If you’re looking to catch catfish and don’t know which rod to get, look no further.
Today I’ll show 5 of the best catfishing on the market, and what they do best.
But before we dive in, you need to understand a little about catfish rods.
Compared to other types of fishing, it is pretty simple. You just need a rod that can handle the power of a big catfish, giving you enough leverage to reel it on your boat.
For power and action, a medium-heavy to extra-heavy power will work best. A moderate-fast action is good in most cases, but a fast action is better for smaller catfish or when you need a faster hookset.
For length, anything between 7 and 9 feet will work well. The longer the rod, the more casting distance you get.
And that’s it. These are the basics of catfish rods.
So let’s get into the best catfish rods for 2024.
1. Ugly Stik Catfish Special
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The Ugly Stik Catfish Special is a great choice for those on a budget. It’s a durable rod that can handle the toughest catfish, and it’s also versatile enough to be used for other species. The rod comes in a variety of lengths and actions, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
The Ugly Stik Catfish Special rods are built with the brand’s signature Clear Tip design, which provides extra strength and sensitivity. The clear tip is known for being virtually indestructible, ensuring that the rod can handle the stress of large, fighting catfish.
The rod blanks are constructed using Ugly Tech construction, which combines graphite and fiberglass to create a strong yet sensitive rod.
These rods are equipped with one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides, which are designed to eliminate insert pop-outs. This feature ensures that the rod can be used with all types of line, including braid, without the worry of damaging the guides.
While it’s labeled as a catfish rod, it is versatile enough to be used for other types of fishing as well. This makes it a good option if you also target other species with similar tackle requirements.
They typically offer medium-heavy to heavy power, which is ideal for hauling in large catfish. They provide moderate-fast action, giving a good balance between sensitivity and the power needed to fight big fish.
Ugly Stik is confident in the durability of their rods and offers a 7-year warranty, which is a testament to the quality and longevity of their products. This warranty provides additional peace of mind if you want to invest in a quality affordable rod.
At just $60, these rods provide good value for money, offering robust performance at a price point that is accessible for most anglers.
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2. St. Croix Mojo Cat Rods
The St. Croix Mojo Cat series is a collection of rods designed specifically for catfishing enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of performance and sensitivity.
Mojo Cat rods are built using a blend of SCII graphite and premium, 100% linear S-glass, which is not commonly found in many catfish rods. This combination provides durability, strength, and a nice balance of sensitivity and power.
St. Croix Mojo Cat rods are equipped with Kigan Master Hand 3D guides featuring slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings with black frames. These guides are durable and help to ensure smooth line flow, which is crucial when casting and retrieving under the strain of large fish.
They come with a Fuji ECS or TCS reel seat, depending on the model, which is known for its reliability and secure attachment of the reel to the rod. This is an important feature when dealing with the heavy loads placed on by large catfish.
They are both light and sensitive, enhancing the overall fishing experience. The sensitivity allows for better bite detection, while the strength of the rod ensures that you can confidently handle larger catfish.
The Mojo Cat series is positioned as a mid-range priced rod. While more expensive than some entry-level options, the price reflects the quality materials and construction that go into each rod. For serious catfish anglers, the investment in a Mojo Cat rod can be justified by the rod’s performance and durability.
With a 5 year warranty, I’m sure you’ll enjoy how this rod handles catfish.
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3. KastKing KatTech Catfish Rods
The KastKing KatTech Catfish Rods are designed to cater to the needs of catfish anglers seeking a balance of sensitivity, strength, and durability.
The rods are built with a unique composite of 24T graphite and linear S-glass, which provides a robust yet sensitive blank. This construction ensures the rods have the backbone needed to battle large catfish while maintaining enough sensitivity to detect bites.
These rods are equipped with Fuji SiC (Silicon Carbide) guides, which are known for their heat dissipation, hardness, and smoothness. This choice of high-quality guides ensures that you can use all types of fishing lines, including braid, without worrying about the wear and tear on the guides.
The KatTech rods feature comfortable, durable EVA handles that provide a firm grip in all weather conditions. The foregrip design allows for an improved leverage during casting and retrieving.
While these rods are designed with catfishing in mind, they are also versatile enough to be used for other heavy freshwater and even some saltwater applications, as they have proven effective for saltwater species like sharks.
The KatTech series is praised for its durability, with a strong yet flexible rod blank that can withstand the stress of large, fighting catfish. The use of high-quality components, such as the Fuji guides and custom reel seats, contributes to the overall longevity of the rod.
The KatTech series is generally considered to offer good value for the price. They are positioned in the market as mid-range rods, providing a balance of quality features and affordability. This makes them accessible to a wide range of anglers, from beginners to more experienced catfish enthusiasts.
