When it comes to buying fishing gear, things can get expensive very quickly! You can easily spend a thousand dollars on a new fishing rod, and find a reel with a price tag to match.
But are expensive fishing rods worth it or can you get the same thing for a lot less cash that will still catch fish? That’s what we are here to find out!
Join me as we take a look at some of the most expensive fishing rods on the market to give you a clear idea if buying the most expensive fishing rod and spending that extra money will make a difference to your fishing experience.
On To The Reviews…
Hamachi 2018/19 XOS GT’n’Doggie Expedition Series
The Hamachi 2018/19 XOS Fishing Rod combines modern materials and modern manufacturing methods to create a fishing rod that can handle some of the toughest fish on the planet.
Hamachi 2018/19 XOS GT’n’Doggie Expedition Series
The Hamachi 2018/19 XOS GT’n’Doggie Expedition Series Popper Fishing Rod is the most expensive fishing rod of its kind on the market today.
Casting Distance
These most expensive fishing rods are spinning rods designed for one thing – casting big poppers at incredible distances of 80 feet plus and then taming two of the toughest fish you’ll find near a reef, GTs (Giant Trevally) and Dogtooth Tuna (doggies).
Carbon Blank
This rod is made with modern materials to make sure it lasts. The Hamachi 2018/19 XOS Fishing Rod is made from an almost indestructible carbon blank featuring both heavy power and fast action.
The fishing rod comes in 3 pieces which makes taking it to the exotic destinations where these species live a breeze and despite being a three-piece, it behaves like a one-piece.
You will be able to throw a big popper, stick bait, or lure further than ever with these rods and when you hook a big GT or doggie, you can put as much pressure on them as you like.
Lifetime Warranty
The line might break, but this rod won’t, which is why it’s one of the most expensive fishing rods out there. If it did break, you’re covered by a lifetime warranty.
The one negative to these fishing rods is that they only suit one fishing style – throwing huge baits for huge fish. You’re not going to be able to use them with a sidearm cast on your local bass lake, for example.
Specs
- Rod Type: Spinning
- Purpose: Popping
- Pieces: 3
- Weight: 14.8 oz
- Length: 8 ft 2 inch
- Material: Carbon
- Power: Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Lure Weight: 80-220 g
Pros
- Built from the most durable materials
- Packs down into 3 pieces for travel
- Massive power for large fish like GTs and Dogtooth tuna
- Huge casting power designed for big lures
- Outstanding control over casting accuracy
- Long casts of 80+ ft with massive poppers are easy
- Exceptional strength for pulling up giant tuna
- Manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only a useful rod for specific fishing interests
G. Loomis Asquith All Water Fly Rod
The G. Loomis Asquith All Water Fly Rod is one of the best fly rods ever made. Between its low weight, incredible strength and its fantastic casting performance that will have you fishing better than ever, it’s no surprise it’s one of the most expensive fishing rods out there.
G. Loomis Asquith All Water Fly Rod
When one discusses the most expensive fishing rod in the world, some fly rods are always going to be featured and my favorite of them all is the G. Loomis Asquith All Water Fly Rod.
These fly rods are made with more modern materials and a unique manufacturing process that a lot more of the other most expensive fishing rods you’re going to find.
Spiral-X Technology
G.Loomis in partnership with Shimano invented Spiral-X technology to create a fly rod that is a strong if not stronger than any other while also being incredibly light.
This provides maximum benefits to any angler as the low weight makes long days of casting a breeze and you’ll be surprised at how much weight they can lift at the same time.
Even if you’re pulling too hard against a 150+ lb tarpon, chances are this fly rod will not even flinch.
Easy Casting
This expensive fly rod is also full of great features that make casting easy.
The blank of this durable rod has a lot of feel to it while also recovering very quickly allowing you to create tight loops and quick line speeds with delicacy. All this adds up to excellent casting distances and casting accuracy to help you achieve your fishing goal.
