With catfish, you can never quite be sure of what you’re getting.
You might plan on going after the smaller channel cats, only to find yourself locked in a tussle with a trophy flathead.
The diversity of catfish, combined with the overlapping range and similar bait interests, makes catfishing exhilarating.
If you plan on catching a catfish, you need a rod and reel combo that’s up to the task.
So what is the best catfish rod and reel combo? The ideal catfish rod has the strength to deal with larger beasts, and the sensitivity to take on smaller channel cats.
Get the balance wrong, and you might find you can’t reel in any size catfish at all.
Our favorite is the Ugly Stik GX2. However, if you plan on going after trophy catfish, then you need a baitcasting or conventional reel and we highly recommend the Penn Squall.
Struggling to find a rod and reel combo for catfish that meets your needs?
Take a look at our reviews below to find combos that work. We also have a handy buyer’s guide, so you know just what to look for if you want to reel in a catfish.
Best Catfish Rod And Reel Combos
Best Overall – Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel And Fishing Rod Combo
The graphite and fiberglass combination that is used to create the Ugly Stik is why it’s our top choice for catfish rod and reel combos.
The fiberglass build provides exceptional durability, even under the strain of particularly large catfish.
And the added graphite increases sensitivity, providing an all around exceptional rod.
The Ugly Stik GX2 comes in a variety of options, but for catfish, our choice is the 7’ Medium Heavy. Ugly Stiks are known for their durability, and this isn’t a model that will disappoint.
The compression ball springs add long life to the reel, while the fiberglass rod can withstand a lot of usage.
With a clear tip design providing both strength and response, the Ugly Stik GX2 is a rod with some versatility.
The sensitivity will allow you to target smaller cats, but it can also respond to larger challenges.
Use a heavy braid with a strong 30 pound backbone, and you can even go after big blue catfish. At least, you won’t panic if you come across a big one in the channel.
The reel isn’t exceptional, but it’s good enough. And for the price, we can’t complain.
The Ugly Stik is an excellent rod for targeting channel catfish and going after the occasional bigger cat.
Pros
- Lightweight EVA grip – Still comfortable even after long trips.
- Graphite and fiberglass build – Combines sensitivity with strength.
- Instant anti-reverse bearing – Smooth handling.
Cons
- Reel could use some finesse.
Also available for purchase from BassPro and FishUSA.
Want to know more about Ugly Stik products? Read our Ugly Stik Review for more info.
Runner-Up – Zebco Bite Alert Spinning Reel And Fishing Rod 2-Piece Combo
If you plan on going after channel catfish, the Zebco Bite Alert Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod is an excellent choice.
The fiberglass rod has strength and durability to handle the bigger catfish, with a sensitive tip for detecting when small fish have a go.
We recommend using the Zebco for smaller catfish, but it should be prepared in case a larger one starts biting.
The Zebco Bite Alert has a pretty impressive build, including that bite alert feature.
This electronic technology alerts anglers with both visual and audio indicators to let you know when there’s activity in the area.
A line retrieval rate of 32 IPT gives it a smooth and even return, and there’s a changeable right or left-hand retrieve.
Plus, the anti-reverse clutch keeps the handle from moving backward, so there’s a steady hookset as you reel in.
Zebco has many of the same great features as the Ugly Stik but just misses out on the top spot because of the reel.
The reel just doesn’t have what it takes for larger catfish, which is disappointing, seeing as Zebco is best known for their reels. But despite some flaws, we still think this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Instant anti-reverse – Keep a solid hookset.
- Extended EVA handle – Comfortable and convenient.
- 6 + Tip shock-ring guides – Strong against even powerful fish.
Cons
- Reel feels flimsy compared to the rod.
Also available for purchase from Zebco and BassPro.
Best For Bigger Catfish – KastKing Centron Spinning Reel Fishing Rod Combos
If you’re hoping to go after the big catfish, the KastKing Centron offers an affordable rod and reel combo with some power.
With 17 pounds of drag and the ability to accommodate heavy lines, this is a combo that can capture those bigger blues.
What we like most about the KastKing is just how enjoyable it is to use.
The reel action is silky and smooth, with a triple disc drag system that adds power. The perfectly matched spinning reel is what gives this KastKing the edge over others we’ve tried.
