Types of Electric Fishing Reels: Big Game, Battery powered and Stand Up Models

Conventional trolling reels hold lots of fishing line, have strong drags, and are able to catch large fish. When I think of conventional reels, the first reel that comes to mind is a Penn International 80 which is a big game offshore fishing reel. This 80 class reel can catch the biggest fish in the ocean like bluefin tuna, marlin, swordfish, and large sharks.

There are many different styles and sizes of conventional reels and can be used to catch all types of fish. Small conventional trolling reels are used in freshwater to catch walleye, bass, musky, steelhead and salmon.

Primary Fishing Applications for Conventional Reels

Conventional reels are primarily used for two main fishing applications: trolling and jigging/bottom fishing. Let’s explore both of these applications and the reels designed for each.

Trolling Conventional Reels

Trolling involves pulling baits or lures behind a moving boat to attract fish. Trolling reels have specific features that make them ideal for this application:

• High Line Capacity: Trolling reels typically have large spools that hold substantial amounts of line. This is crucial when targeting big fish that can make long, powerful runs. The largest 80-130 class reels can hold over 1,000 yards of heavy monofilament line.
• Powerful Drag Systems: Most dedicated trolling reels feature strong drag systems that can handle the sudden strikes and fights from large fish hit while the boat is in motion. The drag needs to be smooth to prevent line breakage during the initial hit.
• Loud Clickers: Trolling reels usually have loud clicker mechanisms that alert anglers when a fish is taking line, which is essential when multiple lines are deployed.
• Harness Compatibility: Many larger trolling reels include lugs that allow a fighting harness to be attached, which helps distribute the weight of heavy fish during prolonged fights.

In my experience guiding offshore charters, 30-80 class trolling reels are great for targeting species like tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Trolling allows multiple lines to be set with lures at different depths. This makes trolling one of the most effective techniques for covering water and locating fish. For salmon trolling and freshwater trolling, much smaller conventional reels are needed, as most fish are under 50 pounds.

Big Game Reel Options

Penn International VIS 2 Speed Big Game Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Penn International VI series reels come in gold or silver color options. This is the 6th generation of this classic high-quality big game fishing reel. Features of the reel include quick shift two-speed drag, dura-drag with two large-diameter drag washers, stainless steel gears, and an anodized aluminum reel body.

Line capacity rings mark approximately one third, two-third, and a full spool. These reels have line shedding lugs. The lugs allow a fishing harness to be hooked onto the reel. Vesa-strike allows the strike button position to be adjusted with a screwdriver. These Penn reels are made in Philadelphia USA. Below is a video that goes over all the new features of Penn International reels.

Penn Squall Two Speed Big Game Offshore Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

Note: The drag values are the max drag for the reel.

The Penn Squall 50 VSW is one of my favorite big game offshore fishing reels. This reel and the Shimano TLD 50 which is reviewed later are both awesome lightweight reels that can catch big fish. This reel even works well for high-speed trolling for wahoo.  The size 50 reel weight is about the same a Penn international 30 and is half the weight of a Penn international 80. I like to always have a 50 class reel on the boat because a reel this large can catch almost any fish in the ocean.

Features of the reel include the Dura-drag system, 4 stainless steel bearings, and aluminum spool that has line capacity rings. The body of the reel is lightweight graphite and the gears are made of stainless steel. It also has a quiet double-dog anti-reverse system.

Shimano TLD Two Speed Conventional Trolling Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Shimano TLD-II is an offshore trolling reel that is widely used in charger fishing operations. This is because it is lightweight, durable, strong, and a great value compared to similar class reels. The TLD 50LRS can catch all types of fish from a 1 pound bonito to a 500 pound blue marlin.

This is a two-speed reel with lever drag. Features of the reel include 4+1 A-RB corrosion-resistant ball bearings, stamped graphite frame, aluminum spool, and a loud clicker. There is a football-shaped handle on the 20-30 size reels and a large offset handle on the 50 class reels. These reels will last for many years of heavy use with proper care and maintenance.

Jigging/Bottom Fishing Conventional Reels

Jigging and bottom fishing require reels with different characteristics than trolling reels:

• Lower Profile: Jigging reels are typically more compact and lightweight, as they need to be held and actively worked for extended periods.
• Faster Retrieve Rate: A higher gear ratio helps quickly retrieve jigs from deep water and maintain control of artificial lures.
• Casting Ability: Some jigging reels are designed with “free spool” features that reduce friction during the cast, allowing anglers to make accurate casts with jigs and other lures.
• Enhanced Ergonomics: Jigging/bottom fishing reels often feature more ergonomic handles and grips since they’re actively held and worked by the angler.

When I guided bottom fishing trips for halibut and rockfish in Alaska, I relied on jigging-style conventional reels that could handle the weight of heavy jigs while still being comfortable enough to use all day. The compact size and high torque were essential when working in deep water over structures.

Penn Torque Gold Lever Drag Fishing Reel

Buy from Amazon

The Penn Torque LD2 is much smaller and lighter than the international series reels. However, they do not hold as much line. These reels are well-built and are great for trolling or vertical jigging.

Color options are silver or gold. Features of the reel include 6 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, anti-reverse, and Dura-drag. This reel has a lever drag system and has two reel retrieve speeds than can be adjusted with one hand using the quick shift system. The Penn Torque 25N and 40N have a narrow spool. These hold about the same amount of line though because the spool is taller than the standard width spool.

Penn Fathom Lever Drag Fishing Reel

Buy from Amazon

The Penn Fathom LD2 is very similar to the Torque LD2 above except its body and side plates are made from diecast aluminum rather than machined aluminum. This does make the reel slightly lighter.

Left-handed reels are available in the 25N and 30 size options. When using a conventional fishing reel most right-handed people hold the reel with their right hand. If you are left-handed getting a left-handed reel is likely a good idea. The narrow reels are less wide but have taller spools.

