Best Wood Fishing Rods of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Wood fishing rods have been a staple in the fishing industry for centuries. They are popular for their durability and versatility, allowing anglers to catch a variety of fish in different bodies of water. These rods are made from high-quality wood that is carefully selected and crafted to produce a strong and reliable product. They are also known for their aesthetic appeal, with their natural wood finish adding a touch of elegance to any fishing trip. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, a wood fishing rod is a must-have in your fishing gear collection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare Micro 5'6" Spinning Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover #TOP 2
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods Cover #TOP 3
Okuma Celilo Graphite Freshwater Rods
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Wood Fishing Rods

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

Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod

1121420
Multi
8 feet
Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Berkley 8’ Big Game Spinning Rod, Two Piece Surf Rod, 12-30lb Line Rating, Medium Heavy Rod Power, Moderate Fast Action, 1-4 oz. Lure Rating

The Berkley Big Game Spinning Fishing Rod is an 8', medium-heavy 2-piece rod with an X-veil high modulus blank that provides strength and sensitivity for catching big game fish. The rod also features a Fenwick custom ergonomic reel seat, titanium guides with slim profile zirconium inserts, and an EVA and TAC split grip handle for comfort during long fishing trips. With a limited lifetime warranty, this rod is perfect for serious anglers who want a reliable and durable tool for their fishing adventures.

What We Like
High modulus blank for strength and sensitivity
Ergonomic reel seat for comfortable handling
Titanium guides with zirconium inserts for smooth line flow

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
Excellent sensitivity
Durable ultralight build
Great value for money
Handles big fish easily
Versatile with various reels

Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Fishing Rod

CWD2-702MS
7' - Medium - 2pc
Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Fishing Rod Cover
Berkley 7’ Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod, 6-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Fast Action, 1/8-3/4 oz. Lure Rating, red

The Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Fishing Rod is a 2-piece, medium action fishing rod with a hybrid design construction. The blank through handle construction provides unmatched sensitivity and it is equipped with lightweight stainless steel guides and inserts. The cork handles offer added comfort and grip for a more enjoyable fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and sensitive
Excellent value for price
Well-built and sturdy
Fast shipping
Comfortable handle grip

Ugly Stik Elite 7’ Spinning Rod

USESP702UL
Brown/Black
Ugly Stik Elite 7’ Spinning Rod Cover
Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Elite Spinning Rod, Two-Piece, 2-6lb Line Rating, Ultra Light Power, Medium Fast Action, 1/32-1/8 oz. Lure Rating,Brown/Black

The Ugly Stik Elite Rod offers a clear tip design that strengthens the most vulnerable part of the rod, giving you extra confidence when fighting fish. Its construction includes added graphite, which makes the rod lighter and more sensitive, so you can feel even the slightest bites. The stainless steel guides are built as a single piece, making them tough and long-lasting while preventing inserts from popping out, reducing maintenance worries. Additionally, the exposed blank reel seats come with cushioned stainless steel hoods, providing a comfortable and secure grip on your reel during long fishing sessions.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable
Excellent casting distance
Great value for price
Strong and flexible tip
Ideal for larger fish

Ugly Stik Carbon Ice 36" Spinning Rod

USCBICE36ML
Black/Red
Ugly Stik Carbon Ice 36" Spinning Rod Cover
Ugly Stik 36" Carbon Ice Spinning Rod, 1 Piece Fishing Rod, Medium Light Rod Power, 2-6 lb Line Rating

The Ugly Stik Ice Spinning Rod is designed to combine durability with precise performance, making it ideal for ice fishing. Its 100% 24-ton graphite construction makes the rod lightweight and balanced, so you can fish comfortably for hours. The rod features six stainless-steel guides with a special coating to protect your fishing line from wear and tear, ensuring smooth casting and retrieval. The handle uses a mix of EVA and golf-style split grip materials, providing a secure hold and lasting comfort, even during long fishing sessions. This rod helps you stay confident and in control on the ice.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite construction
Durable stainless-steel guides
Comfortable split grip handle
Balanced and sensitive action

Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos

1.8mHBSXY with bag-CA
5.91 ft
Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos Cover
Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos with Telescopic Fishing Pole Spinning Reels Fishing Carrier Bag for Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing-1.8M/5.91FT

The Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos is a great choice for any angler looking for a lightweight and portable fishing rod. The rod is made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass, making it hard and durable. The reel has 13 + 1 corrosion resistant smooth ball bearings, precision matched gears and a powerful 5.5:1 gear ratio. The package also includes a carrier bag, three fishing lures, fishing line, and other necessary accessories. Customers have praised the product for its quality and convenience, although some have reported that the rod can be fragile and the included tackle is of average quality.

What We Like
Easy setup and use
Lightweight and portable
Good value for money
Quality lures included
Compact telescopic design

PLUSINNO 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

FPLFBO01-FBA
1.8M 5.91FT
PLUSINNO 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Cover
PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos -24 Ton Carbon Fiber Telescopic Fishing Pole - Spinning Reel 12 +1 Shielded Bearings Stainless Steel BB-Free Carrier Bag Case, Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing

The PLUSINNO Fishing Rod Combo is a complete set designed especially for beginners. It includes everything you need to start fishing right away, such as a fishing rod, reel, line, lures, hooks, and a convenient carrying bag. The rod is made from high-density 24-ton carbon fiber reinforced with fiberglass, giving you strong, flexible, and durable performance for various fishing conditions. The stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts help you cast farther with better accuracy while protecting your fishing line from heat damage. The included spinning reel features smooth, corrosion-resistant ball bearings and an adjustable handle, making it easy to control your fishing experience. This combo is ready to use and ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

What We Like
Collapsible and compact design
Durable construction
Smooth casting reel
Great value for beginners
Convenient carrying case
#TOP 9

KastKing Zephyr Dual Tip Fishing Rod

Black
Spin-7'0"- M/MH
KastKing Zephyr Dual Tip Fishing Rod Cover
KastKing Zephyr Dual Tip Fishing Rod, Lightweight KastFlex IM6 Graphite Spinning & Casting Rod, Fuji O-Ring Guide, Dual Tips Section for Different Powers, EVA Grip, 7' M & MH Spinning Rod

The KastKing Zephyr Rod offers a lightweight design made from KastFlex IM6 Graphite, giving you a great mix of strength and sensitivity, perfect whether you're a beginner or a pro. Its Fuji O-ring guides help your fishing line glide smoothly, reducing friction and preventing tangles no matter what line type you use. With interchangeable dual power tips, you can easily switch between different power levels to match your fishing conditions. Plus, the rod’s comfortable EVA grips and a handy Drop Shot hook keeper make it easier to fish longer without discomfort and keep your gear organized.

What We Like
Lightweight graphite material
Fuji O-ring guides
Dual interchangeable tips
Comfortable EVA grips
Drop Shot hook keeper

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod

Piscifun-RD027-A
Black
6'9"- Medium - M
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod Cover
Piscifun Torrent Baitcaster Rod, Portable 2 Piece Casting Rod, Durable Lightweight Sensitive Baitcasting Fishing Rod (6'9"M-M)

The Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod is made of high strength IM6 Carbon, which offers sensitivity, accuracy, and strength. The tip design enhances sensitivity to detect even the lightest bites to help with hook set timing. The lightweight design offers comfort and can be used with all types of lines. Stainless steel guides with titanium inserts keep line slippage to a minimum. This baitcasting rod is versatile and great for different fish species, including some inshore saltwater species.

What We Like
Offers sensitivity, accuracy, and strength
Tip design enhances sensitivity to detect even the lightest bites
Lightweight design offers comfort and can be used with all types of lines
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our wood fishing rod research, we found 24 wood fishing rod products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 101,365 customer reviews through our big data system to write the wood fishing rods list. We found that most customers choose wood fishing rods with an average price of $47.61.

The wood fishing rods are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of wood fishing rods, including Shakespeare, Berkley, OKUMA, Ugly Stik, Sougayilang. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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.