Best Cork Fishing Rods of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Cork fishing rods are a popular choice for anglers due to their lightweight feel and comfortable grip. These rods are made from high-quality cork, which provides a natural and durable material for fishing. The cork material also helps to reduce fatigue during long fishing trips, allowing anglers to focus on their catch. Cork fishing rods come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any fishing need. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, cork fishing rods are a reliable and essential tool for any fishing adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 1
Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 2
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lew's Laser SG1 7'0" Medium Heavy Casting Rod Cover #TOP 3
Lew's Laser SG1 7'0" Medium Heavy Casting Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cork Fishing Rods

Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod

GXS662M,PB3
Multi
6-Feet 6-Inch
Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod, 6-Foot 6-Inch 2-Piece IM6 Graphite Rod Bonded with EX-Fiber, Natural Cork Handle, Dynaflow Aluminum-Oxide Guides, Fast Action, Medium Power, Gray/Black

The Quantum Graphex Spinning Fishing Rod, also known as the Quantum Graphex Rod, is a 6-foot 6-inch 2-piece medium rod that is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. With its natural cork handles, this rod provides excellent grip and comfort during long fishing sessions. The value-priced Quantum Graphex Rod is loaded with high-performance features that make it stand out. The rod is equipped with Dynaflow aluminum-oxide guides, which ensure smooth line flow and reduce friction. Its fast action and medium power allow for precise and powerful casts, making it ideal for various fishing techniques. The graphite rod bonded with EX-Fiber provides durability and sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the Quantum Graphex Rod is a reliable and versatile fishing companion.

What We Like
Natural cork handles
Dynaflow aluminum-oxide guides
Fast action and medium power
#TOP 2

Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod

Shakespeare
MCRSP562L
Black
5'6" - Light - 2pc
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Graphite Composite Blank, Light Rod Power, Comfortable Full Cork Handle

The Shakespeare Micro Rod is designed for anglers who prefer lighter lures and lines, ensuring a fun and engaging fishing experience. With a line rating of 4-8 lbs, this rod offers reliable performance while being lightweight and easy to handle. Its graphite composite construction provides both durability and flexibility, making it ideal for light and ultra-light fishing. Additionally, the rod features six stainless steel guides that resist wear and tear, enhancing your fishing trips even in tough conditions. You'll appreciate the comfortable full cork handle, which allows for all-day use without sacrificing grip or comfort.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Comfortable cork handle
Reliable performance
Six stainless steel guides
#TOP 3

Lew's Laser SG1 7'0" Medium Heavy Casting Rod

LSG170MHFC
Multi
7'0"
Lew's Laser SG1 7'0" Medium Heavy Casting Rod Cover
Lew's Laser SG1 Casting Fishing Rod, 7-Foot 1-Piece Graphite Rod Blank with Stainless Steel Guides and Aluminum Oxide Inserts, Medium-Heavy Power, Fast Action, and Split Grip Cork Handle with EVA Butt

Lew's SG1 Casting Rod is a 7' medium/heavy power casting rod that is perfect for fishing. The Laser SG1 Speed Stick IM6 LSG170MHFC is made of graphite, making it lightweight and easy to handle. With a line rate of 12-25 lbs, it can handle a variety of fish sizes. The lure rate of 1/8-7/8 oz allows for versatility in bait options. The one-piece design ensures durability and sensitivity for detecting even the lightest bites. Whether you're a professional angler or just starting, Lew's SG1 Casting Rod is a great choice for your next fishing trip.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite material
Medium/heavy power for versatility
Durable one-piece design

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium

USESP702M
Multicolor
7' - Medium - 2pc
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Elite Spinning Rod, Two Piece Spinning Rod, 6-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Fast Action, 1/4-5/8 oz. Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium is a great choice for anglers looking for a reliable and durable fishing rod. It features Ugly Tech construction with added graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity, Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides for maximum durability, and cork handles for comfort during lengthy fishing outings. It has a line rating of 8-17 pounds and is suitable for spinning technique. Customers have praised the rod for its good value, comfortable handle, and great quality.

What We Like
Ugly Tech construction with added graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity
Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides for maximum durability
Cork handles for comfort during lengthy fishing outings
Good value and great quality
#TOP 5

Sougayilang Graphite Trout Fishing Rod

Spinning6'0''-L-2pcs
6 feet
Sougayilang Graphite Trout Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods 2 Pieces Cork Handle Crappie Spinning Fishing Rod(6'0'')

The Sougayilang Fishing Rods are designed with sensitive graphite composite blanks and through handle construction for unmatched sensitivity and added security. The cork handle provides added comfort and a secure grip. This ultra-lightweight trout fishing rod is made to be reliable and durable for anglers of all ages and experiences. Stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts ensure a smooth and efficient fishing experience.

What We Like
High-quality and well-crafted
Long casting distance for ultralight baits
Accurate and predictable when casting light bait/lures
Great for catching multi-species from trout to bass

Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod

CWD2-702MHS
Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod Cover
Berkley 7’ Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod, 8-17lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Fast Action, 1/4-1 oz. Lure Rating,Red

The Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod is a one-of-a-kind fishing rod that offers remarkable feel and exceptional performance. Designed with a fast action and a medium-heavy power, this rod is perfect for increased reactivity and versatility. The hybrid design construction provides unmatched sensitivity and responsiveness, while the lightweight design ensures a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience. With its stainless steel guides and inserts, this rod offers added strength and control, resulting in smoother casts every time. The spinning reel seat and Type-C Cork rod handle provide added balance and maximum comfort, reducing hand strain. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned angler, the Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod is a reliable and dependable choice for your fishing adventures.