Shimano Tyronos II Conventional 2 Speed Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Tyrnos is a solid high-quality two-speed lever drag reel. This reel in a size 50 is what I used on charters to bottom fish for halibut and rockfish. The high gear was nice for bring up the 2-pound lead weights quickly from around 400 feet of water depth. Pushing the button in the reel handle puts the reel in low-speed for more torque when reeling in a large heavy halibut. This reel also works well when trolling inshore or offshore for small and large pelagic fish.

Feature of the reel includes a Hagane rigid die-cast aluminum body, 4+1 A-RB corrosion resistant ball bearings, and cross carbon drag. In the video below I show how to properly set your drag using a pull scale on both star and lever drag conventional reels.

Key Design Features of Conventional Reels

Beyond their applications, conventional reels can be categorized by several key design features:

Level-wind vs. Non-Level-wind Reels

Level-wind Reels

• Feature a mechanism that automatically distributes line evenly across the spool
• Eliminate the need to manually guide line with your thumb
• Ideal for beginners and situations where you need both hands free
• Common on smaller to mid-sized conventional reels
• Limited to lower drag settings (typically under 30 pounds)

Penn Fathom II Levelwind Trolling Reel

Buy from Amazon

The Penn Fathom II is a levelwind reel. This means that line is evenly placed on the spool without having the move the line back and forth with your hand. For novice anglers this a great feature. Levelwinds can bend under high force and are not place on large high drag reels. LH stands for left-handed reel and LC stands for line counter reel.

This reel with 30 pounds of drag is still large enough to catch most types of fish including small tuna, mahi-mahi, mackerel, barracuda, striped bass, and many more. Features of the reel include a star drag system with HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, diecast aluminum body, and 4+1 stainless steel bearing system. This Penn Fantom is a great option for a large levelwind reel. Other good large levelwind reels are the Penn Squall and Shimano Tekota 800 which will be reviewed below.

Non-Level-wind Reels

• Require the angler to manually guide line across the spool
• Fewer moving parts that could fail under heavy pressure
• Can handle much higher drag settings
• Standard on all large game fishing reels
• Better suited for targeting very large fish

I have found that level-wind reels are excellent for salmon trolling and light to medium bottom fishing. However, when targeting larger species like tuna or marlin, the level-wind mechanism becomes a liability due to the extreme pressure these fish can exert.

Penn Fathom

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

This Penn Fathom II is a similar version to the Fathom LD2 but has a star drag system rather than a lever drag system. This reel does not have a level-wind system. Features include a diecast aluminum body, bronze main gear, Versa drag with carbon fiber washers, and 6+1 shielded stainless steel bearings. The size 12 and 15 reels also have a magnetic casting braking system rather than the standard centrifugal braking system.

The stand out feature of this reel is the live spindle design, this allows a bait to be pitched, cast, or jigged with minimal resistance against the spool. This is possible because the design allows the spool to spin independently of the gears.

Star Drag vs. Lever Drag Systems

Star Drag Reels

• Feature a star-shaped dial adjacent to the handle
• More affordable and simpler in design
• Drag adjustment is less precise
• Typically found on entry-level and mid-range reels
• Harder to make quick, precise adjustments during the fight

Penn Squall Levelwind Conventional Trolling Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Penn Squall is a cheaper version of the Fathom II shown above. Rather than being made from aluminum, this reels frame and side plates are made from graphite. The max drag strength is 10-15 pounds less than the Fanthom depending on the size of the reel. This is still a great conventional trolling reel and works well to catch fish under 50 pounds.

LW stands for levelwind and this reel does automatically spool the reel evenly during line retrieval. LC stands for line counter and the size 20 has a line counter option. This allows the angler to know how much fishing line has been taken off the spool. The line counter allows the depth of lure and distance behind the boat to be estimated. LH stands for a left-handed reel.  Other features include a machined aluminum spool, bronze main gear, HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and 2+1 stainless steel bearings. The size 50 reel has switchblade lugs than come up and down to secure a fishing fighting belt if desired.

Lever Drag Reels

• Feature a lever that moves through pre-set positions
• Allow for more precise and quicker drag adjustments
• Usually include free spool, strike, and full positions
• Standard on higher-end offshore and big game reels
• Visual indication of drag setting

From my experience guiding clients, lever drag reels offer significant advantages when fighting large fish. The ability to quickly adjust from strike to full drag with a simple lever movement can be the difference between landing a trophy and losing it.

Penn Squall Lever Drag Conventional Reels

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Penn Squall LD is a lever drag conventional reel. Size 30 and 40 are topless and size 50 and 60 have a top reel frame. Features include a graphite frame, aluminum spool, Dura-drag, and 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings. On the size 50 and 60 reels, there are retractable lugs which are also called switchblade lugs.

This lever drag reel has more drag that than the star drag levelwind Penn Squall. The Penn Fathom LD2 is a very similar reel but is made of aluminum and has a higher max drag. This Penn Squall is a great reel though and works well for trolling and bottom fishing with bait or jigs.

Single-Speed vs. Two-Speed Reels

Single-Speed Reels

• Feature one gear ratio
• Lighter and more compact
• Less expensive
• Sufficient for most inshore and light offshore applications
• Simpler to operate

Two-Speed Reels

• Feature two different gear ratios that can be switched while fighting a fish
• High gear for fast retrieval of lures and line
• Low gear provides increased torque for fighting powerful fish
• Essential for deep dropping and big game fishing
• Usually activated via a button in the handle or side of the reel

The Tyrnos in a size 50 is what I used on charters to bottom fish for halibut and rockfish. The high gear was nice for bringing up the 2-pound lead weights quickly from around 400 feet of water depth. Pushing the button in the reel handle puts the reel in low-speed for more torque when reeling in a large heavy halibut.

