Top Fishing Rod and Reel Brands for Your Next Big Catch Adventure!

When it comes to fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference in your experience on the water. The market is filled with various brands of fishing rods and reels, each offering unique features catering to different types of angling. From high-performance reels designed for big-game fishing to versatile rods perfect for freshwater excursions, selecting the right brand can significantly enhance your success and enjoyment. To help you navigate through the myriad of options, we've compiled a list of some of the best brands renowned for their quality and innovation in the world of fishing gear. Explore below to find the best fit for your next fishing adventure.

Illustration of fishing rod and reel

Best brands of fishing rod and reel in 2025

Shimano

Shimano is a leading brand in the fishing industry, renowned for its high-quality rods and reels that cater to both recreational and professional anglers. In 2023, the U.S. fishing goods market, where Shimano is a key player, was valued at USD 8.78 billion, with fishing equipment accounting for 93.6% of the revenue. Shimano's products, such as the Shimano Stella SW14000 and Talica 16II, are praised for their advanced technologies, including quick-shift two-speed gearboxes and high-capacity line holdings, which enhance the fishing experience. The brand's commitment to innovation and durability has made it a favorite among anglers, contributing to the growth of the global fishing reels market, expected to reach USD 7.49 billion by 2031.

Penn

Penn is renowned as one of the top brands in saltwater fishing gear, offering a range of highly durable and performance-oriented rods and reels. Their products, such as the Penn Authority reel, are refined for highest performance, and they engineer specific series of rods to be compatible with their reels in terms of both performance and price. For example, Penn's Pursuit reels are a great match with their Squadron rods, while Fierce spinners pair well with Prevail rods. Penn's drag settings are recommended to be set at 20% to 30% of the line's strength rating, ensuring optimal fishing experience. Their advanced technologies, including the use of heavy-duty gears and drag materials, make their equipment highly reliable. For more information, visit Penn's website.

Daiwa

Daiwa is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, celebrated for its innovative and high-quality fishing rods and reels. Since its inception in 1955, Daiwa has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies globally, with a strong presence in the U.S., Canada, and other regions. The company's emphasis on innovation and quality has set industry standards, as seen in products like the Daiwa BG spinning reel, which offers advanced features such as metal frames, anodized finishes, and NMB bearings. Daiwa's products are highly regarded, with the company being a key player in the global fishing reels market expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.50% from 2024 to 2032. In the Japanese market, Daiwa contributes to the steady demand for fishing rods, with Japan's fishing rod market projected to grow at a 4% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. For more details, visit their official website.

Abu Garcia

Abu Garcia is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, celebrated for its dependable and high-performance fishing reels. Since 1932, the company has been testing the limits of saltwater fishing, earning a reputation for durability. Abu Garcia is a key player in the global fishing reels market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% to 4.5% from 2022 to 2032, with the market projected to reach values of $7.6 billion to $7.99 billion by 2031 and 2032, respectively. The brand's products, such as the Zenon(tm) and Revo(r) series, are highly regarded for their compact performance and heavy-duty durability. Abu Garcia's commitment to quality has made it a favorite among anglers worldwide.

Okuma

Okuma is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, particularly noted for its high-quality fishing rods and reels. The company has introduced innovative products such as the X-Series Bass Rods, which combine advanced engineering, superior craftsmanship, and unmatched performance, driving growth in the market. Okuma's fishing reels, such as the Makaira and Alijos series, are praised for their advanced gear systems, improved drag systems, and enhanced materials, providing anglers with smoother operation, increased durability, and improved casting and retrieval capabilities. In the global fishing reels market, in which Okuma is a key player, was valued at USD 5.26 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% until 2032. Okuma's products are popular globally, especially in North America, which holds more than 53.7% of the market share. For more information on their range of products, you can visit Okuma's official website.

St. Croix

St. Croix is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, known for producing high-quality fishing rods and reels that cater to a wide range of angling needs. In 2023, St. Croix unveiled several new and reengineered rod series, including the Avid Inshore and Avid Series Multispecies Freshwater Rods, which feature advanced SCIII+ hybrid carbon blanks and ergonomic grip designs. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality is reflected in its market presence, with the U.S. fishing goods market, where St. Croix operates, expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030. St. Croix's products are highly regarded for their durability and performance, with many models offering extended warranties, such as the 15-year warranty on the Avid Series rods. This dedication to excellence makes St. Croix a preferred choice among both recreational and professional anglers.

Ugly Stik

Ugly Stik, a subsidiary of Shakespeare, is renowned for its durable and reliable fishing rods and reels, utilizing the innovative Howald process since 1976 to ensure strength and flexibility. The brand's rods, such as those in the Elite series, feature increased graphite composition for enhanced sensitivity and lighter weight. Ugly Stik's Ugly Tuff spinning reel stands out for its affordability, ultra-durability, and a seven-year warranty, making it a top choice in its price range. In the global fishing gear market, Ugly Stik contributes to the significant market share held by North America, which accounts for over 40% of global revenue. The brand's products are popular among both recreational and commercial anglers, reflecting the growing demand for fishing gear.

Quantum

Quantum is a renowned brand in the fishing industry, known for producing high-quality fishing rods and reels that are tested to go beyond limits, ensuring smooth performance with every cast, crank, and catch. As part of the global fishing gear market, which is estimated to be USD 1524.2 million in 2024 and growing at a CAGR of 5.20% from 2024 to 2031, Quantum's products are highly regarded for their durability and efficiency. Quantum's gear is designed to meet the demands of both recreational and commercial fishing, making it a favorite among anglers. Their products are part of the North American market, which holds over 40% of the global revenue in fishing gear. By choosing Quantum, anglers can expect top-notch performance and reliability.

Pflueger

Pflueger, a renowned brand in the fishing industry, is celebrated for its high-quality fishing rods and reels, catering to both recreational and professional anglers. As a key player in the global fishing reel market, Pflueger contributes to the sector's growth, with the market expected to reach USD 7.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2033. Pflueger's products are favored for their durability and advanced features, aligning with consumer preferences for offline retail channels, which dominate the market. The brand's presence is particularly strong in North America, which holds a 61.7% market share, driven by a robust recreational fishing culture. Pflueger's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position among top brands like Shimano and Okuma.

KastKing

KastKing is a leading brand in the fishing industry, renowned for its innovative and high-quality fishing rods and reels. The company has achieved significant milestones, such as becoming the number one seller on AliExpress and Lazada, and the fastest-growing fishing brand on eBay, with a 300% increase in sales in 2022. KastKing's products, like the iReel One Smart Fishing Reel, feature advanced technologies such as Bluetooth connectivity, motion capture sensors, and intelligent frequency control, enhancing the fishing experience for anglers. The brand's commitment to research and development has helped in expanding its market share, particularly in North America, where the fishing reels market is expected to grow substantially. KastKing's products are designed for both recreational and professional anglers, offering a range of features that ensure smooth and accurate casts.