Catfish river rods

I would suggest a Catfsih Safari lake or river rod. Your current and size of fish your after would decide which one to choose. Much, much, much better then a uglystick

 

I agree. Can hardly wait to get my hands on a Catfish Safari rod! Finances are dictating otherwise right now. Before the years out hopefully. If you have the money, take the CS advice. Right now I am using Berkley Big Game 6 foot 6 inch medium heavy. Been using 'em for quite a while with no failures thus far. $20.96 Wal-Mart.
BB in SC

 

Isn't it a sad state when not everyone can afford a lincoln or cadillac fishing rod. I stick with the old fords and chevy's from Walmart. I think it's easier to replace a ford/chevy rod than those custom high end rods. LOL

 

My buddy landed a monster blue in the river two days ago with a $45 American Spirit Nite Stick Pro Model rod 7'6". They are great, great, great rods. After seeing the way my rod performed with a fish of that size on the end it makes me think that unless you're throwing 12+oz lead there is no need to get a rod that costs $80+, no need at all.

 

I think there is a LOT more to the high end rods that just casting distance. Rod material, handle material, and eye material on the high end rods far exceeds the lesser quality rods. I don't think the issue is whether a cheap rod will handle a big fish. It's rather a matter of the longevity of the rod. A good rod, well cared for, will probably outlast lesser rods 5 to 1. Once again, I'm with you on using cheap rods as that is what I can afford at the moment. Once again, I have caught some big fish on cheap rods. And... once again, that being said, I can still hardly wait to get my hands on a catfish safari rod!
BB in SC

 

I think longevity is all in how you care for your rods. It doesn't matter how much you spend on a rod if you abuse it and don't take care of it it's not going to last long. A prime example of this is my Bill Lewis Rattle Trap Rod. It was a cheap Kmart special but I have had that rod since I was in 7th grade and I'm 25 now so do the math:smile2: If you take care of your stuff a cheaper rod will last just as long as a rod that costs twice as much, that's why I think there is no need to spend 80 dollars on a rod, it's certainly not going to make you a better fisherman:wink: even though some may think so. Also, I could by two of the rods that I use for the price of one Tiger, CS, or Surge.

 

Ugly stick are pretty good rods. I use a berkely glowstik.

 

i have several catfish rods. some cheap some not. i know comparing my fenwick to my eagle claw its like comparing a cadillac to vw. to me if you know how to fight a fish, equipment doesn't come into play as much as one thinks, unless your in swift water. then to me it matters. imho

 

I am still using 20 dollar rods, because its all I can afford, and all I really need for catfishing.

 

Have u ever tried Bass Pro's Power Plus Rods a good rod for $25.00.Have been using them for several years.:big_smile:

 

I like my BPS Catmaxx rod and also Ugly sticks.

 

You should look at the Shakespeare Sturdy Stik. Kinda hard to find, but a couple online places sell them. I ordered four about two months ago at about $18 a piece. Haven't got to fish with them yet because of high water, but I like them a lot. They're 6'6" which is a little shorter than I wanted but not too bad. They have a lot of backbone, but not like a pool cue like others have said. Mine are the m/h rated for 50lb line and up to 8oz sinker. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

 

I would deffinantly check out the catfish safari lake or river rods. I have 2 lake rods and i love em.:wink:

 

I was able to break in my 7' and 7'6 catfish safari lake rods this weekend and love both they are great rods.

 

I AGREE WITH THE STURDY STIK, IT IS WELL WORTH THE TRY. THERE IS ANOTHER ROD CALLED "GAMEFISH" THEY ARE JUST LIKE THE STURDY STIK AND SIMILAR IN PRICE. BOTH GREAT RIVER RODS

 

i use the same and they work great for me and to bad on the price

 

Sorry I can't give u alot of advice on the pro's and con's of an ugly stick, but I can say that they work great. It's hard to go wrong with a Shakespeare rod. Some of their reels can be ify, but their rods are usually good. I know catfisherman in books that have used Shakespeare tiger rods, which are a little different that regular ugly sticks, but still the same idea. I myself own a Shakespeare, and my fishin buddy on here, Redd, uses one too. They're good river rods. The only thing is, if you fish extremely large rivers, like the mississippi, then you'll want a huge ugly stick. and those can cost $. But for smaller rivers, the standard 6-7' is fine for casting distance.

Also, if you are going to do some research on rods, try looking up the Whippin' stick. Or maybe it's Whuppin' stick. I don't remember how to spell it exactly, but they're supposed to be kindof like an ugly stick, except cheaper. Something to look into.

As always, I hope this helps.

 

abu garcia are some good rods I got a few Cabellas Ugly Sticks there good rods

 

I would have to say Catfish Safari rods would be your best bet.