I have found during my years of tackle retailing the confusion around which are the best lure rods to choose and their application is quite daunting. Lure fishing rods are specifically designed for casting and retrieving artificial lures to entice fish, and therefore have different attributes to enable them to impart action into a lifeless lure. They come in various sizes, and actions, each catering to different fishing styles and target species.
With so many places to target predatory fish and the vast array of methods and lures that can be used, choosing the best lure rod can be understandably tricky. Whether you want to cast large crank baits out for huge pike, or need a rod for more subtle tactics like dropshotting there are plenty of options available to give your lure the best action possible.
The best lure rods at a glance
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Best Lure Fishing Rod: Westin W3 Streetkick Lure Rod - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Pike Lure Fishing Rod: Daiwa Prorex S Spin Rod - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Perch Lure Fishing Rod: Daiwa Prorex X Light Lure Rod - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Beginner Lure Fishing Rod: Fox Rage Warrior Spin Rod - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
In this guide we look at the best rods available, capable of handling the demands of lure fishing while also suiting whatever style of lure fishing you enjoy...
Best range of lure fishing rods
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The Fox Rage Prism X rod range represents a significant advancement in the popular Prism series. Offering exceptional value for money, these rods are designed to deliver a superb lure fishing experience across a variety of techniques.
With a total of 20 models, the Prism X range covers both spinning and lure rod options, catering to a wide range of anglers' preferences. The lineup includes specialised rods for light spinning, dropshotting, jerk-baiting, and vertical spinning, ensuring that there's a suitable option for every angler's needs.
Crafted with high-modulus carbon blanks, the Prism X rods offer a combination of strength, sensitivity, and durability. The fast action design provides excellent responsiveness and power, allowing anglers to cast lures accurately and set hooks effectively, while being both light and balanced.
Pros
- Available in four piece travel options for compact transportation
- A rod in the range to suit every form of lure fishing
Cons
- With a range of 20 rods it could be difficult to choose the rod to suit
Best lure fishing rod for versatility
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The Wychwood Agitator LR-S Lure Rods offer a versatile range of spinning and lure rods designed to deliver exceptional performance and value. With their crisp, forgiving action, these rods are ideal for working a wide variety of lures, including spinners, soft plastics, plugs, and more.
The high-quality carbon fibre construction provides a lightweight, durable, and responsive rod. The SiC guides ensure excellent line flow and durability, even when using braided lines. Secure reel seats offer a stable platform for your reel, while the comfortable handle design provides a secure grip and reduces fatigue during extended fishing sessions..
Pros
- Capable of working a wide range of lures
- The rods tippy action make it very tactile
Cons
- Not suitable for ultralight work
Best beginner lure fishing rod
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The Fox Rage Warrior rods provide anglers with a high-performance lure fishing experience at a budget friendly price. These rods are designed to handle medium-sized lures effectively, making them perfect for a wide range of venues and species, they are even great for saltwater work when chasing bass.
With a lightweight and balanced design coupled with striking graphics, the Warrior rods are a visually appealing and functional choice for anglers. Featuring a casting weight range of 15 to 40 grams, these rods are suitable for a variety of freshwater predator fishing applications.
Available in three lengths (210cm/6ft 10", 240cm/7ft 10", and 270cm/8ft 10")
Pros
- Ideal starter rod capable of working many different lures
- Medium action ideal for most freshwater species
Cons
- Not suitable for light jigs or spinners
Best pike lure fishing rod
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The Daiwa Prorex S Spinning Rods offer a cost-effective solution for anglers seeking high-quality performance in a lure fishing rod. Despite their mid-range price point, these rods compare favourably to more expensive models, thanks to there fast action design and HVF carbon blanks.
The classic cork handles provide a comfortable grip and enhance control during fights and makes holding the rod all day a pleasure. The rods are equipped with titanium oxide guides, making them suitable for braided lines without sacrificing performance.
Available in a variety of casting weights and lengths, the Prorex S range covers a wide range of freshwater predator fishing situations.
Pros
- A rod in the range to suit any type of freshwater lure fishing
- Performance exceeds its price point
Cons
- May not be the best performer in sea or brackish water
Best budget lure fishing rod
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A versatile solution for anglers targeting pike, perch, and zander. The Drennan E-SOX Lureflex rod range offers lightweight, well-balanced rods that are designed to handle a variety of techniques, from casting soft lures to spinners, spoons, and plugs.
The fast action design provides excellent sensitivity and responsiveness, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites and set hooks effectively. The butt sections of these rods hold good reserves of power, ensuring that anglers can set larger hooks securely when targeting bigger fish.
The full EVA handles provide a comfortable grip and enhance control during fights, while the DPS reel seat ensures a secure connection between the rod and reel, preventing accidental slippage.
Pros
- Capable rod, able to work a variety of lures
- Rod has a 'tippy' fast action, so you can feel every vibration of the lure
Cons
- Missing an ultralight model
Best Big Water Lure Rod
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The Daiwa Ninja S Spin rod range are great option for anglers who enjoy both conventional spinning and lure fishing. These rods have a premium carbon design and high-grade cork handles, providing a combination of sensitivity, durability, and comfort.
The 7' medium-light model is ideal for anglers who prefer a lighter setup, suitable for lures ranging from 5g to 25g. For those seeking a bit more power, the 8' medium and heavy models offer options for handling lures up to 50g.
