Updated 2/13/2024
For most anglers, panfishing is all about catching large quantities of smaller sized fish both for fun and to fry up at their next Friday night fish fry. The term panfish refers to fish that can fit in a frying pan and commonly includes crappie, bluegill, perch, sunfish, and small walleye. The best panfish rods are hyper-sensitive to allow anglers to detect the most subtle strikes.
We’ve done the hours of testing and research on the best panfish rods available assessing versatility, value for the price, material quality, and much more so you don’t have to. Read on to see our top picks.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
- Best for the Money: St. Croix Premier Spinning
- Best for Beginners: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Best Under $50: Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod
- Best Under $100: KastKing Perigee II
- Best Rod & Reel Combo: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
The Best Panfish Rods
Panfish rods are all about sensitivity, small baits, and a soft touch. They also need to be strong enough to handle reeling in fish without sacrificing sensitivity. Because of the smaller baits used for panfishing, all of the rods on this list are spinning rods.
Read on to see our recommendations for the best panfish rods by category including best for the money, best for specific price points, best for beginners, and more.
1. St. Croix Premier Fishing Rod
- Length: 4’6″ to 8’6″
- Rod Material: SCII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings
- Grip: Full Premium Cork Grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Tons of options for length and power
Our choice for the best panfish rod for the money is St. Croix’s Premier Spinning Rod. This is one of St. Croix’s most popular rod lines for good reason. St. Croix offers ultralight to medium power versions of this rod in a huge range of lengths giving anglers the ability to pick the perfect rod for their fishing application.
This rod is lightweight with a SCII carbon blank. Our whole extended family glows over the sensitivity of the light and ultralight versions of this rod. My dad swears he can feel it when a walleye even THINKS about biting his bait when using his ultralight St. Croix Premier rod.
We love this rod for targeting perch, bluegill, and walleye with live bait on jigs and slip bobbers.
The full cork grip handle feels great. Both the casting and spinning variants of this rod are incredibly sensitive and a delight to fish with. As always, St. Croix’s warranty is a huge perk. We adore this rod line.
Check out our deep dive review on the St. Croix Premier rod line for more information.
2. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Composite
- Guides: One-Piece Stainless Steel
- Grip: Cork Grip
- Warranty: 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty
Pros:
- Sturdy but still sensitive enough for ultralight fishing
- Budget friendly
Our recommendation for the best panfish rod for beginners is the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod. Ugly Stik rods are known for being robust and mostly budget friendly which is great for a first foray into panfish fishing.
The seven foot medium-light Ugly Stik Elite is an excellent all-around panfish rod for beginners. We do wish the rod came in additional length options. For beginners, we do like the versatility a seven foot medium-light offers to allow fishing for panfish or bass with the same rod.
This rod is a great choice for beginners or budget conscious anglers wanting to add a sturdy, but light and sensitive at the same time, rod to their arsenal.
This rod is heavier than most on the list due to the composite construction. We like the cork grip for comfort and how robust the construction is for this rod. This rod is great for beginners to make mistakes with before purchasing a higher end rod.
Check out our article on the best beginner fishing rods for other great options.
3. Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod
- Length: 6’6″, 7′, 8′
- Rod Material: 24-Ton Modulus Carbon Composite
- Guides: Stainless Steel w/Aluminum Oxide Inserts
- Grip: Cork Wrap
- Warranty: 1 Year Manufacturing Defects Only
Pros:
- Budget Friendly
Our choice for the best panfish rod under $50 is the Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod. This is a solid budget friendly option for a panfish rod. The components are functional but low cost. This rod is a decent first rod to try out trout or panfish fishing.
We do wish the rod came in shorter lengths for vertical jigging off a boat.
If budget is the main driver, this is a decent choice. That said, ultralight rods have the smallest diameter blanks and are easier to break than any other type of rod. Upgrading a to higher price point rod can be a good choice to get stronger, longer-lasting materials.
4. KastKing Perigee II
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Decent selection of lengths
Don’t let the low price fool you. KastKing’s Perigee II fishing rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best ultralight fishing rod under $100.
We recommend the KastKing Perigee II 6′ light power spinning version of this rod as awesome budget panfish fishing rod.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high.
As expected with budget rod options there is some give and take on features. The split EVA handle doesn’t feel as good as cork handles on some of the higher end rods in this list.
5. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
- Rod Length: 4’6″ to 7′
- Power: Ultralight to Medium Heavy
- Reel Size: 20 to 50
- Ball Bearings: 3+1
Pros:
- One-stop-shop
- Budget Friendly
Our choice for best panfish rod and reel combo is Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. This rod and reel combo is a budget friendly one-stop-shop choice for anglers wanting a light panfish setup without the fuss. This is a decent choice for newer anglers but we generally recommend buying rods and reels separately to ensure you get exactly what you need.
The 4’8″ with the 20 size reel is a decent ultralight setup for boat fishing. The 7′ with the 25 size reel is workable for casting but a little longer than we recommend for ultralight setups. We do wish this combo was offered in a wider range of lighter power lengths.