Specialized Conventional Reel Types

Line Counter Reels

• Feature a mechanical or digital counter that displays how much line has been deployed
• Essential for precise depth control when trolling
• Popular for Great Lakes trolling and salmon fishing
• Help replicate successful presentations

I used line counter reels for a full salmon charter season in Alaska. The line counters held up all season fishing pretty much every day without any problems. My only complaint about some models is the star drag would not always hold a constant value.

Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Okuma Cold Water is a very popular line counter fishing reel. Features of the reel include 2+1 stainless steel bearings, a drop-down gearbox that lubricates the gears, ratcheting star drag, and a speed lock pinion gear system. This reel is constructed with an aluminum two-tone spool, large brass drive gear, and a graphite body. The 203 model is a ladies edition reel with pink rather than orange anodized parts.

This is a great reel for trolling for walleye, striped bass, steelhead, and salmon. The levelwind of this trolling reel does work with a lead core fishing line. There is an Okuma Cold Water Cw-553ls levelwind reel that works with wire-line. That particular reel retrieves 40.7 inches of line per turn of the handle.

Topless (Open Top) Reels

• Feature an open top design without the bridge over the spool
• Allow for direct finger control of the spool
• Improved casting performance for some techniques
• Easier to control line during drops
• Popular for jigging applications

Electric Reels

• Feature electric motors that assist in line retrieval
• Essential for very deep water fishing (800+ feet)
• Reduce physical strain during deep dropping
• Common for targeting swordfish and deep-water grouper
• Available as purpose-built units or as conversions of manual reels

Narrow Spool Reels

• Feature taller, narrower spools
• Designed specifically for use with braided lines
• Provide better line management with thin diameter lines
• Often designated with an “N” in the model number

Common Questions about Convential Fishing Reels

What is a conventional fishing reel?

Conventional fishing reels are sometimes called trolling reels, big game reels, deep-sea fishing reels, and bottom fishing reels. These reels hold lots of fishing line and are built to catch large fish. Some conventional reels have a levelwind to evenly place the line on the spool. However, with big game reels, the force on the line can bend and break the levelwind. 50 class reels, 80 class reels, and 130 class reels do not come with a levelwind, and the angler has to move the line back and forth with his hand.

Another important feature for a conventional reel is the type of drag. There is lever drag and star drag. Lever drag is typically stronger and more consistent. A newer feature on many conventional reels is a topless design. This makes it so the angler can manually adjust the force on the spool when sending out lures and jigs. This is done by pressing down on the spool with your fingers.

How do I choose a conventional reel?

When choosing a conventional reel is is important to buy the proper size reel. The two main factors when it comes to size is line capacity and max drag. Braided fishing line is much thinner than monofilament and often allows smaller lighter reels to be a good option.

The max drag should be 50 percent or more of the line strength intended to be fished with. For example, if you plan to fish with a 50-pound test line the max drag should be 25 pounds or greater. If fishing in saltwater the reel should have a sealed drag and a sealed bearing system. Having a line counter on the reel is nice when fishing with diving plugs to help estimate lure depth.

What reels are good for trolling and bottom fishing?

Topless conventional reels work well for trolling and bottom fishing. These reels often have lever drag that is strong and smooth for trolling. The open-top area allows manual resistance to be easily applied to the spool with fingers. This is nice when sending lines deep when bottom fishing or jigging.

When bottom fishing casting is not needed so a spinning reel is not the best option. Spinning reels are nice when jigging because they are lightweight. There are many small conventional reels today that can be spooled with braided line and perfect for stand up jigging.

What is the best tuna reel?

The best tuna reel depends on what size tuna is being targeted. For small skipjack, bonito, albacore, and blackfin tuna a 30 class reel is a great option. When trolling for yellowfin tuna a Penn International 50 or Shimano Tiagra 50 would be a good option. For bluefin tuna, over 400 pounds a Penn International 80 or Penn International 130 class reel is needed.

There are some heavy-duty saltwater spinning reels that can catch large tuna up to about 400 pounds. That is more for the challenge though than for practical reasons. For smaller tuna spinning reels are a good way to pitch live baits and use topwater poppers.

Can you troll with a braided line?

There are advantages and disadvantages to trolling with a braided fishing line. When trolling with diving lip plug lures braided fishing lines allow the lures to dive deeper into the water because there is less drag on the line itself. However, the braided line is more visible to the fish and using a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader is a good idea.

Braided line is stronger for a given thickness but is static and has very little stretch to the line. For this reason, it is important to have a reel with a quality smooth drag when trolling with a braided line. When high speed trolling for wahoo with a braided fishing line a 20-foot shock leader is added to add some flex to the system to prevent high forces from pulling the hook or breaking the line.

How do you spool a big game reel?

The most common way to spool a big game reel is to use a 60-pound monofilament line on the entire spool. This line is strong enough to catch wahoo, tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Often times the leader line will be much heavier than the mainline.

When fishing for fish over 500 pounds it is common to use a 200-pound dacron line as backing to add lots of line to the spool that will stay good for several years. The reel is then topped off with a 130-pound monofilament line that is replaced once a year or as needed with heavy use. When daytime swordfishing it is common to fish deeper than 1800 feet. For swordfish reel it common to spool a large electric 80 class reel completely with braided line. The thinner diameter braid also has less drag in the current which helps keep the bait deep with less weight.

Can you use a conventional reel from shore?

