What are the best catfish rods? These rods are tough and powerful. You can cast heavier weights also. You can fight the larger species with the rods. The best aspect is the rods do not cost a lot. Good rods for catfish tend to be low-cost.
You will find rods at many stores or online. You can match the rod and reel to your targeted species also. This matters if fishing for blue and flathead catfish.
Choosing the Best Catfish Rods
The species determines the power you need in a rod. The best catfish rods cast weights from 1 to 4 or higher in ounces. Fishing for catfish in deep water you need long casts. In rivers, the weights need to anchor your bait against the current.
You need a length capable of long casts. The common lengths are 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 feet. Longer rods will cast farther but needs a larger area to swing during a cast. This is a problem if shore fishing.
On rods, there is a lure weight rating. This is how much the rod can cast effectively. Using larger baits will be part of the weight with your sinkers. I suggest going a little higher in lure weight. This allows using bluegills and skipjack for bait.
Add the right reel to any of the rods. You have a good combo for catfish.
Okuma, Record Chaser Catfish Rods
This is a spinning rod for catfish. This rod comes in lengths from 7 1/2 to 11 feet. The 7 1/2, 8 and 9 feet rods are medium heavy power. The 10 and 11 feet models are heavy power. You can handle;e any catfish with the rods.
The longer length will cast farther, yet you need the room to swing it around. The long rods need open space to cast. All the rods have the power and backbone for the fight.
| Model | Line Rating lbs. | Lure Weight Oz. | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| RC-S-762MH | 12-30 | 1-4 | 7+tip | 2 | 7’6″ | MH |
| RC-S-802MH | 12-30 | 1-4 | 7+tip | 2 | 8 | MH |
| RC-S-902MH | 12-30 | 1-4 | 8+tip | 2 | 9 | MH |
| RC-S-1002H | 20-40 | 2-6 | 9+tip | 2 | 10 | H |
| RC-S-1102H | 20-40 | 2-6 | 9+tip | 2 | 11 | H |
Pros
- Options in lengths
- Power and lure weight options
- Guides provide good rod performance
- 2 pieces for easy transport
Cons
- Limited to 6 ounces, maybe a problem on big rivers
These rods are well built with plenty of guides. The guides make the rod spread out the load well. As a result, fighting fish is easier. The rod does the work
Okuma Battle Cat Rod
This rod comes in casting and spinning models. The BC-C are casting and BC-S are spinning. The rods have a higher lure weight rating. An 8-ounce sinker will hold you in most big rivers.
| Model | Line Rating | Lure Weight | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| BC-C-762H | 15-60 | 1-8 | 9+tip | 2 | 7’6″ | H |
| BC-C-802H | 15-60 | 1-8 | 9+tip | 2 | 8′ | H |
| BC-S-1002H | 15-60 | 1-8 | 9+tip | 2 | 10′ | H |
| BC-S-762H | 15-60 | 1-8 | 7+tip | 2 | 7’6″ | H |
| BC-S-802H | 15-60 | 1-8 | 8+tip | 2 | 8′ | H |
Pros
- Casting and spinning models
- 2 pieces for transport
- High lure weight rating
- Guides provide good rod loading
- Hi-Vis tip
Cons
- Some vendors charge a higher price
One of the better options of the catfish rods. These are heavy power rods for catching blues and flathead catfish. In some areas, it is too strong of a rod. This rod is for big cats and water.
BnM Silver Cat Elite
The Silver Cat Elite is a casting rod. The medium-heavy is for channel cats and smaller blues of flatheads. The heavy is for the big fish. Plus it has a 16-ounce weight rating. Yes, a pound of lead can be cast.