An aluminum spool adds to the lightweight and natural feel of the KastKing combo and complements the IM6 graphite blanks.
The stainless steel frame ensures the rod has exceptional balance, again, improving the usability.
We’re also big fans of the contoured EVA handle, which can sit in your hand all day and stay comfortable.
This could be a heavy rod, but instead, the clever construction makes it lightweight and smooth to use.
A good sensitivity makes the rod suitable for the channel catfish, but we like it best for targeting bigger fish.
Our major concern is durability — we aren’t sure this is a rod that would withstand repeated tussles.
Pros
- Centron spinning reel – A quality reel that’s matched to the fish.
- Aluminum spool – Smooth and even movement.
- Balanced rod blank – Feels good in the hand, and casts well.
Cons
- Tangles – Casting over long distances can result in tangles.
Also available for purchase from KastKing.
Best Conventional Combo – Penn Squall Lever Drag Conventional Reel And Fishing Rod Combo
For those who want to go after the real prize catches, the Penn Squall 50 Lever Drag Conventional Combo is what you need.
The added power allows you to take on the monster catfish — and win. With the Penn Squall in hand, you can reel in the kind of catfish most only dream of.
The conventional reel has the upper hand when it comes to finding true trophy cats.
The adjustable lever allows you to make any changes as needed, and respond when you’re trying to reel in a monster. These easy drag adjustments help you to target larger fish, and see results.
The Penn Fishing Tackle Company is a well respected brand, having been in operation for close to a century.
You can see all their expertise in this conventional combo, which combines a lightweight graphite frame with a forged aluminum spool.
The dura-drag system enables smooth movement, alongside a silent double-dog anti-reverse system that provides the upper hand when reeling in.
This rod is designed for going after the big boys, so it won’t have much use for the smaller channel cats.
If you’re new to catfish, you may prefer a cheap rod with better versatility. But if you’re ready to catch a trophy catfish, you can’t get much better than the Penn Squall.
Pros
- Sliding levers – Easy drag adjustments that are perfect when targeting larger catfish.
- Increased capacity – Go after the biggest catfish.
- Silent anti-reverse – Keep up the line with an instant anti-reverse.
Cons
- Designed for trophy fish, it lacks versatility.
Also available for purchase from PennFishing and BassPro.
Best For Versatility – Tailored Tackle Fishing Rods Multispecies Spinning Combo
Traditionally, catfish demand their own rod, designed especially for them. However, it isn’t always realistic to own a separate rod for catfish.
Instead, you might prefer something with versatility. This is where the Tailored Tackle Multispecies Spinning Combo comes in.
The Tailored Tackle Multispecies Spinning Combo is designed to target all kinds of fish, but it’s particularly good if you’re after catfish.
The medium spinning action allows you to take on some larger fish, although we’d stay away from trophy cats, with a good amount of backbone for tough reels.
The fast action tip has enough sensitivity for dealing with channel catfish, so you can cope with most things that come along.
There are a few features of the Tailored Tackle that we really like. It has a left and right-handed spinning wheel, adding to the versatility.
7 ball bearings with a 10 lb drag system gives the combo some impressive smoothness.
And the anti-reverse switch helps you reel things in easier.
The Tailored Tackle Multispecies Spinning Combo isn’t perfect. If you really want to target cats, you might find it doesn’t have quite what you need.
But for beginners looking to get to grips with catfish, it’s still a solid choice.
Pros
- Saltwater and freshwater – Can be used in both bodies of water, for increased versatility.
- Stainless steel rod guides – Durable.
- Designed by professional fishing guides – Expert guidance for beginner anglers.
Cons
- Not specifically designed for catfish – This is a versatile combo, so it isn’t perfect for targeting catfish but still does a good job.
Also available for purchase from TailoredTackle.
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right combo for catfish isn’t a particularly easy task.
Catfish range from 3 pound channel cats to 30 pound blues, and overlapping habitats means there’s a chance you can run into both in one day.
You have to have the equipment to deal with whatever catfish might come your way.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide.
Rod Power
Power is a term used to describe the bending of the rod. As catfish can be incredibly strong, you want a rod with a good amount of power.
We recommend medium as the bare minimum, with medium-heavy being the smarter choice. A medium-heavy rod will give you the backbone needed if you run across a trophy catfish.
