Best Catfish Rod and Reel – 9 Options That Never Lets You Down

When it comes to catfish, the perfect rod and reel setup is crucial to increase your chances of successfully catching them.

You generally need heavy gear the catch catfish because these can put up a tough fight. It’s very important not to be under-equipped, or you’ll risk losing your catch.

Rods and reels come in different materials, sizes, and features, so it can be overwhelming to choose the one that best suits your needs.

To narrow down your options and help you make the best choice, here’s a compilation of the best catfish rod and reel options available on the market.

Best Catfish Rods Comparison

Catfish Rod	Materials	Handle
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod	Composite, Fiberglass/Carbon Graphite	EVA foam
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod	SCII Carbon, Fortified Resin System (FRS)	Cork
Berkley Big Game Casting Fishing Rod	Fiberglass	Rubber
Okuma Battle Cat Rod	Fiberglass	Cork, EVA foam
KastKing Brutus Spinning and Casting Rod	Composite, Fiberglass/Carbon Graphite	EVA foam

Best Catfish Reels Comparison

Catfish Reel	Type	Bearings	Materials
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3	Baitcasting Reel	3+1	Stainless steel
PENN Slammer III	Spinning Reel	7+1	Stainless steel
KastKing Sharky III	Baitcasting Reel	10 + 1	Fiber-infused graphite, Aluminum, Stainless steel
KastKing Rover Round	Baitcasting Reel	6 + 1	Hard-Anodized Aluminum, Carbon fiber, stainless steel

List of The Best Catfish Rods in 2023

1. Best Overall – Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod

The top recommendation on our list is the Ugly Stik GX2 spinning rod. It’s available in various models with a wide range of powers and lengths to the needs of catfish anglers, beginners and pros alike.

The rod is made from a strong fiberglass and graphite composite, which enhance the rod’s durability while ensuring it remains lightweight.

It features corrosion-resistant stainless steel guides that can withstand heavy lines and a clear tip for increased sensitivity and accuracy when casting.

When it comes to the handle, it’s made from non-slip EVA handle that is comfortable to hold for long durations without losing your grip or feeling fatigued.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s made from durable composite materials
• It features a clear tip that’s sensitive to bites
• It’s available in a range of models
• Its guides are corrosion-resistant and can handle strong braided lines
• It features a comfortable non-slip EVA handle

The Cons

• The rod tip isn’t very durable

Bottom line

The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is the best option for you if you’re looking for an all-around high-quality rod for catfishing. It’s designed to be durable, sensitive, and comfortable to hold, which will guarantee you catch more catfish.

2. Second Runner – St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

Another top-rated catfishing rod is this Triumph Spinning Rod from St. Croix. It comes in a wide range of powers, actions, and lengths, so you’re guaranteed to find a rod that best suits your needs.

The rod is constructed from fine SCII graphite available blended with a Fortified Resin system (FRC). It also has two layers of Flex-Coat slow cure finish to enhance strength and durability.

Moreover, it features Sea Guide Atlas Performance SS304 guides with a black finish that can withstand heavy lines and a Sea Guide XDPS reel seat with a sandblast hood that is compatible with any spinning reels.

Finally, the rod handle is made of premium-grade cork and designed with contours to provide a stronger grip.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s built from strong carbon materials
• It’s available in a wide range of models
• It comes with strong guides to withstand heavy lines
• It features a high-quality reel seat
• It features a contoured cork handle for a stronger grip

The Cons

• It’s more expensive compared to other rods
• It’s only compatible with spinning reels

Bottom line

The St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod is the best option if you’re looking for a premium catfishing rod that offers a wide range of models with excellent performance and durability. It may be on the more expensive side, but the high price is worth all the perks it offers.

3. Best On a Budget – Berkley Big Game Casting Fishing Rod

Our budget pick is this Berkley Big Game casting rod as it offers various perks at a very affordable price It’s also a popular choice for beginner anglers who are looking for good rod to get them started with catfishing.

This rod built from high-quality fiberglass material, which makes it light in weight yet extremely strong and flexible. It also features stainless steel guide frames with aluminum oxide inserts to withstand all kinds of fishing lines.

It doesn’t have a wide range of models as it only has 2 length options, 7′ and 6’6″, and one power option, medium-heavy power; however, the available models will be suitable for catching catfish.