The length is 7 1/2 feet, long enough to cast far. They are one-piece rods. You need a vehicle capable of transporting the length.
| Model | Line Rating lbs. | Lure Weight Oz. | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| SCEL75C | 25-50 | 2-6 | 6+tip | 1 | 7’6″ | MH |
| SCEH75C | 25-50 | 2-16 | 6+tip | 1 | 7’6″ | H |
Pros
- Large weight rating
- Good performance
- A double locking Aluminum reel seat
- Hi-Vis tip
Cons
Limited models
Berkley Big Game Catfish Rods
A budget-priced rod that comes in a few models. There are more lengths but they are hard to find online. The 7 and 7 1/2 feet length is good for most catfish anglers. The rod casts well within the weight rating.
| Model | Line Rating lbs. | Lure Weight Oz. | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| BGC661MH | 12-30 | 1-4 | 6 | 1 | 6’6″ | MH |
| BGC702MH | 12-30 | 1-4 | 7 | 2 | 7 | MH |
| BGC762MH | 10-20 | 1/2-3 | 7 | 2 | 7’6″ | M |
Pros
- Price
- 2 pieces for transport
- Good entry-level rod
- Large handle easy to grip
- Spinning and casting models
Cons
- Tip guide is all steel no insert.
- Limited to mono lines
At the price, it is a good rod. The tip guide lacking an insert limits it to using monofilament lines. A braid will cut into the steel tip guide. That is the only thing I do not like about the rod. The guide needs replacing for using braid as your line.
Ugly Stik Catfish Rods
Shakespeare Uglystiks come in a lot of models. The rods for catfish have heavier ratings. This allows the casting of more weight. A regular Uglystik is a lighter power rod, you want a catfish rod.
UglyStik Catfish Special Rods
These rods are made for catfish use. The power of the rods is good for channel catfish. Higher lure weights are better for large rivers and bigger catfish. This rod lacks the option. It does have the UglyStik durability. It is hard to break one of these rods.
| Model | Line Rating lbs. | Lure Weight Oz. | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| USCACATSPEC80MH | 10-30 | 1 – 3 | 8 | 2 | 8′ | MH |
| USCACATSPEC90MH | 15-30 | 1 – 3 | 9 | 2 | 9′ | MH |
| USCACATSPEC10MH | 15-40 | 1-4 | 9 | 2 | 10′ | MH |
Pros
- Designed for bank fishing
- Ugly Tech construction graphite-fiberglass blank
- Ugly Stik Clear Tip
- Ugly Tuff 1-piece stainless steel guides
- Shrink-wrapped rubberized full-grip handles
Cons
- Limited options
- Stainless Steel guides, mono only
The rod is tough and fishes well. It is another rod with steel guides. All are steel on this rod. You have to use a monofilament line. Braid will ruin the guides quickly.
The durability is a reason to think about the rod. If you are willing to use a monofilament line.
UglyStik Tiger Rods
Tiger rods come in sizes for all levels of catfish. The lighter power works well for small waters and catfish. The heavier powers handle big rivers and catfish. You have options with this lineup of rods.
| Model | Line Rating lbs. | Lure Weight Oz. | Guides | Pieces | Length | Power |
| USTB1230C701 | 12-30 | 1/2-4 | 9 | 1 | 7′ | ML |
| USTB2050C701 | 20-50 | 1-6 | 9 | 1 | 7′ | M |
| USTB1050C702 | 10-50 | 1-6 | 9 | 1 | 7′ | M |
| USTB3060C701 | 30-60 | 1-8 | 9 | 1 | 7′ | MH |
| USTB1230C801 | 12-30 | 1-4 | 9 | 2 | 8′ | ML |
Pros
- Good selection of lengths
- Good weight ratings
- Guides improve performance
- Designed for Tuna, it will handle big catfish
- Spinning and Casting models
Cons
Some models have a higher price
The Tiger is made for saltwater use. It is good for catfish also. What matters is the lengths and lure weight rating. This rod fits many situations for a catfish angler.
Conclusions
The best catfish rods come in many sizes and powers. You can find one to fill your needs. The heavier-rated rods work for blues and flatheads. The other rods work well for channel cats. They handle some flathead and blue catfish action also.