Best Graphite Fishing Rods of 2025

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

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Graphite fishing rods are a popular choice among avid anglers due to their lightweight and sensitive design. These rods are made from graphite, a material that is not only lightweight but also strong and flexible. The sensitivity of a graphite rod allows anglers to detect even the slightest of bites, making it easier to catch fish. Graphite rods also come in a range of lengths and actions, making them suitable for various fishing techniques and species. Overall, graphite fishing rods are a great investment for anglers who want to improve their fishing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Okuma Celilo Ultra Light Rod Cover #TOP 1
Okuma Celilo Ultra Light Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods Cover #TOP 2
Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 3
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Graphite Fishing Rods

Okuma Celilo Ultra Light Rod

CE-S-502ULb
Black
Okuma Celilo Ultra Light Rod Cover
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Freshwater Rods, CE-S-502ULb,Black

The Okuma Celilo Rod is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its lightweight and responsive IM-8 carbon blank. This feature not only makes the rod easy to handle but also allows for better sensitivity, helping you feel even the slightest nibble. The durable aluminum oxide guide inserts accommodate various line types, ensuring smooth casting and retrieval. Additionally, the stainless steel hook keeper secures your bait or hook, preventing any loss while you’re on the water. Lastly, the premium fore and rear grips provide comfort and control, making it easier for you to fish for extended periods without discomfort.

What We Like
Lightweight and sensitive
Durable guide inserts
Secure hook keeper
Comfortable grips

Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods

OKUCES662ULB
Black
6' 6"
Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods Cover
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Freshwater Rods, CE-S-662ULb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods are designed with an IM-8 carbon blank that is lightweight, responsive, and durable. The Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts provide strength and durability, making them ideal for braided, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines. A stainless steel hook keeper is available on all models to keep your bait and hook securely attached. The premium fore and rear grips on all models provide a comfortable grip for extended fishing trips.

What We Like
Lightweight, durable, and responsive carbon blank design
Strong and durable Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts ideal for different lines
Stainless steel hook keeper keeps bait and hook securely attached
Premium fore and rear grips provide comfortable grip for extended fishing trips

Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod

Shakespeare
MCRSP702L
Black
7' - Light - 2pc
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Graphite Composite Blank, Light Rod Power, Comfortable Full Cork Handle

The Shakespeare Micro Fishing Rod is designed for anglers who enjoy using lighter lures and lines. With a line rating of 4 to 10 lb, this rod provides reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. Its lightweight graphite composite construction ensures easy handling and responsiveness, making it ideal for light and ultra-light fishing. The rod features six durable stainless steel guides, which help reduce friction and withstand tough conditions. This means you can fish with confidence, knowing your gear can handle the wear and tear. Plus, the full cork handle offers a comfortable grip, allowing you to fish for hours without discomfort.

What We Like
Lightweight and responsive
Durable stainless steel guides
Comfortable full cork handle
Budget-friendly performance
#TOP 4

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 5

KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods

AMEP-Crixus Rod-13
Black
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods Cover
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods, Casting Rod 7ft -Heavy - Fast-2pcs

KastKing Crixus fishing rods deliver incredible performance at a budget price. With KastFlex technology, these powerful and sensitive IM6 Graphite rods range in power from a light weight rod to heavy in 5' to 7'6” lengths. They feature a comfortable, durable, and slip-resistant SuperPolymer handle, high-quality stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings, and are available in 20 different power, action, and length combinations. These rods are perfect for any species in freshwater and saltwater.