Finally, when it comes to the handle, it has a fully rubberized shrink wrapped grip, which may not be the most comfortable to hold for long durations, but it’s highly durable and easy to clean.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s built from high-quality fiberglass materials
• It comes at a very affordable price
• It’s strong and light in weight
• It features strong guides and inserts to withstand all kinds of fishing lines
• The handle is durable and easy to clean

The Cons

• The rubber handle is not very comfortable to hold
• It has a limited range of power options

Bottom line

The Berkley Big Game casting rod is the best choice for you if you’re a beginner looking for a budget-friendly catfishing rod to get you started. The rod comes at a very cheap without sacrificing efficiency or durability.

4. Best for Trophy Catfish – Okuma Battle Cat Rod

This Battle Cat rod from Okuma is the best rod for catching trophy Catfish. It’s designed to provide optimal performance, making it ideal for pro anglers.

The rod is built from E-Glass material, which makes it extremely powerful and durable; however, it can be heavy in weight compared to other fishing rods.

It also features heavy-duty double-footed stainless steel guides to handle the heaviest lines and a graphite pipe reel seat with an anodized aluminum hood, which is compatible with both spinning and casting reels.

It offers high levels of sensitivity at the tip section allowing you to detect the lightest catfish bites a lot quicker, and it comes with a fluorescent wrapped bite indicator on the tip of the rod which allows you more visibility when fishing at night or in low light conditions.

The handle is made from two kinds of materials to maximize comfort and grip strength, as the fore part is made of high-quality EVA foam and the rear is made of non-slip cork material.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s made from strong fiberglass material
• It offers high levels of sensitivity
• It has excellent casting capabilities
• It comes with a bite indicator at the tip
• It works with both spinning reels and casting reels
• It features a comfortable non-skid handle

The Cons

• It’s heavier in weight compared to other rods

Bottom line

5. Best for Detecting Light Bites – KastKing Brutus Spinning & Casting Fishing Rods

The Brutus Series from KastKing has over 20 models of spinning and casting rods with a wide range of powers, actions, and lengths to suit all kinds of fishing conditions and species.

They’re made from a composite of fiberglass and carbon fiber, which increases the rod’s durability and enhance its performance. They’re also designed with a bright chartreuse strike tip which offers high levels of sensitivity, allowing you to detect the lightest bites from catfish even in low-light conditions.

In addition, the rods feature stainless-steel running guide frames with corrosion-resistant stainless steel rings that are able to withstand heavy braided lines, which makes them perfect for reeling in large catfish.

As for the rod handle, it’s made of high-density EVA foam, which makes it slip-resistant and comfortable to hold for long durations.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s made from durable composite materials
• It’s highly sensitive to bites
• It’s available in a range of models
• Its tip is bright and visible in low-light conditions
• It works with casting and spinning reels
• Its guides are corrosion-resistant and can handle strong braided lines
• It features a comfortable non-slip EVA handle

The Cons

• The rod tip cannot be replaced if broken

Bottom line

The Okuma Battle Cat Rod is the perfect choice for you if you’re looking for a fiberglass rod with extremely high sensitivity. The rod features a strike tip which will detect the lightest bites from catfish even in low-light conditions.

List of The Best Catfish Reels in 2023

1. Best Overall – Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Bitcast Reel

The Abu Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 is one of the top-rated catfishing reels on the market. It’s designed with a Carbon Matrix drag system that provides smooth and consistent drag.

It features 3+1 stainless steel ball bearings and can withstand heavy lines and lures. It also features a six-pin centrifugal brake system that applies constant pressure, which allows for better casting accuracy.

It’s light in weight with a large ergonomic handle design that allows you more control over your reel when targeting catfish.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It features a smooth operating drag system
• It can withstand heavy lines and lures
• It provides high casting accuracy
• It’s light in weight
• It comes with a large ergonomic handle

The Cons

• It only has 3+1 ball bearings

Bottom line

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Catfish Bitcast Reel is the best choice if you’re looking for an all-around quality reel that offers smooth operation, strength, and precision.

2. Second Runner – PENN Slammer III Spinning Reel

The PENN Slammer III is one of the best spinning reels for targeting catfish. It’s designed with a fully metal IP6-sealed body which keeps water out of the gearbox and drag system.

The gears are CNC cut, and the drag system utilizes PENN’s specialized Dura-Drag material that enhances the performance of the reel.

