The best offshore fishing rods often have characteristics that make them suitable for the specific type of fish you are looking for. In most cases, a saltwater fishing rod will need to be strong enough to carry the heaviest load, as it can occasionally hook tuna, marlin, shark, or large grouper. Depending on the specific type of fish you are looking for, you can select a rod that provides the correct characteristics to give you the best advantage in catching those fish.
There are a number of different techniques that are productive when it comes to saltwater angling including trolling, bottom fishing, distance casting, jigging, and more. Having the right equipment is key to successful fishing and it is crucial to understand every part of your fishing rod and how one rod is better than other options.
10 The Best Offshore Fishing Rods of 2022
1. Bast Marine Boat Fishing Rod
One of the advantages of heading to the coast is that you have the possibility of catching some really big fish. But you’re going to need a good boat fishing rod with enough firepower to get the job done.
Well, here it is.
The black and gold finish of this rod is exquisite. But the best deep-sea fishing rods don’t just look good
With a maximum test curve of 50 pounds, there are few species that you will not be able to transport with this beast. Speaking of curves, this rod has a “transverse” action, which means that the weight of the fish is evenly distributed throughout the rod.
A heavy-duty line can be too much for a normal rod. This rod features a tip roller, ensuring a silky smooth descent of your bait, and of course, it wobbles too! An EVA foam grip completes the setup, making the rod comfortable to hold and use.
The eyes are made from aircraft-grade alloys to ensure durability and resistance to corrosion.
Reward: Best Budget Boat Fishing Rod for Beginners
Pros
- For the money, a really cool artist.
- I love the look of this rod
Cons
- The rod is in one piece, this isn’t a big deal, but it might make transporting difficult if you’re struggling for space.
Takeaway
If you are just looking to dive into large species of boat fishing, this is a perfect entry-level rod. It won’t break the bank, but it will definitely catch fish!
2. Fiblink Saltwater Offshore Fishing Rod
While we’re on the topic of firepower, take a look at this.
This boat rod is another solid offering with a few extra features.
What are these features?
Well, why have a roller on the tip when you can have the rod covered with them? This is a layer of complexity that will work well as long as it is maintained well.
As with my previous suggestion, a 50-pound curve will allow you to fight almost any fish. One feature I really like is the two-piece EVA foam handle, which is perfectly positioned to give you maximum leverage when you need it most.
Saltwater can be corrosive, however, the aluminum stock and reel seat are virtually maintenance-free, meaning that with a simple rinse after each session you can keep your rod in tip-top condition.
And there is more on offer.
If you want to target slightly smaller species, you don’t have to go too heavy. Two-piece versions are available with a lighter and faster action. The choice is yours.
Reward: Best multi roller boat fishing rod
Pros
- A really inexpensive rod that offers great value.
- The reed is really eye-catching and works well.
Cons
- Multiple rollers may not be for everyone. With lighter lines or braids, you may have a hard time and will require a bit of maintenance to keep them at their best.
Takeaway
Another rod that performs well above its price. Fiblink is an inexpensive brand that offers a wide range of versatile rods, and you can trust it.
3. Penn Squall Level Wind Reel and Rod Combo
Now we are serious.
Penn does not make items for the faint-hearted. And he will pay a little more for the privilege. But that said, it’s worth it. This is one of the best offshore fishing rods.
Why?
This is most likely the only boat rod you will need. It exudes quality from start to finish. The tubular glass piece is virtually unbreakable and there are very few things that can go wrong. It is light, sensitive, and capable of taming even the largest monsters of the deep.
And wait until you hear this.
You get much more than just a rod; It comes bundled with a spool of equal quality. Constructed of marine-grade bronze and graphite alloy, it is lightweight and powerful. The benefit of a paired combo is that they are designed together so they are perfectly balanced. This is exactly what you need in the best rod and reel for sea fishing.
Nice features on this reel include a really thick power handle and level wind to ensure your line is moving really evenly, increasing winding capacity.
This really is an absolutely rock-solid setup. If you have a lot of money, this would be an excellent choice.
Reward: One of the best offshore fishing rod and reel combo deals I’ve seen
Pros
- Absolutely guaranteed quality, you will not be disappointed.
