Fishing Rod and Reel Rankings: The Most Searched Fishing Rods and Reels (2026)
Ranked by what people actually search
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Shopping for a fishing rod or a new reel? These are the rod and reel brands people in the US search for most every month, ranked by monthly searches, not by who pays us. We filtered out video game “fishing rod” searches. Ugly Stik leads with about 16,280.
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The 10 most searched rod and reel brands
| Rank | Brand | Searches/mo |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Ugly Stik (Shakespeare) Buy on Amazon | 16,280 |
| 02 | Shimano (incl. Stella, Stradic, Curado) Buy on Amazon | 11,620 |
| 03 | Penn Buy on Amazon | 9,840 |
| 04 | Abu Garcia Buy on Amazon | 6,290 |
| 05 | Daiwa Buy on Amazon | 5,100 |
| 06 | Zebco Buy on Amazon | 4,680 |
| 07 | KastKing Buy on Amazon | 3,780 |
| 08 | 13 Fishing Buy on Amazon | 3,180 |
| 09 | St. Croix Buy on Amazon | 2,900 |
| 10 | Sougayilang Buy on Amazon | 1,890 |
Searches/mo = estimated monthly US rod and reel searches for each brand, with name variants added together (Semrush, October 2026).
The top 10, with where to buy
1.Ugly Stik (Shakespeare)
Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik rods are known for being tough, and come as rods and rod-and-reel combos.
2.Shimano (incl. Stella, Stradic, Curado)
The Japanese company’s reels include the Stella and Stradic spinning reels and the Curado baitcaster.
6.Zebco
Zebco is known for easy-to-use spincast reels and combos, popular with beginners.
7.KastKing
KastKing sells lower-priced rods, reels and fishing line direct and on Amazon.
9.St. Croix
St. Croix makes fishing rods, many built in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
10.Sougayilang
A budget rod and reel brand sold mainly on Amazon, known for telescopic rods.
Rod and reel combos for beginners
Fishing rod and reel combos get about 3,600 searches a month, and best beginner fishing rod about 1,300. Ugly Stik and Zebco combos are common first rods.
Fly fishing rods
Fly fishing rods get about 14,800 searches a month.
Telescopic and collapsible rods
Telescopic and collapsible rods add up to about 32,000 searches a month. They shrink down to fit in a car, backpack or RV.
Ice fishing rods
Ice fishing rods get about 23,000 searches a month, and the season is coming. They’re short rods made for fishing through a hole in the ice.
Rod holders and storage
Rod holders and storage add up to about 70,000 searches a month (fishing rod holders 8,100).
What are the best fishing rod brands?
We rank by searches, not reviews. Ugly Stik, Shimano, Penn, Abu Garcia and Daiwa get the most monthly US searches.
What is the best beginner fishing rod?
Many beginners start with a rod and reel combo, like an Ugly Stik or Zebco combo.
What is a telescopic fishing rod?
A rod that slides down into itself so it’s short enough to pack and carry.
What is the difference between spinning and baitcasting reels?
Spinning reels hang under the rod and are easier to learn. Baitcasters sit on top and give more control, but take practice.
How this list is ranked: estimated monthly US searches from Semrush keyword data (pulled October 2026), with name variants added together. Search interest is not sales, and it isn’t a review. Brands we can’t link to stay on the list.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, What Are People Buying earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links never change the order; the ranking comes from search data only. Read our affiliate disclosure.