Boat Rods
Boat rods are specifically designed for fishing from a vessel—offering shorter lengths, powerful blanks, and strong lifting power to handle deep-water species and vertical presentations. Whether you’re bottom fishing for cod in UK waters, wreck fishing for conger eels, or jigging over reefs for pollack and ling, a well-matched boat rod ensures you have maximum control, power, and durability in the often demanding offshore environment. Since 1988, we’ve supplied anglers with reliable, high-performance boat rods for both inshore and deep-sea adventures.
- Boat Rods
FLADEN Fishing – Quality 6ft or 7ft – 30 to 40 lbs Class BOAT SEA FISSION BLUE Rod and Multiplier Reel Combo – Pre Loaded with Line For Offshore Marine Fish (7ft / 2.1m) [12K-350210]
Original price was: £60.47.£52.92Current price is: £52.92. *View On Amazon* - Boat Rods
PENN Prevail III LE 212 Boat Rod,Spincasting rods, Sea Fishing Rods, Long-Lasting Durability, Perfect for Boat Fishing for Bass, Cod, Pollack, and More Unisex, Assorted, 2.10m | 20-30lb
Original price was: £73.69.£69.99Current price is: £69.99. *View On Amazon*
Why Choose a Boat Rod?
✅ Shorter and more powerful than shore rods—ideal for confined boat spaces
✅ Strong backbone to lift big fish vertically from depth
✅ Designed for use with multipliers or boat-specific spinning reels
✅ Rated by line class or casting weight for easy matching
✅ Available in stand-up, uptide, jigging, and trolling styles
With the right boat rod in hand, you can confidently target species like cod, haddock, pollack, ling, skate, tope, and rays, even in rough sea conditions.
Key Features of Boat Rods
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Short Length (6ft–8ft) | Easier to manage in confined boat decks and cabins |
| Powerful Carbon or Fibreglass Blanks | Strong enough to handle heavy leads and big fish |
| Line Class Ratings (e.g. 12–20lb, 20–30lb) | Match rod strength to target species and fishing depth |
| Reinforced Reel Seats & EVA Grips | Secure grip and comfort in wet, rough marine conditions |
| Rod Rings Designed for Braided Line | Low-friction guides built for modern boat lines |
| Butt Designs (Straight or Gimbal) | Stability when used in rod holders or fighting belts |
Types of Boat Rods
| Rod Type | Best Use |
|---|---|
| General Boat Rods | Bottom fishing, bait rigs, all-purpose sea species |
| Uptide Rods | Casting uptide and anchoring baits from a drifting boat |
| Jigging Rods | Vertical jigging with lures for pollack, cod, ling |
| Stand-Up Rods | Fighting big fish like tope or skate with a harness or belt |
| Travel Boat Rods | Multi-section rods ideal for boats abroad or tight storage spaces |
Boat Rod Line Classes Explained
| Line Class | Best For |
|---|---|
| 8–12lb Class | Light fishing, whiting, flatfish, inshore bream |
| 12–20lb Class | All-rounder for cod, pollack, wrasse, school bass |
| 20–30lb Class | Deep-water fishing, larger cod, tope, ling, conger |
| 30–50lb+ Class | Heavy-duty fishing for skate, shark, wreck conger |
🎯 Choose your line class based on expected species, weight of leads, and water depth.
Top Boat Rod Brands We Stock
Shakespeare Ugly Stik – Legendary toughness for heavy-duty sea fishing
Penn – Specialist saltwater rods, ideal for UK boat fishing and beyond
Daiwa – Reliable blanks with braid-ready guides and quality fittings
Shimano – High-end feel with excellent power and lifting response
Greys – UK-focused performance with lightweight sensitivity
Savage Gear – Modern boat rods for lure and bait fishing
WFT & Mitchell – Great value options for occasional boat trips or beginners
Choosing the Right Boat Rod Setup
Ask yourself:
Where are you fishing?
Inshore waters = lighter class rods (12–20lb)
Deep sea/wrecks = heavy rods (20–50lb+)
What species are you targeting?
Flatfish, whiting → light class
Cod, pollack, bass → mid-class
Conger, skate, sharks → heavy-duty rods
What type of fishing are you doing?
Bait fishing = general or uptide rod
Lure/jigging = fast-action jigging rod
Trolling = stand-up rod with gimbal butt
Are you using braid?
Most modern rods are braid-optimised—look for low-friction, reinforced guides
Tips for Boat Rod Use
✅ Pair with a quality multiplier or heavy-duty fixed spool reel
✅ Use braid for increased sensitivity and depth control
✅ Bring multiple rods for different rigs or target species
✅ Always wash rods with fresh water after saltwater use
✅ Store in a boat rod tube or holdall to prevent transit damage
🧠 FAQ: Boat Rods (10+ Questions)
1. What’s the difference between a boat rod and a beachcaster?
Boat rods are shorter (6–8ft) and built for vertical fishing from a boat, whereas beachcasters are long and made for shore casting.
2. What rod class should I use for cod fishing?
A 12–20lb or 20–30lb class rod is ideal, depending on the depth and current where you’re fishing.
3. Can I use a boat rod for spinning or shore fishing?
Not effectively—boat rods are too short and stiff for casting long distances, and are optimised for vertical drop fishing.
4. What reel suits a boat rod?
A multiplier reel or heavy-duty spinning reel, matched to the rod’s class and species targeted.
5. Do I need different rods for bait and jigging?
Yes—jigging rods are faster and lighter, while bait rods are more robust for heavy leads and static rigs.
6. Are boat rods suitable for braid?
Most modern boat rods are designed for braid, with strong guides that resist grooving or wear.
7. Can beginners use boat rods?
Absolutely—look for combo kits with rod and reel matched for ease of use and balanced performance.
8. What’s an uptide rod?
An uptide rod casts your bait away from the boat, used when fishing at anchor to avoid tangles.
9. Do boat rods come in travel versions?
Yes—many brands offer 2- to 4-piece travel boat rods that pack down easily for holidays or tight storage.
10. How do I care for my boat rod after saltwater use?
Rinse with fresh water, dry thoroughly, and store in a dry place or padded rod case.
11. What’s a gimbal butt?
A notched rod butt that fits into a fighting belt or rod holder, adding stability during long fights.
Trusted by Sea Anglers Since 1988
With over three decades of experience in UK and offshore angling, we provide boat rods built to handle harsh marine conditions, strong fish, and serious sport. Whether you’re heading out on a charter, wreck fishing in deep water, or trying boat angling for the first time, we stock a full range of boat rods, reels, and combos tailored to your needs.
⚓ Drop, hook, and haul—explore our full boat rod range online or in-store today.
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