Bottom fishing offers more rewards in a short period of time. All you need is a durable fishing rod, some moving bait, and you are all set.
Before all that, you need a bottom fishing rod. A perfect one. However, getting the best bottom fishing rod isn’t easy. It should have a lightweight design, fast hooking mechanism, and high bite sensitivity.
You can choose anywhere between 5 feet to 8 feet long rods, as they provide better control without sacrificing the casting length.
Other factors like speed, action, and pricing can influence your decision. Make sure the rod can handle big fishes like catfish, carp, and bullheads.
Okay, that’s a lot to consider while deciding on a rod that doesn’t fall short! Why not let us take care of the screening and present you with an easy comparison?
Here’s what we’ve found:
What is Bottom Fishing?
Bottom fishing is the practice of catching fish living at the bottom depth of water bodies. Usually, halibut, sole, plaice, eels, etc., are bottom-level fishes.
If you target any bottom-feeding fish species, then you are bottom fishing. The fish may consume food at any level, but has to spend most of its time at the bottom level.
What Rods Do I Need For Bottom Fishing?
For bottom fishing, you will need a medium or fast action rod with a good bite sensitivity. The rod will hook fishes faster. Additionally, the length of the rod shouldn’t exceed 8 feet. We prefer fishing rods of 6.6 to 7 feet for maximum accuracy and hook set leverage.
What is the best bottom fishing rod?
Best overall: GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6’6″
Best for trolling: Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod
Best for beginners: Moonshine Rod Spin Fishing
Best fast action: Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod
Best value for money: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
Best for casting: SHIMANO Trevala Casting Rod
Best for jigging: Okuma Cedros E-Glass
Best for spinning: Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Fishing Rod
Best bait sensitive: Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
Table of Content:
Scouting through only the topic you’re interested in? Here’s a quick table to help you reach the exact section where we’ve covered that:
Comparison Chart:
In a hurry? Well, we have that covered. Just go through this comparison chart below and find the best fishing rod for your needs:
| Bottom fishing rods | Best for | Length | Fishing technique | Build material | Handle |
| GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6’6″ | All types of bottom fishing | 1.98m(6’6″) | Casting, Jigging, and Spinning | Nano & high-ton toray carbon fiber | EVA foam |
| Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod | One or more fishing lines, baited with lures or bait fish | 2.1m (7’) | Trolling | E-glass graphite composite and stainless steel | Bent butt and non slip rubber shrink tube handle |
| Moonshine Rod Spin Fishing | Beginners who just started to fish | 1.8m-2.1m (6’-7’) | Fly | Wood, Canvas, Graphite | Cork |
| Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod | For near instant hooking | 2.1m (7’) | Casting, trout fishing, bass fishing, kayak fishing or surf fishing | Graphite blanks with carbon wrapped veil | EVA foam and premium grade cork |
| Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod | Good fishing at the cheapest price possible | 1.5m- 2.7m (6’-9’) | Spinning | Graphite and fiberglass construction | EVA foam |
| SHIMANO Trevala Casting Rod | Casting and ideal for fishing with lures and deep-jigging | 1.76m (5’8″) | Casting | TC4 carbon fiber | EVA foam |
| Okuma Cedros E-Glass | Snap or pop the rod tip up quickly to move the lure | 1.8m (6’) | Jigging, Spinning, and Casting | Fiberglass | Cork |
| Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Fishing Rod | Throwing out a bait, and cranking it home | 2.1m (7’) | Casting, Spinning | Graphite and fiberglass | EVA |
| Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods | Instant fish bite detection | Customizable upto 3.65m (12’) | Surf Casting | Graphite composite | Cork |
9 Best Bottom Fishing Rod 2022
Finding a good fishing rod for bottom fishes is easier said than done. But not anymore. No sirree. Here is a top list of the 9 best bottom fishing rod options to choose from:
1. Best overall: GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6’6″
The Goofish Jigging rod 6.6 feet is one of the best bottom fishing rods in the market. It is highly sensitive to fish bites and offers a drag power of 15 to 20 kg. Whether you fish for Otocinclus, Botia Loaches, or even giant catfish like the hardhead, the Goofish 6.6 can catch them all.