Most conventional reels can only be cast a short distance and do not work well from shore. However, sometimes when fishing for large sharks, for example, a large conventional reel that holds lots of line is needed. Rather than casting the line can be set by the wind or current by using a float. Another common way to set a line from shore is by sending the out with a kayak but still fishing from shore. Some people even used drones to drop fishing lines while beach fishing. In general, though a bait runner spinning reel is the best option for shore and surf fishing.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

Having the proper fishing rod allows for fish both big and small to be caught in a fun and safe way. The three most common rod types are spinning rods, baitcasting rods, and conventional trolling rods. The type of rod has to match the type of reel. The rod’s size and strength should match the size of the fish being targeted. Using light tackle is a fun way to catch smaller fish, and heavy tackle is needed when catching large fish. It is also important to select a rod that allows for far casting, controlled jigging, or for lures to be trolled behind the boat.

Picking the right fishing rod is critical to success on the water. Even if the only way you plan to catch fish is with a worm and bobber, the wrong pole will not allow it to be cast far out and will likely result in fewer fish being caught. There are many misconceptions about the materials used in rod construction and the rod’s power and action ratings.

In this article, I will share insights on the most effective rod types for both freshwater and saltwater applications. When evaluating rods, pay close attention to the type of rod, number of pieces, length, power rating, action rating, and construction materials.

Freshwater Spinning Rods

I grew up using freshwater spinning rods to catch bass, trout, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. This type of rod is very easy to use and is a fun way to fish. Spinning rods allow light lures to be cast far out and with decent accuracy. Having a sensitive rod allows for bites to be felt and a good hookset to be made. A good rod should last a few years, and the most common issue is the eyes of the rods breaking with heavy use. My preferred rod length is 6-foot to 7-foot for bass fishing. I typically get a 6.5-foot spinning rod. A longer rod allows for further casting, but a shorter rod is a bit easier to manage and easier when landing the fish.

Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Fenwick HMG is versatile from panfish to small tarpon. The HMG was the world’s first fully graphite rod 45 years ago, and now it is redesigned with carbon bound blanks spiraled with Carbon thread for improved strength and durability. It has a sea-guide reel seat with a locking design that securely seats almost any reel. The Fuji line guides have Alconite inserts that hold up well during saltwater use and work great with braided and monofilament lines.

The premium-grade cork handles are beautiful on this rod, and Fenwick makes some of the best looking cork grips around on all of their rods. There is a wide range of power available in these rods make them applicable for all kinds of fishing. The actions, too, are finely tuned. These rods are a joy to use from catching trout to snook. For the price, this is a good value, and the high performance and durability in them might convince you to get a few more.

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod series are durable rods that can be used for freshwater or saltwater fishing. The eyes on the rod are all metal and do not have ceramic inserts. This makes them more durable but can cause a braided line to fray over time. For this reason, the rod is great only when the plan is to use a monofilament line. A braided line will work most of the time without issue just pay attention if the line starts to fray as the metal eyes might have developed a sharp edge.

The rod has 35 percent more graphite which makes it strong, lightweight, and sensitive. It has premium cork handles which makes it look and feel great. The variety of rod lengths, powers, and actions means it fits many fishing styles. Durability is the reason why Ugly Stick rods are so popular and this rod has a 7-year limited warranty.

The older Ugly Stik’s being so strong were naturally heavier than most other rods, and that’s one reason you don’t see many tournament anglers using them. Cork handles are great for high sensitivity to allow for small bites to be felt through the rod. The longer pole lengths are advertised as saltwater applicable, but large saltwater reels might not fit into the reel seats. If you want a rod that is built to last and still has high sensitivity, this is a good option.

Ultralight Rods

Being a successful angler involves knowing exactly what gear to use and how to best incorporate each piece of equipment into your overall fishing strategy. If you plan to go after smaller species of fish, using an ultralight spinning reel is a wise and productive decision that can make your efforts pay off in a way that helps you land more fish.

Using a larger, heavier rod for pitching small lures puts anglers at a significant disadvantage as you’ll only be able to cast them a short distance. A quality ultralight rod will have just the right action and power to launch smaller baits and lures much farther and will also help you be more accurate in your casts.

Ultralight rods might seem to be relatively simple as they are much smaller in size when compared to heavier baitcasting reels or sturdy spinning reels. Finding the right kind of ultralight rod will take a bit more research, especially if you’re largely unfamiliar with ultralight rods and reels. It’s important to take into account what kind of lures you plan to throw with your rod, as well as the type of game fish species you intend to catch.

When catching fish under 3 pounds it is often more fun to be using a lightweight setup. This is true for both adults and kids. Using light tackle makes lading the fish a bit more challenging but also more fun. Also using light ling help catch more fish especially leader-shy fish like trout and snapper.

St Croix Triumph Ultralight Rods

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

As one of the most high-quality ultralight rod models made by the St. Croix brand, the Triumph rod line is one of exceptional durability and super lightweight feel and performance. Made with the brand’s super high-quality SCII carbon material, these rods are made to have an extra level of toughness and sensitivity that truly sets them apart from the competition within the fishing industry.

Crafted with high-performance slim aluminum-oxide guides the rod has a sleek, black-framed appearance. Anglers will appreciate that St. Croix has thought to include high-quality reel seats along with a premium cork handle for outstanding sensitivity.

This product comes with St. Croix’s 5-year warranty that covers any type of problem imaginable which might go wrong. Anglers have praised the St. Croix brand for its incredible toughness in the face of a number of different scenarios and situations where large game fish species might normally destroy a rod.

Freshwater Baitcasting Rods

St. Croix Mojo Bass Baitcasting Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The St. Croix Mojo Bass is a top-quality baitcasting rod used mostly for freshwater bass fishing. It comes in one-piece and two-piece versions with power and rod tip actions for every type of lure and style of fishing. If you do not know exactly what rod you want a 7-foot medium-heavy power with fast tip action is a great all-around bass fishing rod. There are rods that allow for delicate casting of light lures and rod stiff enough to cast heavy Alabama or umbrella rigs.

