Best Surf and Pier Rod
Our Top Pick!
Best Pier Fishing Combo
Pier fishing is an enjoyable activity that doesn’t require a boat. Casting from a jetty or pier is relatively easy to do and has become a popular pastime for people all over the world.
Pier fishing is entertaining and thrilling, but it also requires the right rod. The best pier fishing rod must be long enough and capable of supporting various lures.
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Pier Fishing Rod Comparison Table
Preview | Product | Rod Length | Line Weight | Action | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod | 7 Feet | 30 lbs. | Fast | ||
Tica UMGA Surf Spinning Fishing Rod | 7 Feet | 10 to 40 lbs. | Medium | ||
Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo | 5.91 - 8.86 Feet | 5 – 12 lbs. | Medium | ||
Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece | 6 feet | 80 – 120 lbs. | Medium | ||
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass | 10 feet | 10 – 25 lbs. | Medium-heavy |
Why Does Pier Fishing Require a Specific Rod?
Pier fishing is more accessible than fishing on a shore, a boat, or a kayak and doesn’t require much effort in terms of preparation.
You will require a specific rod if you’re going to succeed in bringing home a catch when fishing. A pier fishing rod has to be longer on average, and also requires that you can support extra weight. This is because of the increase distance to the water both when casting and reeling in a fish.
Pier Fishing Rod Buyer’s Guide
Target Fish
The fish you will find while pier fishing will vary based on whether you’re on the east or west coast. Some of the more common fish you will find on the east coast include the ballyhoo, barracuda, bluefish, catfish, grouper, and herring.
Some of the fish on the west coast include surfperch, smelt, croaker, halibut, striped bass, and mackerel.
You can also find unique fish while pier fishing off the Gulf of Mexico. These include flounder, cobia, tarpon, and mackerel.
Rod Length
The best rod length for pier fishing should be about seven to eight feet. A longer rod helps you cast your line out further. You can lure your target fish away from the pier legs. It may also be easier to target fish that might move out a little further from the pier.
A rod can be as short as 6 feet but 7-8 feet plus is recommended. A short rod is useful for jigging and for dropping bait vertically off shorter or smaller piers. A longer rod is best when on a high pier as it allows for a longer cast and more flexibility for hitting areas on the water.
Flexibility and Weight Sensitivity
A fishing rod should be stiff on the inside to give you more control over your line. The rod should also be sensitive enough to where it produces vibrations when it feels extra weight from a fish or the bottom of the water. Graphite is ideal for being sensitive and for handling multiple bends.
A pier fishing rod doesn’t have to be flexible, but it should produce enough vibrations when you catch something. The fishing rod should provide a response when you find something in the water.
Build and Frame Quality
The pier fishing rod should feature a sturdy blank that produces the core of the rod. You can use one of many materials:
- 1Graphite – Graphite is stiff and sensitive to motions and weight. Graphite does not flex as much as other items, producing a fast action.
- 2Fiberglass – Fiberglass is heavier than graphite and is more flexible. It is not as sensitive or strong. Fiberglass produces a slow or medium action.
- 3Composite – A composite rod features a mix of graphite, fiberglass, and other items. Composite rods are more sensitive than fiberglass, but they are not as powerful as graphite.
An average pier fishing rod can weigh about 10 to 16 ounces without a reel or line. Any of these above materials work well for pier fishing.
Rod Type
The best pier fishing rod should feature a saltwater design. A saltwater rod can withstand corrosion caused by salt. It can also handle light and heavy weights alike, which cannot be said for a freshwater rod that only does well with heavier weight. A saltwater rod is also thicker and weighs more, allowing it to support more items.
You could use a casting rod if you have baitcast or spincast reels, or a spinning rod if you focus on a spinning reel. But these may not persist in saltwater conditions like a saltwater rod.
Rod Action and Power
The rod action refers to how well the rod can bend when casting. The action is a measure of the rod’s ability to flex while under pressure. A fast action rod bends in fewer places, while a slow action rod bends in more spots.
The power is a measure of the rod’s resistance while flexing. A heavyweight rod requires more pressure for it to bend. A lightweight model flexes easier than a heavier one.
A medium action is best when you need a basic pier fishing rod as it allows the rod to bend safely when gathering something heavy, plus it will not experience fatigue. A heavy power rating is best when you need extra power when catching larger fish.
Other Features
You can utilize many extra things on a surf and pier fishing rod. A handle may help you keep extra control over your rod. A reel seat should include extra support for keeping the reel functional.
A line guide may also help keep the line in its place while you are fishing. A suitable guide makes it easier for the rod to work. The guide helps you in directing your line to keep it in place and also prevents snags while fishing.