It’s light in weight and features a 7+1 stainless steel bearing system that increases the strength of the reel. The reel handle also position allows for easy use whether you’re right-handed or left-handed.

It’s available with multiple options for gear ratio and works for saltwater or freshwater fishing.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It features a full metal sealed body gear housing
• It’s available with multiple gear ratios
• It can be used with a right-hand or left hand
• It has a high-quality drag system
• It’s light in weight and easy to use
• It features a 7+1 bearings system

The Cons

• It’s expensive compared to other reels

Bottom line

The PENN Slammer III Spinning Reel is the best option for you if you’re looking for a high-end spinning reel that combines good quality and performance.

3. Best On a Budget – KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

The KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel is another excellent baitcasting reel for targeting catfish, especially if you’re on a budget.

The body is built from fiber-infused graphite materials, which enhances its strength and durability while maintaining its lightweight. It’s designed with KastKing’s unique water-resistant intrusion shield system, which is infused with layers of coating to keep water and dirt out of the reel’s body, spool, and rotor.

It features a stainless-steel main shaft, manganese brass pinion gears, and a triple disk carbon fiber drag system, which provides more power and allows for more precision when casting. It also features an aluminum handle and 10 + 1 high-quality corrosion-resistant double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings.

Pros Vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s made from a blend of highly durable materials
• It features a reliable drag system
• It’s very light and easy to handle
• It’s suitable for use in saltwater
• It has 10+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings
• It has a strong spool with a high line capacity

The Cons

• It’s not ideal when using light fishing lines

Bottom line

The KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel is the best option for you if you’re looking for a reel that offers quality and durability at a budget-friendly price.

4. Most Versatile – KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel

The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is one of the most versatile fishing reels available on the market.

It’s available with multiple options for gear ratios and works well with many fishing techniques in freshwater and saltwater, like trolling or bottom fishing. It’s also budget-friendly as it delivers great quality and performance at an affordable price

The reel is built with reinforced hard anodized aluminum side plates with a CNC machined spool and precision-cut brass gears. All inner components are made from high-quality materials that provide superior durability and corrosion protection.

It features a stainless steel internal shaft and carbon fiber drag system that allows for smoother operation. It also features premium MaxiDur double-shielded stainless steel 6 + 1 ball bearings.

Pros vs Cons

The Pros

• It’s made from durable corrosion-resistant materials
• It has a smoothly operated drag system
• It works for various fishing techniques and water conditions
• It features 6 + 1 ball bearings
• It’s light and weight and easy to use
• It’s available with multiple gear ratios

The Cons

• It’s not as precise when casting lighter lines

Bottom line

The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is the best option for you if you’re looking for a reliable and versatile catfishing reel that comes at an affordable price.

How to Choose the Best Rod and Reel Setup for Catfish?

There are a lot of factors you need to keep in mind when you’re choosing a rod and reel for catfishing. So, let’s break down these factors in more detail to help you make the right decision.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rod

Material

Choosing the best rod materials can have a huge impact on your performance and fishing success.

Fishing rods are typically made out of fiberglass, graphite, or composite materials. Each material has some benefits and drawbacks.

Fiberglass rods are strong and durable. They’re easy to make, which makes them relatively cheaper. However, they are not the best when it comes to feedback, which makes it harder to detect lighter bites, and they’re also heavy, which can be inconvenient if you’re fighting fish for a long time.

Graphite rods, on the other hand, are more sensitive and allow you to detect subtle bites from fish easily, and they’re lighter in weight, which makes handling and casting them easier. Their drawback, however, is that they’re stiffer, so they can be more brittle, and they’re also much more expensive compared to fiberglass rods.

Finally, there are composite rods which are basically a mix between graphite and fiberglass. They’re versatile as they offer you excellent flexibility without adding much weight or sacrificing sensitivity. However, they’re the most expensive of all types of rods.

Length

The length of your rod affects how far you can cast, so it’s important to match your rod length with your fishing technique.

Longer rods allow you to cast further, but they’re much harder to control and maneuver. Shorter rods, on the other hand, offer more control, but they’re limited when it comes to how far you can cast your line. They are also more powerful, which makes them ideal for targeting large fish.

Action

Action is one of the key performance components of a fishing rod. It refers to how much your rod will bend and where. It also refers to the speed at which the rod can return back to its original position.

