Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re looking for a new hobby, fishing may be the perfect activity for you. In order to have a successful pan fishing experience, you need to have the proper equipment.
Best Pan Fishing Rods Review
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best pan fishing rods on the market. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right rod for your needs. So, whether you are a seasoned fisherman or just getting started, read on to learn more about pan fishing rods!
1# St. Croix Panfish Series Spinning Rod
Looking for a professional-grade panfish rod? Look no further than the St. Croix Panfish Series Spinning Rod. This finely crafted rod has been reengineered with SCII carbon fibre to deliver precision actions and is outfitted with top-quality components, including Sea Guide Atlas performance guides and a PVD-coated tiptop. The cork handle provides a comfortable grip and the manufacturer’s 5-year warranty ensures long-lasting use.
2# Bass Pro Shops Panfish Elite Spinning Rod
3# Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is perfect for serious anglers who demand the very best. With 35% more graphite than the GX2, this rod delivers incredible strength and reliability. The exposed blank style reel seat ensures a solid connection between you and your bait, while the ugly Tuff 1-piece guides provide maximum durability. And thanks to the clear Tip fibreglass tip, you can always be sure of a good bite. Finished with premium cork grips, the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is comfortable to use even in wet conditions.
4# St. Croix Premier Series Spinning Rod
The Premier spinning rod is perfect for anglers who demand the highest quality and performance from their gear. Featuring SCII graphite blanks, aluminium oxide guides, and Fuji reel seats, this rod is built to perform like a custom stick. And with its lightweight and fast action, it’s easy to handle and delivers crisp, clean casts every time.
5# Shakespeare Catch More Fish Spincast Rod and Reel Combo for Panfish
The Shakespeare Catch More Fish Spincast Rod and Reel Combo for Panfish make it easy for beginning anglers to catch more fish. This combo comes with a complete setup including a rod, reel, and specially chosen tackle. The 04-6″ ultra-light rod is perfect for panfish, while the 06-size spin cast reel is pre-spooled with 4-lb. Stren mono line. The tackle box is preloaded with proven Powerbait lures, as well as an informative rigging guide.
6# St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rod
Looking for a high-quality spinning rod that feels weightless in your hand? Look no further than the St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rod. Featuring SCIII graphite blanks, black-framed Fuji Alconite Concept guides, and Fuji reel seats, this rod is built to perform. And with a Manufacturer’s 15-year transferrable warranty, you can rest assured that it will last for years to come. So don’t wait any longer – order your St. Croix Avid Series Spinning Rod today!
7# Pflueger Trion Spinning Combo
The Pflueger Trion Spinning Combo is perfect for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. The reel features a double-anodized machined aluminium spool, sure-click bail, and an anti-twist titanium bail roller for smooth operation. Additionally, the 7-bearing system ensures smooth retrieves, while the instant anti-reverse prevents fish from escaping. The multi-disc stainless steel and oiled felt drag system provides smooth drag even under heavy loads, while the aluminium handle with a soft-touch knob ensures comfortable use. The rod is constructed from a rugged, lightweight IM6 blank and features stainless steel guides and inserts for durability. The top-grade cork handle provides a comfortable grip.
8# Frabill Panfish Popper Ice Fishing Spinning Combo
The Panfish Popper Ice Fishing Combo is perfect for anglers looking for a quality, durable setup that can handle even the smallest panfish. The combination of a solid composite blank and lightweight ice guides makes it easy to reel in your catch, while the ultra-sensitive spring bobber ensures you never miss a bite.
9# G.Loomis Classic Trout Panfish Spinning Rods
Introducing the G.Loomis Classic Trout Panfish Spinning Rods. These rods have been specially developed for trout fishing, with a fast tip for ultimate control. Their proprietary fibre blend ensures durability and sensitivity, while Fuji, one-foot aconite guides provide smooth action and consistent performance. Cork and foam handles offer a comfortable grip, even when wet. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these rods will help you land more trout than ever before.
10# Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight ultralight trout rods are made from the highest quality materials and are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Made in China, these rods feature delicate graphite blank construction and alumina guide inserts for added durability. The hooded stainless steel reel seat and high-quality cork grips provide a comfortable grip for both the front and rear. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these rods are perfect for fishing enthusiasts of all levels.
11# Temple Fork Outfitters TFO Trout Panfish Spinning Rod
Temple Fork Outfitters TFO 7ft L Trout Panfish Spinning Rod is perfect for professional anglers. This fast action rod is designed for trout and panfish and features a cork handle and skeletal reel seat. The carbon fibre insert provides strength and stability, while the half-wells handle ensures a comfortable grip.
12# Jenko HyperSense Panfish Rod
Looking for the perfect rod to help you land those big bass? Then check out the Jenko HyperSense panfish rod. The cork handle provides unbeatable comfort and grip, while the super sensitive blank ensures you feel even the smallest bite. The durable guides can take any abuse you throw at them, and the overall build quality is second to none. So don’t wait any longer, pick up a Jenko HyperSense today and see what you’ve been missing!
13# Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods
The Sougayilang Fishing rod is designed with sensitivity and security in mind. The hybrid design of the composite graphite blanks provides anglers with unmatched sensitivity, while the cork handles offer added comfort and grip. The ultra-light trout rods are perfect for anglers of all ages and levels of experience, and the stainless steel guides with inserts provide reliable and durable performance.
