There is no denying that fishing is among the most well-known hobbies. It doesn’t ask you to train regularly or require you to attend every session. All you need to do is pick up your equipment and get to a location to relax.
But things get a little complicated if your target is the striped bass. That is why you need to find the best striper fishing rods, as they can make or break your experience.
Contents
Best Striper Fishing Rods – Quick Comparison
Looking For The Best Rod For Striper Fishing?
Striper fishing is deceptively hard, as these fish constantly move and behave unpredictably. They are large gamefish, so a weak rod does nothing with them.
Also, seasoned anglers shared that nighttime is the best time to catch water species. Your rod has to be light enough to place the bait in the dead-on spot without spooking other submarine residents yet strong enough to hold the big species.
That is why you need to equip yourself with the best striper rod for fishing for stripers besides your skills.
However, what makes a decent striper fishing rod is not always apparent on the label. Don’t worry; we will be presenting a top list and buying guide for you to make things easier.
The TOP 5 Striper Fishing Rods
1. Ugly Stik GX2 Rod – Best Overall
- Brand: Ugly Stik
- Material: Blend
- Rod Length: 6 feet
- Color: Multi
- Technique: Spinning
The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is the most affordable option on this list. However, this does not mean that it is low-quality. It has one of the best build quality among the products on this list. This strength is due to the blend of fiberglass and graphite construction.
While fiberglass adds a flexible touch, graphite is stronger and can withstand more intense conditions to catch bigger fish like striped bass. This blend is the best of both worlds.
Working together with this build quality is the clear tip. This tip is specifically chosen so that it can balance out the excess durability of the rod’s body. As such, the rod can handle bigger fish’s struggle while still managing to relay exactly what is happening.
The EVA handle ensures that your hand will always be in the most comfortable position. While this strength is generally overlooked, it significantly differs between a successful catch and a failed one. With a perfect ergonomic design, the rod of this brand allows you to put more strength in.
We once had to wait for 3 hours with the water staying still, but the rod didn’t strain our hands. And finally, we could catch a 21-pound striped bass with ease.
This rod’s biggest flaw lies in its one-piece design. You will have a hard time fitting it into your vehicle if you are planning to travel far away for a new fishing experience.
Pros:
- Strong enough for most fishes
- Very affordable
- Reasonably sensitive clear tip
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Not convenient to transporting
- Limited range
2. KastKing Perigee II Carbon Fiber Rod – Lightest Rod Under $100
- Brand: KastKing
- Material: Graphite, Carbon Fiber
- Rod Length: 7 feet
- Technique: Casting & Spinning
- Color: Black
The high-quality carbon fiber blank is the first thing you will notice about the KastKing Perigee II Carbon Fiber Casting and Spinning Rods. To be more specific, they are made from Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank tech.
As such, it is even more durable and stronger than the Ugly Stik GX2, only falling a little behind the Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod. However, when we also take into account the world-famous Fuji O-Ring line guides and Saf-T Keeper hooker holder, it still comes out on top.
The carbon fiber also makes it one of the most lightweight rods on the market while being affordable. Light yet strong, this is how it aids you in your striper fishing trip.
The ergonomic handle ensures the rod won’t slip out of your hand. As a result, you can battle the fish to your heart’s delight, regardless of its size. This works wonderfully in conjunction with the already strong construction to allow you an easier time fishing.
The only weakness that we can find regarding the rod lies in its tip. As it doesn’t have a specifically strengthened tip, its sensitivity suffers a little bit. This issue is particularly apparent when it comes to lighter bites.
Pros:
- Affordable and lightweight
- Strong rod
- High-quality line guides
- Precise power transition system
Con:
- Weak sensitivity
3. Magreel Telescopic Combo Set – Best Versatility
- Brand: Magreel
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Rod Length: 6-8 feet
- Technique: Spinning
- Color: Multi
The main thing setting the Magreel Telescopic Combo Set from other competitors is its incredible versatility. It will gratify you regardless of how unusual your taste is due to its nature as a combination set and substance. Being made completely from carbon fiber and stainless steel allows it to fit with both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
We always take it along for fishing along the seashore, but in the last 3 months, we have also used this rod to catch trout in lakes and ponds. Up to now, after 7 months of use, it works just fine in both conditions.
Moreover, this rod is among the most sensitive options on this list, as the manufacturer decides to sacrifice some strength on the tip. From this tip’s feedback, you can know exactly what’s happening below. Even a fish’s light testing bite can be felt easily.
You should also consider this option if traveling around to catch a lot. Due to its retractable nature, it can stretch to a maximum of 8’ and a minimum of only 2-3’. This means you can easily fit it in your car and get to any fishing location you want with no difficulty.
We have already mentioned a big flaw in its tradeoff of strength for sensitivity. While this weakness may make it not that good with heavy stripers, small and medium ones are still totally manageable.
Pros:
- Incredible versatility
- Providing a lot of accessories
- Good customer support
- Smooth reel
Cons:
- Not that durable
- A little hard to control
4. Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod – Best Durability
- Brand: Ugly Stik
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Rod Length: 8 feet
- Technique: All
- Color: Multi
There is nothing better suited to describe the Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod than ‘durable.’ Its one-piece blank construct of pure fiberglass and granite makes it the strongest option on this list. There is also a sturdy foundation compounding in to increase its power.
This rod is also among the most customizable, as you can choose from a total of 7 options. The choices range from 6.6’ to 8’, allowing the rod to fit practically any fishing style. Its stainless steel guides also ensure that you won’t have to worry about the type of water.