Top of the Line Features
The additional features are also top of the line including titanium guides and an anodized reel seat. Plus, these fly rods come in every weight from 4 – 12 so you can use them for everything from catching trout or going after monster GTs.
Specs
- Rod Type: Fly Rod
- Purpose: Fresh and Saltwater Fly Fishing
- Pieces: 4
- Weights: 4-12
- Length: 9 ft
- Material: Graphite
- Action: Fast
- Rod Tube: Yes
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight for fatigue-less long casting days
- Super tough and durable
- More powerful fly rod than any other
- Can handle fights with some of the biggest fish
- Suits most casting styles
- Excellent line speed for casting into the wind
- Top of the line reel seat and guides
- Amazing casting distance and accuracy
- Sensitive and excellent casting feel
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Might not be easy to cast for beginners
Sage Fly Fishing – X Fly Rod
Light, powerful and deadly accurate at long distances, the Sage X is an incredible fly rod, so long as you’re good at casting. Built with the best materials and components, you know this fly rod will bring your A game.
Sage Fly Fishing – X Fly Rod
Another of the most expensive fishing rods is the Sage X fly rod. Sage is known for their fly rods and they make some of the best and most expensive fishing rods in the world with the Sage X being their top performer.
Light, Durable, and Very Powerful
Built from top quality materials with Konnetic HD technology, these fly rods are light, durable, and very powerful.
You’ll be able to cast all day long without an arm ache, punch long and accurate casts into the wind with the incredible line speeds they create, and tame any fish you hook up to thanks to their immense power.
Quality Reel Seat and Guides
These fly rods also have some other features that make life easy on the water including a top quality reel seat, titanium stipping guides, and they come in weights 4 – 10, covering both saltwater and freshwater.
The one negative to these rods is that they are quite stiff so anyone new to fly casting will struggle with them.
Specs
- Rod Type: Fly Fishing Rod
- Purpose: All Water Fly Fishing
- Pieces: 4
- Weights: 3-10
- Length: 9 ft
- Material: Graphite
- Action: Fast
- Rod Tube: Yes
Pros
- Packs down small for travel
- Beautifully made from top materials
- Light while being extremely powerful
- Range suits freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing
- Excellent casting performance at long and short distances
- Forgiving to cast with and great feel
- Solid blank recovery for tight loops and high line speeds
- Punches into the wind with ease
- Top quality guides, reel seat, and handle
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- A little stiff for learners to get to grips with
Thomas and Thomas Sextant Fly Rod
Specifically designed for saltwater fly fishing, the Thomas and Thomas Sextant Fly Rod is made to throw big flies in windy conditions and handle the fish that eat them too. Long casts of 60 ft with pinpoint accuracy are the name of the game with all the performance and durability to get a trophy to hand.
Thomas and Thomas Sextant Fly Rod
Another excellent piece of fly fishing gear is the Thomas & Thomas Sextant Fly Rod which is exclusively designed for saltwater fly fishing. These fishing rods have an immaculate finish and they look like they should be left on the wall but they are tough enough to play in the salt.
Excellent Casting Performance
Built from graphite with a low weight and excellent casting performance, you’ll be able to throw big flies up to 60 feet into the wind with accuracy for hours – all you need on the flats. The soft tip gives them a great feel and makes those shorter, more accurate presentations easy too.
Super Tough Blank
Being an expensive rod, it also comes with great additional rod features including a super tough blank with enough backbone to hood onto the likes of GTs and sailfish. That backbone comes at a price though and these can feel heavy after a long day of casting.
The rod also comes with best components which includes titanium guides, a fighting but, and a lovely cork handle.