The rod blank is a combination of graphite and fiberglass that is strong but heavy for its size. The guides are stainless steel. Overall, a relatively basic setup that is just fine for newer anglers to step into panfish fishing.
Rod Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod choices.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Grip | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Premier Fishing Rod | 4’6″ to 8’6″ | SCII Carbon | Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings | Full Premium Cork Grip | 5 Year |
| Ugly Stik Elite Spinning | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Composite | One-Piece Stainless Steel | Cork Grip | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| Berkley Lightning Rod Trout Rod | 6’6″, 7′, 8′ | 24-Ton Modulus Carbon Composite | Stainless Steel w/Aluminum Oxide Inserts | Cork Wrap | 1 Year Manufacturing Defects Only |
| KastKing Perigee II | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon Fiber | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee. |
| Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo | 4’6″ to 7′ | Composite of Graphite and Fiberglass | Stainless Steel | EVA Grip | – |
Conclusion
Panfish setups involve using light baits to target smaller fish like perch, bluegill, walleye, crappie, and trout. Sensitivity is key to detect subtle strikes.
The St. Croix’s Premier Spinning Rod is our choice for the best panfish rod for the money due to it’s premium features and superior sensitivity at a manageable price point.
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Ultralight Fishing Rods
- Best Bass Fishing Rods
- Best Walleye Rods
- Best Musky Rods
- Best Flipping & Pitching Rods
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
Read on to see our breakdown of important factors to consider when picking a panfish rod.
How to Choose The Best Panfish Rod
Selecting the best panfish rod focuses on picking rods that are hyper-sensitive and strong for their lighter power. This requires choices based on rod powers, lengths, actions, and materials.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Rod length is an important consideration for anglers. Longer rods allow for longer casts with less effort while shorter rods allow for improved casting accuracy. Panfish fishing applications generally don’t require massive casting distances so panfish anglers usually pick rods between 5′ and 7″ for easy maneuvering.
A great length panfish rod for casting small lures is 6’6″. For jigging alongside a boat, 6′ is a great option.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy.
Panfish rods are meant for smaller fish so they are on the lighter end of the spectrum between ultralight and medium power. You’ll be able to feel the softest strikes on an ultralight setup. Be prepared for a tough fight if any fish of decent size takes your bait! Note that ultralight and light power rods are best for smaller fish like panfish, trout, crappie, and walleye and won’t have the backbone to quickly reel in larger fish.
If you want a multipurpose spinning rod that you could also use for bass or other species, don’t be afraid to size up to medium-light or medium power. It will be less sensitive but could save you having to buy two rods.
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
The best panfish rods generally have fast actions to help maintain maximum sensitivity between the bait and the angler. Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Portability is an important factor for any fishing pole. Anglers purchasing an ultralight rod should consider how they are going to transport the rod. Ensure the length rod will fit in your boat or vehicle. Seven foot rods will fit in most vehicles but anything above 7’6″ may not fit in boat rod storage or smaller vehicles. Additionally, think about getting a 2 piece rod if portability is a major concern.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking an ultralight fishing rod. Common handle types are full cork, partial cork, rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or EVA foam. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas full cork feels better to grip and handle.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your panfish rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Panfish Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What reel to pair with panfish rod?
Panfish rods are usually spinning rods and should be paired with high-quality spinning reels. Spinning reels between 1000 to 2500 sizes are perfect for most panfish fishing applications. Higher end reels will have smoother casting and better brake systems which can make them easier to fish for extended periods of time.
What is the best panfish rod length?
The best panfish rod depends on the type of fishing. Jigging for crappie, panfish, bluegills, and walleyes over the side of the boat is perfect with 5′ to 6′ rods because it does not require long rods for casting distance. Trout fishing or finesse fishing areas that require longer casting is better suited with a 6′ to 6’6″ rod.
What action rod is best for panfish?
Most anglers prefer fast action rods for panfish fishing because they feel the most sensitive in-hand to detect subtle panfish strikes. Ultralight to medium-light power rods matched with a fast action on a carbon rod blank offer the most sensitive panfish rod setup available on the market.
What pound test line for an ultralight fishing rod?
Panfish fishing uses some of the lightest equipment available to maximize sensitivity. 4 to 8 pound test braid is perfect for most panfish fishing applications. This light line is nearly invisible in the water and its small diameter will allow anglers to cast the smallest baits.
Is a medium rod good for panfish?
Medium power rods can work for panfish fishing but they will not be as sensitive as ultralight or light power rods. Medium rods are a good option for budget conscious anglers that want versatile equipment that can be used for other techniques like bass fishing instead of having to purchase multiple fishing rods.
Can panfish rods catch big fish?
Panfish rods can definitely catch big fish. It’s common for bass, pike, and catfish to hit the same baits that smaller panfish hit. Light rods will be unable to force these larger species in quickly, but with some patience and properly set drag, panfish rods are more than capable of reeling in big fish. Do not try to force big fish in too quickly because it is possible to break an ultralight rod by doing this.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of panfish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