We are also especially impressed with the after-purchase customer support. Once you buy the rod, you have a warranty extending upward to 7 years.
Despite using the same clear tip tech as the other options from Ugly Stik above, it still suffers from its thick construction. You may have a harder time detecting light bites from sea aminals.
Pros:
- Strong and durable
- Comfortable grip
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Heavy
- Not as sensitive
5. Ugly Stik Elite Medium Spinning Rod – Best Sensitivity
- Brand: Shakespeare
- Material: Blend
- Rod Length: 7 feet
- Technique: Spinning
- Color: Multi
When it comes to sensitivity, the Ugly Stik Elite Medium Spinning Rod stands second to none on the list. The Magreel Telescopic rod is already impressive enough, but this item is one step above it. The reason lies in the rod’s 35% more graphite composition.
This design choice retains the strength of the rod without losing any sensitivity. This, coupled with the clear tip technology that Ugly Stik is known for, grants you the best feedback with each action.
It is also among the first Ugly Stik rods to adopt the cork handle. Thanks to this design, your hand gets a firmer and smoother feel. As a result, you get to angle for hours more than if you use regular rods. You also get to put in more force on the rod.
This rod, however, is not very flexible. It excels at fishing for stripers, and that’s all it can offer. You should not expect it to be able to multitask like some other options on this list.
Pros:
- Highly sensitive
- Comfortable cork handle
- Strong to catch large striped basses
Con:
- Not Flexible
Buying Guide
Length
Many people overlook the length of a rod when shopping for the best striper rods. If the difference is about 1-2’, this is not that big of a problem. That said, a significant difference can cause a lot of alleviation.
Longer rods give you more leverage, resulting in a farther casting distance. That is why you can have an easier time baiting the fish. On the other hand, they are much harder to control and less maneuverable.
Power
We refer to power as a combination of a rod’s stiffness and strength. A more powerful rod can take care of bigger and heavier fish but compromise sensitivity. As such, you need to pay close attention to not miss out on lighter bites.
Action
The point at which a rod starts to bend is called the action. Those that bend at the tip are fast-action, while those that bend further down their blanks are slow-action.
The fast-action of rods is more fitting with quick hook sets, as they are inherently more sensitive. Meanwhile, the slow action rods give you more control, allowing you to fight and cast with more power.
Material
It is not an overestimation to place the most importance on this department. After all, materials speak volumes for a fishing pole’s performance.
The current most popular material is graphite, which is durable, lightweight, yet still sufficiently sensitive. Another good alternative is fiberglass, which focuses more on strength and versatility.
In recent days, there have been more and more rods constructed from a blend of these two materials. But the exact ratio is always different.
Price
Of course, price is something that’s always on the back of our minds whenever we shop for something, and a fishing pole is no exception. When selecting rods, keep your budget in mind, as well as the other qualities you require.
If it’s too cheap, there’s no way that it can last long or have an acceptable level of sensitivity. And a too-expensive one just isn’t worth it as an investment. Remember to check the latest price of the fishing rods you want to have.
FAQs
What Makes A Good Striper Rod?
There are many things that make a striper rod good. However, the three most vital requirements are sensitivity, strength, and durability.
A sensitive striper pole allows you to not miss out on light bites, while strength and durability ensure that you can angle the fish, and the rod itself can last a long time.
What Size Rod Is Best For Striper Fishing?
For the most part, rods of longer lengths are the best fit for striper fishing. To be more specific, medium-heavy power rods are best in the slot for this type of fishing. You get just enough control and leverage to fight the fish all the way.
It also allows you a moderate amount of sensitivity, enough that you won’t miss out on less obvious bites.
What Length Should A Striper Rod Be?
The ideal length of a striper rod is not set in stone, as it’s dependent on your preference. A typical length for a striper fishing pole is 7 to 7.5 feet should normally satisfy most fishing for striper needs. This length provides enough throwing distance and line management for capturing striped bass in a variety of fishing situations, including rivers, bays, and offshore areas.
Longer rods are preferred by some anglers for improved line control, while shorter rods are preferred by others for ease of handling and movement. You should get longer rods if you are an angler who wants to challenge more powerful fishes or deeper waters.
What Size Rod Do I Need For Striped Bass?
You should look for a fast-action, medium-heavy power rod for striped bass. You don’t need more power than this, and sensitivity is a nice bonus.
Are Some Notes For Striped Bass Fishing Commonly Recommended?
Here are some tips for you:
- Location: Striped bass may be found in locations containing baitfish, such as estuaries, bays, and nearshore seas. Keep an eye on the temperature of the water, tides, and other environmental conditions that might influence striped bass migration.
- Tackle: A medium to heavy-duty rod and reel with a rapid or extra-quick action is recommended. To tackle larger striped fish, use a reel with a solid drag mechanism.
- Bait and Lures: Live bait such as bunker, herring, or eels is a popular alternative. Striped bass may also be caught with artificial lures such as jigs, swimbaits, and topwater plugs.
- Techniques: The time of year and the fishing environment affect how to catch striped bass. Striped bass is commonly caught by trolling, casting, and drift fishing. Keep an eye on the temperature of the water, tide, and other climatic conditions, since these might influence striped bass feeding habits.
Conclusion
Investing in the best striper is essential for your rod if you want to experience the most of what fishing has to offer. You should always remember the requirements that we discussed in the buying guide. We also narrowed the list down to 5 options, with the best striper fishing pole going to the Ugly Stik GX2 Rod so that you can check latest the best striper to save time for searching. Also, you will have fast action to decide what should buy.
We hope that you find out which is the best for you to setup your fishing experience to the fullest.
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