- For the money, it’s actually a great value package, as you’re getting one of the best rod and reel combinations available.
Cons
- The only downside that I can really see is the price, it may not be entry-level but what you are paying for is the quality.
Takeaway
If you are looking to make a great investment in a rod and reel that you can use in a boat, you will not find any better. Powerful, responsive, and reliable. I can’t say it simpler than that.
4. Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Rod
Boats may not be your thing, but you may want to catch big fish from shore.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Shakespeare is the preferred brand of the fisherman who wants quality without spending the entire budget. And this rod is a perfect example of that. It is best to target large fish because you will need to put in a lot of bait and weight to get the most out of this rod.
The shaft is constructed of graphite and fiberglass, both well known for their flexible qualities. The action of the blank is oriented slightly towards the tip, giving a little more distance to the casts.
When should it be used?
The ideal situation would be to fish for static dead baits, however, if you like a workout it can also be used to cast very large lures at a considerable distance.
Reward: the best heavy-duty surf rod
Pros
- The high-quality fiberglass blank will cast a bait very far.
- If you are on a budget, this rod offers a good combination of cost-effectiveness and quality.
Cons
- It’s not a true all-rounder, if you’re looking for something picky, you might find better solutions elsewhere.
Takeaway
Shakespeare is a solid and affordable brand. This rod performs just as well as similar rods located in a higher price range. It would be ideal for those who are just starting out in specimen hunting.
5. Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
If you are looking for a great versatile cast rod, you have found it.
Okuma offers two basic things in their rods. Comfort and functionality.
What more could you want?
Graphite composite blanks give the bar strength, but also offer significant weight savings. You’ll be able to cast a fair amount of bait into the waves, but sensitivity doesn’t suffer as a result. You will be able to feel the smallest of bites transmitted through the reed.
Anything else?
Yes. Versatility in our fishing is something we all strive for, thankfully this rod is available in several different actions and lengths, which means whatever species you are looking for, or what style you prefer to fish for, you should. to be able to find something worthwhile. relatively low cost.
The cork grip gives the reed a really traditional look, which I like. And the stainless steel reel seat is really easy to maintain, reducing corrosion and extending the life of your rod.
Reward: Best Offshore Fishing Rod for Beginners
Pros
- The lightweight blank offers really excellent bite sensitivity.
- I like the traditional look and feel of this rod. It is basic but effective.
Cons
- Reeds of all kinds sometimes tend to be an expert in all trades, but a master in none. If you need something more specialized, this rod may be a bit too heavy.
Takeaway
Overall, a really solid actor. You’ll be able to get past the third breaker without too much difficulty, whether you’re casting a heavy lure or a big old bait.
6. Penn Prevail II Surf Casting Fishing Rod
You will have gathered from my previous review that I am a huge Penn fan. This rod looks the business and has the performance to match.
You want to know why it is so good. Keep reading …
This rod is loaded with premium features. One of which is the graphite reel seat. As you may already know, saltwater can really damage fishing tackle over time. Graphite is practically immune to the effects of saltwater, so if you take care of it, this rod should last a long time.
Penn dura guides are specially formulated to allow the line to slide very easily. This will allow for easy retrieval, regardless of the size of the fish. And it also allows you to get as much distance from your casts as possible.
And there is more.
If you are holding a rod all day, then you want it to be comfortable. Penn has included easy-to-use Winn grips as standard, which provide a nice feel in your hand and also aid in your throwing technique.
Reward: Perhaps the best surfcasting rod of 2022
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile design for all eventualities.
- This rod is made with quality materials and is built to last.
Cons
- You might like this rod too much!
Takeaway
Absolute quality and a pleasure to use, that’s my prevailing feeling regarding this rod. If you want to treat yourself or someone else with a decent Surfcaster, this could be the rod for you.
7. Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Fishing Rod
You’ve already seen the Shakespeare Ugly Stick Surfcaster. Well, the same quality is reflected in this spinning rod. Big lures catch big fish and you need something that can provide the muscle to reach them.
How strong is it?
Well, you will be able to cast any lure weighing less than 8 oz, is that good enough? The beauty of this rod is that due to its heavy-duty action, in fact, it can also double as a baitcasting rod.
What are their characteristics?
