Are you looking for a new waggler rod and unsure where to start? Here we will take a look at the best best match rods for 2021 and help you find the most suitable rod for your needs.
Contents
In a Hurry?
There are many different factors that influence what rod is best for different anglers, methods and species of fish. However, overall the best match rod is the Daiwa D.
- Premium grade carbon blanks
- Low glare matt tape finish for improved weight and crisper action
- Stainless steel frame guides with aluminium oxide rings
- Cork with EVA rear grip handle
- Hook keeper
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Before we look at the best match rods, lets take a look at the factors you should consider before making a decison,
What is a match rod?
A match rod is primarily a float rod, or a waggler rod. They usually come in 2 or 3 pieces and are generally around 10ft to 12ft long.
Match rods are designed to be light and flexible but with a good rod action to give you great control over your cast and when playing a fish.
As the name suggests, a match rod gets it’s name from fishing a “match”, a competitive fishing tournament whereby you want to catch as many fish as possible.
Match fishing is where the term “yank and bank” comes from. Meaning you want to catch as many fish as possible and land them as quick as you can, allowing the angler to get back fishing. This would give the angler a greater chance of catching more fish and winning the match.
What rod length is best for you?
To a great extent, this is down to personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer as to which rod length is best – it’s whatever is best for you and what you prefer.
In some cases, you need a large rod for very long casts, but it is unlikely that you will need a match rod for very long casting.
Similarly, some longer rods are stronger and have more power. Again, this is irrelivant to match rods as if you require really strong rods for specimen carp, then you will be better served with a specimen carp rod.
If you often fish small venues, or lakes with lots of overhanging branches, then a small rod may be best for you.
Most match rods are between 10ft and 12ft and occasionally 13ft. You really need not worry about going any longer for float fishing.
What size fish will you be targeting?
When considering what rod to buy, you need to first consider what fish you plan on catching.
If you only plan to catch small silvers and perch down the canal, then you should look for a light rod with lots of flex in the rod tip. At the other end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for a rod to fish the pellet wagger for carp, then you should consider a stronger rod.
The Best Match Rods
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Daiwa D – The Best Match Rod
The Daiwa D is a waggler rod designed for commercial fisheries and the wide variety of fish stocked in them, making it the ideal match rod.
This rod from Daiwa is is very well balanced and offers great flexibility. There is just enough power when playing larger carp, but also enough suppleness in the tip when playing smaller fish. This is the perfect all round match rod.
Daiwa make very good rods to a high quality and they make no expection with the Daiwa D. It’s a very durable rod which will stand the test of time and heavy fishing.
The weight of this rod makes it perfect for match and waggler fishing. Weighing in at 220 grams, this is a very light rod when you consider the considerable power it offers. Holding this rod in your hands all day will be a doddle.
This is a rod designed for with catching carp in mind, so if you do not plan on fishing or carp, or rarely fish venues with that stock carp, then you may not need this rod.
- Premium grade carbon blanks
- Low glare matt tape finish for improved weight and crisper action
- Stainless steel frame guides with aluminium oxide rings
- Cork with EVA rear grip handle
- Hook keeper
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Middy White Knuckle Waggler Rod – Best Value For Money
The Middy White Knuckle waggler rod is a very capable rod and offers the best value for money for it’s strength and lack of weight.
This is a strong and powerful rod but it is still surprisingly light. The extra strength provided by the Middy White Knuckle is great for controling fish when fishing close to islands and in the margins.
It’s hard to find anything wrong with this rod. Being super critical, the Daiwa D is a little bit more flexible in terms of playing power and suppleness for both large and small fish.
This would also make a good feeder or pike rod.
The Middy White Knuckle is a very strong carp waggler rod that offers great value for money. If you were looking for a rod for small silvers and perch, then you should continue reading below.
- 10ft
- Line Rating To 10lb
- Triple xxx Carbon Strength
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sonik SKSC Commercial waggler – Best For Children and Beginners
The 9ft Sonik SKSC Commercial waggler is a great little rod that promises hours of fun on the bank.
It’s a small cheap rod designed for smaller fish such as silvers and small carp. If you plan on fishing for large carp then you should avoid this rod as it is not suitable.
However, for children and beginners, this is a great little rod to get you started. As it’s a small rod, it’s easy to control on cast and also easy to manouvre when playing fish.
The Sonik SKSC is very responsive and offers enough power to control carp upto around 8lb comfortably. Don’t worry if you hook anything larger, it will just take extra time and care to land.
This rod also comes with a cork handle which is very well received. Most rods at this price point usually come with plastic handles.
In summary, this is a fantastic little rod that would be a great addition for any new angler.
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Shakespeare Beta Match Rod – Best Budget Match Rod
Shakespeare Beta Match Rod is an entry level match rod. With entry level tackle, you expect some compromise. Taking that into consideration, this is still a fantasic rod for the price.
For a start, it’s very light at 212 grams. Usually for entry level rods, you would expect them to be made from heavier material – especially when they offer such reasonable power and control as this rod from Skakespeare offers.
Similar to the Sonik SKSC rod above, this rod is not targeted at those fishing for large carp. It’s an entry level match rod and is targeted towards beginners, children and the budget conscious.
Whilst at similar price points to the Sonik SKSC, the Shakespeare has a slight advantage of being a foot longer, coming in at 10ft, which is why we consider this to be the best budget match rod.
There are some compromises to be had, as this comes in three pieces rather than two. That is not necessarily a problem when fishing with the rod, but when transporting the rod and when packing away it is a little bulky.
For the price, this budget, entry level rod is a fantastic rod and we’re very happy to recommend this to new anglers starting out their fishing journey.
- 3.0 m / 10 feet telescopic blank / 3 sections
- Aluminium Oxide guides
- Lined guide
- EVA handle
- Cushioned reel seat
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Other Match Rods To Consider
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