14# Dobyns Rods Sierra Trout & Panfish Series Spinning Rods
The Dobyns Sierra Trout and Panfish Series Spinning Rods are perfect for anglers who demand the very best. These rods feature high modulus graphite blanks for exceptional strength and sensitivity, Sea Guide’s XO guides for maximum durability and smoothness, and Fuji reel seats for a solid connection between you and your reel, Kevlar wrapping for added strength, and balanced and splined blanks for truly amazing performance. Additionally, the Portugal cork–split handle designs provide superior comfort and grip, while the solid carbon tip sections enhance sensitivity and add even more strength to these already impressive rods.
FAQ
Conclusion
Pan Fishing Rods can be a lot of fun, and with the right equipment, you can make the most of your fishing trips. In this article, we’ve provided reviews of some of the best Pan Fishing Rods on the market today. We’ve also answered some common questions about these rods and included tips to help you choose the right one for you. So, whether you’re just getting started in pan fishing or you’re looking for an upgrade, we hope this article helps you find the perfect rod for your needs.
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!
I was unaware of the different types of pan fishing rods. Thanks for the informative read. I am a fan of Uglysticks GX2 ultralight line and I recommend it for those looking for a pan fishing rod combo. You can easily find it at most chain stores for under $50 and the spinning reel that comes with it is of high quality and the rod is comfortable enough for all-day use.
For those who prefer a telescopic rod, I recommend the 5′ Shakespeare rod. It has a fast action and is light, making it a fun choice for small creeks and easy to pack. However, it is not as good as the GX2.
Most light or ultralight rods work great for pan fishing. I prefer a 6-pound test line as it allows me to catch decent-sized bass or pickerel while targeting sunfish. A fast-action rod is important for feeling their bites unless you are constantly reeling in spinnerbaits.
Although I have a high-end St Croix made in-USA rod, I still use the Ugly Stick as it has caught just as many fish for me. I take it with me for camping and canoeing and I have never been disappointed.
For short hikes, I take the Shakespeare telescopic and it is still fun to use, but not as good as the other two rods. If I had to rate them, I would give St Croix a 100, Ugly Stick a 90-95, and the Telescopic a 75-80.
Very helpful article. I now have a better understanding of what makes a good pan fishing rod. I highly recommend the Bass Pro Shops Panfish Elite rod. I purchased it in the spring and was amazed by its sensitivity. I was able to feel even the slightest bites, which helped me distinguish between hitting weeds/bottom or a fish.
I appreciate the detailed information and comparisons of the different brands. I fully agree with the telescopic Shakespeare rod recommendation. I always keep one in my car and another in my backpack. The light action makes it enjoyable to play with even moderate-sized panfish, yet it is still stiff enough for good casting with larger jigs for panfish. Highly recommended!
Great article! Helped me choose the perfect pan fishing rod for my needs. For panfish enthusiasts, the 7’6″ Bass Pro Microlite Glass is a great choice. It can cast 1/64oz baits with ease and has a noodly feel, making the fight with panfish very enjoyable. This rod is also very affordable, at just $20.
This article made it easy for me to understand the features to look for in a pan fishing rod. I own a Shakespeare Wild Series spinning rod, which is a 6′ one-piece light power rod with fast action. It costs around $40 and is great for catching sunfish, crappies, and fishing in small creeks. Although this particular model is no longer available, I recommend finding a similar one.
Additionally, I have a new Fenwick Eagle spinning rod. This 7′ medium-light one-piece rod has moderate fast action and I use it mainly for crappie fishing with a float. It also has a versatile feel, making it suitable for trout fishing or bass fishing with an 8 lb line. This rod costs around $70.
I used to have a Lew’s Machlite for both panfish and bass fishing and it was a great experience. I got it on sale for only $50 and I caught over 100 fish with it. Unfortunately, a long nose gar broke the rod while thrashing at the boat, ending its time as my go-to panfish rod.
Recently, I broke my beloved Fenwick Eagle rod. I think it was weakened from a long fight with a big carp that I caught accidentally, and it snapped during a hookset a few days later. I loved that rod, but I am open to suggestions for better alternatives in a similar price range.
When choosing a pan fishing rod, consider the following factors:
Length: Choose a rod length based on your fishing environment, longer rods are ideal for open water while shorter rods are better for tight spaces.
Power and Action: Light power rods with fast action are great for feeling light bites and fighting small fish, while medium light power rods with moderate-fast action are better for larger fish and heavier lures.
Material: Graphite and fiberglass are the most common materials used for pan fishing rods. Graphite rods are lightweight and sensitive, while fiberglass rods are durable and offer more backbone for fighting bigger fish.
Price: Good pan fishing rods can range from under $50 to over $200. Consider your budget and what features are important to you.
Personal preference: Try out different rods in-store or ask friends for recommendations to see what feels comfortable and suits your style of fishing.
When choosing a panfish fishing rod, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the type of fishing you plan on doing. Some popular brands for panfish fishing include Ugly Stik, Shakespeare, Bass Pro Shops, Fenwick, and Lew’s.
It is also important to consider the length, power, and action of the rod. For panfish, a light to medium-light power rod with a fast or moderate-fast action is usually suitable. The length of the rod can range from 5 to 7 feet, and a telescoping rod may be convenient for transport.
Ultimately, the best brand and model for you will depend on your budget and specific needs. Try to handle and test different options before making a decision, or seek recommendations from experienced anglers.
I own an Orvis Superfine Glass rod, which I paired with a matching Superfine line. I find that slowing down and having proper timing during casts helps me achieve great results. It’s not as challenging as casting dry flies, but it still requires precision. Want to try fishing on the Eno River together sometime? You can see the difference for yourself.