It mainly depends on the shape of the rod and its material, and it has a great effect on how you handle your rod as well as the kind of fish you can land with it.

There are three main rod actions:

Fast (Heavy) Action

Fast action rods bend at the uppermost part of the rod, right below the tip, and snap back to their original position very quickly.

They are great for targeting larger fish, and they work very well with single hooks. They are also very sensitive as they send vibrations straight to your hand, even with the lightest of nibbles.

Medium Action

Medium action rods bend in the top half of the rod and move a little slower than fast action rods. They allow you to cast further and provide good feedback capabilities as well.

These rods are versatile, which means you can use them to catch big and small fish. They also work well with multiple-hook setups, which give the fish more time to bite.

Slow (Light) Action

Slow action rods bend all the way to the bottom of the rod.

They allow you to cast the furthest. You just need to match the size of the lure to the rod when you’re casting. It’s usually recommended to use smaller lures for better casts.

Power

Power is another key performance component of a fishing rod. It refers to the rod’s capability to withstand pressure.

Rod powers have a wide range, which includes Ultra-Light, Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, and Ultra Heavy. Typically, heavier rods are better for targeting larger fish, while lighter rods work better for targeting smaller fish.

Guides (Eyelets)

You need to choose a rod with a large number of guides to increase its strength. That is because the more guides you have on your rod, the more evenly the weight of a fish will be distributed along its length.

You also need to choose a rod with a ceramic coating on the inside of the eyelets to reduce friction on the line and allow it to move smoothly.

Handle

Rod handles come in two main shapes, which are the pistol grip and the trigger stick.

The pistol grip is a short contoured handle with a hook for your index finger. This type of handle provides better casting accuracy and more precise movements.

The trigger stick is a longer handle which means you can cast using both hands. This type of handle allows you to cast further than the pistol grip and is generally more suited for targeting larger fish.

Rod handles also come in two main materials, which are cork or EVA foam.

Cork handles are more comfortable as they offer more cushioning and warmth. They are also more sensitive than foam handles. However, they’re less durable foam as it is harder to clean and gets dented easily

Still not sure which rod to pick for catfish? Check out this guide on the best catfish rods, and you’re guaranteed to find a rod that best suits your needs.

Do Fishing Rods Wear Out?

Fishing rods do wear out after a certain period because of corrosion or rust. Some fishing rods can last for almost 20-30 years. It depends mostly on the material used to make the fishing rod and how you store it.

The best way to store fishing rods to make them last longer and avoid wear is by using fishing rod racks designed to keep the rods upright and maintain their shape. The racks can be mounted on a wall in your home or garage. Another way is to use rod sleeves or tubes, which are humid-resistant and more portable.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Reel

Type

There are two main types of reels – baitcasting and spinning.

Baitcasters are designed with a rotating spool attached to the top of the fishing rod. With spinning reels, the spool is attached to the bottom of a fishing rod and doesn’t rotate.

Baitcasters are more durable and lighter in weight compared to spinning reels. They have a higher casting accuracy, and they can cast for further distances. They also have a higher line capacity and withstand heavy lines and lures.

However, they are more expensive and need more skills to use without experiencing backlash. You can learn more about how to pick a baitcasting reel here and whether baitcasters are good for beginners here.

Spinning Reels, on the other hand, are cheaper, which makes them less durable; they are easier to use as they are less prone to backlash. They’re also more suited for lighter lines and lures.

Spinning reels are generally considered a good option for beginners. You can learn more about spinning reels in this Spinning reels vs spincasters comparison, or check out the best spinning reels here.

Frame Material

Most reels are made from graphite, aluminum, or composite materials

Graphite frames are cheaper and not very durable. While aluminum and composite frames are usually more expensive but higher in quality and more durable.

Round Profile Vs Low Profile

Low-profile reels are lighter and more mobile than round-profile reels. They’re good for covering a lot of water and casting your line more quickly.

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio determines how fast you can reel the line back in from the cast. It’s important to choose a reel with a gear ratio that’s suitable for the kind of fish you’re targeting.

Spool Size

In general, the larger the spool on your reel is, the more line it can hold and the further you can cast.

Bearings

In general, the more bearings a reel has, the more effective its performance will be.