You can deadlift fish from the bottom of more than 33 lbs with ease. However, the bending strength of the rod will hold up more than three times of it.
With a reversed places cone design (1-2 cm outside), you don’t need complete insertion and still avoid looseness due to friction.
To improve user comfort, the manufacturer lets you adjust the left/right-handed reel with any spiral guide system. Additionally, the EVA foam handle aids in-hand comfort and reduces fatigue.
For bottom fishing, you can customize the rod according to your fishing technique, action, and color.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Casting, Spinning
- Length:1.98m(6’6″)
- Build material: SOLID Nano blank & high-ton Toray carbon fiber
- Closed Length: 1.4m
- Section: 1 or 1.5 piece
- Max Jig: 200g
- Drag power: 15-20 kg (Depending on model)
- Tip diameter: approx 1.65mm
- Reel seat: FUJI
- Handle: EVA foam
User Experience
- The rod holds up pretty well on deadlifts for more than 20 kg.
- You can cast overhead or spin without damaging the rod.
- Usable with both left and right reel on any spiral guide system.
- The eyelets hold up great, resisting wear and breaking in the process.
- Highly sensitive to fish bites and has an EVA foam handle.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Highly bite sensitive
- Reduces arm fatigue after prolonged use
- Decent deadlift capacity
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Too many variations
Why Should You Buy It?
When it comes to bottom fishing, the Goofish Jigging rod 6.6 has the perfect combo of strength and comfort. Having the perfect length size, the rod is easy to control, cast, and jig. The best part is you can handle deadlifts bottom fishes more than three times the accepted 33 lbs weight.
2. Best for trolling: Fiblink Bent Butt Fishing Rod
Sometimes, we just want to sit back, enjoy the horizon, and set the bait for fishing. The Fiblink Bent Butt fishing rod has a bent butt adjustment that lets you fix the rod in front while you spend some quality time. Trolling for fish becomes much easier, as you don’t need to concentrate on the bait.
Set more than one bait, wait back, and relax. Solid fiberglass and graphite composite blank, the rod is incredible for pulling big fish.
While you leave the rod attached to the boat, there will hardly be any rotation or alignment error due to a connection groove.
The rod has sea guide rollers, stainless steel swing tip, and an aluminum alloy wheel seat with the tapered hood transition for maximum comfort and protection. Additionally, you will get a length of 7 feet for all IFGA standup fishing.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Trolling
- Grip type: Bent butt
- Net Weight: 56.4 OZ
- Length: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: E-glass graphite composite and stainless steel
- Power: Extra heavy
- Section: 2 piece
- Guides: 5+1
- Drag power: More than 20 kg (Depending on model)
- Line Weight: 80-120 lbs. /36-54 kg
- Handle: Non-slip rubber shrink tube handle
User Experience
- Trolling through the ocean was easy as pie due to the rotation-free rod and bent butt adjustment.
- Can take more than 25 kg of drag without fracturing.
- Grips ideally as the handle is non-slip rubber built.
- Easily meets all IGFA standup fishing requirements with all roller guides.
- It looks damn good in both stands and on hand.
Pros
- Great at trolling for fishes
- Durable frame and handle
- Extra-heavy power
- Strong and damage resistant
- Fixes perfect on the bent butt
Cons
- The guides are kinda small.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you don’t like to hold a fishing rod every time, then the Fiblink Bent Butt fishing rod is the one to call. It’s a trolling rod and has a bent butt for instant boat attachment. With a 7 feet length and over 20kg drag power, the road will catch any type of bottom fish there is.
3. Best for beginners: Moonshine Rod Spin Fishing
Are you trying to find your way into bottom fishing? Well, you are in luck with the Moonshine fishing Rod. Due to a one-of-a-kind setup, the rod is easy to assemble, especially for newbies. Now, you don’t have to worry about reading the user guide every time the fishing rod needs assembling.
