Are you curious are the most expensive fishing rods on the market? There’s an old saying that it’s better to buy once and cry once than multiple times. When it comes to rod quality, it comes down to the materials used, attention to detail, and the experience of the craftsman. In this article, we’ll show you a handful of expensive rods that you should check out.
Are expensive fishing rods worth it?
Take it from someone who has sold a lot of fishing rods, the right rod is worth the money.
Pat Schlapper (Bassmaster Elite Angler)
Yes, expensive fishing rods are worth it. However, only you can decide whether it is worthwhile. Do you fish frequently enough to justify the purchase, or will this be another beauty on a shelf collecting dust?
Do you wish to feel a lot and compete in competitions, or are you more of a casual/recreational angler? Do you need the most expensive fishing rods?
As stated, the short answer is yes. It’s worth it to pay a little more for better quality. However, no amount of high-quality, superior technology can make up for time on the water and first-hand experience. Purchase of this magnitude warrants an angler who will put in both the time and effort to maximize a rod’s potential.
Expensive rods are more sensitive, detect tiny bites, and are more enjoyable to use than their less costly equivalents.
The difference between a $50 rod and a $150 rod is significantly greater than between a $100 rod and a $300 rod.
1. Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods
Handcrafted Heirloom for Future Generations
Key Features:
- Full coverage hand engraving by W.S. Oyster on the reel seat and ferrules
- Gunmetal blued nickel silver hardware, premium snake guides
- Richly flamed cane with silk thread wraps and trim wraps on every guide
The Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod has a starting price of $4,600, making it the most expensive fishing rod on the market. It is partly because each example is handcrafted after a client makes a purchase.
It is the world’s only bamboo fly rod with a manufacturer who engraves his rods by hand. More so, each rod is outstanding in terms of performance and looks.
2. Orvis Penns Creek Full-flex Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod
Classic Fishing Rod with Remarkable Casting
Key Features:
- It has a fast action blank, light tip, and superb rod strength
- It has a timeless style, built with impeccable care and craftsmanship
- Short and light, encouraging effortless short-medium distance casting
Whether you’re searching for your first bamboo fly rod or you’re a seasoned collector, you’ll want Orvis Penns Creek Full-flex Bamboo Fly Rod in your collection.
Perhaps Orvis’s most enjoyable full-flex bamboo trout rod in more than a century. In the traditional trout line, weight, fast action, and a soft tip are coupled with the power of a swelled butt.
3. Hamachi 2018/2019 XOS GT’n’Doggie Expedition Series Popper
Best Popping and Spinning Fishing Rods
Key Features:
- Spinning popper rods – Spin reel version (fixed spool/thread line reel)
- XOS Gt Doggie Series, suitable for popper, lure fishing, and general spinning both shore and boat
- Ultra-high tensile full nano carbon blank
The XOS GT’n’Doggie Expedition series is a three-piece popping, plugging, stick bait rod with great casting distance and power!
If you’re after Jurassic-sized GTs, gigantic red bass, monster Dogtooth, Bluefin/Yellowfin Tuna, or other oceanic monsters, then this is the rod you need.
4. G. Loomis Asquith 690-4 All Water Fly Rod
Most Technologically Advanced Fly Rod
Key Features:
- Proprietary spiral X construction, superb power transfer from tip to hand
- Quick recovery, increased sensitivity, titanium guides
- Exceptionally light, swing, and weight
G. Loomis Asquith is the world’s most technologically advanced fly rod, a result of its international collaboration in design, materials, and manufacturing methods.
This fishing rod is built on Shimano’s Spiral X platform, which provides excellent power transmission from tip to hand, rapid recovery, and enhanced sensitivity.
This rod is a step into the future of rod production technology, designed by world casting champion Steve Rajeff, bringing a world-class rod to the average angler.
5. Sage Fly Fishing – X Fly Rod
Multi-Application Fly Rod with Fast Action
Key Features:
- Graphite Ille Technology, Fast action
- Fuji ceramic stripper guides, dark green thread wraps with metallic grey trim wraps
- Gloss black anodized aluminum up-locking reel seat, cork foregrip, and rear grip
The Sage X Fly rod’s all-new fast action taper, developed with Konnetic Technology, provides more blank recovery and a sharper tip stop. It results in tighter, more efficient loops across the board.
More so, this taper enables you to dig deeper into the rod and access the bottom portions, bringing power closer to the angler.
6. Sage Salt HD Fly Rod
Best Fly Rod for Fast Moving Saltwater Species
Key Features:
- Squid Ink blank color, Black thread wraps with blue trim wraps
- Integrated hidden hook keeper in the real seat, laser etched line weight on the slide band
- Black rod bag with blue logo and model tag, blue powder-coated aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion
The Sage Salt HD Fly Rods are built with a singular purpose in mind: to allow anglers to reach further, faster, and with more delicacy.
Sometimes anglers must make rapid first shots and be able to repeat this at speed or faster. Because of the salt’s fast-moving inhabitants, this fishing rod is the perfect combination of speed and accuracy.
7. G Loomis NRX T2S Fly Rods
Best For Top Saltwater Fly Angler
Key Features:
- Dynamic recovery technology, Grip ferrule two-piece design
- Recoil snake guides, Titanium SiC stripper guides
- Full wells, AAA grade cork grip, aluminum rod tube with cloth rod bag
The G Loomis NRX T2S Fly Rods masterfully combine an original design with the industry’s most cutting-edge materials and technology. This provides anglers with greater control and responsiveness than ever before.
It uses Dynamic Recovery Technology to deliver the power, line speed, and loop stability that current fast-action rods are known for without sacrificing “feel” and elegance in the short game.
From the first perch to monstrous deep-sea leviathans, fishing is a pastime that has been endured for many millennia. Fishing spans the gamut from family outings to competition. It is a sport, tradition, and way to put food on the table all wrapped in one.
Unfortunately, many of the rods purchased from generic superstores and sporting goods outlets can be overpriced and underwhelming in their performance.
The best fishing rod for your money can make all the difference when it counts, leaving you with a happy memory and not an empty hook.
Final Thoughts
These are the most expensive fishing rods that were made with a high level of craft. Throughout the process, every move and detail is closely examined. These rods are usually costly because of this.
Whether your budget and preferences lead you to a $900 fishing rod or a $9000 bamboo rod, fly anglers typically agree on one thing, Bamboo rods are second to none in terms of performance.
Nonetheless, they do take some getting used to. There’s no need to adjust if you’re starting with a bamboo rod, so it’s better to start with the best.