A heavy-duty rod requires a heavy-duty reel. With the substantial aluminum spool pin, you’ll be able to grab and hold any spool that’s up to the task. While the blank is heavy, it is still light and responsive enough not to appear too cumbersome.
The blank is made of a powerful 3M resin. More than capable of crushing red mullet and other large baits, and equally capable of crushing larger fish.
Reward: Best Heavy Duty Spinning Rod
Pros
- Standard quality with Shakespeare products.
- This rod is really versatile and can be used in other disciplines besides lure fishing.
Cons
- Due to the heavy nature of the rod, it is not really for lighter lures.
Takeaway
For the money, this is an excellent rod that can fill a variety of roles. It shouldn’t let you down and an early investment is an ideal option.
8. Tica UGSA Series Spinning Surf Fishing Rod
If casting lures is your thing, then this rod is for you. Offers versatility around lure fishing.
How is that?
Anglers often have to decide between fishing with light or heavy lures. This rod will do it all.
The TC3 graphite body has a surprising amount of flex. This is a good thing as it will allow you to cast our lightest lures and get some action on your jigs and poppers. You can tell it is a dedicated lure rod as it features a sliding hook, allowing you to hold onto your lure and keep moving while hunting the fish.
The reed favors the traditional style with a cork handle. But things tend to get traditional because they work well. The cork handle provides a good grip, even when wet.
Is it versatile to use in a variety of situations?
The answer is a resounding yes! There are several different varieties of this cane available. If you want to stick to pure lure fishing, go ahead, or alternatively go for a medium / heavy rod and you can do some light baitcasting if the fish are crouching.
Reward: The best offshore spinning rod, hands down
Pros
- Lightweight with fast and flexible action.
- High-quality white space means that it can cope with a variety of situations.
Cons
- The cork handle is just a little thin.
Takeaway
For a dedicated saltwater spinning rod, this is a winner. Depending on your preference, you can actually double down if you want to branch out and try float fishing or bottom fishing.
9. Okuma Rockaway Carbon Offshore Fishing Rod
Heavy-duty rods are neither the whole nor the end. Fast and flexible may be just what you need in your lures to secure a hit.
Enter Okuma Rockaway.
This rod is best suited for casting up to 1.5 oz. You may feel like that limits you, however, big fish still take small lures all the time. Plus, with the tidal pull and a lightweight rod like this, even the smallest fish will feel like monsters, which is part of the fun.
Tell us its characteristics.
Well, first of all, this reed is really beautiful. The 24-ton carbon rod blank is sleek with a criss-cross pattern. The black EVA butt section completes the look. The rounded stock is perfectly positioned for maximum distance when casting.
The rings come with optional zirconia inserts, so you can easily adapt the rod to be used for braiding, which is super effective when fishing with lures. The bar handle is shrunken style, reducing weight and adding an additional form factor.
Reward: Best Lightweight Lure Fishing Rod
Pros
- Simply stunning in design and appearance.
- A fast-action blank makes this rod ideal for taking out lighter lures and smaller baits.
Cons
- For bigger fish, you will have a fight on your hands, it is not suitable for throwing really heavyweights.
Takeaway
For the lure angler who wants to venture into light bottom fishing occasionally, this could be a wonderful choice. Okuma produces quality, and as long as you don’t demand too much, this rod could be one of the best offshore fishing rods in the ocean you’ll see.
10. Berrypro Striper Offshore Fishing Rod
Ignore the fact that this rod says “liner” on it. After all, fish can’t read. What it offers is a great all-around experience.
Do you want to know why?
This rod is super-sensitive which is just what you need to fish, a missed bite is a missed opportunity and can lead to deep hooking.
If you’ve ever caught a fish in depth you might want to check out a decent pair of fishing pliers, feel free to check out my handy guide to saltwater fishing pliers here.
For inshore fish, you won’t find a better rod at this price.
Great features include a lockable reel seat, if you’re constantly casting (and will be), the reel should stay exactly where you want it.
Let’s keep it going…
One really cool feature often only found on more expensive rods is the ceramic coated rings. They reduce friction on the line, allowing you to pitch further.
This rod is precision-engineered so all guides align perfectly. This means that apart from the tip ring, the line is practically in direct contact with your hands. It’s perfect for beach and bay fishing!