A two-section built with a protective tube helps dismantle the rod for easy storage. The best part is you can effortlessly cover most freshwater and saltwater spinning.
With a lightweight design and a length of 6 feet, the rod creates a sweet spot of both power and control.
You can catch small to medium fish and also use the angling fly method with a lightweight lure. To go on bottom fishing, increase the bait weight and wait until you catch something big.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Fly
- Grip type: Split
- Package Weight: 0.73 Kilograms
- Length: 1.8m-2.1m (6’-7′)
- Build material: Wood, Canvas, Graphite
- Power: Medium
- Section: 2 piece
- Guides: American Tackle micro guides
- Drag power: More than 15 kg
- Handle: Cork and wood
User Experience
- Assembling and dismantling the rod took about 5 mins at best.
- Provided good control while flying and bottom fishing.
- The rod can fish in all water types but works better in freshwater.
- Increasing the weight to lets you bottom fish any small, medium, or big fishes
Pros
- Good control over the water
- Steady and comfortable
- Easy to assemble
- Simple design for beginners
Cons
- Not good for trolling
Why Should You Buy It?
The Moonshine fishing rod comes with a simple assembly feature which is great if you are new to bottom fishing. It has a length of 6 feet and offers a perfect balance of control to power action. You can command over all fresh and saltwater, catching all sorts of medium and small fishes.
4. Best fast action: Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod
Do you want to hook a fish every time it hits the rig? The Canden CR7B gives you just that with its fast action feature. The lightweight graphite blanks with carbon wrapped veil give the maximum user sensitivity for fish detection.
Once you detect the bit, pull fast and get an instant catch. EVA foam and premium grade cork makes up for arm comfort while catching hard-fighting fishes.
Having stainless steel guides with SiC inserts, you will hardly face any friction or line breaks. Plus, you will feel every vibration from the line guide directly to your hands.
The CR7B works flawlessly in both salt and freshwater conditions, especially for bottom fishing. You can also go on trout fishing, bass fishing, kayak fishing, and even surf fishing. How great is that?
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Casting
- Grip type: Soft and durable
- Net weight: 0.25 lb
- Length: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: Graphite blanks with carbon wrapped veil
- Action: Fast
- Guides: Stainless steel guides
- Drag power: More than 20 kg
- Handle: EVA foam and premium grade cork
User Experience
- The rod hooks any fish with the slightest pulling.
- Provides a smooth fishing experience in both salt and freshwaters.
- An EVA foam and cork grip combo reduce arm fatigue, even after prolonged usage.
- Though the weight is less, it can withstand a deadlift of more than 20 kgs with ease.
- Notifies the user of every single vibration and fish bite.
Pros
- Smooth and easy to use
- Fast hooking capacity
- Usable on all water conditions
- Highly vibration-sensitive
- Minimal arm fatigue
Cons
- Reel to end handle distance is kinda short
Why Should You Buy It?
The Candence CR7B is one of the best fast-action fishing rods for bottom fishing. A fast-action build helps the rod in casting, bassing, and even fishing on kayaks. It is highly sensitive, allowing you to notice fish bites in an instant. While deadlifting, the rod resists breaking for more than 20 kg.
5. Best value for money: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
What if you don’t want to spend a heck of a lot of money on a bottom fishing rod? Well, your dream just came true with the Ugly Stik GX2. Here you will get a decent fishing setup, durable stainless steel guides, high sensitivity, up to 7 years warranty, and more.
Durable EVA handles offer a rigid grip to the rod and help resolve slipping while bottom fishing. Combined with clear tips and bite sensitive design, the rod will let you know for even the slightest fish movement, luring in the waters.
You can choose from a 5 feet rod to all the way 9 feet all by paying a few bucks extra.
The rod uses a mix of graphite and fiberglass that will last for years to come. Catching big fishes like halibut, flounder, or sole will be easy as pie.
