When searching for the best catfish rod and reel combo, consider fishing spots and the rod and reel combinations. We'll review two common fishing locations and how they can help you select the best combo for catfishing a particular location. We will ensure the catfish pole and reel you use are perfect for where you like to fish.
Your Fishing Conditions
As we’ve discussed previously here at Rod Seek, the location of your fishing spot helps you select the fishing rod type and reel that will put you in the best position for success. Below, we review the top attributes of different rod and reel combinations and compare them with location specifics to uncover the best fishing rod and reel for catfish.
Location 1: Fishing from a Boat
Rod Power / Action: Choose a medium to medium-heavy pole with flex in the upper half. Top-performing catfish rods are composite fishing rods, a balanced mix of graphite and fiberglass.
Rod Speed: We suggest using a pole that is not too fast. This will help you feel the fish. It will also prevent putting too much pressure on your line while catching the catfish. (The faster the rod, the more pressure it puts on your line. Having some flex can go a long way in keeping you from breaking your line.)
Rod Length: Anywhere from 5.5 to 7.0 feet long is the range you want to stay within. When fishing from a boat, you may be fishing vertically; a compact (shorter) rod will help you with leverage.
Reel Type: There are two main types of catfish reels: bait casting and spinning. Spinning reels are the best type of catfishing reel to start with. When mastered, it can cast farther. On the other hand, baitcasting reels need practice to master. Anglers must consider lure weight and wind to avoid backlashes while using a baitcasting reel on their catfish rod and reel combo. The best catfish reel is the one you have the most experience using.
Reel Size: This can depend on the catfish size you want to catch. This determines the line size and spool size for holding the line. In most instances, catfish over ten pounds can put your gear to the test.
Reel Performance: Fishing from the boat allows you to maneuver to where the fish are, making your casts shorter and for this, we recommend a baitcasting reel with a deep enough spool to carry over 175 yards of line, with a retrieve ratio at or greater than 5:1. This means five rotations of the spool to one complete turn of the reel handle. The reels mentioned above have 15 lbs of drag or more; this is what you should look for when finding the right reel when catfishing from the boat.
Location 2: Fishing from the Shore
When fishing from the shore, you can have great success finding catfish. To get to these catfish, you need to be able to cast both near and far accurately. Here’s an excellent checklist for getting the best setup for fishing from shore.
Rod Power / Action: The most recommended is a Medium-Heavy to Heavy, where the rod's flex carries through the rod's upper quarter. This is primarily served through a composite fishing rod, which will be more graphite than fiberglass. The more graphite or carbon fiber you have in a rod, the more rigid it will be and the faster it will return to its shape when bent. The best rods for catfishing will be rigid up to the middle of the rod. In this top section, you will want more composite or fiberglass in your rod to allow flexibility.
Rod Speed: You’ve got to lean towards a fast to medium-speed rod because you will be making longer casts that will require added control so you can accurately place your cast at long distances from the shore. This combination of speed, sensitivity, and strength ensures your catfish rod can be sensitive enough to detect a bite and fast enough to deliver a hook-set to a line that may be 75 yards from shore.
Rod Length: Longer rods are superior for extending casts. Look for rods that are 6.5 to 9 feet long. Rod Seek has custom builders who can design and build the perfect on-shore catfish pole to get you exactly where the fish are.
If you are looking for a beginner, long rod, you can go with an Ugly Stik Catfish Special Spinning Rod, which is roughly $60, and they make great sense if you are unsure if this is an activity you want to pursue. If you are more interested in continued success and want to invest in your free time, get a custom catfish rod that fits you perfectly. Custom catfish rods start at $180 and will be built to your specifications.
Our builders will ask a few questions upfront to ensure they design the perfect rod for you and where you like to fish the most.
Reel Type: As discussed, there are two main types: bait casting and spinning. You will want to go with a spinning reel when fishing with a longer rod from the shore. These reels can make the most of a longer, stiffer graphite / composite fishing rod.
Reel Size: For on-shore fishing, the spinning reels we’ve outlined above can be ideal for your longer rod. Although you can spool your spinning reel with either mono or a braided line, it helps to get to know your reel with something other than a braided line. Some great choices are monofilament, fluorocarbon, or copolymer lines. These three lines have slightly different attributes but share the most important one: castability. They are smooth off the reel time and time again.
Reel Performance: Fishing from the shore requires a longer cast and faster retrieves to gain line on fish getting pulled from lower angles. Make sure your reel can hold at least 175 yards of line. The bare minimum for drag should be 15 lbs. It may be helpful to look for reels with stronger drag as you look for larger catfish.
Putting It All Together
You can choose between baitcasting and spinning rod manufacturers when fishing from a boat. These rods should be medium-heavy, under seven feet long, and paired with reels that allow you to spool the appropriate strength and amount of line to fish vertically and deeper. Always pair baitcasting or casting reels with casting rods.
If your preferred place to fish is from the shore, we favor a spinning rod, which is medium-heavy, fast, and long. These items, coupled with a spinning reel that can hold over 175 yards of monofilament line, will allow you to access areas from shore and keep you in control. With the information you now have, you can see the best catfish rod and reel combo, which is easy to find if you know where you will be fishing.