Specs
- Rod Type: Fly Fishing Rod
- Purpose: Saltwater Fishing
- Pieces: 4
- Weights: 6 – 12
- Length: 9 ft
- Material: Graphite
- Action: Fast
- Rod Tube: Yes
Pros
- Great looking with an amazing finish
- Low overall weight for easy fishing
- Easily cast distances of 60 feet
- Soft tip for losts of casting feel
- Great for short delicate accurate casts
- Enough backbone to cast into the wind
- Top quality reel seat, handle, and guides
- Comes with a fighting butt for lifting big fish like tarpon
- Includes a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Loses accuracy at distances of 80+ feet
- Feels a little heavy after a full day of fishing
Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod
The Orvis Helios 3D fly rod comes with all the performance features you’d expect at this level plus a little something extra. It’s designed to make casting easier and is thus ideal for pros and beginners, something you don’t often see in high end fly rods.
Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod
The Orvis Helios 3D Fly Rod is another expensive fly rod that comes with similar price tags to the others featured but it stands out in one special way. These fly rods provide incredible performance that both pros and beginners can handle.
Accurate Casting
The Orvis Helios 3D fly rod is made to be forgiving to cast with and the design actually absorbs your casting inconsistencies. This helps you put the fly where you want it to be on every cast and the result is catching more fish.
This expensive rod is packed with other excellent features too including a very low casting weight for long days of blind casting, excellent feel for casting accuracy, and all the power you need to tame your intended target.
Saltwater and Freshwater Fishing Options
These fly rods come in every weight for both saltwater and freshwater fishing too so there is a model for every occasion.
There are some negatives though including the white collar on the butt of the rod that some traditional fly anglers do not like the look of, and you only get a 25 year guarantee instead of a lifetime one like with most expensive fishing rods.
Specs
- Rod Type: Fly Rod
- Purpose: All Water Fly Rod
- Pieces: 4
- Weights: 4 – 12
- Length: 9 feet
- Material: Graphite
- Action: Fast
- Rod Tube: Yes
Pros
- Light for long casting days
- Very forgiving to cast with
- Provides excellent casting distances
- Great feel for presenting flies accurately
- Made for hauling big saltwater flies into the wind
- Solid blank recovery for faster line speeds
- Excellent energy transfer from butt to tip
Cons
- Only a 25 year guarantee
- Some don’t like it’s "look"
Sage Trout Spey HD Fly Rod
The Sage Trout Spey HD Fly Rod provides incredible performance for veteran fly fishermen who have excellent casting skills. Long casting distances with incredible accuracy are possible once this rod is tamed, but beginners won’t stand a chance.
Sage Trout Spey HD Fly Rod
Sage Trout Spey HD Fly Rod is one of the most expensive fishing poles you’ll ever find that is made solely for trout fishing.
Exceptional Build Quality
Being a Sage fishing rod, the rod comes with an exceptional build quality using only the best materials which translates to exceptional performance on the water.
You’ll have outstanding control of your casting distance and accuracy with these rods and be able to drop a fly with the utmost delicacy to a waiting trout.
Easy Casting
These fishing rods are light to make casting easier, have a stable tip to ensure a solid energy transfer, and you can pick up and shoot line like never before. But, there is a catch with these fishing rods.
The timing window on these fishing rods is tiny and if you miss it, chances are your cast isn’t going to go to plan, and it will not help you catch fish, it’s therefore for pros only.
Specs
- Rod Type: Spey Fly Rod
- Purpose: Spey Trout
- Pieces: 4
- Weights: 1 – 4
- Length: 10′ 3" to 11′ 3"
- Material: Graphite
- Action: Fast
- Rod Tube: Yes
Pros
- Stunningly finished for a great look
- Lightweight but strong and durable
- A stable tip with smooth power transfer
- Easy to pick up and shoot line solid distances
- Incredible casting distances if you have the skills
- Accurate casts at all distances
- Includes a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Only for trout fishing
- Tricky to tame for beginners
G. Loomis NRX 883S MR
The G.Loomis NRX 883S MR is an inshore spinning anglers dream. Light with amazing strength and casting performance you’ll be able to drop your lures anywhere you like, stop any fish that eats them, and do it all day long without a break.