For the record, you can also do braid fishing, spinning, and other types of fishing you want.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Spinning
- Grip type: Soft and durable
- Line weight: 6-15lb
- Length: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: Graphite and fiberglass combo
- Action: Mid action
- Guides: Stainless steel guides
- Drag power: More than 20 kg
- Handle: EVA foam
User Experience
- For the price, the rod held strong, even after catching some big fish.
- It is highly sensitive to bite vibration in all water conditions.
- EVA foam handle reduces arm fatigue even after long usage.
- Offers a perfect balance of control and casting length.
- Easy to store two-piece construction, which you can open with ease.
Pros
- Great control and sensitive
- Reduces arm stress
- Strong enough for most bottom fishes
- Cheap yet feels premium
- Easy to store
Cons
- Not sensitive enough for jigging
Why Should You Buy It?
If you don’t want to break the bank on a fishing rod, the Ugly Stik GX2 is a good option. Starting from the weight distribution to control over varying water conditions, the rod shines bright. It’s sensitive, strong, and durable. Though you can’t go on a jig, for the price, it’s hard to complain.
6. Best for casting: SHIMANO Trevala Casting Rod
Good casting is key to getting into a perfect fishing position. Teens and adults with shorter height will face casting problems more often. But hey, the Shimano Tevala casting rod is here with its perfect casting feature. It has a slow action bend, which increases the trajectory of the rig.
Doesn’t matter whether you are 164 cm or 180 cm, the casting length will go pretty far. If you want to bottom fish in high current, just throw the bad boy as far as you can and wait for it to sink.
A split gripping type reduces slipping away from wet hands. With a length of 7 feet, you can expect a rating of 10 to 30 lbs.
It has a Fuji reel seat and fuji O or Alconite guides that are highly wear-resistant to drag. Finally, an EVA foam handle feels soft and will rarely break with time.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Casting
- Grip type: Split
- Package Weight: 0.14 Kilograms
- Length: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: TC4 carbon fiber
- Action: Slow action
- Guides: Fuji O or Alconite guides
- Drag power: More than 15 kg
- Handle: EVA foam
User Experience
- Casting the rod isn’t an issue, especially if you have a shorter height.
- The custom-made EVA handle is soft and yet highly durable.
- Fishing for small to medium fishes wasn’t an issue, as the rod held up pretty well.
- The guides were smooth, making dragging and deadlifts easier.
Pros
- Slow action bending
- Increased casting trajectory
- Well balanced design
- Comfortable and reduces arm fatigue
- Wear-resistant built
Cons
- Dismantling is hard and time-consuming
Why Should You Buy It?
If you feel casting is hard, the Shimano Trevala is sure to change your mind. A slow action bend improves the trajectory of the rig by storing kinetic energy while bending. The soft EVA foam hand helps grip the rod better without stressing the hands. Overall, it is durable, wear-resistant, and is perfect for casting.
7. Best for jigging: Okuma Cedros E-Glass
The Okuma Cedros E-Glass comes with a powerful fishing rod, which can handle up to a 30-pound test line. For jigging fishing, the rod stays rigid, and e-glass blank construction offers incredible pulling power. You can wiggle the jig or set it loose until you catch a big one.
While using a braided line, the rod reduces line shocks and improves bait sensitivity. An Alps high-rise 316 stainless steel guide ensures that your line never tangles, even when you’re fighting a big fish.
Use the rod as much as you want, as it has a lifetime warranty. You don’t have to worry about breaking the rod or pulling too hard.
Having a 6 feet length design, the rod is highly powerful and doesn’t compromise user control. Its lure rating is 90-200 grams and is perfect for catching big bottom fishes.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Spinning and Casting
- Grip type: Split
- Package Weight: 0.14 Kilograms
- Length: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: Fiberglass
- Action: Heavy
- Guides: Alps high-rise 316 stainless steel guide
- Drag power: More than 15 kg
- Handle: Cork
User Experience
- Creates a jerky, vertical motion, which attracts tons of fish as the jig goes down.
- It is sensitive to fish bites and reduces most line shocks.
- You will hardly face line tangles due to the 316 stainless steel guide.
- Can catch all types of fish, small, medium, and big.
