Are you looking for the best pier fishing rod?
I tested eight fishing rods for pier fishing and found the Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod to be the best pier fishing rod.
The Berrypro Spinning Rods are an excellent choice for those looking for the best pier fishing rod overall. I found this fishing rod to provide the most consistent flexibility, solid backbone, and ease of castability for the price of all those I tested. There may have been some that performed better in one or two categories, but this is hands down the winner for the price.
Finding the right rod for pier fishing is a challenge. With the variety of manufacturers and wide range of quality, where do you start? I’ve been fishing and guiding people for years and have put all sorts of equipment through its paces. The best pier fishing rod needs to be an easy to use, rugged, well crafted, flexible, and durable piece of equipment. The best part of pier fishing is that you never know what you might catch. The variety of fish out there is astonishing. That’s another reason your fishing rod requires being up to the task of bringing in a big fish while still being able to finesse in a smaller one without being too forceful.
If taking the family to the pier, I would have no issue bringing along the Berrypro with a Penn Battle II reel. The grandkids can use the shorter rods well, and I’m not too concerned about broken tips. Replacing a fishing rod isn’t particularly expensive, though I’d still prefer to avoid it if possible. These pier fishing rods pull their weight well, so I definitely recommend them.
The best pier fishing rod should last season after season. You’ll know you purchased the one for you when you cast out, set it down, and it feels just right.
Best Pier Fishing Rods
- Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod – Best Overall
- UGLY STIK Tiger Elite Spinning Rod – Best Multipurpose
- St Croix Avid Inshore Saltwater Spinning Rod – Best High-End
- Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater Fishing Rod – Best for Big Game
- Shimano Trevala Spinning, Graphite Saltwater Rod – Best for Speedy Retrieves
- Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod – Best For Big Game on a Budget
- Ugly Stik Bigwater – Best Pier Fishing Combo
- Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod – Best Smaller Game Rod
Best Pier Fishing Rods Reviews
Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod
What You Get
- Exceptional Durability
- Stainless Steel Guides with Ceramic Inserts
- Several Sizes
The Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod is just about perfect for pier fishing. It is available in several sizes and will give you the range to cast for distance or jig right below the pier.
Put this fishing rod to work with some live or cut bait and sit back. The bait will do the work while you watch the rod. It will twitch with the bite, not the surf. That’s precisely what you need. Be ready for the line to start tearing out, and it’s time for a fight.
The Berrypro will do a great job handling even the bigger fish around the pier. I had no problem with a ray, though it put up a great fight. This fishing rod was up for the challenge.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning Rod
What You Get
- Tough and Reliable
- Perfect for Piers
- Flexibility Without Sacrificing Backbone
The Ugly Stik brand has a history of creating some of the toughest rods for pier fishing on the market. The Tiger Elite is just about the best pier fishing pole out there. The flexibility and durability of this fishing rod ensure you’ll be able to handle the big fish and the little guys with ease.
The lightness of this rod makes it great for use on the pier for hours without the worry of getting worn out from holding a heavy setup.
The graphite and fiberglass rod construction of this rod is done in such a way that it allows the rod to handle extreme weight while fighting stout fish, and you’ll appreciate the backbone it supplies while doing so. Excellent guides and an EVA reel seat and handle keep this rod a go-to year after year. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best fishing rods.
Toss out some sand fleas or lures with this and slowly reel them in. You’ll be able to feel every nibble.
St Croix Avid Inshore Saltwater Spinning Rod
What You Get
- Exceptional Build Quality
- SC-III Graphite Blanks
The St Croix brand is synonymous with quality. They’ve been creating exceptional fishing rods for years, and this one is no different. If you are looking for a fantastic, higher-end model, this is your go-to.
While this pier rod is more expensive, it features everything you could hope for. Fuji DPS reel seat, premium cork handle, and SC-III graphite blanks blend perfectly to help the St Croix Avid Inshore Saltwater Spinning Rods stand apart from the others.
The only reason holding it back from the top of the list is the high entry price. I might be a fan of St Croix rods, but that’s because I’ve never had an issue with them, and they’ve always delivered above and beyond what I’ve expected of them.
Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater Fishing Rod
What You Get
- Super Lightweight
- Excellent Grip
- Ultra-Sensitive
The Penn Fishing Battalion II is a great fishing rod with some of the best sensitivity around. Sitting on a pier with this is sure to bring you a very productive day. You’ll feel every bite.
It’s a well-built rod with a great grip, a Fuji reel seat, and Fuji guides. You can chase down tuna, cod, grouper, shark, or whatever else you might want to target.
One thing to keep in mind is that it’s not as durable as the other pier fishing rods on the list. It tends to break down from exposure a little faster than others on this list.
Shimano Trevala Spinning, Graphite Saltwater Rod
What You Get
- Ultra-High-Quality Rod
- Perfect for Pier Fishing
- Great for Fishing Structure
The Shimano Trevala Spinning Graphite Saltwater Fishing Rod is one of the best pier fishing rod options on the market. Shimano has designed this rod to work with their proprietary lures and line. The rod handles fast action and works great with lures and live baits.