The rod is made of graphite and has aluminum-oxide insets in the eyes. This makes it a good rod to use with monofilament or braided lines. Other features include a hook ring near the handle and a quality cork handle. It might seem expensive for a freshwater rod but you are sure to get years of use out of it since it has a 5-year limited warranty. If you do a lot of fishing with a baitcasting reel this is a great rod to help make the most out of your time on the water.

Abu Garcia Veritas Baitcasting Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

Abu Garcia Veritas baitcasting rods are made in 30-Ton graphite blanks with SubLayer Armor, a composite that helps increase the strength while decreasing weight. The baitcasting reel seat tightens from the bottom on the exposed blank creating a secure connection with great sensitivity. Titanium alloy line guides with Zirconium inserts are durable and light, while the ROCS guide train helps to cast lighter lures further. High-density EVA grips feel good and give great control.

The Veritas paired with the Abu Garcia Black Max reel makes an excellent mid-level setup. This would also make a great first baitcasting rod. Veritas rods are a workhorse and have good sensitivity and power for pitching jigs, dragging worms, chunking frogs, or the deepest cover style of fishing. It is a little pricey for an entry-level, and there are rods not much more expensive with better sensitivity and hook setting power, but this rod will last a long time if taken care of.

Saltwater Spinning Rods

Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Ugly Stick Tiger Elite is a good mid-size saltwater spinning reel. While the one-piece stainless steel guides are fairly corrosion-resistant, the biggest problem comes from the damage they might take from braided lines. Thin braided lines can leave grooves in the eyes which can eventually fray and cut your fishing line. So this is another rod that is good to use with a monofilament fishing line. Ugly Stik likely uses the stainless eyes due to the durability and elimination of the inserters coming resulting in a broken rod. However, with the popularity of braided lines, I am surprised the rod does not and ceramic inserts.

I know a lot of people who really enjoy fishing with the Ugly Stik brand, and I have seen them hold up to some serious use. The action on this particular model is designed for jetty and plug fishing, but it works pretty well in different settings and styles, like pulling up big cats from freshwater lakes and streams. Shakespeare, who makes the Ugly Stik, put some thought into being able to market this pole as very multi-species applicable so it will work for a wide range and styles of fishing.

Ugly Stik Bigwater Saltwater Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Ugly Stick Bigwater comes in rod variations for all types of Fishing. For spinning rods one-piece and two-piece rods come in lengths from 6-foot to 12 foot. Bass Pros Shops also has Bigwater conventional rods and Bigwater stand up conventional rod with roller line guides for big game trolling reels. This allows a rod variation for all types of saltwater fishing reels.

The latest Bigwater series has yellow and black rods. This rod is made with Ugly Stik’s Clear Tip technology for added toughness and boasts a 7-year warranty. It’s made with a combination of graphite and fiberglass to be strong, but still offer the sensitivity you need to feel subtle bites.

The rod is made with Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides that are made to withstand extreme amounts of pressure and prevent pop-outs that can cause you to lose fish. However, these can fray braided line but is not normally an issue. It’s available in a variety of different sizes ranging from 6 feet to 12 feet in length. The Ugly Stik Bigwater is a great saltwater fishing rod when using a monofilament line. Ugly Stik developed a reputation decades ago for making rods that were virtually indestructible. The rods have changed over the years but the concept of producing the toughest rods on the planet remains part of the Ugly Stik philosophy.

Penn Carnage III Saltwater Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Penn brand name is synonymous with saltwater fishing and has been for nearly a century. For anglers who are willing to invest a more sizable amount of money into their tackle, it’s hard to find a better rod than the Penn Carnage III Spinning Rod. Made to catch the largest trophy game fish, this rod is designed to be used with braided line and is capable of withstanding the usual strain associated with braid. Their is also a Penn Carnage III jigging rod that is shorter for stand up jig fishing. There is a Penn Carnage III surf fishing rods which have longer lengths for further casting.

Crafted with Penn’s new SLS3 blank construction, this rod offers a slim profile that’s incredibly strong. It features Fuji K guides coupled with Alconite inserts for unwavering toughness and a reinforced Pac Bay aluminum reel seat.

Anglers will appreciate the Penn Carnage II Spinning Rod’s non-slip handle and optional aluminum or rubber gimbal. This is arguably the best saltwater fishing rod on the market today, but the higher price might turn some novice anglers away.

Ugly Stik GX2 Saltwater Spinning Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Ugle Stick GX2 is a spinning rod made for saltwater fishing. It has stainless steel eyes without inserts which can cause a braided line to fray over time. For this reason, it is recommended to use a monofilament line with this rod. A braided line will work but the braid may dig into the steel over time which can cause rough-surfaces that cause the line fray.

Ugly Stik is a legendary brand that still holds up to the hype in its modern GX2 form. The strength of these rods are famous and that has not been lost. The GX2 has found a balance between sensitivity and durability, combining graphite with fiberglass for overall better performance. With comfortable EVA grips and two-piece construction, it is easy to handle and transport. The clear tip end responds well to any small nibble, and the stainless steel guides fight off rust and corrosion.

The mass-production of the Ugly Stik comes with pros and cons. The pros are that this rod fits into several different fishing styles and techniques, in both fresh and saltwater applications. The modest price adds to its value. The biggest con is the stainless steel eyes as discussed. If there is any issue the rod does come with a 7-year warranty which can help take away any worries.

Saltwater Conventional Rods

Penn Ally Saltwater Trolling Rods

Buy from Amazon

Skilled anglers all over the world trust in Penn rods as they have a reputation for dependability and performance. The Penn Ally Trolling Rod is one of the best trolling rods to use with big conventional reels.

What rods you will get depends on length, one-piece or two-piece configuration, and power rating. Some will have bent butts and some will have roller guides. The two-piece rod versions will have a bent butt and roller guides. The 50-100 power rating 6-foot rod should also come with roller guides. Other rod sizes will likely come with guides with aluminum oxide inserts. These are heavy-duty rods and are a great choice for offshore fishing.