Pros
- Fantastic jigging performance
- Minimal line tangle
- Multifunction and easy to use
- Good pulling power
- Fine control and comfortable
Cons
- Not always sensitive to small fish bite
Why Should You Buy It?
If you want a jigging rod for bottom fishing, then the Okuma Cedros E-Glass is the one to call. It has stainless steel guides, a 30-pound test line, and a damn powerful pull. You will also get a shock reduction feature, which eliminates fake bites. The rod is easy to control and is highly comfortable.
8. Best for spinning: Ugly Stik Tiger Casting Fishing Rod
The Ugly Stik Tiger Casting rod offers a strong build, wear-resistant eyelets, and a sensitive blank for all spin fishing. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on pure graphite rods but still want something that will perform well, then this is a great option.
Having stainless steel double-footed guides, an EVA handle, and a one-piece design, the rod is durable and easy to use. Slippery hands won’t be an issue, as the EVA foam handle and rubber gimbals provide a good grip even when wet.
Conventional reel seats with stainless steel cushions hoods allow you to use any reel you want. Plus, there won’t be any major vibrations or bait wiggle while spin fishing.
You can use any regular live bait while spinning for bass, catfish, and so on. The best part is you can pitch any big bait and still have good control over the lure.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Spinning, Casting
- Grip type: Split
- Package Weight: 0.41 KilogramsLength: 2.1m (7′)
- Build material: Graphite and fiberglass
- Action: Medium action Guides: Stainless steel double-footed guides
- Drag power: More than 20 kg
- Handle: EVA foam
User Experience
- It held up pretty well while bottom fishing big fishes like catfish, bass, etc.
- The guides are double-footed, so you don’t have to worry about line tangles.
- Provides a comfortable grip without compromising on the power and sensitivity.
- Makes spinning big baits easier and reduces line breakage.
Pros
- Superb bait spinning
- Durable and comfortable
- Wear-resistant guides
- Usable in all waters
Cons
- The design isn’t too great
Why Should You Buy It?
If you are a spin fishing type of guy, then there is hardly any better option. With premium graphite and fiberglass build, the rod can withstand all deadlifts of more than 20 kg. Smooth wear resist guides help avoid all line breaking and tangles. It’s usable in ponds, lakes, rivers, and even saltwater.
9. Best bait sensitive: Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods
It’s really frustrating when the fish just takes away the bait without you even noticing. But with the Okuma Longitude surf, no fish can eat your bait without you feeling the tingle. A durable graphite composite blank allows instant bite detection, all while reducing shock vibrations.
The rod can withstand saltwater corrosion, so you can use it for all types of bottom fishing. A braid-compatible aluminum oxide guide lets you use any type of line there is.
To keep the lines running straight, you will get a double-footed stainless steel guide frame. Now, your jig won’t wobble while it’s going down to the bottom.
If you want maximum control with suitable action, you can always customize the design. However, for bottom fishing, we would recommend a mid-action one.
Technical Details:
- Fishing technique: Surf Casting
- Item weight: 0.12 Pounds
- Package Weight: 1.85 Pounds
- Length: Customizable up to 3.65m (12′)
- Build material: Graphite composite
- Action: Medium action
- Guides: Stainless steel double-footed guides
- Drag power: More than 15 kg
- Handle: Customized cork
User Experience
- The rod can sense any fish that takes your bait or simply try.
- An aluminum oxide guide lets you use any type of line you want.
- You will have maximum control with a suitable pulling action.
- A customized cork handle helps filter out shock vibrations from the water.
Pros
- Highly bite sensitive
- Filters out most fake bites
- Usable with all line types
- Lines always run straight
- Good pulling ability
Cons
- Not for big bottom fishes
Why Should You Buy It?
The Okuma Longitude surf offers instant fish detection and a durable build. You will only feel the fish bite, avoiding the fake shock vibration. A customizable length and design help cope with all fishing conditions. Plus, the lines run straight and smooth into the bottom place.
