweight and sensitive than fiberglass, but nowhere as light or as sensitive as graphite. At the same time, they are more durable, affordable, and bendy than graphite, but are still inferior to fiberglass in terms of these features. But what’s certain is that composite rods are lightweight, bendy, sensitive, versatile, and yet affordable. 

Additionally, these types of rods usually fall in the medium action category. They have faster action compared to fiberglass but are still slower than graphite. If you’re on a budget and hauling in bigger and heavier fish, composite fishing rods are a great choice. 

Corrosion Resistance

If you’re planning to kayak in saltwater areas, then look for a fishing rod that’s resistant to corrosion. Now, the best kayak fishing rods are usually saltwater-ready. However, many of the cheaper ones are not. So when choosing, make sure all components are rust-proof, including the pole itself, guides, and reel seat.  

Handle or Grip

When choosing what fishing pole to buy, you also want to consider the handle or grip. This will help make your fishing trips more comfortable.

Your choice of handle or grip depends on your personal preference and what you want from your kayak fishing rod. For instance, an EVA foam offers a simpler, more durable, easier-to-clean handle. To top it all off, it’s also cheaper. Meanwhile, a handle made of cork is better looking, more comfortable, and more sensitive.

Other grip materials include a hard foam, which is similar to that of a hardened pool noodle, and a rubber shrink tube, which is extremely soft and durable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What type of rod is best for kayak fishing?

A: The best type of rod for kayak fishing should be comfortable and saltwater-ready. It should be a fast-action and medium-heavy power type. This way, you’ll get enough strength and durability to handle big and powerful fish, while at the same time having enough sensitivity to notice bites. As for the length, a 7-foot rod is a great choice as it offers more versatility.

Q: How do you carry a fishing rod on a kayak?

A: The best way to carry a fishing rod on a kayak is through a rod holder. If you have a fishing-specific kayak, then you’re likely to have built-in rod holders at your disposal. These are great for keeping your fishing rods organized and preventing them from getting damaged or tangled. For kayaks with no built-in rod holders, you’ll need to purchase a rod holder attachment and mount them on the deck or the side of the vessel. Some kayaks also have accessory rail tracks or systems where you can easily add more rod holders.