We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Products or services advertised on this page may be offered by an entity that is affiliated with us. Learn more about our process here.
Piers are a safe and stable platform and are quite popular fishing spots for many experienced anglers and beginners alike. But because of the limited space, you need a fishing rod that will allow you to reach distant fishing spots without having to move.
Finding a good fishing rod can be difficult, but luckily for you, we’ve tried out a dozen and compiled this list of the best pier fishing rods. Going through a rigorous testing process based on our extensive experience, we’ve selected the very best fishing rods.
Daddy by day, fisherman at night.
Top 3 Best Rods for Pier Fishing
Best Overall
Berrypro Striper Fishing Rod
- Lightweight
- Sensitive rod
- Stainless steel guides
- Fast-action fishing rod
Best Casting Rod
St Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Aluminum-oxide rings
- Sensitive
- IPC technology
- 5-year warranty
Best for Big Game
Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater
- Sensitive
- High-action saltwater rod
- Ultra lightweight
- Well balanced
Table of Contents
- Top 5 Good Pier Fishing Rods
- Top Picks for Pier Fishing Rods: Our Recommendations
- #1 Best Overall - Berrypro Striper Fishing Rod
- #2 Best Casting Rod - St Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- #3 Best for Big Game - Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater
- #4 Best Budget - Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod
- #5 Best for Speedy Retrieves - Shimano Trevala Spinning Rod
- What Are Pier Fishing Rods and How Do They Work?
- Frequently asked questions
- What size rod is best for pier fishing?
- Are surf rods good for pier fishing?
Top 5 Good Pier Fishing Rods
1. Berrypro Striper Fishing Rod – Best Overall Pier Fishing Rod
2. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting – Best Casting Pier Fishing Rod
3. Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater – Best Big Game Pier Fishing Rod
4. Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod – Best Budget Pier Fishing Rod
5. Shimano Trevala Spinning Rod – Best for Speedy Retrieves Pier Fishing Rod
Top Picks for Pier Fishing Rods: Our Recommendations
#1 Best Overall - Berrypro Striper Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: Extra sensitive and lightweight, this pier fishing rod is an excellent choice for both seasoned and newbie anglers. Berrypro striper fishing rod is one of the best spinning rods on the market because of its high-quality construction and very affordable price.
- Color: Black, Grey
- Length: 9′ – 12′ (medium and heavy)
- Material: Graphite
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sensitive rod
- Stainless steel guides
- Fast-action fishing rod
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
- Less durable
- Limited color options
BUYING ADVICE: This fast-action pier fishing pole is different than other rods because it is specifically designed to tackle any saltwater fish while bay or surf fishing. After testing it out and catching a few big ones, we understand why they call it the “striper killer”. We also found it’s a great pier rod for catching halibut and surf perch.
FEATURES: Made out of graphite and IM8 X-Carbon technology blanks, this is the best pier fishing rod because it is super sensitive and lightweight. It comes with an EVA grip for better comfort and feel. The enhanced stainless steel guides with ceramic rings are purposefully aligned on the bottom of the spine of the rod blank so that they can successfully transfer the sensitivity from the line.
#2 Best Casting Rod - St Croix Mojo Bass Casting
WHY WE LIKE IT: The St Croix Mojo Bass is one of the best pier rods for casting and fishing bass. If you are looking for something to catch the big ones with, then you can’t go wrong with the Mojo fishing rod. Pair it with something like the Ugly Stik Tuff, and you’ll get yourself a winner fishing rod and reel combo for catching big ones on the pier.
- Color: Black Cherry Metallic and Titanium
- Length: 6’8″ – 7’11”
- Material: Blend
Pros
- Aluminum-oxide rings
- Sensitive
- IPC technology
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Limited to medium light power
- Heavier than other rods
- Expensive
BUYING ADVICE: After tying out this fast-action fiberglass rod, we can comfortably say that it has great sensitivity and an excellent grip. The IPC technology eliminates any transitional points providing you with a very smooth action. We’ve also tried it for a light tackle, so it’s excellent for when you go after smaller fish too.
FEATURES: Made out of advanced SCIII graphite, this medium-light power fishing rod is specifically designed for casting and delivering high performance and value. Enhanced with IPC tooling technology, this is the best pier fishing rod because it also comes with strong aluminum-oxide rings and a Fuji ECS reel seat.
#3 Best for Big Game - Penn Fishing Battalion II Inshore Spinning Saltwater
WHY WE LIKE IT: If your looking to catch some big fish while relaxing on a pier, then this fishing rod is perfect for the job. Penn Fishing Battalion II rod is constructed with high-quality materials that give you the needed power and action while still maintaining the light feel of the rod.