For anglers targeting larger fish like pike, the 9' and 10' models are excellent choices. The 10' model has a casting range of 20g to 60g, making it suitable for a variety of lure methods. The 11' model, which assembles in three sections, also has a casting range of 20g to 60g, making it a ideal option for larger fish.
Pros
- Available in longer lengths for bigger waters
- Rod is finished in a matte finish perfect for stealthy anglers
Cons
- Would like to see a 100g model
Best Lure Fishing Rod
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Westin W3 Streetstick 2nd Generation is an ultralight rod that can be a valuable addition to any angler's arsenal. Designed to handle a wide range of fishing techniques and target species, this rod is perfect for casting light hard and soft lures.
With its soft tip and medium-fast action blank, the W3 Streetstick offers a balance of sensitivity and power, allowing you to fish and throw lures all day without fatigue. Whether you're targeting perch, medium-sized pike or zander, trout, or spiny critters from the sea, this rod is up to the task.
The Westin W3 Streetstick features a lightweight design, making it comfortable to use for extended fishing sessions. It is also constructed with high-quality materials, including a high performance carbon blank, Seaguide LS ring guides, and a split-handle with premium grade EVA and rubber cork handle.
Pros
- Soft action through to the middle of the rod gives sensitivity with ample power in reserve for efficient casting
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Not suited for tackling large pike on large waters
Best Perch Fishing Lure Rod
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Built to cater to the needs of modern anglers who appreciate finesse and performance. The Daiwa Prorex X Light Lure Rod is designed to handle lures ranging from 0.5g to 21g. Whether you're targeting perch, zander, or other species that require a subtle approach, these rods provide the ideal balance of sensitivity and power.
The standout model in this range is the PXE742UL-S-AS, designed specifically for ultra-light fishing. This rod's exceptional sensitivity allows you to feel every twitch and bite, making even the smallest fish feel like a monster.
Pros
- Soft, forgiving action makes for a fun rod to use
- Ideal tool for targeting perch with small lures
Cons
- Unsuitable for larger lures
What to look for in a lure rod
Selecting the right lure fishing rod is essential for maximising your success. Longer rods offer greater casting distance and power, while shorter rods provide better control and sensitivity. The rod's action, or flexibility, influences its casting characteristics and feel, with stiffer rods more suited to influencing the action on big lures and softer rods better for bumping a jig along the lakebed.
The casting weight indicates the range of lure weights a rod can handle effectively, therefore consider what types of lures you intend to use with the rod. A high-quality reel seat ensures a secure connection between the rod and reel and comfort is essential as the rod will remain in your hand for extended periods. Quality guides reduce line friction and improve casting accuracy. Cork and EVA handle materials, offering comfort and durability.
The most important factor is the weight of the rod itself, a rod that is uncomfortable and heavy to hold in the hand will not be the best lure rod for you, if you can't hold it all day without fatigue, it is useless. The lighter and more balanced the rod is, as long as it is still suitable for casting the size of lure you want to use, the better it will be for you.
Glossary
Action: The flexibility of a rod, typically categorized as fast, medium, or slow.
Baitcasting Rod: A type of rod designed for use with baitcasting reels, often featuring a heavier construction and longer handle.
Casting Weight: The range of lure weights a rod can handle effectively.
Cork Handle: A traditional handle material made from cork, known for its comfort and durability.
EVA Handle: A synthetic material often used for rod handles, known for its lightweight, durability, and comfortable grip.
Fast Action: A rod with a stiff tip that quickly bends back, providing power and sensitivity.
Carbon Fibre: A common material used for rod construction, known for its lightweight, sensitivity, and durability.
Guides: Rings attached to the rod that guide the fishing line and reduce friction.
Hook Keeper: A small attachment on the rod that can hold a hook in place.
Light Action: A rod with a flexible tip, suitable for smaller lures and delicate presentations.
Medium Action: A rod with a moderate amount of flexibility, providing a balance of power and sensitivity.
Reel Seat: The part of the rod where the reel attaches.
Spinning Rod: A type of rod designed for use with spinning reels, typically featuring a longer, slimmer profile.
Slow Action: A rod with a gradual bend, providing a more forgiving feel and suitable for smaller lures.
Solid Tip: A rod tip that is not hollow, providing increased sensitivity.
Tubular Tip: A rod tip that is hollow, offering a balance of sensitivity and power.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a spinning rod and a baitcasting rod?
Spinning rods are typically lighter and have a fixed spool, while baitcasting rods are heavier and have a free-spinning spool.
How do I choose the right rod length and action for my fishing style?
Consider your target species, fishing conditions, and preferred casting distance. Longer rods offer more power and distance, while shorter rods provide better control and sensitivity. The rod's action (fast, medium, or slow) affects its flexibility and casting characteristics.
What is the purpose of a cork handle on a fishing rod?
Cork handles provide a comfortable grip and are known for their durability.
What are the different types of guides on a fishing rod?
Common guide materials include stainless steel, aluminium oxide, and silicon carbide. Each material has its own advantages in terms of durability, weight, and line friction.
What type of rod is best for pike fishing?
Pike anglers typically prefer medium-heavy action rods with a casting weight range of 10g to 60g.
What type of rod is best for perch fishing?
Perch anglers often use light or ultralight action rods with a casting weight range of 5g to 20g.
What type of rod is best for saltwater fishing?
Saltwater anglers typically use heavier rods with strong components to handle larger fish and rougher conditions
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.