Penn Rampage Saltwater Jigging Rod

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

It is imperative for jigging rods to have just the right amount of action in order to fully utilize the lure’s capabilities. The Penn Rampage jigging rod is a great choice for anglers who want a high-quality jigging rod that is relatively affordable compared to some of the premium models that are currently on the market.

This rod is perfect for vertical jigging, but can also function in a variety of other purposes as it is both lightweight and strong. Made from a one-piece graphite composite blank material, the Penn Rampage utilizes Fuji aluminum oxide guides and a high-quality, heavy-duty reel seat to combine for the total package when it comes to a jigging setup.

It also offers a Torque foregrip and rubberized gimbal to ensure comfort and stability when reeling in heavy catches. Anglers can use either monofilament or braided line on the Rampage. This is a highly-rated rod that is worth considering for both novice anglers and experts.

Okuma Downrigger Trolling Rods

Buy from Amazon

Okuma’s Classic Pro GLT Trolling Rods are specially designed for use with downriggers and other trolling methods. Made with a tough, yet sensitive fiberglass blank construction, this rod is a good pick for anglers of all skill levels. It offers Fuji-style up-locking reel seats and heavy-duty stainless steel guides that are made to withstand high amounts of pressure. These are great salmon trolling rods.

Okuma is well-known for producing quality rods that are surprisingly affordable for any angler. For those who rely on downriggers to produce bites, this is an ideal choice among other rods on the market. It’s crafted with an EVA foam grip for added comfort and a triangular foregrip to help provide extra control over the rod. This rod is backed with Okuma’s one-year warranty and is a popular choice for recreational anglers.

Big Game Trolling Rods

Penn Ally Trolling Rods

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

These Penn’s Ally series are the best trolling rods for offshore fishing.  There are straight butt and bend butt options that both have high strength and durability. With a tubular glass blank and solid glass tip you can catch big game fish like mahi-mahi, tuna, sharks, wahoo, and marlin without worrying about your rod breaking. This rod is made for 30 class to 80 class size conventional reels.

The Fuji roller guides with aluminum oxide insert greatly reduce strain on your line. This allows a reel with quality drag to work properly and provide consistent line tension. An aluminum gimbal and reel seat gives piece-of-mind from corrosion resistance and that everything will be firmly planted during the fight. EVA grips are great for comfort and grip, as well as resistance against salt and sun. For a quality big game rod, it is worth the price and is a great option for someone looking for a rod to go with a big conventional reel.

Fiblink Saltwater Big Game Rod

Buy from Amazon

The Fiblink Saltwater Big Game Rod is a good option for anglers who want a quality heavy-duty rod that doesn’t have the hefty price tag that’s common with premium brand names. This rod is built for power as its short and thick frame is made to withstand the toughest fights on the ocean.

With features like a heavy-duty roller guide that’s aimed at minimizing strain on both the angler and the line itself, it’s easy to see why this is a highly-rated product. Made of one-piece tubular E-glass composite material, Fiblink has designed this rod to handle extreme amounts of force. With an aluminum alloy reel seat and aluminum gimbal butt cap, this rod is built for toughness. This model is surprisingly lightweight and covered by Fiblink’s one-year warranty, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Fiblink Bent Butt Saltwater Fishing Rod

Buy from Amazon

Saltwater fishing involves fighting some of the largest fish species in the world, which can be physically challenging for any angler. Using a bent butt fishing rod helps to alleviate the amount of strain on your body and allows you to focus on reeling in your catch. The Fiblink Bent Butt Rod is a great product for anglers looking to get their hands on a relatively inexpensive bent butt rod for their boat. It will work with a large conventional reel or electric reel.

Made of solid E-glass graphite composite material, this rod is incredibly strong and able to provide good leverage for pulling against the big fish such as tuna, wahoo, sharks, marlin, and swordfish. It features high-quality roller guides that help alleviate the stress caused by heavy pressure and keep your line from breaking. With an aluminum alloy reel seat and bent butt non-slip handle, this rod is ideal for trolling or deep dropping offshore.

Xcaliber Big Game Trolling Rod

Buy from Amazon

Xcaliber Marine is one of the top brands in the saltwater fishing industry and their rods are commonly used by professionals and amateurs alike. The Xcaliber big game rod is designed to perform at the highest level for serious anglers who rely on their tackle to land catches that turn into big paydays.

This rod is constructed from solid E-glass blank material that’s designed to be incredibly tough. It also features roller guides with quality Teflon-coated bearings made with stainless steel. The unique roller design has deep slots that provide better knot clearance than other brands. Anglers will also appreciate the rod’s gimbal aluminum butt. This Xcaliber rod is backed by the company’s 5-year warranty which means that it should last for many fishing seasons.

Daiwa Rod For Big Game Electric Reel

Buy from Amazon

Shop Bass Pro Shops

Having the best possible tackle is essential to success in saltwater fishing. The Daiwa Tancom Dendoh is a rod that is designed to be paired with the latest in Daiwa electric reels. This rod is made with the brand’s Glatech Blank Construction which combines uni-directional fiberglass with multiple layers of graphite material for an incredibly strong product.

It also comes with Daiwa’s Powerlift Grip that is designed to help anglers maintain their hold on the rod and have greater control over powerful fish. With Alps Swivel Tip Top Guides, it’s clear that this rod is designed to the highest standard and is made for catching giant fish. It also includes SeaGuide aluminum oxide ring guides and an anodized aluminum butt end with an aluminum reel seat. With such high-quality components and a lifetime warranty, it’s no question that this is a great rod to use. It works with electric reels or large conventional reels.

