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Snook, also known as “Robalo” or “Sergeant Fish”, is a type of marine fish that belongs to the family Centropomidae. The fish looks a bit close to pikes with a long body, long head, two dorsal fins, and a remarkably large mouth with powerful snapping jaws.
So, as you can see, the fish is quite a large one, making it a bit of a challenge for some anglers. That’s why you always have to be prepared with the best fishing rig in order to catch them with relative ease.
To help you with that task, in today’s article, we’ll walk you through a brief guide that will help you pick the best snook rod for your needs. This includes brief reviews of the top 6 recommendations as well as a quick guide to help you choose the ideal one for you. So without further ado, let’s jump right in!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks
Top 5 Fishing Rods for Snook Available on the Market
Snooks are hefty and can put a lot of pressure on your rod. For that reason, finding a decent rod that will help you get the job done can be quite challenging, especially with all the rod options on the market.
In this section, we’ll have an in-depth look at each one of our top 6 options recommended, so you can have a better understanding of their specifications and features.
Let’s check them out and see what each one of them has to offer:
1. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Kicking off the list with one of the most popular fishing rods out there that also happen to be a great fit for snook fishing! The Ugly Stik Elite fishing rod is a spinning fishing rod that gives you a substantial level of durability while trying to catch such a large and stubborn fish.
For starters, the Elite fishing rod is made of premium materials that will help it last for a decent time all the while providing consistent performance.
The rod is made of graphite with a higher graphite composition than other options on the market, giving it both the feel and strength needed while trying to land the fish on your boat.
Additionally, the rod’s blanks are made of fiberglass and graphite, which makes it “technically indestructible”, according to the manufacturer.
The handles of the rod are made of cork and cover all the holding distance of the rod, which makes it remarkably comfortable to hold for a long time, especially while fighting a large snook.
Ugly Stik uses a special design when it comes to rod guides, known as Ugly Tuff. This design uses a 1-piece guide that is made from pure stainless steel to resist corrosion and spare you the inconvenience of insert pop-outs while on your fishing trip. It’s also made to be compatible with all types of fishing lines.
At the end of the fishing rod, the clear tip design makes the snook rod easier to work with because it’s durable and highly responsive. The rod also comes in a wide range of sizes that range from 6 to 7 feet.
What We Like
- Comes at a reasonable price
- Extremely durable and handles tough fish very well
- Lengthy comfortable cork handles
What We Don’t Like
- The reel seat is a bit small
2. PENN Battle II 4000 Spinning Fishing Rod
Next up we have another great option that is ideal for someone who doesn’t mind spending a little more in order to land themselves the best available option.
The PENN Battle II 4000 is also a spinning fishing rod that offers a lot of durability and strength while staying one of the lightest rods for saltwater fishing available on the market.
For starters, this fishing pole doesn’t only offer a durable rod, but it also comes with a spinning fishing reel that is pretty decent for an average-sized snook.
The fishing reel has a gear ratio of 6:2:1, which gives you a decent pull that isn’t the best on the market but also isn’t the worst. However, if you’re a beginner who doesn’t have a lot of experience in reels, this should spare you from buying one separately.
The reel is also surprisingly durable with a full metal body in addition to the rotor, side plate, and sturdy aluminum bail wire.
The rod comes with removable cork handles that offer a decent level of comfort while trying to catch big saltwater gamefish like snook.
The fishing rod is only available in the 7 feet size. Although this might be slightly limited in terms of size options, 7 feet is the sweet spot while catching snook, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
The inshore fishing rod has a medium power, which is suitable for large-sized fish, including snook, walleye, and bass.
What We Like
- Comes with a reel to save you the hassle of buying one
- Rugged construction
- Medium-powered rod that is suitable for various species of saltwater gamefish
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price tag
3. KastKing Estuary Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod
KastKing is another reputable manufacturer that is known for its premium products and unmatched level of quality.
What is great about the KastKing Estuary fishing rod is that it allows you to catch a huge variety of inshore saltwater species, including snook as well as speckled trout, redfish, tarpon, striped bass, cobia, and more!
The spinning rod is available in a variety of size options, ranging from 6 feet medium all the way to 8 feet heavy, all with powerful and fast action that facilitates the process even with larger species.
The rod comes with special guides that are made from durable materials and prevent the rod from corrosion while maintaining sublime performance and accuracy while fishing in saltwater.
The rod also uses IM7 blanks that are made of premium graphite. These offer a superior level of strength without compromising on sensitivity or the cool aesthetics of the rod. The rod also features a nano resin technology that fortifies the blank by up to 22%.
The reel seats on this snook rod are wide enough to be compatible with spinning and casting reel, which adds versatility and value for the money. The rod is also decently comfortable with 3A handles that are made of cork with high-density EVA foam end caps for extra comfort.
What We Like
- Made from premium materials
- Suitable for a huge range of inshore saltwater fish
- Sleek design and comfortable handles
What We Don’t Like
- The guides can be a bit flimsy
4. Cadence Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rod
If you’re on a strict budget and looking for a decent option that won’t cost you a lot of money while providing decent performance, you should consider the Cadence Ultralight Spinning fishing rod.
What is great about this fishing rod is that it’s among the most versatile options on the market that are still reasonably priced. You can use it to catch a variety of inshore saltwater fish species as well as freshwater ones like walleye and trout.
The versatility of the rod doesn’t end here, but you can also use the rod to catch fish using various techniques and methods, including spinning and jigging. The rod is claimed to work with trolling as well, although a heavier option is recommended for such a rig-intensive technique.