What We Like
Remarkable feel
Versatile and reactive
Unmatched sensitivity
#TOP 7

TEAMWILL Fly Fishing Rod Handle Set

TEAMWILL Fly Fishing Rod Handle Set Cover
TEAMWILL Fly Fishing Rod Handle Composite Cork Grip Rod Building and Seat Set (Model 1)

The TEAMWILL Fishing Rod Handle is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to build or repair their fly rod. Its composite cork grip provides a comfortable and secure hold, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. Weighing very little, this handle is portable and easy to install, which means you can quickly set it up whenever you’re ready to fish. Plus, its compact size allows it to fit conveniently in your car trunk, boat hatch, or backpack, making it ideal for fishing trips. This handle set comes complete with a reel seat, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.

What We Like
Composite cork grip
Lightweight and portable
Easy installation
Ideal for rod building
#TOP 8

Ugly Stik® Elite Casting Rod

USECA702UL
Multi
Ugly Stik® Elite Casting Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 7’ Elite Casting Rod, One Piece Casting Rod, 2-6lb Line Rating, Ultra Light Rod Power, Medium Fast Action, 1/32-1/4 oz. Lure Rating

The Ugly Stik® Elite Casting Rod is a strong and sensitive fishing rod with an Ugly Stik clear tip design that provides extra strength where you need it most. Its Ugly Tech construction adds graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity, while the Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides offer maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. The exposed blank style reel seats come with cushioned stainless steel hoods, and the cork grips are premium with a logo etched into the handle, ensuring a comfortable and secure grip.

What We Like
Extra strength where you need it most with clear tip design
Lightweight and increased sensitivity with added graphite in the Ugly Tech construction
Maximum durability and no insert pop-outs thanks to Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides

Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod

BSLR802UL
8 feet
Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod Cover
Berkley 8’ Lightning Rod Trout Rod, Two Piece Trout Rod, 2-6lb Line Rating, Ultra Light Rod Power, Moderate Action, 1/32-1/4 oz. Lure Rating

The Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod is a durable and sensitive fishing rod designed for Trout angling, made with a 24 ton multi-modulus carbon composite blank construction that offers strength and sensitivity. This rod comes with a blank specially designed for use with light lines and dough baits, and a double-locking reel seat that holds the reel securely in place. The rubberized cork wrapped full handles and stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts help prevent line slippage.

What We Like
Durable and sensitive
24 ton multi-modulus carbon composite blank construction
Double-locking reel seat holds reel securely in place
#TOP 10

Sougayilang PHOENIX Fishing Rod

Sougayilang PHOENIX Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rods Ultra Light Rods 2 Pieces Cork Handle Spinning &Baitcasting Rod for Trout Crappie

The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is a lightweight and durable tool designed for anglers. Constructed from a blend of composite glass and carbon fiber, it ensures toughness while maintaining performance. The ergonomic cork grips provide comfort, allowing you to fish for hours without fatigue. With moderate action and medium power, this rod is suitable for various fish species, from trout to bass. Its stainless-steel guides enhance casting distance and accuracy, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. Plus, being a 2-piece rod, it’s easy to transport, perfect for your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Comfortable cork grips
Durable construction
Superior casting accuracy
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are cork rods good?

Cork rods are a popular choice among anglers. They offer advantages such as being more sensitive, providing a warmer grip in cool weather, and having a traditional aesthetic appeal. However, it is important to treat cork rods well to avoid damage, as they can get beat up if not handled with care.

2. Why do fishing rods have cork?

Fishing rods have cork handles for several reasons. Cork is lightweight, comfortable to hold, and highly sensitive, allowing anglers to feel bites more easily. It also has a classic and appealing look that many anglers appreciate.

3. Is it bad to leave the plastic wrap on cork fishing rods?

Leaving the plastic wrap on cork fishing rods is not recommended. Water can get trapped under the plastic, causing the cork to discolor and potentially rot. It is best to remove the plastic wrap before using the rod.

4. Which is better cork or foam rod handles?

Cork and foam rod handles have their own advantages. Cork handles are lightweight, comfortable, and offer a traditional aesthetic appeal. However, they are less durable, harder to keep clean, and more expensive. Foam handles, on the other hand, are generally cheaper, more durable, and easier to maintain.

5. Which is better EVA or cork?

When comparing EVA and cork handles for fishing rods, EVA has several advantages. It is lighter, less abrasive, retains its shape better, deteriorates slower, feels warmer to the hands, and is cheaper to make. For hikers and anglers, there is no specific need to use cork handles over EVA handles.

6. Do popping corks scare fish?

Vigorously popping a cork can create an unnatural presentation and potentially scare fish. The cork may move too far across the surface, which can alert fish to something unusual. The goal of using a popping cork is to mimic the sound of a fish striking bait on the surface, enticing a competitive bite.

7. Is it bad to store fishing rods horizontally?

Both vertical and horizontal storage options for fishing rods can work as long as the rods are properly supported. It is important to store rods in a dry and clean environment to protect them from damage. Whether you build your own storage solution or purchase one, make sure to follow these tips for proper rod storage.

Editor's Notes

During our cork fishing rod research, we found 24 cork fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 45,304 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cork fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose cork fishing rods with an average price of $29.74.

The cork fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cork fishing rods, including Quantum, Shakespeare, Lew's, Ugly Stik, Sougayilang. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.