If you’re a fisherman looking to hook some heavy hitters while out on the dock, there’s nothing quite like having the best rod for pier fishing by your side. Not all of them are suitable for this kind of outdoor activity, but I’ve done the research and come up with a list of a few great choices that will help narrow down your search. Read on to find out what is the best rod and reel for pier fishing.
What Is Pier Fishing?
Pier fishing is a special type of angling that entails fishermen casting their lines from a pier or a jetty into the ocean or other bodies of water. This is a popular style of fishing due to the simple fact that everyone can do it, no matter if you’re a beginner angler or a seasoned veteran.
Angling From the Dock Entails a Variety of Techniques and Equipment
Piers offer a safe and easy way to access deep water without the need for a boat or a kayak. While it’s much simpler than planning for a boating excursion, pier fishing still entails a lot of different techniques, and that means you need special equipment for the job. Different types of hooks, nets, rods, reels, baits, and lures all play an important role in landing some heavy hitters from the dock.
When you’re properly geared up, you’ll be able to catch a variety of fish species, including saltwater and freshwater fish. You can also enjoy this outdoor activity with friends and family, or, if you’re in the contemplative mood for gazing at the sea horizon in absolute peace, by yourself. No matter your style, it’s important to have the best fishing rod for pier fishing by your side. So, let’s take a look at some of the most promising candidates.
BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
If you’re a beginner angler or a more experienced one that is looking to upgrade their setup, an excellent choice that is both affordable and high-performance is the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod. Available in several sizes, this is the perfect tool for any angler who is looking for the optimal range to enjoy various techniques, from jigging right below the dock to casting from a distance.
Key Features of the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Here are the main specifications you can expect from the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod:
- IM7 X-Carbon blank,
- Enhanced guides from stainless steel,
- Strong and durable reel seat,
- EVA grips,
- Ceramic inserts.
Pros and Cons of the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Besides the affordable price, the biggest benefit of this particular piece of equipment is the fact that it has a powerful backbone combined with a sensitive tip, which makes it ideal for catching a variety of fish species from the dock. Whether you’re targeting striped bass, redfish, or snook, this model has you covered. Sure, it might not be as high-quality and durable as my next recommendations, but for a price of only about $50, it does its job perfectly well.
Customer Reviews of the BERRYPRO Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Satisfied customers are positively surprised about the level of quality you get with this fishing rod for such an affordable price and a 1-year warranty on top of that. That’s why most of them have become frequent users of this model and other BERRYPRO gear. While some report that this piece of equipment broke after a couple of outings on the dock, most of them are also very pleased with the excellent customer service that immediately sent them a replacement.
Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod is a versatile and durable piece of equipment designed to handle a wide range of outdoor situations. It’s actually my personal favorite – no matter what I’m trying to catch, this fishing rod handles it with grace due to its lightweight body that is both strong and responsive.
This model is available in various lengths and power ratings, making it suitable for whatever angling style or target you have in mind. So, you’ll get a two-in-one deal – an angling pole that is strong enough to withstand even the heaviest of hitters, such as tuna, while still having a highly sensitive, fiberglass tip that is able to detect even the weakest of bites.
Key Features of the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Here’s what the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod brings to the table for the price tag of somewhere around $80:
- Ugly Tech graphite fiber blank,
- Increased sensitivity with a fiberglass tip,
- Corrosive-resistant guides,
- Quality Ugly Tuff inserts,
- EVA handle and reel seat.
Pros and Cons of the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Aside from the versatility of this particular piece of equipment, its biggest benefit is the lightweight body, as well as the comfortable grip design, which makes it the perfect companion even if you’re planning to spend the whole day out on the dock. While the blank and other parts are made from durable, high-quality materials, it seems like the quality of the paint is on the weaker side, and that’s the only downside to this angling stick, in my honest opinion.
Customer Reviews of the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Most customers are extremely satisfied with this product, as it feels and looks amazing. From casting long ranges to targeting larger fish, it seems like this great value-for-money rod can handle pretty much anything from the dock.
On the other hand, some customers report that the action feels more like it’s medium, while it’s being advertised as fast-action. But at the end of the day, that depends on the subjective experience – if possible, test it out before purchasing it – I’m pretty sure you’ll be as impressed as I was the first time I used it.
Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod
If you’re looking for a high-performance companion out on the dock, ready to tackle almost anything that bites the hook tied to the line, it doesn’t get much better than the Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod.
Specifically designed for inshore saltwater angling, this piece of equipment brings all the versatility you need when you’re out on the dock, no matter what you’re targeting. Snook, redfish, trout, and other inshore species will be detected even in the case of a really weak bite. Just remember to remove the hook carefully without injuring the fish if you’re not planning on keeping it.
Key Features of the Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod
The Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod might be the most expensive option in this selection, but for somewhere around $120, you can get quite a few excellent specifications:
- One-piece carbon and composite blank,
- Fuji reel seat,
- Fuji Alconite guides,
- EVA handle,
- High-quality cork grips.
Pros and Cons of the Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod
With this particular model, you’re really getting the best of both worlds – a lightweight construction that is strong enough to withstand even the largest of creatures, such as cod and tuna, while being sensitive and responsive enough to easily maneuver it out on the dock. The only possible downside would be its one-piece body – if that’s not what you’re looking for, this piece of equipment is simply not for you.
Customer Reviews of the Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod
This fishing rod has overwhelmingly positive reviews, with most customers reporting that it’s one of their go-to rods, no matter if they’re on the dock or in the middle of the sea. However, a few customers reported issues with the packaging, as well as problems with trying to get a replacement, but these kinds of reviews are few and far between.
How to Choose the Best Rod for Pier Fishing
No matter what technique you’re trying to master, it’s important to have the right gear by your side. For example, fly fishing and all of its variants, such as nymph fishing, require specialized equipment such as the right fishing reel, lightweight lure, and tippet line. Luckily, angling from the dock is not so complicated, but having the right equipment is just as important.
Here are the most important aspects you should consider in order to find your perfect companion for the adventures out on the dock:
Length
Longer rods are generally better for making longer casts and for controlling the line, which is particularly important when fishing from the dock. However, shorter rods can be easier to handle and are more suitable for smaller targets, so I’d recommend starting with a shorter pole if you’re just starting to dip your toes in the angling waters. But at the end of the day, the optimal length of the rod should come down to your personal preferences.
Power
Another important factor to consider is power, which refers to the rod’s ability to handle different weights and sizes of fish. It’s usually described as light, medium, or heavy, with many variations in between. When it comes to power, there’s no perfect choice for the pier – if you want to target smaller species, a lighter rod should be your top pick, and if you’re looking to catch some heavy hitters, go for one of the heavy power rods.
Action
Last but not least, you should consider the action, which describes how much the pole bends when pressure is applied to it. There are slow, medium, and fast-action rods, with variations in between. Once again, it comes down to what you’re planning to target and your personal preference – smaller fish can be easily caught with a slow action rod, while one with fast action is better suited for those heavy hitters of the sea.
Tips Before Buying the Fishing Rod
Let’s end this guide with a couple of additional tips you should keep in mind when shopping for your next dock companion. As already mentioned, it’s important to stick to the type of fishing you’re planning to do and the species you wish to target, as it will help you a lot in narrowing down your top picks.
Secondly, it’s best to go for rods made from graphite or fiberglass, as these options are strong, durable, and lightweight. It’s also important to look for corrosion-resistant guides and comfortable handles – it might not seem that important, but once you spend a whole day on the dock, you’ll realize just how essential it is.
Lastly, stick to your budget – you can get a perfectly suitable piece of equipment for a fair price. After all, the money you saved can be invested in other gear – no need to figure out how to make a fish hook from scratch.
It’s Time to Choose Your Reliable Companion Out on the Dock
While I’ve only scratched the surface of possible gear choices when it comes to pier fishing, hopefully, my selection provided you with a good starting point. Whether you’re a veteran pier fisherman or just starting to angle from the dock, equip yourself with the proper tools of the trade, and don’t be afraid to experiment. With a little bit of research and maybe some trial and error, you’ll surely find your perfect match. Then it’s time to get out there on that pier!
Maya Brown
Maya's love for fishing runs deep, and she's always ready to cast her line and dive into new angling adventures. As a skilled caster, she has mastered the art of precision and finesse, making even the trickiest casts look like a breeze. Maya's passion for fishing is contagious, and her witty puns are as sharp as her hooks, making her a favorite among the angling community.
