Best Saltwater Casting Rods for 2023 (Review)

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best saltwater casting rods. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this saltwater casting rods buying guide.

Our 10 Best Picks:

#	Preview	Product
1		KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods, Casting Rod 7ft -Heavy - Fast-2pcs	Check Price
2		St. Croix Rods Seage Surf Spinning Rod, 10'6"(SES106MHMF2)	Check Price
3		Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod, 6'6" - Medium Heavy - 2pc	Check Price
4		PENN 11’ Squadron III Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 2-Piece Graphite Composite Fishing Rod,...	Check Price
5		Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod Portable Two Piece Casting Rod Durable Lightweight Sensitive...	Check Price
6		PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 12-20lb Line Rating, 2-Piece Graphite...	Check Price
7		St. Croix Rods Avid Series Inshore Casting Rod	Check Price
8		Fiblink 1-Piece Conventional Boat Rod Saltwater Offshore Graphite Casting Fishing Rod(6-Feet,...	Check Price
9		Temple Fork Outfitters TFO 3-Piece Angler Fast Action Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Casting Rods, 7ft...	Check Price
10		PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 15-30lb Line Rating, 2 Piece Graphite...	Check Price

Our Favorite Saltwater Casting Rods Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1

KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods, Casting Rod 7ft -Heavy - Fast-2pcs

• KastFlex IM6 Graphite Blanks - Fish like a gladiator! KastKing Crixus casting rods and spinning rods deliver incredible performance at a budget price. With KastFlex technology, these powerful and sensitive IM6 Graphite rods range in power from a light weight rod to heavy in 5’ to 7’6” lengths. These incredible all-around rods are perfect for any species in freshwater and you’ll also find them perfect as a saltwater fishing rod.
• Golf Style SuperPolymer Handle – SuperPolymer handles are comfortable, durable and exceptionally slip resistant giving you maximum control over your fishing rod in all conditions. These performance handles are normally only found on fishing rods costing much more, but KastKing uses them on all Crixus spinning rods and baitcasting rods to make these the best value of any fishing pole available today. Crixus fishing rods feature a split rear handle design and are finished with a EVA fighting butt.
• Stainless Steel Guides w/Zirconium Oxide Rings – As an angler you know that quality components make the fishing rod. KastKing uses only high-quality stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings that deliver long, smooth casts and durable performance with fluorocarbon, monofilament or braided fishing line. You’ll get exceptional performance from your new Crixus fishing rod with KastKing Made in the USA KastPro braid.
• 20 Different Models – KastKing Crixus fishing rods are available in 20 different power, action, and length combinations. There is a Crixus fishing rod that is perfect for bass fishing, walleye fishing, trout fishing, catfish, and so much more. There are several perfect Crixus models for inshore saltwater fishing. All Crixus fishing rods are constructed in 2-pcs for easy transport and storage. With PTS (Power Transition System) technology, they’ll feel just as good as 1-pcs rods.
• Performance That You Can Count On – The new KastKing Crixus fishing rods are designed with performance in mind and loaded with features normally only found on rods costing much more. Crixus is not an old-fashioned fishing pole. Each fishing rod is exceptionally light-weight due to the graphite construction but has plenty of power to handle your best catch. You’ll be proud to own these KastKing fishing rods and to fish with peace of mind.

Check Price

Bestseller No. 2

St. Croix Rods Seage Surf Spinning Rod, 10'6"(SES106MHMF2)

• PREMIUM SCII CARBON FIBER CONSTRUCTION: High flexural strength and lightweight; Mid-modulus graphite fiber with a higher strain rate than common fibers; Most popular material that is lightweight, durable and sensitive
• X-FLOCK SLIM HANDLES: Sleek, and tech-forward; Textured shrink tube formed directly over the blank to give a slim profile with grippy and tacky feel; Slight compression for added comfort; Comfort-focused Winn polymer foregrips reduce hand fatigue
• FEATURES: ART and Veil tech for strength and impact protection; Sea Guide Hero Hi-Grade guides w/ aluminum oxide rings; SS316 stainless gun smoke frames; NPS reel seat w/ black hoods; Dual Flex-Coat finish; Off-set ferrules deliver one-piece performance
• SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 10'6"; Power – MH; Action – Mod. Fast; Pieces – 2; Line Weight – 20-50 lbs; Lure Weight – 2-6 oz; Rod Wt. – 12.0 oz
• 15-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

