Catch A Big One With One Of These Catfish Rods

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By Bryan Rucker •  11 min read

There are three species of catfish that are different in many ways, and the techniques to catch them are different as well. There are also different types of catfish anglers. Deciding on the type of catfish angler you want to be can help determine the best catfish rod for you.

There are people who prefer quantity over quality, and this group of anglers wants to catch as many fish as they can, as fast as they can. These types of anglers will typically target channel catfish or blue catfish. Then there are some who want to seek quality over quantity and are only after big catfish. These anglers need gear that is going to hold up to the catfish they want to catch.

There is also a group that lies in the middle and they may focus on catching smaller fish but will occasionally catch some bigger ones, either on purpose or by accident. Finally, there is a group that focuses on different types of catfish depending on the season.

Our Picks: Best Catfish Rods (2018 – 2019)

Types of Catfish Rods

E-Glass: The lower end of the spectrum is e-glass. Fishing rods made from this material are popular with catfish anglers because the material is durable and strong. The rod will hold up well, but the drawback is that they are heavier and will be less sensitive than other styles of rods. However, since these will hold up in a variety of different situations and can take some abuse, they have been the standard for catfish rods.

S-Glass: This material is similar to e-glass but can be superior. It is nearly twice as strong, so it creates stronger and more durable rods. S-glass is also much lighter, so it helps to reduce the weight of the rod. This material has become popular in recent years as anglers use new fishing techniques that need a more sensitive and lighter rod. Oftentimes these rods will need to be held for extended periods of time, so the lighter weight helps while still providing something durable. Since it’s a more durable material, these rods can be more expensive to make.

Graphite: Rods made from graphite will be more sensitive and have a lighter weight, but will also be less powerful and less durable. If you buy a rod that is targeted toward bass fishing, it will likely be made of graphite. If you are going to be using a technique where you need to hold the rod in your hands for long periods of time, then this rod will make you more comfortable. The sensitivity between these types of rods and e-glass is day and night.

If you are holding this type of fishing rod and a catfish is nibbling on the bait, you will feel everything. The disadvantage of this type of rod is that it is less durable, so they are damaged easier and break easier. If you accidentally hit this fishing rod against something while casting it, it may break. If the rod doesn’t break, then chances are it is damaged and may break shortly after that incident.

These rods are also less powerful than ones made from e-glass. If you are hooking a 50-pound catfish, this rod won’t double over and may snap.

Carbon Fiber: These types of rods are the next step above graphite. It offers the best properties of e-glass and graphite and comes with a price tag to show for it. The rods are relatively new to the scene, and many anglers feel they don’t need to pay the price of one of these rods until they have some experience under their belt.

Composite: These types of rods have a cult following and have been in the catfish world for years. Composite rods use two different materials, s-glass and graphite, which helps create a more advanced rod. The s-glass gives a fishing rod that is capable of so much more and you get the benefits of graphite with sensitivity and a lighter weight. Many are choosing this type of rod because traditional e-glass rods just don’t cut it anymore and aren’t a good fit. Techniques are changing and the rods are changing to match the updated techniques.

What to Look For

The material you choose will depend on what type of catfish you want to catch. For channel catfish, a graphite fishing rod is a good choice. If you are looking to target flathead and blue catfish, then you want to choose e-glass, s-glass, or composite, since you will need the additional power and durability to hold up in these situations.

Keep this in mind as you are choosing your rod, since an angler who is only going to target three-pound channel catfish but will be holding the rod all day has a different set of needs than someone who is going to be targeting bigger fish and will leave the pole in a rod holder instead.

Handle Length: Many catfish anglers prefer a fishing rod that comes with a longer handle than a traditional fishing road. A longer handle has benefits that include additional leverage and being easier to use. It is also common for catfish anglers to use rod holders.

Rod Length: Catfish anglers may also prefer a longer fishing rod. Rods that are eight and nine feet in length are the most common. One of the main advantages is more leverage, which can be useful when landing a big catfish. A longer fishing rod will also allow you to make longer casts and cover more water.

Many catfishing techniques rely on being able to cast bait over a long distance and cover a variety of places from one location, which is harder to do with a shorter fishing rod. Drift fishing is also a popular technique, and the use of a longer rod is necessary for this.

Material: The material will help determine the durability and sensitivity of the rod.

Power: The power can also be referred to as the rod weight and can be heavy, medium heavy, medium, or medium light. This specification has to do with the point in the fishing rod in which it bends and how much force will need to be applied to load the fishing rod.

Medium or medium heavy fishing rods are usually the best choice. If you are planning on targeting bigger catfish exclusively, then you then you may want a heavier rod.

Catfish Fishing Rod Reviews

1. St. Croix Avid 7-Feet MF 2-Piece Spinning Rod

This rod features IPC technology that will help with the strength and sensitivity. This technology has become one of the best in rod making. It is designed to eliminate all transitional points in the rod blank.