Price
On average, you can find good quality pier fishing rods for between $40 to $60. Some cheaper models may be available for as little as $20, but these will be very basic in features. Rod brands can go for $100 and over, with these models being suited to serious anglers wanting to bring home larger, specific fish from their area. The list below covers pier fishing rods for all budgets.
Warranty
A warranty will provide you the peace of mind you need when using a pier fishing rod. The shortest warranties are good for less than six months, while a longer warranty may be good for at least a year.
5 Best Pier Fishing Rods Reviewed
Prefer watching over reading? Then check out our YouTube video below that highlights the best-rated models and briefly explains why they are our favorite choice in this category of pier fishing rods!
1. Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Our Top Pick!
Rod Length | 7 Feet |
Line Weight | 30 lbs. |
Power | Heavy |
Action | Fast |
Number of Pieces | 1 |
The Ugly Stik Tiger Elite rod is the best fishing rod for pier use you can employ. You may need something that can cast out far enough from a pier, and the Ugly Stik rod fits your needs.
The seven-foot rod features a graphite body with a sturdy layout that remains consistent and will not break or bend with regular use. A one-piece stainless steel guide will help you gather fish without risking any pop-outs or other issues.
The standard reel seat features a stainless-steel cushion hood and provides a careful grip over whatever reel you wish to utilize. You can add whatever reel you prefer, but a spinning reel is best for creating a simple design for operation. You can also use this model for any fishing technique, but it does best for pier fishing.
The body also weighs about ten ounces, making it easy to apply and set up on a pier. The end part features a comfortable handle that doesn’t wear your hand while in use, giving you extra control over your fishing experience.
Bubba Bass Anglers appreciates how the Ugly Stik rod provides a good body for saltwater use. They also enjoy how the rod is sensitive and provides enough of a response when managing different motions.
Pros
Cons
2. Tica UMGA Surf Spinning Fishing Rod
Best Surf and Pier Fishing Rod
Rod Length | 7 Feet |
Line Weight | 10 to 40 lbs. |
Power | Heavy |
Action | Medium |
Number of Pieces | 2 |
You can also use this fishing rod for surf and pier fishing use. This choice for the best pier fishing rod is a seven-foot medium rod with a sensitive graphite body. The blank provides enough action for entering the water. It also responds to vibrations in the water, but it will not shift its position when the waves come along, preventing a common issue from developing during intense conditions.
The zirconium ring guides keep the line in its place. You can utilize light and heavy line materials with this model.
The two-piece assembly works in the middle part. The screw-on design does not come apart fast, nor does it shake or become loose when you add extra weight to the rod.
You can use one of many lure materials on this fishing rod. While the Tica rod weighs close to ten ounces, it can handle lures from half an ounce to three ounces. It can also work with sinker lures.
You can use the rod in surf conditions, as it can handle waves near a pier quite well. We like how the rod provides more control over a lure and does not cause anything to become loose with regular use.
Pros
Cons
3. Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Best Pier Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Rod Length | 5.91 - 8.86 Feet |
Line Weight | 5 – 12 lbs. |
Power | Heavy |
Action | Medium |
Number of Pieces | 1 |
A quality pier fishing rod setup can come with a built-in reel for easy use and assembly. The Plusinno pier fishing rod and reel set is available in six lengths from 1.3 to 2.7 meters. The longer ones can handle a slightly larger line or lure, but the length should be your choice based on the fish you wish to catch while you are out pier fishing.
The telescopic rod features a carbon fiber body with a fiberglass composite material to provide a better response. The stainless steel guides and ceramic inserts provide better casting support and keep heat from building. You can use this with many lines, including braided or monofilament compounds.
The included reel features a 12+1 smooth ball bearing setup. These bearings resist corrosion, which is critical for pier fishing in saltwater spots. You will enjoy a fluid motion without anything sticking in use.
WeLoveSports writes that the Plusinno fishing set is comfortable, while its telescopic body and one-piece design provide a simplified approach to handling fishing. The rod can contract or expand as necessary, providing extra control over how you set up your line and prepare your rod for pier fishing.
Pros
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4. Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece
Best Rod For Saltwater Pier Fishing
Rod Length | 6 feet |
Line Weight | 80 – 120 lbs. |
Power | Heavy |
Action | Medium |
Number of Pieces | 1 |
The best rod for saltwater pier fishing is the Fiblink Saltwater rod. You can also use this for jigging or other cases where you're trying to catch something closer to the water's bottom. The heavier weight on this rod makes it suitable for larger fish as well. You can also handle greater lures capable of collecting something immense when using this rod.