Surf Fishing Rods

Surf fishing is unlike any other form of angling as it offers the opportunity to catch a huge variety of fish from the beach or shoreline of any coastal area. Fishing in the surf is not as easy as it might appear and there are some very specific techniques and methods used by the most skilled anglers to land fish in higher numbers and bigger sizes.

While it may appear to be one of the most simple forms of angling, surf fishing actually tests the skill level of even the most experienced fishing enthusiast. Surf fishing is relatively similar all over the world and many of the same basic principles are used on both major United States coastlines, as well as any tropical areas and other shorelines.

Surf fishing requires anglers to cast their bait out as far as possible. Ideally, casts are past the crashing waves when fishing on a beach. Doing so will usually put the bait in a better position closer to the strike zone. This will present anglers with the possibility to catch all kinds of small or large game fish species.

Becoming skilled and productive when it comes to surf fishing requires a considerable amount of research and practice. Having the right tools at your disposal will greatly enhance your efforts along the way. There are many different surf fishing rods and this article provides a detailed list of high quality and average quality surf fishing rods.

Penn Squadron III Surf Fishing Rod

Buy from Amazon

The Penn Squadron III surf fishing rod makes a strong case for being the best overall surf fishing rod. It has an affordable price and all-around great features. This rod is versatile and can be used to catch a wide variety of different game fish species using a variety of different rigs and lures. The graphite composite blank rod construction is lightweight and also gives anglers a moderate fast action. This allows for good hook sets and the ability to quickly feel bites.

Penn’s latest Squadron surf fishing rod model is built to be nearly indestructible. It features one-piece stainless steel Dura-Guides that are made to withstand the toughest of fights against anything you happen to hook on the shoreline. As surf fishing anglers know, fighting a 100-pound shark is not at all uncommon and having a rod that’s capable of withstanding such an intense amount of force is crucial.

The handle’s comfortable shrink tube and EVA grips help to provide a reinforced feel that makes sure your rod won’t easily slip out of your grasp. Even when being pulled by some of the heaviest fish you can catch in the surf. As with most other Penn products, this rod has a stately appearance that is as attractive as it is functional.

Penn Carnage III Surf Fishing Rod

Shop Bass Pro Shops

The Penn Carnage III surf fishing rod is a new high end rod for designed for casting weights up to 6 ounces. If you are looking for a top quality rod that will last for many seasons this is a great option.

This rod is made with Fuji reel skeleton and Fuji reel seats that are known for their extreme levels of toughness and durability. That is absolutely essential if you plan on doing a significant amount of surf fishing. These components might not seem as important as other areas of the rod, but you should expect to be putting a great deal of strain on the reel and reel seating of your rod. When surf fishing you will be fighting against large fish, the surf weights, and the pull of the surf itself.

The Penn Carnage III is made with Fuji K guides and Fuji reel seats. This helps to ensure that inserts popping out are not something you’ll have to worry about. This rod also comes with Penn’s 5-year limited warranty that will cover any manufacturing issues that might arise.

Telescopic Fishing Rods

Growing up I had two options for easily portable fishing poles. A pocket fisherman or a stick pole. A stick pole is literally a small stick wrapped with a fishing string and a hook tied at the end. I really like fishing but often on vacation bringing my fishing pole was not an option. Especially when flying to the destination.

Some of my best memories are catching fish on a simple stick pole. However, lots of big fish got away because let’s face it a stick pole is terrible fishing gear. The lure can not be cast and there is no drag. Some people use plastic hand reels but having an actual fishing pole is a much better option.

Telescopic fishing rods are not typically heavy-duty rods set up to catch huge fish. However, adding a high-end reel to a telescopic fishing rod will enable the pole to catch large hard fighting fish. I have seen people in Florida on vacation that literally saw the base off two-piece fishing poles so they can fit them in there luggage. Other people just bring the reels and get cheap one-time use poles at the destination.

Telescopic fishing poles are great to take hiking and camping to catch bass, crappie, walleye, and trout in lakes and streams. It is also great to take on vacations near the ocean to catch sharks, tarpon, and salmon.

One tip when using a telescopic rod is to expand the pole from the tip. When collapsing the pole twist and pull down each section also starting near the tip.

The best option for traveling with fishing gear is to get telescopic fishing poles. These rods are small enough that they can be kept in your vehicle all the time. Collapsibl

Bass Pro Shops Quick Draw Telescopic Combo

Shop Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops has their own telescopic fishing rod called the Quick Draw. The rod comes in three lengths from 5-foot to 6-feet 6 inches. Each rod length comes with a different size reel. The collapses length of the rod is less than 24 inches. The plastic on the front of the rod is just used to hang the rod when selling them. It comes off and stays off when using the rod and reel. Last time I was at Bass Pro Shops I saw these at it seemed like a good combo for freshwater fishing. The rod will work for saltwater fishing but the reel does not have sealed ball bearings. This means it would not hold up over time in a saltwater fishing environment.

For stream and trout fishing the 5 foot rod spooled up with 4 pound line in a good way to go. For freshwater bass fishing a 6 foot 6-inch rod is what I prefer to use. It casts far and allows for a good hook set. In general you are better off with a one piece or two piece rod. However when traveling and backpacking a telescopic rod is very convenient and allows you to have the gear when you need it. Bass Pro Shops also has the Aventure1 telescopic rod in a spinning model and casting model for a baitcast reel. It comes with just the rod rather than as a combo.

Zebco 33 Telescopic spinning Combo

Buy from Amazon

Zebco is known for their spincast reels but also make average quality spinning reels. There are two reel options for this combo. The 6-foot rod comes with a reel spooled with 215 yards of 8 pound monofilament line. The 5 foot rods comes with a smaller reel that holds 200 yards of 4 pound line. For pond and lake fishing the larger reel is better when targeting bass, pickerel, and catfish. When fishing in streams and rivers the four pound line is good for creek chubs, small bass, and trout.