St. Croix Avid 7ft MF 2pc Spinning Rod AVS70MF2

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The select grade cork handles have been rethought and reshaped to offer better leverage and comfort. Some of the features of this fishing rod include two coats of a flex coat slow cure finish and it’s incredibly light, super sensitive, and durable.

The company is known for providing fishing rods with responsive performance to ensure success.

2. St. Croix Mojo Cat Spinning Rod

This spinning rod features a distinctive blend of quality materials, including SCII graphite and linear s-glass. There is a premium grade cork handle and the rod is built specially for flathead, blue, and channel catfish anglers.

St. Croix Mojo Cat Spinning Rods

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The handle is designed to still give you a solid hold, even when hands are wet. It features a Fuji DPS reel set with black hood on the spinning model. The company believes that every angler deserves the utmost fishing experience and in every angler being equipped and prepared when the moment of opportunity strikes.

The company’s research and development department is one of the most advanced in the business. It has millions of dollars invested in developing manufacturing techniques and composite materials. It has also introduced some of the biggest performance breakthroughs and is constantly trying to make rods that are stronger, more responsive, and lighter.

3. Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod

This rod is a great way to maximize accuracy, sensitivity, and distance. The line weight on this rod is from 12 to 30 pounds.

Eagle Claw Catclaw Casting Rod, 8' Length. 2Piece Rod, Medium/Heavy Power

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It includes medium and heavy power and has an aluminum oxide handle style. The rod has a durable EVA foam handle for better comfort and a more secure grip. It features an aluminum oxide guide and graphite reel seat.

The combo features reels that are made with performance and durability in mind. The company offers a one-year warranty.

4. Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Reel and Rod Combo

This fishing reel and rod combo is specifically made for this type of fishing. It is also designed for smoothness.

Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, 7 Feet, Medium Heavy Power

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The carbon matrix system will provide a consistent and smooth drag. It’s durable and still lightweight to give it some bold styling.

The four-pin centrifugal brake will apply consistent pressure for a better and more precise cast.

5. Rippin Lips Super Cat Spinning Rod with Glow Tip

This rod features a proprietary CatGlass composite and high quality components. It was designed by a master cat man and features six carefully selected lengths and actions that are created to conquer the situations anglers face daily.

Rippin Lips Super Cat Spinning Rod with Glow Tip, 7-Feet 6-Inch/Medium

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The priority blend of e-glass, s-glass, and blank is light yet strong. With a beef up blank, as well as heavier stainless steel guides and a fast tip, this rod is the top choice of many anglers.

The EVA split grip handles give better balance for battling big fish. This grip is unique to this rod. It also gives enhanced power for setting hooks and is comfortable under the arm while waiting for the fish to bite.

6. Ugly Stik Catfish Casting Fishing Rod

This fishing rod features the Ugly Stik clear tip for better sensitivity, along with construction that is designed for durability and toughness.

Ugly Stik Catfish Casting Fishing Rod

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It also features a stainless steel guide. There are EVA grips with rubber for better comfort. It is designed for medium heavy actions.

The construction combines fiberglass and graphite, in order to create a strong yet still sensitive rod.

7. Entsport Monster 2-Piece 7-Feet Catfish Casting Rod

This pole helps provide balance and has a sensitive tip with a hard backbone. It also has reduced weight and enhanced strength and is designed for superior performance.

Entsport Monster 2-Piece 7-Feet Catfish Casting Rod Heavy Baitcasting Rod Solid Graphite Catfishing Baitcasting Fishing Rod Portable Baitcast Rod Baitcaster

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It is made with quality graphite to help minimize the weight of the rod, while still having it be sensitive. The two-piece design makes it easier to travel with. The enhanced reel set comes with ceramic inserts that will allow for a smoother cast and durable performance.

The guides are aligned along the bottom of the spine of the blank, which holds up to rigorous fishing conditions and helps reduce the chance of the line getting snagged. The premium grade cork grips help add to comfort and better fishing control.

The split handle grips help reduce the weight of the reel even further to allow for better comfort and performance in any condition. There is a limited one-year warranty from the company. The package includes a fishing rod, along with a rod protective bag.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a serious anger looking to catch some catfish for a fry up, then we recommend any of the rods listed above. No matter what style of fisherman/woman you might be, one of the models listed above should meet your needs. Above we cover:

You will find something to fit any budget and any reel that might already own. Good luck catching a big one!

Bryan Rucker

Brian Rucker has spent his entire life participating in essentially all things wildlife. His concern grew astronomically during the previous tensions between the United States and other nations. He also has grown a substantial interest in survival and sustainability due to the current shape of the world over the years. He believes that preparation triumphs all things.