Jigging fishers will appreciate this model, as it can handle a lure from six ounces upward. The graphite composite material provides a tough body, while the stainless steel guides and ceramic inserts keep the rod functional in even the toughest conditions.
The aluminum alloy reel seat resists corrosion and keeps the rod in its place. You’ll all utilize the aluminum cross-shaped butt and cap for extra control, as it will not slip out of your hand. You can use this feature when you’re in a battle with something more massive in the water.
Fiblink writes that the rod is responsive to many actions in the water, but the rod features a heavy-duty body that will prevent strain and stress from developing on a line. The one-piece body also ensures extra comfort by preventing excess vibrations from occurring along the rod.
Pros
Cons
5. Okuma Tundra Surf Glass
Best Budget Option
Rod Length | 10 feet |
Line Weight | 10 – 25 lbs. |
Power | Medium-heavy |
Action | Medium-heavy |
Number of Pieces | 3 |
You can consider this last choice if you’re looking for a rod that doesn’t cost as much. The Okuma Tundra Surf Glass pier fishing rod is an appealing value choice that does well with spinning reels.
This Okuma rod is one of the longest available at about ten feet. The medium-heavy rod features ceramic inserts for handling your line, plus double-footed guides that keep the line in its place.
You’ll use a three-piece construction setup that is easy to apply and does not produce loose spots that may trigger excess vibrations. The rod does exceptionally well in windy conditions, as it does not shake or move about during a breeze.
The white color on the rod lets you view how well it works against the water. You can see bites from a sensible distance, even when the light isn’t as strong. You can move the line out and get a good catch in less time with this rod.
Okuma writes that its glass fiber composite blank provides extra protection and support. Users are satisfied with how well the blank can handle even the roughest catches, making it a choice for people looking for something less expensive when fishing.
Pros
Cons
Types of Rods for Pier Fishing
A spinning rod is the best choice for pier fishing. The rod features a spinning reel for two-handed casting and saltwater and surfcasting needs.
A spinning reel provides a smooth drag without pulling on your line. The line is easier to bring in, as it will not be likely to tear.
You also have to note the length and power rating of your rod. A short seven-foot spinning rod with a medium or light power rating is best for jigging or baitfish. A longer rod with a higher power total is for larger fish or lure. A nine-foot heavy-power rod is best for more massive fish.
Pier Fishing Rod Setup
The pier fishing rod you use should feature a jig or lure or other item based on the fish you wish to catch. A jig is sensible for smaller fish, but a lure is for when you want something more.
A heavier line is best when you’re targeting more massive fish. Monofilament material works well, as it persists in shallow conditions near a pier and floats.
You can also use a net if you have a short pier. A net may help when you have a fish near your space.
Pier Fishing Tips and Techniques
- 1Look for small channels within the water near a pier. Fish are more likely to appear in these spots.
- 2The best time for pier fishing is before dawn about an hour or two after sunset. The tide will be more conducive for pier fishing.
- 3Pier fishing is best in low light conditions. Fish will not be as cautious.
- 4Use a drop net when fishing to increase your chances of catching a fish without slipping off while you reel it in.
- 5You can talk with other people at a pier for details on the best spots for finding fish if necessary.
- 6Monofilament line is best, as it stretches well and can resist a fish’s motions.
Frequent Pier Fishing Questions Answered
What else is necessary for pier fishing besides a quality fishing rod?
You will need a rod holder to keep the rod in place. The proper lures and baits are also necessary for attracting fish. A monofilament line is also essential, but it helps to have some spares on hand. Don’t forget a drop net to help you gather fish when you get something on your line.
What is the best fishing line for pier fishing?
The best fishing line should be a monofilament material that is strong and can resist vibrations. The Berkley Trilene Big Game 8-lb test line is an ideal choice. The line has a 0.011-inch diameter and can fit through most fishing rods. It resists abrasion and has a controlled stretch feature that prevents stress.
Is pier fishing better at the high or low tide?
Pier fishing is best during high tide. It is easier to find more fish when the water is deep.
Who makes the best pier fishing rods?
You can find quality pier fishing rods from such brands as Shimano, Ugly Stik, Shakespeare, Fenwick, St. Croix, and Penn. You can find these and many other top-rated brands on Amazon.
Conclusion
The best rod for pier fishing should be something easy to control while also doing well in collecting various fish. We recommend the Ugly Stik Tiger Elite rod for how it can support large and small fish alike. The rod’s comfortable body and its fast action make it easier for casting and pier fishing.