- Size: 8′ – 12 ‘ (medium, medium light, heavy)
- Material: Composite
- Length: 10 feet
Pros
- Sensitive
- High-action saltwater rod
- Ultra lightweight
- Well balanced
Cons
- The tip of the bottom is not very durable
- Limited length options
- Limited color options
BUYING ADVICE: The Battalion II surf rod offers anglers much-needed action and balance for catching the bigger fish. After trying it out, it is safe to say that it is the best pier fishing rod for detecting even the tiniest of bites of smaller fish due to its high sensitivity.
FEATURES: This rod also comes with Fuji aconite guides and a Fuji reel seat perfect for saltwater fishing. It’s made from graphite composite blank, and rubber shrink tube handles for sturdiness and excellent grip.
#4 Best Budget - Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you are after the big fish but you are on a tight budget, Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod is the best option for you. This high-quality fishing rod is ideal for beginners who are looking for something affordable but still suitable for saltwater fishing.
- Color: Multi
- Length: 8 feet (medium heavy)
- Material: Blend
Pros
- Corrosion resistant
- High-quality rod for pier fishing
- Affordable
- Great for big game and saltwater fishing
Cons
- Limited length options
- Less durable
- Less comfortable
BUYING ADVICE: The X-veil high modulus on the rod blank of this fishing rod provides anglers sensitivity, strength, and responsiveness, making it the best pier fishing rod out there. The low price is what truly caught our eyes. When trying it out, we noticed that this rod is also lightweight and great for long fishing trips. which makes the price point even better.
FEATURES: Berkley Big Game Spinning Rod comes with a Fenwick custom ergonomic reel seat and an EVA and TAC split grip handle with the potential to become a great rod and reel combo pole. Berkley’s spinning rod also comes with corrosion-resistant titanium guides with zirconium inserts providing you with high performance.
#5 Best for Speedy Retrieves - Shimano Trevala Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: For those who are looking for speed, look no further, because this spinning rod was created just for that purpose. This fast-action rod is also very lightweight and comfortable to be used for longer periods of time due to its custom EVA handle.
- Color: Black
- Material: Rubber
- Length: 6.6 feet (medium)
Pros
- Designed for speedy retrieves
- Heavy power rating
- Sensitive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited color options
- Not enough length options
- Not a lot of action options
BUYING ADVICE: This high-quality rod is different from any other because of its high power and fast-action construction, specifically designed for speedy retrieves, making it one of the best pier fishing rods. We tried it out for pier fishing and can safely say that for use with live bait.
FEATURES: The Shimano Trevala Spinning Rod also comes with Fuji-O or aconite Guides. This fishing rod was purposefully designed to be used for speedy retrieves together with the deadly Shimano Butterfly jigs.
What Are Pier Fishing Rods and How Do They Work?
A pier fishing rod is specifically designed to be used on elevated water structures known as piers. The difference between pier fishing rods and other types is that these rods are usually longer in size so that anglers can have a wider casting distance. This is because piers have limited space, therefore you cannot move around as much to reach the fish hot spots.
The typical length of pier fishing rods is around 7 to 12 feet long. With such a rod length, you can easily get the desired casting distance. Shorter rods are an option too but are more limited when it comes to distance. In our opinion, the best rods for pier fishing are spinning rods, as they are easy to use and provide accuracy.
Another difference is that pier fishing rods are built to be stronger and more durable because of the lure weight and constant casting and retrieving that takes a toll on the rod. Usually, they are constructed of fiberglass or graphite because they offer more sensitivity. allowing you to easily feel every bite.
Fishing from a pier does not limit you to what type of species you can catch and how big of a fish is. These rods are designed to take on the heavy work and battle while catching fish. Simply make sure to use the right rod and reel combination, and choose the right time of day and location.
Pier fishing is very popular because it offers anglers many advantages like access to deep water, a stable fishing platform, and access to a variety of fish that can be only found in the deepest of waters or hiding around water structures.
Frequently asked questions
What size rod is best for pier fishing?
Generally, the best pier fishing rod is between 7 to 9 feet to provide you with a long casting distance with medium-heavy or a heavy power rating.
Are surf rods good for pier fishing?
A surf rod is usually a very long rod that targets larger fish and they typically have slow action – things that aren’t very suitable for pier fishing. Using this type of rod for pier fishing won’t limit you to what type of fish you are going to catch, but it will make it a little more difficult.