This fishing rod is more expensive than some of the others on the list, so it’s not for the beginning angler.
Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod
What You Get
- High-Quality
- Low Price
- Corrosion Resistant Guides
The Berkley Big Game is perfect for those looking to get into pier fishing while still on a budget. You can take this fishing rod almost anywhere because it comes in a two-piece option that is becoming rare these days. Jigging works well, though, with the weight of the handle, the rod does become heavy after a while.
Ugly Stik Bigwater Fishing Rod
What You Get
- Very Durable
- 7-foot Length
- Graphite/Fiberglass Weave
The Ugly Stik Bigwater Rod and Reel Combo is a great fishing rod for tackling big game, whether that’s from the pier or the boat chasing big blue catfish. This rod loves nothing more than chasing big fish.
The woven fiberglass and graphite body provide this rod and reel combo the flexibility and backbone needed to catch the big guys without sacrificing sensitivity. Give it a try. It’s a great pier fishing rod and reel combo for the price.
Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod
What You Get
- Great for Smaller Gamefish
- Incredible Sensitivity
- Compatible with all Reels
The Fenwick HMG series is the best pier fishing rod on this list. If that is, you are targeting smaller fish. A smaller game is perfect for this fishing rod. The build of the blanks, the EVA handle, the lower attachment nut on the reel seat all create what could be considered the best pier fishing rod if it were only a little stronger.
The blanks use the Carbon Bound tech from the High Modulus Graphite series, giving them incredible sensitivity and great power, but at the cost of durability. The tip can snap easily.
Best Pier Fishing Rod Buying Guide
First, let’s look at the overall pick for the best pier fishing rod. I went with the Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod because I enjoyed the feel, the strength, and the options available when purchasing. While other rods for pier fishing had certain features, they did better, the Berrypro was all around a great price, and I found it worthwhile.
When you set out to buy a new rod, there are several things to keep in mind. You need to determine if you’ll primarily be pier fishing or if you need something for the pier, the lake, and the river. If that’s the case, you’ll want to look at the best multipurpose rods on the list.
Next, determine the actual size of the fish you’re targeting. Sure, we all want 75-pound halibut with every cast, but we’ll be closer to 20 pounds. Focus on a rod that can handle a one-off larger fish, but can easily take on a school of 20-pounders all day long.
Be sure to look for the right length. If you want to cast near the sandbar that’s 150 yards out, you’ll need a long rod. If you’re casting close, you can settle for a shorter one.
FAQ’s When Searching For The Best Rod For Pier Fishing
What is the best rod length for pier fishing?
The Best Rod Size Is Determined By The Lure Weight
When looking for a rod to use while pier fishing, look for a rod that is at least 6 feet long with a medium power rating. You’ll be using a lot of heavy bait and this will give you enough strength to control the line. A rod from 7 to 8 feet will give you better stability against the waves and it can help with some of the bigger game fish.
The Best Rod For Fishing From A Pier Should Be Sturdy And Durable
What is the best fishing line for pier fishing?
When pier fishing, we recommend bringing one setup with a 20-pound test of braided line for catching bait and making long casts, while bringing along another set up with at least 50lb test braided. These heavier setups are ideal for catching larger species such as snook, mackerel, tarpon, and sharks.
Are surf rods good for pier fishing?
Yes, most of the time. Surf rods are generally used for catching larger fish, such as sharks and other large saltwater fish. A surf rod can also be used to catch shallow water snook and redfish. They need to have a stout backbone often paired with strong guides, and usually come in lengths of 8-11 feet long and medium action which will certainly work for pier fishing.
Conclusion
Once you find the best pier fishing rod for your needs, you’ll want to make sure you have the suitable types of baits, lures, and tackle. Several piers have a bait shop at or nearby their location. Check with the shop to see what’s working that day, and you’ll have better luck than just winging it.
If you try the Berrypro Spinning Fishing Rod at your local pier, you’re sure to enjoy it. I’ve tried it in several sizes and have found it user-friendly enough to let the grandkids use it on their own. I won’t let them touch the St Croix rods. Maybe someday, though. Watch this video and check out the Berrypro at Amazon.
Finally, understand how your fishing rod will be used. If you’re using lures and bait, get a spinning rod with an eye to hold the line in place while still allowing it to rotate freely. If you’re only using live bait, go for something strong with sensitive tips that can feel even the slightest nibble or current.
I hope this article has helped you better understand pier fishing rods and what to look for. Best of luck on your next cast! I wish you many pounds of fish.
For more guidance on choosing the best fishing rods, check out these pages below:
- 14 Best Rod and Reel Combo’s and Why
- Best Rod and Reel Combo for Beginners
- 9 Best Ultralight Fishing Rods and Why
- Best Ice Fishing Rods and Why
- Best Baitcasting Rods Under $100
- 12 Best Spinning Rods Reviewed
- 10 Best Surf Fishing Rod and Reel Combo’s
- The 10 Best Telescopic Fishing Rods
- 11 Best Inshore Spinning Rods | Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