G. Loomis NRX 883S MR
G.Loomis NRX 883S MR is a less pricey fishing rod than all the others featured but it’s still a very expensive spinning rod with all the performance features to match.
GL7 Resin System
Built with a special GL7 Resin System, this fishing rod provides exceptional strength, power and sensitivity while being exceptionally light, a combo you only find in expensive fishing rods.
This means you’ll be able to cast all day with this fishing rod, never miss a bite, and pull any stubborn big snook out of the mangroves with ease.
Designed For Inshore Fishing
These fishing rods are designed for inshore fishing and thus come with other rod features that ensure life on the flats is easy. The casting permanence is off the charts, the guides are designed to reduce tangles, and all the components are designed to survive saltwater.
Specs
- Rod Type: Spinning
- Purpose: Inshore Spinning
- Pieces: 1
- Weight: NA
- Length: 7′ 4"
- Material: Graphite
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Action: Fast
- Lure Weight: 3/16 – 3/4 oz
Pros
- Super light while being powerful
- Built to handle serious fights
- Will pull stubborn fish out of structure
- Excellent casting distances and accuracy
- Very sensitive with a lot of feel
- A delight to cast with
- Made with braid in mind
- Guides reduce tangles and friction
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- None I can find
Are expensive fishing rods worth it?
What makes these fishing rods different from other rods on the market?
Fishing rods have been used in civilizations for a long time, there is research that suggests that fishing rods existed in 2000 BC. Fishing rods have come a long way, these expensive rods are the pinnacle of what the latest technology can offer.
Most expensive fishing rods share three key attributes which include incredible performance, amazing build quality using the best materials, and a lifetime warranty. These rods might be higher in price compared to most rods on the market, but their quality makes them stand out from the rest.
Performance & Materials
You will have noticed that the fishing rods featured in the article are all exceptionally strong and powerful while being very light. This can only be accomplished through incredible design, manufacturing and using the best quality materials – thus the high prices.
Using fishing rods that are light, powerful, and cast exceptionally well ticks every box an angler needs to make fishing as fun, easy, and successful as possible.
NOTE
If you bought a more affordable rod, your casts wouldn’t go as far, they’d be less accurate, and you might break your rod on a trophy fish.
Bamboo Fly Rod
Speaking of bamboo rods, there is a bamboo fly rod that I wasn’t able to include in the list. These fine bamboo oyster rods won’t lose when compared to the other rods in the list. If you want a high quality bamboo rod, the Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is definitely worth considering.
Handcrafted
Each Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod is handcrafted individually and there are features you can add according to your preferences. To buy an Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod, you need to contact them through the Oyster Bamboo Fly Rod website.
Warranties
Pretty much every rod featured comes with a lifetime guarantee bar the Orvis which has a 25 year guarantee. With this kind of warranty, you have a rod for life. Even if you snap it while fighting a fish, you’re going to get a new one from the manufacturer for free.
Chances are, you’ll go through 4 or more affordable rods without this kind of warranty over your lifetime. This pretty much equates to an expensive fishing rod, so the upfront investment could actually save you money.
Here’s a video explaining if expensive fishing rods are worth it.
Who shouldn’t buy expensive fishing rods?
Buying the most expensive rod isn’t always ideal. Since expensive rods are geared towards performance, they can be hard to tame if you’re a beginner. If you’re new to fishing, it might be better to learn your skills or a more forgiving and more affordable rod before upgrading.
Reeling Up
Thanks for reading my article, I hope you enjoyed it and found that the article pretty much sums up why most expensive fishing rods cost what they do.
If you’re looking for a new purchase and want the best tool for catching fish that will also be with you for life, then an expensive and high quality fishing rod is the way to go.
Please share the article with your fishing buddies and let us know what you thought in the comments below. Also, feel free to check out my other articles for outdoor gear, such as this review of the best travel fly rods or this review of the top fly rods under 200 dollars.
