Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Fishing Rod

I like these rods because they seem like a good bargain. Good quality, all-around rods in different sizes and weights. I use them in the salt for Reds, Specs, and Flounder, and in the fresh for Bass and pan fish. I've purchased a few over the years and they have all held up except for one. I high-sticked a bass with it and the tip snapped off. Maybe another rod would have held up better. I've read other reviews from people that had the same problem. But I still buy them because you are not supposed to high-stick fish with your rods. I bought the very light 6' pan-fish rod and a 1000 Penn reel after I broke the Bass rod. It's been a great setup for my kayak while fishing ponds and rivers for Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, and even Bowfin.

I like berkley rods. This one is a perfect 5 weight and balance are as perfect as I have ever used, well built. BUT WHY ARENT THEY MADE IN USA

Bought this rod early 2021. Really liked it and used it regularly. May 2022 the tip broke while casting a 1/4oz jig. I just trimmed it back a couple inches and added a new tip guide and kept using it. September 2022 the rod breaks again about 2/3 of the way up the blank landing a fish. The warranty only says 30 days but I emailed Berkley customer service anyway. They requested pictures and the receipt and 3 weeks later a brand new one arrived at my house. Awesome!! right ? Used it a couple time and 3rd time out the new replacement breaks between the 4th and 5th guides while casting a 3/8 oz carolina rig. I'm not going to bother contacting Berkely again. Even if they sent me another free replacement rod I have so little confidence in the product I would never use it. Customer service was great but the reviews on this rod proved to be correct. Very prone to breakage which is a shame because I liked the rod and the price was affordable. UPDATE: after the 1st replacement rod broke I did send customer service another email telling them of my utter disappointment. They asked for more pics etc which I never bothered to send but 3 weeks later out of the blue another replacement rod showed at my front door. Although the customer service has been unexpectedly good... the rods just can't be trusted. The brand new 2nd replacement rod will eventually be given away or sold on a garage sale.

I have used this rod on several fishing trips to the Rockies and it is now my go to trout fishing rod. Its performance so far has been unmatched and its versatility for different bait or lures, is a game changer. I believe I have four of them now.

Got this rod to replace a couple glass composite rods that were relatively new but didn't have the sensitivity or backbone I decided I wanted. This rod is supposed to be a 24 ton carbon composite blank, same as another rod I have from a different manufacturer, but this one has way more flexibility. Not sure if that's a deal breaker yet. This was a warehouse deal and the box showed up bent but the rod blank seems ok so maybe it has some durability. Love the guide quality and quantity, the blank finish, the double lock reel seat. The rubberized cork handle will wait to see if the greater flexibility this has over my other lightning rods lacks the sensitivity and backbone of the others..

Like my Ugly Stiks review, the only fault with the rod is it won't stand up to being run over by your fishing buddy. Fortunately he didn't run over the Original lighting rod and I was able to buy two new light 5'6" rods which are perfect for trout and Walleye and small mouth bass. The new cork grip is great and it sends spinners long distance.

Box after UPS delivered it was destroyed, but my new Lightning Rod was intact and undamaged.I have been using Berkley Lightning rods since the mid 1980's, and will be adding this to the collection. These rods have put many fillets on the table over the years. Great rod at any price. Great value, sensitivity, and backbone. Poor packaging or mishandling/rough handling during shipping is not an issue with the rod quality. Not sure what everyone is doing to break the rods while fishing, but I have never had issue in the last 40 years with them breaking when I get hung up on a brush pile. Maybe try pointing the rod at the snag rather than trying to break off pulling against the rod as if you have a fish on. I find myself reaching for these roďs more times than my others. I have ACC, B&M, Pro Angler, Allstar, Gloomis, old American Rodsmith, and these compete quality wise with any, but the price has climbed quite a bit.

I have been using the Berkeley lightning rod for over 30 years and will be using one forever I love this spinning rod I have a couple of 7ft 2 peice and an an avid walleye fisherman it's my go to killing stick!!!

Ligera, bonita y muy bien balanceada

great rod and nice and light weight which is what i was looking for. perfect for your average size walleye 20" or under, handled a good fight with fresh water drum. perfect for jigging off boat or even casting from shore

Very nice rod, perfect for handling smaller fish. First one arrived broken but the second one was perfect. Caught some trout and it performed very well. It is very sensitive so catching smaller fish is very enjoyable. I wouldn't try using it for bigger fish as it most likely wouldn't survive.

Muy buen producto, de excelente calidad.

I purchased a Berkley Lightning rod 1 month ago.I have had multiple of these exact rods in the past and really enjoyed them.This rod snapped aprox 10" down on the second use!I am hoping to be contacted to see how we can rectify this issue.Thank you .