Action
Action and power together are the deciding factors in how the rod will perform. Action refers to where the rod bends when under pressure.
For a catfish, moderate to moderate-fast action is preferable. Fast action, which only bends at the tip, won’t have the ability to absorb the power of a large catfish.
Slow action won’t respond well enough to the smaller catfish.
Length
The length of the rod will determine how far you can cast and how accurately you can cast. A longer rod will have a longer cast, while a shorter rod tends to have a more accurate cast.
When it comes to choosing a rod for catfish, you also need to consider how well the rod can absorb the energy of a struggling catfish.
A longer rod is better for a powerful fish. We recommend a rod between 7’ and 9’, and at the shorter end of the scale if you’re starting out.
This will give you a good range, but you won’t sacrifice accuracy, and it can still absorb power.
Blank Material
Modern fishing rods utilize a variety of materials to achieve different effects.
Fiberglass is a traditional material, known for having impressive durability but lacking some sensitivity.
Fiberglass blanks are also heavy. Graphite is growing in popularity, thanks to the material’s excellent sensitivity.
Lightweight graphite has many advantages, but the brittle material can crack under the pressure of a large catfish.
Carbon fiber blanks are even better than graphite but are very expensive.
Our preferred material is fiberglass and graphite composite. This will have a graphite core, with a fiberglass outer layer.
Combining the best of both worlds, these composite rods are ideal for catfish of all sizes.
Spinning Or Conventional Reel?
Both spinning and conventional reels can be used for catfish, particularly if you’re going after smaller sizes.
Spinning reels tend to be easier to use, and are preferred by those with limited experience.
But if you plan on hooking trophy cats, then you really do need to move to conventional.
Big catfish are powerful beasts, and you need a combo with the strength to handle something like tuna.
Reel Drag
Drag is the first thing to consider when choosing a reel. You need to know the maximum drag power, which should be at least 10 pounds.
Ideally, the maximum setting should match the weight of the fish you’re after.
Line Capacity
A large line capacity will get you through the day, no matter what snags you might come across, without needing to re-spool.
Your ideal line capacity will depend on the type of reel you’ve chosen. A spinning reel should be from size 3500 to 8000, and a conventional or baitcasting reel from size 6000 to 7000.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratio describes how much the spool revolves after a single turn of the handle.
A fast reel is ideal for catfish, as it helps you to keep the line tight. We recommend a gear ratio of at least 5.2:1.
Comfort
You’re going to be holding your rod and reel combo quite a lot, so you want to make sure it remains comfortable in your hands across long hours.
This is particularly important if you’re going after larger catfish. You have to maintain grip, even when they start to fight back.
An ergonomic grip is ideal, as this uses contoured fingers to create a comfortable hold. Material matters too. EVA is popular because it’s lightweight and soft while retaining some flexibility.
Something else to consider is weight. A heavy rod will add strain, and you won’t enjoy using it.
Look for one with a decent balance. Composite builds are often the best choice, as these are strong without added weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Catfish Need A Special Rod And Reel Combo?
The unique diversity of catfish makes it necessary for anglers to use specialized equipment. Many anglers make the mistake of using any old rod and reel combo when going after catfish.
Although they might be able to reel in a few, ultimately, most catfish will be able to get away. The rod might be too heavy, and fail to respond to the smaller channel cats.
Or it might be too light and lacks the power needed for a big blue or a flathead. A catfish combo brings the best of both worlds.
How Long Should A Catfish Rod Be?
We recommend a rod between 7’ and 9’ for catfish.
Longer rods are necessary because they provide more power, and you won’t need to employ the same repeated casting you’d use in other circumstances.
With a longer rod, you have more power when a big cat puts up a fight.
What Combo Is Best For Catfish?
The best rods for catfish combine good strength and durability with a decent sensitivity, allowing you to go after channel cats, and deal with any larger ones you might stumble upon.
Our top choice is the Ugly Stik GX2. However, if you plan on going after trophy catfish, then you need a baitcasting or conventional reel.
For this, we highly recommend the Penn Squall.
Final Thoughts
Going after catfish can be tough but exhilarating, and with the help of this guide, you can have the best catfish rod and reel combo to match the fight.
Although we can’t guarantee a good haul, with these combos you give yourself a decent chance at reeling in whichever catfish might come your way.
Good luck!
