Pond Rods: Criteria
When pond fishing, one of the main things to keep in mind is keeping your gear compact. This typically means one backpack and 1-3 rods. You can’t afford to carry around 5-6 rods and bags upon bags of tackle, especially if you need to hike to the pond you’re fishing.
So which rods should you buy to pond fish with?
Today, I’ll be going over my top 5 rods for pond fishing: and in my next post, I’ll go over 5 great reels to combo them with. Pond rods need to be durable, lightweight, somewhat inexpensive and versatile: the rods I have listed are all the above.
You may be wondering: if you only need 2-3 rods, why do I have 5 listed? It’s because sometimes, a special situation calls for a special rod. You may be going to a pond that you know is super clear, so it isn’t worth bringing your heavy rod; but you’ll definitely want to bring your spinning rod.
I have the rods listed from the last rod you should get to the first rod, so read to the end if you want to know the BEST rod you should pick up!
Pond Rod #5: 7’2” Medium Heavy Glass Action Shimano SLX/Intenza Casting Rod
In this case, a glass action rod is perfect for dialing in the action of treble hooked baits like crankbaits and jerkbaits. The more flexible rod keeps the smaller hooks tightly pinned, which will help you land more fish.
The Intenza Glass line has the perfect model with the 7’2” Medium Heavy glass. It is fitted with a comfortable cork handle, a lightweight design and a perfect action at a relatively low price. For just $149, this is a perfect rod for crankbaits, jerkbaits, and chatterbaits. I particularly love throwing the Z-Man Jackhammer on 20-pound test fluorocarbon with this rod.
The SLX Glass Line is very similar, but at $99 they come at a cheaper price point. I still recommend the Intenza, as it is higher quality: but the SLX will perform as well
Budget Option: Medium Heavy Dobyns Colt Cranking Rod
The Dobyns Colt comes with most of the features of the Intenza at lower than half the price. For $89, you’ll be getting a quality 7’0″ medium heavy rod. With a foam handle and a slightly heavier design, this rod is perfect for those looking to save a couple bucks or don’t need a glass rod that often.
Pond Rod #4: 6’10” Medium Light St Croix Bass X/Mojo Bass Spinning Rod
Since I’m based in the south, I do most of my fishing with heavier casting gear. But if you’re based in a region where smallmouth and spotted bass are more common, you’ll need a finesse rod. I’ve got just the model to recommend.
A lighter spinning rod is necessary for sneakier presentations like finesse swimbaits, ned rigs and drop shots. A rod like this gives you better sensitivity, more casting distance with lighter lures and a better chance in a fight against heavy fish. The flexible action keeps the rod loaded and small hooks pinned, even in large, jumping fish.
ST Croix has the perfect model for this type of fishing with the Bass X (or mojo bass if you have a little more money to spend) spinning line. Specifically, the 6’10” Medium Light model comes with a comfy grip, perfect soft rod action and a sleek black design, for between $125 (Bass X) and $175 (Mojo Bass)
Budget Option: Medium Light 13 Fishing Fate V3 Spinning Rod
The Fate V3 is a perfect budget option at just $79. Coming in a lightweight design, it’s a great budget alternative: and the white design looks incredibly cool as well.
Pond Rod #3: 6’10” Medium Shimano SLX/Intenza Casting Rod
Now we’re getting into my main 3 rods. These are the rods I almost always have on me: they do a majority of my fishing. A medium rod is what I throw my medium sized baits on: walking baits, poppers, flukes, senkos, and lots of others. It’s my main topwater rod, as the slightly bendy action is firm enough for working topwaters but also soft enough to fight fish with treble hooks.
The SLX and Intenza lines are my go-to lines for this rod power. The 6’10” medium models come like the glass: cork grip for the Intenza and foam for the SLX, lightweight designs, durable graphite material and smooth black designs. They’re lightweight, high quality, long-lasting and all-around workhorses.
Budget Option: Medium Lews American Hero Casting Rod
For a much cheaper option, look no further than the Lews American hero. At $69, this is a perfect budget option for those just starting out. These rods are very durable, and they get the job done.
Pond Rod #2: 7’4” Heavy St Croix Bass X/Mojo Bass Casting Rod
Although this is not the first rod you should pick up, this is the rod I probably use the most. A heavy rod is what you’ll use for most powerfishing techniques: mainly, I use it to throw frogs, large swimbaits, and buzz baits.
The St Croix Bass X and Mojo Bass lines carry the perfect model for heavier fishing. The 7’4” heavy rods have a solid base, a stiff action and are perfect for pond fishermen looking to throw heavier gear without the expenses that usually come with it.
Fitted with cork grips and the innovative Trigon handles (if you go with the mojo bass series), these rods will last forever as long as you replace the rod tips when needed. Be sure to pick up either the 1st generation or 3rd generation of Bass X: the second generation has a flimsy reel seat.
Budget Option: Heavy 13 Fishing Defy Black Casting Rod
The Defy Black line carries a 7’5” heavy model that is slightly long for my taste, but the rod line has never let me down. They are durable and very firm for the price at $79, and 13 never fails to impress with their design choices.
Pond Rod #1: 7’0” Medium Heavy Shimano SLX/Intenza Casting Rod
And finally, the #1 choice I would recommend for a pond rod is a 7’0” medium heavy rod. I suggest the Shimano or Intenza lines as they are the highest quality for the price, but really any 7’0” medium heavy fast action rod is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get into pond fishing.
The medium heavy is the perfect middle ground. It’s stiff enough to manage heavy baits like frogs, but also flexible enough to keep smaller hooks pinned. I have my medium heavy rod spooled with fluorocarbon, so I typically throw baits like jigs, medium sized swimbaits, Texas rigs, and jerkbaits with it.
As usual, Shimano never fails to disappoint. The SLX and Intenza lineups offer top-of-the line performance at a relatively low price point. They are perfect for pond fishermen: durable, comfortable, lightweight and made of high-quality graphite.
Budget Option: 7’0” Medium Heavy Dobyns Colt Casting Rod
The Dobyns Colt is a solid budget pick for anyone looking for a 7’0″ medium heavy rod without breaking the bank. At just $89, it offers the same blend of power and versatility as the Shimano lines. The medium heavy action is that perfect middle ground—stiff enough to handle frogs and heavier baits, but still flexible enough to keep smaller hooks pinned during a fight. The foam grip and slightly bulkier build are small trade-offs for the performance you get at this price.
Further Recommendations
When buying rods, it is very important to consider the types of lures you will be throwing most. Building your arsenal involves a lot of personal preference and if you find that you throw lots of finesse baits, you may want to invest in a higher end spinning combo as opposed to a heavy combo. I fish lots of frogs, so right now I am seriously considering upgrading my current heavy combo to a higher end rod and reel.
Another thing I recommend is to ALWAYS try and get a feel for a rod in person before you purchase it. Visit your local tackle shop and see if you can hold it in your hands, bend it, maybe even put a reel on it to see what’s comfortable. If you find that a rod has an uncomfortable grip for you or a flimsy reel seat, you’ll be glad you tested it before ordering it online. Always do your research!
For a more in depth guide about rods, how they work, and what to look for in a rod, check out the Rod Talk post. Happy fishing!
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