We’ve been getting a lot of interest in the best rod and reel for redfish, so we decided to put together a buying guide and our selection of top options. Redfish are a trendy game fish and require a medium to heavy fishing set up to fish for them.
Redfish are a favorite catch for many avid anglers. The great thing about fishing for redfish is they are pretty much found anywhere. They don’t care much about depth of water, structures or clarity of water. As long as they can find food to eat they will be there.
There’s no question that redfish are fantastic fish. Anyone who’s fished for them will tell you how much they love to catch them. They search for food up and down the beach, making them fun to target with different baits. These fish can be seen close to the beach, so you don’t need a boat to get out on the water. It’s easy to understand why so many people consider catching a huge redfish on light tackle one of the most exciting things that can happen in fishing—seeing them can be even more exciting if you know how to read the fish and use your best bait.
What Characteristics To Look For In The Best Rod And Reel For Redfish?
These fish are so enthusiastic about their food that they’ll eat just about anything. That might explain why they’re “fished out” in many places and why some people say they’ll never see a big redfish again. But that’s nonsense—if you know how to catch them, you can have all the fun you want with these fantastic fish right from the beach.
Rod Construction: You want to make sure that you can sense even the smallest bite or disturbance on your line. Even if it is a small fish, you want to feel the bite! Therefore, the best rod and reel for redfish are typically made out of sensitive graphite. Also, the guides on the rod should be designed for sensitivity. Don’t lose a fish because you can’t feel it on the line!
Length in relationship to casting: If you are fishing in the surf, you want to have long casting ability like a surf fishing rod. The longer the rod, it will make it easier to cast redfish lures a longer distance. Consider this, surf fishing rods should be a minimum of 10ft to 12ft in length.
Casting Grip: This goes for almost any rod, not just the best rod and reel for redfish, grip is very important. Especially for a redfish which are typically casting lures our for longer periods of time, a comfortable grip can make all the difference. You may look for an ergonomic grip as well that focuses on alleviate the pressure points in your hands.
How To Find The Best Rod And Reel For Redfish?
The way to find the best fishing setup is straightforward. First, pick two power actions (casting with wrist, casting with arms, flicks, etc.). Then, pick the equipment recommended below. Once you have something in mind, go to store and take a few short, powerful pulls with each rod to test the tension and feel of the rod. After you find the one you like, buy it and practice with it as much as possible. Keep adding rods until you have two sets: one for excessive rod use and one for more moderate use.
The best rod and reel for redfish is constructed with durable, high-quality materials and is comfortable for you. However, for many, choosing a rod can be just as tricky as finding the best bait. Often, with all the different fishing rods available, it may be hard to decide what’s right for you and how best to choose one.
Trying to figure out which rods and reels you will need for redfish? Never fear; here is your answer.
The Top 5 Best Rod And Reel For Redfish
1. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing (Hard Bodyz Body & Side Cover), Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
- Solid Screw-In Handle, Air Rotor, Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool, Waterproof Drag System, Carbon ATD, Line Per Handle Turn: 47.4
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Price: $109.84 – $219.99
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Description: The Daiwa Spinning reel is a black anodized reel with an aluminum housing. The aluminum ABS spool, air rotor, and solid screw-in handle make this reel smooth, durable, and ideal for any angler. The waterproof drag system, carbon and, and braided line-ready spool help make your casting and reeling resistance-free and easy. The reel can handle 37.4” per turn and has a gear ratio of 5.6:1. The anti-reverse systems make it easy to keep the fish on the line. Overall, this is one of the best reels for redfish on the market and we highly recommend it if you are assembling your own rod and reel combo.
2. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
- Strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction
- Durable ugly tuff one piece stainless steel guides
- Pre-spooled with 6 pound line
- Durable and lightweight EVA grips
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Price: $38.74 – $86.29
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Description: Ugly Stik’s spinning rod is another excellent alternative for any angler hoping to catch redfish. It is a solid and balanced rod made of fiberglass and graphite. With lightweight grips, Ugly Stik’s spinning fishing rod is a comfortable choice. And, they provide a seven-year warranty for anyone who purchases their rods, providing ample time for customer support if needed. Ugly Stik’s rod is made of two pieces and is very durable.
3. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod
- Versatile - If youre just starting out and want a good all around type rod, Medium Heavy and Medium baitcasting rod is the best choice
- More Durable - Two piece baitcasting rod design is crafted with a composite of graphite and fiberglass, creating a well-balanced yet powerful rod that is virtually unbreakable
- Sensitive - Tip design for extra strength and added sensitivity allows you to detect even the faintest nibbles, you can perfectly time your hook set and improve your catch rates
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Price: $39.99
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Description: Piscifun’s baitcasting rod is a lightweight, durable option for any angler! Their rod is sensitive, providing tournament quality performance while you catch redfish on the water. It is versatile and great for any angler, whether you are just starting out or you have been on the water for years. This rod is practically indestructible and is made of graphite and fiberglass! Piscifun’s guide is very high quality, and it helps you remove the imminent threats of pop-outs and line slippage. This rod feels so balanced in your hands; you will not believe it, especially for the price. And with the super-sensitive tip design, you will be able to feel redfish even if they have the tiniest nibble.
4. PENN 1338220 Battle II 5000 Spinning Fishing Reel
- Durable, high range spinning reel ideal for conquering big saltwater game fish
- Full metal body, side plate, and rotor and heavy duty aluminum bail wire offer exceptional durability
- 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Price: $148.99
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Description: It’s all in the name. These “battle” tested reels are great for competitive fishing, a day at the lake or river, or even on your next saltwater adventure. The Penn Battle II is a high-range, durable spinning reel with a full metal body, rotor, side plate, and aluminum bail wire. There is a 4+1 stainless steel bearing system with instant anti-reversing and 5 sealed stainless ball bearings. The spool is a super line setup that requires no backing, and has line capacity marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity.
5. Cadence CC4 Spinning Combo
- Constructed of 24-ton graphite and features corrosion resistant stainless steel guides & inserts, a strong carbon composite frame & side plates, a lightweight & comfortable oversized ergonomic EVA handle knob and reliable stainless steel main shaft and aluminum pinion gear.
- The blanks are made from 24 ton carbon and come in a variety of lengths, actions and power ratings to adapt to a variety of fishing.
- The CC4 series of combos come mounted with our CS4 spinning reel and CC4 rod for an incredible value in fishing tackle that performs right out of the box.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Price: Prices Vary
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Description: The Cadence CC4 features corrosion-free stainless-steel guides & inserts, 24-ton carbon material, composite frame & side plates, and an ergonomic EVA handle knob. The spinning reel will meet the needs of almost all fishing. The carbon frame makes the CC4 strong and the 7 ball bearings + 1 anti-reverse bearing help make the action resistance free and smooth. This spinning rod and reel combo is ideal for beginner and younger or smaller anglers looking for something lightweight, durable, and easy-to-use.