Check Price

SaleBestseller No. 3

Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod, 6'6" - Medium Heavy - 2pc

• Durable, lightweight fishing rod offers a balanced feel for lighter weight
• Virtually indestructible blank construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass
• Clear tip design delivers added responsiveness and strength
• Lightweight EVA grips provide comfort during lengthy fishing outings
• 1 piece stainless steel ugly tuff guides eliminate insert pop out and can be used with all types of line

Check Price

SaleBestseller No. 4

PENN 11’ Squadron III Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 2-Piece Graphite Composite Fishing Rod, Titanium/Red/Gold

• PENN 11’ SQUADRON III SURF CONVENTIONAL ROD: A medium-heavy power rod accessible for new and seasoned saltwater anglers looking to do battle with moderate-sized species.
• 15-30LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: The Squadron III rod is strong, yet flexible. Lure rating of 2-6 ounces.
• BUILT FOR SALTWATER FISHING: Featuring PENN's durable Graphite Composite construction for unquestioned reliability under stress.
• 9 PENN DURA-GUIDES withstand rough treatment while keeping lines strong under tension - and with no more insert pop-outs.
• GRAPHITE REEL SEAT provides a lightweight and dependable anchor point for the reel. Rubber Shrink Tube rod butt keeps you in control when battling your catch.

Check Price

SaleBestseller No. 5

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod Portable Two Piece Casting Rod Durable Lightweight Sensitive Baitcast Rod Baitcaster (6'9" M)

• 【Feature Material】The Piscifun Torrent baitcasting rod is crafted with high strength IM6 Carbon, creating a well-balanced yet powerful rod for your fishing needs. This rod series features sensitivity, accuracy, and strength. Available in 10 sizes.
• 【Sensitive】The Tip is design for extra strength and added sensitivity, it allows you to detect even the lightest bites as you work your lure, this will allow you to perfectly time your hook set and catch more fish. We offer rods that cover actions like moderate fast, and fast action.
• 【Lightweight】The lightweight design feels balanced in your hand and helps improve your range of movement - keeping fatigue to a minimum. The EVA grip offers all day comfort and durability.
• 【High-quality Guide】Stainless steel guides with Titanium inserts eliminate insert pop-outs and keep line slippage to a minimum, this also helps avoid line sticking inside the guides, it can be used with all types of line, including braided fishing line.
• 【Versatility】The Torrent bait casting series in incredibly versatile and can be used for bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish, as well as some inshore Saltwater Species like Snook, Trout, Redfish and more.

Check Price

Bestseller No. 6

PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 12-20lb Line Rating, 2-Piece Graphite Composite Fishing Rod, Black/Gold

• PENN 10’ BATTALION II SURF CONVENTIONAL ROD: Strength, performance, and dependability to win the battle, with premium guides and reel seats supplementing light weight and moderate fast rod action.
• 12-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: The Battalion II rod is strong, yet flexible. Lure rating of 1-4 ounces.
• BUILT FOR SALTWATER FISHING: Featuring PENN's durable Graphite Composite construction for years of service.
• 8 FUJI ALCONITE GUIDES withstand rough treatment while keeping lines strong under tension in both fresh and saltwater environments.
• FUJI GRAPHITE REEL SEAT provides a lightweight and dependable anchor point for the reel. Rubber Shrink Tube rod butt keeps you in control when battling your catch.

Check Price

Bestseller No. 7

St. Croix Rods Avid Series Inshore Casting Rod

• ADVANCED SCIII GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION: For a serious angler who demands high-performance and value; High-modulus, high-strain graphite fiber; Produces sensitive and lightweight rods with great durability
• INTEGRATED POLY CURVE (IPC) TOOLING TECHNOLOGY: Eliminates all transitional points in the Avid inshore casting fishing rod blank to provide smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity
• FEATURES: Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides w/ aluminum-oxide rings and titanium frames; Fuji ECS or TCS reel seat w/ gunsmoke hood; Super-grade cork handle; Kigan titanium hook-keeper; Corrosion-proof wind check; Flex-Coat slow cure finish; Made in USA
• SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 7’; Power – MH; Action – Fast; Pieces – 1; Line Wt. – 10-20 lbs; Lure Wt. – 1/2-1 1/4 oz; Rod Wt. – 5.4 oz; Handle – 7
• 15-YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY: Fishing pole backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