This lightweight, a fast-acting rod is perfect for anglers who want to move around and actively hunt for fish.
Reward: the mid-range saltwater lure fishing rod
Pros
- Lightweight with fast, nimble action, I love it.
- Ceramic rings really work and add considerable distance to your usual casting range.
Cons
- While the rings are lined, the body of the grommets is made of stainless steel. Unless you take proper care of them, they can corrode over time.
Takeaway
Well wow. This rod is really decent. If you are new to the sport, this rod is a great way to start strong. It will allow you to get out and catch with minimal effort.
Things to consider when buying the best offshore fishing rods
The best offshore fishing rods come in a variety of sizes. Obviously, if you are looking for larger fish you will need a larger rod than you would need for smaller fish.
This is the same principle that applies to, for example, surfcasting fishing rods, which are longer than the average offshore fishing rods you would use from a pier.
We share a few things to consider when shopping for the best saltwater fishing rods.
Durability and Sensitivity
When looking for the best offshore fishing rods, you look for two of the most important things, durability, and sensitivity.
Durability means that the rod will withstand well over a couple of fishing trips, as well as withstand the conditions and stress of saltwater.
Sensitivity means that the reed has a good feel all the way to the handle. This allows you to feel the slightest bit.
Buying Criteria
These are the two main factors to consider when buying a new fishing rod. Cheaper saltwater fishing rods, which are produced more regularly, will not have the same feel or reliability as more fine-tuned custom or expensive saltwater fishing rods.
The most expensive offshore fishing rods have stainless steel grommets, reel seats, and cork or PVA foam handles for added grip. All of these options aid in corrosion resistance and, with proper care, will last a lifetime.
An additional feature to consider is flexibility. If a rod is not flexible enough to bend under the heavy stress of most saltwater fish, it will break!
Rod sensitivity
When fishing for smaller fish like flounder or sheep, sensitivity is a key factor. This is crucial for feeling the bite caused by the fish or when rocks hit the line.
The more sensitive the rod is, the more vibration is transferred to the rod due to light bites from the smaller fish. Carbon fiber is the way to go when it comes to sensitivity.
Carbon fiber fishing rods transfer more vibrations through the shaft of the rod when the fish bites.
Compared to fiberglass or graphite, carbon fiber is lighter and more flexible. Which adds to the vibrations from the small bites of the fish. Always remember that the lighter the rod, the more sensitive it becomes.
Rod Durability
Carbon fiber is lighter. However, what it lacks is durability. Fiberglass fishing rods are king. Especially when it comes to large fish like musk, pike, striped bass, etc.
When you need a very strong and durable rod for heavy fighting fish like grouper, blacktip shark, or sailfish, fiberglass fishing rods are preferred. This is most true of the stiff and brittle carbon fiber shafts.
Most professional anglers myself included choosing a good carbon fiber rod to use when fishing in the ocean. They work well for most applications, from swimming baits, topwater, vertical jigging, to simple bait fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best offshore fishing gear?
A: As with any gear, it all starts with the rod. The best is the Shimano Terez.
Q: What are the best brands of fishing rods?
A: The best brands of fishing rods are: Uglystik, Shimano, Lew’s, and Shakespeare.
Q: Who makes the best fishing equipment in the ocean?
A: The best ocean fishing gear is made by Shakespeare, Fiblink. (But opinions vary).
Q: What is the best two-piece fishing rod?
A: Our choice should be the Fiblink Extra Heavy 2 Piece Offshore Saltwater Boat Conventional Fishing Rod (30-50lbs / 50-80lbs, 6ft).
Q: Are custom saltwater fishing rods worth it?
A: Custom fishing rods are nice in my opinion, but they aren’t really worth it or necessary for the everyday angler.
Some, if not all, are higher on the price spectrum and can cost thousands of dollars.
Insider Advice
The winner of the best offshore fishing rods will have to be the Shimano Terez.
This rod is designed for big fish and if you are fishing in the deep ocean on a charter, this rod is for you!
This rod is designed to last for years if cared for properly.
All of these best offshore fishing rods that we have featured today can also handle inshore fishing and even jetty or charter fishing.
They are all versatile and reliable for whatever you can throw at them.
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