The rod is made of durable carbon fiber, which is less durable than graphite but still decent enough for a beginner. The guides are made from stainless steel to resist corrosion and stand the test of time.
The handles are also well-built thanks to the EVA foam and cork construction, providing a nice balance between comfort and solid grip.
The rod’s line weight is about 2 to 6 lbs and has a capacity of 1/32 and up to 1/8 ounces of lure, which should be good enough for most beginners.
What We Like
- An excellent choice for beginner and budget buyers
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- Decently durable construction for its price
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively limited lure weight
5. Tailored Tackle Universal Fishing Rod Combo
Last but not least, we have the Tailored Tackle Universal fishing combo, which is another option that saves you the time, effort, and costs of buying a reel in addition to your fishing rod.
The rod is designed for fishing in both inshore saltwater as well as freshwater, so you can use the rod to catch more than just snook. Additionally, the rod has medium power and fast action to provide you with sensitivity without compromising on the rod’s ability to catch a large fish.
The guides on this rod are on the average side but would still get the job done without breaking easily.
As for the reel, this one is suitable for both left and right-handed users. It comes with 7 ball bearings that provide it with a drag power of up to 10 lbs.
It’s also equipped with an anti-reverse switch system to make the catching process a lot smoother.
What We Like
- Comes with a decent reel and a guide
- Easy to use
- Affordable price tag
What We Don’t Like
- Limited size range
What to Look for While Buying a Fishing Rod for Snook
The key to buying the best rod, whether it’s for snook or any other type of fish, is to keep a few essential aspects in mind while choosing one.
In this section, we’ll provide you with a brief overview of each one of these aspects, so you’re able to make the most out of your investment.
Materials of the Rod
The durability of a rod is one of the essential features that reflect its quality, especially when dealing with powerful and stubborn fish like snook.
For that reason, always make sure that the materials used in making the rod are durable enough to handle the pressure and rough conditions of the water.
Ideally, rods are made of graphite or carbon fiber. Graphite is superior when it comes to durability but high-density carbon fiber should also be a decent choice. Fiberglass is also a fairly popular material that some rods are made of and are popular for being lightweight and durable.
As for the guides, make sure that they’re made of corrosion-resistant metal that is tough and heavy to handle the harsh saltwater.
The handles are also a major part of the rod since it’s your point of contact with it. Ideally, the rod needs to have cork handles that are large enough to keep your hands comfortable while maintaining a solid grip.
Rod Action
The rod action refers to the levels of sensitivity of the rod and how much feedback is needed to feel the bite of the fish as well as the level of bending of the rod when the fish applies pressure on the tip.
Author Note: The rod actions range from slow, which gives you the highest sensitivity but the least power, and ultrafast which gives you the most power with the least sensitivity.
Ideally, the main aspect that will let you choose the type of rod action needed is the technique you use while catching snook. For example, jigging and spinning require a sensitive rod with light action while trolling requires a tougher rig with stiff action.
Rod Power
In the majority of cases, a medium power rod should be your best bet while trying to catch an inshore saltwater fish, such as a snook. However, if you use a heavier line weight, you should consider a rod with heavy power.
Rod Size
The size of the rod typically refers to the rod’s length, which usually ranges at about 7 feet but ranges anywhere from 6 feet and all the way up to 8 feet or more.
While catching a snook, you should look for a rod that is about 6 feet and 3 inches to 7 feet and 3 inches. This is usually the sweet spot that balances the power and weight of the rod.
However, the size of the rod is always a matter of personal preference. For example, if you want more support and a distant cast, you should go for a longer rod.
On the other hand, if you want more precision and accuracy, you should go for the shorter rods if available.
FAQs
How Do You Take Care of a Snook Fishing Rod?
Salt from seawater speeds up the corrosion process, which is why taking care of your snook fishing rod is essential to make it last for a long time. Luckily, the process of maintaining a fishing rod is surprisingly easy.
To do that you need to clean your fishing rod after every trip. This can be done by rinsing the rod with lukewarm water.
You may also add a couple of drops of mild detergent or vinegar for a more thorough cleaning. Once you’re done, make sure that you dry the rod properly before storing it.
What is the Best Lure for Snook?
There are a wide variety of baits that will work for snook. For example, you can use anything from finger mullets, small shrimp, or pinfish to catch a snook at any depth.
Ideally, the snook lure should be at about 3 to 5 inches. The weight of the jig head will range from 1/8 ounce in shallow water or 1 1/2 ounce jig if you want to catch a deeper snook.
What is the Best Time to Catch Snook?
Snooks are active almost all day around lakes. However, the best time to go out and catch snook should be around 1 or 2 hours before and after dusk or dawn.
This is the time where snooks are out to catch fish. Since they’re hungriest at that time, it should give you the largest chance to catch plenty of them.
Wrap Up
There you have it! A complete guide with everything you need to know about Snook fishing and what you need to know about fishing rods so you can pick the best snook rod for your style.
As you can see, there’s a decent variety of options on the market that are suitable for a challenge like a snook.
Despite that, we believe that the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod and PENN Battle II 4000 Spinning Fishing Rod are the best all-around options. Despite being a bit pricier than some other options on the market, they offer some of the best features that make them ideal for a stubborn fish like snook.
However, if you’re a beginner or looking for a more budget-friendly option that can still get the job done, you might want to switch to Cadence Ultralight Spinning Fishing Rod.
This affordable rod is made of quality materials and offers surprisingly decent performance, allowing you to catch a variety of fish species with it!
Happy Hunting!