What We Like
Incredible performance at a budget price
Comfortable, durable, and slip-resistant SuperPolymer handle
High-quality stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings
#TOP 6

Sougayilang 7'0'' Trout Fishing Rod

Spinning7'0''-UL-2pcs
7 Feet
Sougayilang 7'0'' Trout Fishing Rod Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rods Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods 2 Pieces Cork Handle Crappie Spinning Fishing Rod(7'0'')

The Sougayilang Trout Rod is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its sensitive graphite composite blank, allowing you to feel every nibble during your fishing trips. The stainless steel guides feature corrosion-resistant inserts, ensuring smooth line control and durability for years to come. Comfort is key, and the cork grips provide a secure hold, reducing hand fatigue even during long sessions. With tailored length options, you can choose a rod that fits various environments, whether you’re navigating narrow streams or fishing for larger species. This rod promises remarkable action and sensitivity to elevate your angling success.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Durable stainless steel guides
Comfortable cork grips
Versatile length options
#TOP 7

Okuma Celilo CE-S-962MLb Fishing Rod

OKUCES962MLB
Black
9'6"
Okuma Celilo CE-S-962MLb Fishing Rod Cover
Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead Lightweight Graphite Rods, CE-S-962MLb, Black

The Okuma Celilo Fishing Rod is designed for anglers who appreciate sensitivity and strength. With its sensitive graphite composite rod blanks, you can feel even the slightest nibble, improving your chances of a successful catch. The UFR-II Ultimate Flex Reinforcement tip technology enhances durability, allowing you to handle larger fish without worry. Titanium oxide guide inserts reduce friction, ensuring smooth line movement and casting. Plus, the sturdy stainless steel reel seat hoods provide a secure fit for your reel, giving you confidence while fishing. This rod combines advanced features to enhance your fishing experience.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite construction
Durable tip technology
Smooth line movement
Secure reel seat
#TOP 8

Okuma Longitude Surf Rods

LC-C-902H-1
Black
Okuma Longitude Surf Rods Cover
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods (Large, Black/Blue/Silver)

The Okuma Surf Rods are designed for anglers who value both sensitivity and durability. With a lightweight graphite composite blank, you can easily cast heavy baits while still detecting the faintest bites. The high-quality components, including braid-compatible aluminum oxide guides, ensure your line remains in perfect alignment, even in tough conditions. Comfort is key, and the premium cork wrapping on the butt section provides a secure grip during long fishing sessions. Plus, the stainless hooded reel seat keeps your reel securely in place, making it easier to reel in big catches without worry.

What We Like
Sensitive graphite composite
Durable components
Comfortable grip
Multiple lengths available
#TOP 9

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

1264735
Multi
7' - Medium - 2pc
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Cover
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod

The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod is a strong, yet balanced graphite and fiberglass construction rod that is pre-spooled with 6 pound line. It is a 7' medium power spinning rod with 6-15 pounds test, EVA handle, and 1/8-5/8 ounce lure weight. It is durable and lightweight, with a 7-year warranty. Customers have praised its strength and durability, sensitivity, attractive design, and great value for money.

What We Like
Top quality
Versatile
Portable
#TOP 10

Sougayilang Fishing Rod - Medium 2Pc

LHMC-G-1.8Q-US
Grey-Casting
Sougayilang Fishing Rod - Medium 2Pc Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rod - Medium 2Pc Graphite Composite Blank Spinning & Casting Rod, Camouflage EVA Grip, Smooth Transition Fishing Pole-Grey-5'10''-Casting

The Sougayilang Fishing Rod is designed to elevate your fishing experience with its medium action and moderate power. It features a durable 2-section construction and a Graphite Composite Blank, which enhances both strength and sensitivity, allowing you to feel every nibble. You can choose between 5'10" or 6'10" lengths to match your fishing style perfectly. The stylish Camouflage EVA grip not only ensures a comfortable hold but also adds a unique flair to your gear. With a smooth transition for easy casting and reeling, this rod is built for reliability on every fishing trip.

What We Like
Durable Graphite Composite Blank
Comfortable Camouflage EVA grip
Two length options
Smooth casting and reeling
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our graphite fishing rod research, we found 24 graphite fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 41,881 customer reviews through our big data system to write the graphite fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose graphite fishing rods with an average price of $51.93.

The graphite fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of graphite fishing rods, including OKUMA, Shakespeare, Quantum, KastKing, 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.