The limited one-year warranty is shorter than what some other brands offer, which might be a concern if you’re looking for longer-term coverage.
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4. B’n’M Poles Silver Cat Elite
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The B’n’M Poles Silver Cat Elite is a great option from B’n’M. This rod is designed specifically for catfishing and is known for its sensitivity and strength. It’s a great choice for those who are serious about catfishing and want a high-quality rod that will help them catch more fish.
The Silver Cat Elite is made of E-glass composite material, which provides extreme strength and durability. This material choice is essential for withstanding the demands of battling large catfish.
The rod is available in various sizes, with actions that cater to heavy-duty catfishing. The power is sufficient to handle big fish, while the action is designed to offer a good balance between sensitivity for bite detection and stiffness for hook sets.
Despite its heavy-duty construction, the Silver Cat Elite offers a level of sensitivity that is appreciated by catfish anglers. This sensitivity is good especially for smaller catfish that tend to bite lightly and get scared.
B’n’M offers the Silver Cat Elite in a 7.5-foot one-piece model, which is a versatile length suitable for various catfishing techniques, including boat and bank fishing. It may be a disadvantage for those preferring another configuration, but I think this one is balanced right.
The 7.5-foot one-piece design may also be less convenient for transport and storage compared to two-piece rods.
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5. Catch the Fever Hellcat
The Catch the Fever Hellcat is a great choice for those who are looking for a durable, high-quality rod. It’s designed specifically for catfishing and is known for its strength and sensitivity. It’s also a great choice for bumping and other catfishing techniques.
The Hellcat rods are constructed with a blend of S-glass and carbon fiber, which provides a balance between strength and sensitivity. This combination allows for a sturdy rod that can handle the stress of large catfish while still being responsive to lighter bites.
These rods are typically available in medium-heavy to heavy power ratings, making them suitable for targeting a range of catfish sizes. The action is moderate to fast, allowing for good casting distance and accuracy, as well as the ability to set the hook firmly and fight large fish effectively.
The Hellcat series uses stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts. These are designed to be durable and to reduce friction on the line, which can be beneficial when using heavier lines and when fighting fish that make long, powerful runs.
This rod features a long, full grip handle made of premium EVA foam, which provides comfort during long fishing sessions and gives you the leverage needed when battling big catfish.
Catch the Fever offers the Hellcat in various lengths, allowing you to choose a rod that suits your specific fishing techniques and preferences, whether you’re fishing from a boat, the bank, or casting in tight spots.
While designed with catfishing in mind, the Hellcat’s strength and versatility make it suitable for other heavy freshwater applications, such as fishing for carp or other large species. Catch the Fever even caught an alligator on one of these rods. You can find the video on their YouTube channel.
Bottom Line
To end this article, I want you know to that you shouldn’t overthink you rod selection, for catfish in particular. Just pick what fits your budget the best.
One of these rods will surely stay on in your collection for a long period of time. Or even more of them, why limit yourself to one option or one brand?
As usual, I wish you tight lines!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rod length for catfishing?
The best rod length for catfishing depends on the type of water you are fishing in and the size of the catfish you are targeting. For smaller catfish in ponds and small rivers, a shorter rod between 6 and 7 feet is ideal. For larger catfish in bigger rivers and lakes, a longer rod between 8 and 10 feet is recommended. A longer rod will give you more casting distance, better leverage, and more control over the fish.
What is the best material for a catfish rod?
The best material for a catfish rod is a combination of graphite and fiberglass. Graphite is lightweight and sensitive, while fiberglass is strong and durable. A rod made from both materials will be sensitive enough to detect bites and strong enough to handle the weight and power of a large catfish.
What is the best power for a catfish rod?
The best power for a catfish rod is medium-heavy to heavy. A medium-heavy power rod will give you enough strength to handle the weight of a large catfish, while still being sensitive enough to detect bites. A heavy power rod will give you more lifting power to fight and land the fish, but it may be too stiff for some anglers.
What is the best reel for catfishing?
The best reel for catfishing is a spinning reel or baitcasting reel with a high line capacity. A spinning reel is easier to use and more versatile, while a baitcasting reel is more accurate and powerful. Look for a reel with a high line capacity to handle the weight of a large catfish and a smooth drag system to fight and land the fish.
What is the best line for catfishing?
The best line for catfishing is a braided line with a high pound test. Braided line is strong, durable, and sensitive, making it ideal for catfishing. Look for a line with a high pound test to handle the weight of a large catfish and a low visibility color to avoid spooking the fish.
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