The 6-foot rod collapses to a length of 20 inches for travel. While the ultralight 5-foot rod it collapses to a length of 19-inches. This rod and reel combo is intended for freshwater use. The rod itself will work well in saltwater due to the EVA handle and grips. It would be a good idea to get a different ultralight reel that is saltwater rated when fishing in the ocean.

Plusinno Carbon Fiber Telescopic Combo

Buy from Amazon

The rod is available in the following four size configurations: 6 feet, 7 feet, 8 feet, and 9 feet and collapse into sizes between 17 inches and 18 inches. There are two packages you can choose from, one with the rod and reel and one with the rod and reel combo with a carry case and a bunch of extra goodies as well.

The rod is constructed from high-density carbon fiber that allows it to have much better sensitivity than the fiberglass competitors and is extremely lightweight. All the hardware is stainless steel to ensure it is saltwater safe and you get the traditional EVA foam handle.

The reel you get is an average low-cost spinning reel. It is alright for light fishing but if you are going to be going for big saltwater fish swapping out the reel would be a good idea. The rod will only take so much force so having smooth drag will allow for larger fish to be caught.

The Pulsinno retractable rods are certainly a good choice for anglers looking or an basic telescoping fishing rod. They are fun to use, offer lots of versatility in a very small collapsible package, and are offered at a reasonable price.

Information About Fishing Rods

Power of Fishing Rods

A lot of people think that power and action ratings on a rod are the same thing. However, there are really two important distinctions important to know when selecting one for any particular technique. It’s easier to think of it as action means the way the tip of the rod flexes, and power is how stiff the rod’s back is when being flexed.

Power ratings mostly come in ultralight, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. Ultralight rods are very flexible, while heavy rods hardly flex at all. Depending on what lures or bait you are using, and which species of fish you are targeting, is the main determinant of the proper power your rod should have. Generally the bigger the fish, the stronger the backbone needed in a rod to set a hook in its mouth and then control its direction as it thrashes and fights.

The larger the fish, the bigger the tackle used to catch it, also. Heavy lures cannot be properly cast on a light rod because they can’t support it well enough, just as light lures cannot be thrown with heavy rods because there is not enough flex to load up the energy necessary to do so.

Action of Fishing Rods

Action ratings typically come in slow, moderate, and fast, and deal with the flex at the tip of the rod. It’s easiest to think of it as how fast or slow a tip returns back to being straight after flexing. You can test this out yourself by bending the rod tip and then letting go. Obviously, the less tip that is bendable means it will snap back straight faster, and the more of the tip you can bend means it would be slower to stop vibrating and straighten out.

Any action and power rating can be combined, and the many combinations are each designed for particular techniques used to catch fish. Crankbaiting for bass, to use one example, is usually most successful with medium power, slower action rod. This is because you need the flexibility in the rod’s backbone to load enough energy for a long cast of a typical bass crankbait, and the longer tip bend in order for the fish to get the lure further into its mouth before you set the hook. A fast-action will cause less of the tip to bend, which will pull the lure away from the fish too quickly when you try to set the hook.

IM6, IM7, IM8 Sensitivity Ratings

The truth is, IM6, IM7, and IM8 means nothing. At least, it has no “real”, uniform meaning. These are ratings for graphite strength and sensitivity that used to mean something and now is just thrown around a lot with no single, definitive meaning. Other rod makers use ratings like 24-Ton carbon or 30-Ton carbon, and still some others use High Modulus or Intermediate Modulus, and, truly, everyone is confused.

It might help to understand something about some of these. Carbon modulus is talking about the stiffness of a rod the more modulus the stiffer. There is another measure that goes with modulus, and it’s called strain rate. The acceptable strain rate for a fishing rod needs to be something like 648,000 to 700,000. But as the modulus increases, the strain rate decreases, because the stiffness leads to brittleness. You can hear some of this jargon when you research rods on certain rod maker’s websites and read them talk about how their rod uses high modulus, but it has to be mixed with other materials to offset the brittleness, etc.

Apparently, from interviews I have found with famous rod makers, there was some rod company back in the day who made graphite/carbon blanks, and through trial and error finally developed one they liked and called it IM6, and a better one IM7, and so forth. Other rod makers just picked up the term since it was the first term. I suppose in an effort at uniformity and to simplify the language. One rod’s IM6 is most likely completely different than another’s, so it doesn’t tell you much.

Million Modulus and Tonnage Rating

A real rating of graphite is million modulus and tonnage. Abu Garcia uses Tonnage I know because all my rods by them say 24-Ton graphite or 30-Ton graphite. The general estimate seems to be that IM6 and 24-Ton are roughly the same ratings. The higher the tonnage, the higher the IM number: 30-Ton being IM7, and so on. And so the rod gets lighter with a higher modulus as well, and better composites, which all equals more expensive. It is all very confusing because there are no standardized ratings, but, in general, a higher IM number means a better rod that is lighter and more sensitive, while being mixed in a way to not be too brittle.

Once Piece vs Two Piece Fishing Rods

A one-piece rod is always going to be superior to a two-piece rod, but there are situations where the two-piece comes in handy, and they are still fun and work, regardless.

First, a one-piece is a solid blank, which means it’s sensitivity and strength are just always going to be better. There are more dead areas on a two-piece, where vibrations are dissipating before they make it all the way down to your fingers.  If a cautious fish is holding the lure in its mouth but hasn’t fully committed yet feeling every vibration can help. A two-piece rod has more potential breaking points, namely the part where it’s already broken, and still has to bend when flexed.

There are situations where without a two-piece you just don’t get to fish at all, however. Like when hiking mountain trails and a two-piece rod can be strapped to the side of a pack. This allows you to fish in every creek and lake you see along the way. Sometimes there is no way to travel with a large once pice rod. Another option when traveling or backpacking is to use a telescopic rod.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!