What Should I Look For In A Rod For Bottom Fishing? Buying tips
Bottom fishing takes time, effort, and a darn good fishing rod. In the depths, there are tons of fish species that you can catch, for example, halibut, flounder, plaice, bream (snapper), and so on.
Some are big, whereas others are smaller or medium. If you are new to bottom fishing, go through this guide and find the best fishing rod type for your needs.
Fishing territory selection
You can fish either from freshwaters like lakes, ponds, or salt waters like the sea. The waters of lakes and ponds aren’t nearly as clear as the seawater.
If the water has a high current, try getting a medium-sized rod with a maximum of 6.6-foot length. You can go longer, but with a shorter one, you will get better control and less arm fatigue.
Material selection
Fishing rods for bottom fishing either have fiberglass, graphite, or a mix of both. Turns out, all of them are strong, but fiberglass is a little heavy and is not as sensitive to fish bites as graphite. However, graphite rods are more expensive.
Composite rods are the best of both worlds, as they will have a higher sensitivity than fiberglass and are less expensive than graphite. If you can count a few extra bucks, go for the graphite rod.
Rod length
Longer rods will cast further, whereas shorter rods will be more accurate. If you want a perfect balance of casting distance, accuracy, and hook set leverage, go for a medium-sized rod of 6.6 to 7 feet.
Action selection
A fishing pole is either slow, medium, or fast action. Fast action bends at the uppermost part, giving you faster fish hooking. Medium and slow ones bend from the middle part and butt of the rod, respectively.
For bottom fishing, we would recommend you to get a fast-acting rod. You can also use a medium-action fishing rod for a multiple-hook setup.
Handle selection
Finally, you will need a sensitive handle setup without compromising on arm comfort. Generally, low and mid-range rods offer cork handles. Premium fishing rods come with EVA foam, which is much more durable and bite sensitive. If you don’t want to go for anything fancy, a cork handle isn’t half bad.
FAQs
Can You Use A Jigging Rod For Bottom Fishing?
You can use jigging rods for bottom fishing as well. Turns out, jigging rods are highly comfortable, user-friendly, and bite sensitive. They are also lightweight and come with a compact package, which gives a darn good user experience for bottom fishing.
Can a fishing rod bend both ways?
You can bend a fish rod in both ways. But to avoid putting too much stress on the rod, you should avoid bending on both sides. A slow action rod will bend the most, followed by medium action, and then finally fast action rods.
What’s the best fishing rod length?
The best fishing rod length for you depends on the try of fishing you are doing. If you want more control, a shorter 7 feet or 6 feet rod will do wonders. For better hooking power and longer casting, you will need a bigger fishing rod. Progress above 7 feet and slowly find your sweet spot.
What is a good gear ratio for bottom fishing?
Any gear ratio from 5:1:1 to 6:1 will work well for bottom fishing. Some fishing types like tournament fishing or bashing may need faster reels of more than 7:1. But generally, a slow to medium reel will give you enough range of lures and baits to catch bottom fishes.
How do you bottom fish in a strong current?
Follow the steps below to fish in strong current waters:
- Get the heaviest weight you can find. For a stronger current, use heavier bait.
- If you use live baits, get pyramid fishing weight. They are also damn good for surf fishing and pier fishing.
- Put the bait as far as you can and wait for the bait to sink properly.
- Finally, wait some time until you catch something.
How much weight should I put on my fishing line?
The weight for fishing may vary from 1/16 OZ to all the way 10 OZ. You can put any of the weight on your fishing line, depending on the current. For strong currents, go for heavier weights.
End Note
Did you find your top choice yet? We’ve covered every possible aspect of bottom fishing and reviewed the rods that can help you achieve that. So, choose the one that suits you the best.
For us, the GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6’6″ offers the best features along with excellent control and is highly durable.
Starting from small gobies to big fishes like catfish or sturgeon won’t even stand a chance.
You will also have more than twenty-four options to choose from, and all of them will work wonders for you. If you don’t want to go through the hassle, buy the rod version with a medium action build, and maximum drag lift capacity.
This is all for today. Thank you for your time, and have a good day.