If you’re looking to take your shark fishing game to the next level, then having the right shark fishing rod is essential. From light-action rods perfect for small sharks to powerful outfits designed for tackle-busting trophys, it can be hard to know which rod is best suited to your needs. To help make that decision easier, we’ve rounded up a selection of the 8 best shark fishing rods currently available on the market. Read on to discover which one is right for you, no matter what kind of shark angling you might be doing.
We may earn a small commission on certain links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Penn Squall Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
PENN
If you want the absolute gold standard for shark fishing rod and reel combo, you should check out the PEN Squall saltwater fishing combo. Built off a heavy-duty graphite blank, this PENN boat rod will be sufficient, no matter the shark fishing situation. You get a size 60 reel made by PENN, which is smooth as butter. The squall reels are known to be bulletproof, and fully capable of taking large sharks. With this shark fishing rod combo, you will be able to take on pretty much any shark you want at half the price of professional setups.
- Inner rings inside reel tell you how much line you have left
- 30 LB's of drag puts the stop on most large sharks
- Fantastic priced combo
- Can target most species of shark
- This setup isn't fantastic for casting far distances
- 6' Heavy 1 PC
- Rod rated from 30-80 LB test
- Size 60 Squall
- 30 LBS of drag
- Line Capacity of 50LB/370 yards
PENN Fishing Squadron III Surf Conventional Shark Fishing Rod
PENN
There is a huge relation to PENN as we look deeper into what makes a satisfactory shark rod. This rod comes in at 12' long and is rated heavy, perfect for pulling in those larger-sized sharks. Allowing you more than enough casting distance due to its enormous length. You will be able to take advantage of its stiff backbone, all while having the casting benefit and leverage of a 12-foot rod! Not to mention you get the even bigger benefit of being made for a conventional style reel; which means you can get a bigger style reel that can handle these awesome predators.
- Very sleek looking rod
- Great grip due to outside heat shrink
- Easy to transport due to it's 2 piece design
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Not rated much past 40lbs in the surf conventional style and if you can find them they sell out fast
- 12' 2p Conventional style rod
- Heavy rated
- 20-40lb
- Heat shrink handle
Fiblink 7' 2-Piece Saltwater Spinning Rod
Fiblink
You can use this Fiblink 8' 2-Piece spinning heavy action rod to fish any type of way, such as soaking bait from the shore to drifting live bait. With more than enough length-to-backbone ratio, you will have a greater advantage of landing quality sharks. Furthermore, the heavy action will absorb the brunt of the angry shark. This type of rod would pair with any size 6000 or larger spinning reel.
- Powerful
- Flexible
- Decent guides
- Not offered in longer lengths
- 8'
- 2 Piece
- Line Weight: 30-50Lb
- Lure Weight: 4-7oz
- Heavy action
- EVA grip
- Rod gimble
Ugly Stik Tiger Elite Spinning 7ft Shark Fishing Rod
Ugly Stik
Ugly Stik's "Tiger Elite" rods are one of the most well-rounded saltwater spinning rods of all time. Shakespear makes a nearly indestructible rod, which is needed for dealing with the abuse that shark fishing causes on your gear. Furthermore, this 7' 1-Piece heavy action spinning rod comes at such an affordable price, for the quality you get as well. This would be a fantastic shark rod for soaking bait from shore, you can even use it for other species and applications, which is the beauty of the Ugly Stik!
- Sensitive tip with enough backbone to land monsters
- Durability to the max
- Absolutely bulletproof
- Can do it all
- Longer sizes of the tiger elite are harder to come by so 7' is standard
- Spinning
- 7' - Heavy - 1pcs
- Stainless steel guides
- EVA foam handle
Fiblink Conventional Shark Fishing Rod 6' Heavy
Fiblink
This conventional shark fishing rod offers a fantastic price to quality ratio. With this 1-Piece 6' Foot Heavy Rod, you will have no problems reeling in a monster shark. For the price, it cannot be beaten, and you will also be able to use it for not only Shark Fishing, but general saltwater angling also. A top contender and we really like the versatility in this simple stout shark fishing rod.
- Great budget rod
- Quality aluminum parts
- Quality guides
- Rod gimble isn't the greatest rod end they could have added
- Conventional style 6' 1pc
- Heavy- 80-120LBS
- Aluminum alloy reel seat
- One Year Warranty
Fiblink Saltwater 6'6" Heavy Action
Fiblink
With their reputation for quality, Fiblink offers the perfect boat shark rod. The rod is equipped with rollers that pair perfectly for up to 80 LB test, allowing you plenty of pulling power. Featuring all aluminum parts, this rod will definitely stand up to saltwater. This rod checks all the boxes in what makes a good shark fishing rod, all while being offered at an affordable consumer friendly price! We feel great about the one-year warranty as well!
- Cool design
- Roller tips for more power and leverage
- Insane price point
- Can use as a multi fish type of rod
- Very heavy
- 6'6 -50-80lb rated
- Aluminum parts
- Roller guides
- EVA camo rod handle
- One Year Warranty
Okuma Longitude Surf Fishing Rod 12' Heavy Action
Okuma
If you're looking for a good surf shark fishing rod, then this would be a great combination. Its 2-Piece design will allow you to travel a lot easier while still having the perfect length of the pole. With quality guides for smooth line guiding and a comfortable cork grip, you will be able to cast this rod a country mile. Furthermore, this rod will also allow you to feel bites a lot easier due to its sensitive tip.
- Sensitive tip to see bites
- Quality aluminum oxide guides
- Comfortable cork grip rear
- Not available in higher line ratings past 40 LBS
- 12' 2 Piece
- Heavy action
- 20-40LB
PENN Battle Spinning 7ft Shark Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
PENN
This reel is made by the legendary fishing company, PENN. With this 7' medium-heavy spinning rod and reel combo setup, you will be able to tackle the most common sharks, all with ease. Featuring a bulletproof design, this CNC'd reel will cast smoothly while still offering enough drag-stopping power. It has everything you would look for in a shark fishing combo and none of the extra fluff.
- Lightweight rod for easy casting
- Great for smaller sized sharks on light tackle
- Dependable
- Tip of rod is on the thinner side
- Graphite blank
- CNC'd reel
- Textured grip handle
FAQs:
Unlike standard rods, which are relatively light, a shark rod is stout and usually built off a thicker rod blank. This allows it to handle the intense force exerted by large sharks. These rods tend to feature heavy to extra-heavy action with a line rating anywhere from 30-130 LBS.
The first thing to look for is material and strength – you want a rod that is strong enough to handle the stresses of pulling in large fish, but also features enough length to get your bait past the waves. You should also consider the action of the rod, as some heavy rods are too limber for shore fishing.
I would recommend Penn, Okuma, or Ugly Stick, as they feature some of the best rods for shark fishing, furthermore their prices cannot be beaten. Their decades of experience have also allowed them to perfect the design and construction of saltwater rods, making them an ideal choice for fishing enthusiasts looking to land these awesome ocean going predators.