Check Price

Bestseller No. 8

Fiblink 1-Piece Conventional Boat Rod Saltwater Offshore Graphite Casting Fishing Rod(6-Feet, 30-50lb/50-80lb) (2 Pcs - 7' - 30-50lb)

• Sensitive and Solid Construction - Carbon and glass fiber reinforced material for improved performance-action and increased sensitivity. Solid glass fiber blank offers incredible pulling power, strong and structurally enhanced solid glass fiber construction, maximizes strength while maintaining sensitivity.
• High-Quality Guides - Stainless steel mixed with ceramic guide makes it more smooth, aviods line stucking in the guides, minimize friction for smooth, long casts, while also enhancing sensitivity by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand. The guides are precisely aligned, along the bottom of the spine of the blank which is perfectly straight and true.
• High Density EVA Handles - Non slip high density EVA handle and foregrips; Handles and butts grips that provide comfort and a sure grip in all conditions. Durable EVA grips offer light weight and all day comfort. A multi-purpose hook holder, effective hook keeper.
• Extreme Exposure Reel Seat -Aluminum alloy wheel seat with tapered hood transitions above and below reel seat protecting cap.
• Specifications - Power: medium heavy; Line rating: 30-50lbs; Lure rating: 2-5oz; 5 Guides.

Check Price

Bestseller No. 9

Temple Fork Outfitters TFO 3-Piece Angler Fast Action Freshwater/Saltwater Fishing Casting Rods, 7ft M 3pc

• FRESHWATER/SALTWATER RODS - These rods are the perfect solution for the angler looking for a quality multi-piece conventional rod with effortless action. Includes rod socks and are packaged in an airline overhead friendly, 32” hard nylon lined rod tube
• LIGHTWEIGHT ANGLING ROD - Traveler Series rods are crafted through a combination of IM carbon fiber and a proprietary lightweight scrim; the result is an incredibly light and sensitive, medium-fast-action high-performance fishing tool
• QUALITY COMPONENTS - The non-glare sky blue blanks are fitted with premium cork grips, TFO’s exclusive skeletal reel seats and topped with Fuji’s new Fazlite Corrosion Control K-Frame guides, making them safe for either fresh or saltwater environments
• UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE - It is designed and manufactured to deliver uncompromising performance and proven durability; Traveler fishing rods include rod socks and are packaged in an airline overhead friendly, 32” hard nylon lined rod tube
• CONVENTIONAL FISHING - The Traveler series of seven-foot, 3-piece spinning and casting rods mirror the look and feel of the legendary Tactical family of fishing rods; the lightest high-performance, multi-piece conventional rods

Check Price

Bestseller No. 10

PENN 10’ Battalion II Surf Conventional Casting Rod, 15-30lb Line Rating, 2 Piece Graphite Composite Fishing Rod, Black/Gold

• PENN 10’ BATTALION II SURF CONVENTIONAL ROD: Strength, performance, and dependability to win the battle, with premium guides and reel seats supplementing light weight and moderate fast rod action.
• 15-30LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: The Battalion II rod is strong, yet flexible. Lure rating of 2-6 ounces.
• BUILT FOR SALTWATER FISHING: Featuring PENN's durable Graphite Composite construction for years of service.
• 8 FUJI ALCONITE GUIDES withstand rough treatment while keeping lines strong under tension in both fresh and saltwater environments.
• FUJI GRAPHITE REEL SEAT provides a lightweight and dependable anchor point for the reel. Rubber Shrink Tube rod butt keeps you in control when battling your catch.

Check Price

Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best saltwater casting rods?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best saltwater casting rods for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good saltwater casting rods recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

• What features does the saltwater casting rods need to have to be perfect for my needs?
• What is my budget?
• Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for saltwater casting rods to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of saltwater casting rods is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given saltwater casting rods are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about saltwater casting rods are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare saltwater casting rods quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best saltwater casting rods can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.