Drag System

The drag system of a reel determines how much line can be spooled when you hook fish that’s putting up a hard fight. This helps in preventing the tension from increasing, which can result in the line breaking and losing both your catch and lure

Brake System

The brake system adjusts and slows down the rotation of the spool when you’re casting. Setting it too high can lead to a lot of backlashes, while setting them too low can lead to overcasting. So, you need to find the right balance.

Are you looking for more reel options? Check out my comprehensive guide to the best catfish reels that discusses catfish reels in more detail to help you choose the right one for you.

What Is the Best Catfish Rod and Reel Setup?

For fishing rods, it’s recommended to use a heavy-powered medium-action rod that’s at least 7 feet in length. That is because it will provide more sensitivity when casting and allow you to cast your bait further out into the lake or river where bigger catfish tend to hide.

When it comes to fishing reels, it’s recommended to go for a baitcasting reel spooled with a thick 20-40 lbs. test monofilament or a braided fishing line to be able to withstand the weight of larger catfish. If you need help choosing a fishing line, check out my guides for the best monofilament lines and the best braided lines.

What You Need to Know About Catfish

To increase your chances of catching more catfish, you need to learn some basic facts about them.

Are Catfish Aggressive?

Catfish are not aggressive in their nature. Most of the time, catfish will just mind their own business.

However, if they feel threatened, they can release the poison to defend themselves. While catfish venom is not lethal to humans, it causes a lot of pain and can lead to swelling around the area of the injury.

You can check out these articles to learn more about catfish stings and how to safely handle them.

What Do Catfish Feed On?

Catfish diets mostly consist of other fish, including shad, yellow perch, bluegills, minnows, trout, and shiners. They’re omnivores, meaning they feed by sucking and gulping their food rather than using their teeth to bite or chew.

Where Can You Find Catfish?

Catfish spend most of the day in deeper water areas in lakes, rivers, or streams. By late afternoon, they usually move to shallow water. So, you can easily intercept them in the areas where they head to and from shallow water.

Catfish also prefer muddy areas of water as it allows them to hide from their predators and gives them an advantage over their prey.

In large lakes, you are likely to find catfish near the mouths of creeks and at the base of fingers at a reservoir. While in rivers, you are likely to find them downstream, where a small river or creek dumps into the main river.

In muddy streams, you are likely to find them in the main channel or off to the side, where the water would be clearer and slower. Learn more about catching catfish in muddy water here.

You have a big chance to find catfish hovering near thick cover. So, try to focus on areas close to logs, lily pads, boulders, or weeds.

When Is the Best Time to Catch Catfish?

Catfish can be very sensitive to weather and water temperature, so it’s important to learn the best times to catch them.

The best time of the year for catfish would be during March, April, and early May. While the best time of the day to catch catfish would be the middle of the day or late in the day because the water will get warmer, and the catfish will become more and more active.

You can also catch catfish around nighttime since they don’t need to rely on their vision to find and catch their food. Check out my guide on how to catch catfish at night for more tips!

Which Baits Are Best When Catching catfish?

The most recommended baits to use for catfishing are cut baits shad, perch eyes, bream, chicken parts, and shrimp.

You can use live bait such as bluegill, frogs, shiners, earthworms, minnows, crayfish, and salamanders. You can also use homemade baits such as dough baits, dip baits, and punch baits.

How to Remove a Hook from a Catfish?

To remove a hook from a catfish, you need to pick the fish up by gripping it behind its spines. Next, you need to grip the eye of the hook using pliers, then roll it towards the hook’s point.

When your hook starts to yank the fish’s mouth, twist the hook’s point and carefully pull it out of the catfish’s lip.

Additional Tips for Catching Catfish

• Fish slow and be more patient. Try to give the catfish enough time to locate your bait.
• If you don’t get any bites within the first 15 minutes, it’s recommended to move to another spot in order not to waste your time fishing at areas of water that don’t have any catfish.
• Use scent attractants to help increase your chances of getting more catfish to bite.
• Get a fish finder to help you locate catfish when moving from deep to shallow water. A fish finder will also tell you the temperature of the water.
• Avoid using stink baits because catfish mostly prefer more natural baits that look and smell healthy.
• Set up as many fishing rods as possible when fishing for catfish to cover more areas of water. However, make sure your state doesn’t have a limit on the number of fishing rods you’re allowed to use.

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