Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Fishing Rod

Another awesome Berkeley Lightning fishing rod for under $60. These are my favorite budget fishing rods. They cast and bring fish in just like a $600 Mega pass custom rod. They have great sensitivity they have very nice action especially with braided line. I have some of these on my Cabin boat that are 10 years old and get used by everybody and everybody likes them. They're very lightweight they have an awesome core candle nice stainless guides.

Nice so far haven't caught fish on it yet

Never got to fish with it because the tip arrived broken off. It’s no surprise as the tip is soooooo thin in diameter, no way it would have lasted regardless. The cork is also super cheap and felt like trash in my hand. Definitely not a rod I’d recommend, I’ll stick with my UglyStik’s. They rarely break and if they do they have a 7 year warranty!

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.

Got the 6' ML 1 piece paired with a KastKing Zephyr SFS spooled with 8lb braid to 6 lb fluoro leader. The rod is a little more "noodly" than my other ML rods but works well for a light tackle setup. Love the rubberized cork handles. Took it out for a couple hours wading the delaware river after work chasing smallmouth. 8 total fish including one around 15". This rod handled them all very well using a small 2.5" Rebel TracDown minnow. Would absolutely recommend this rod so far for the price.

The media could not be loaded. Honestly, I have zero complaints. This thing has been great. Everything feels like a monster. Haha. Just took it Snook fishing to laugh at myself while getting smoked but it handled them incredibly well. Even caught a 4.5lb bass with it… I use a 500 sized Kastking zephyr (my go too reel I have 7 from 500-4000) with 6lb braid. If you are looking for a great ultralight I would definitely recommend this one. The 8ft can cast light lures FAR. It’s a little whippy but certainly not a noodle.

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 have several Berkley Rods in my arsenal. They all perform very well. The LIghtning is the newest is is very nice, fast taper , very responsive and has a great action. I have caught a couple of black bass and several sandies already. Love it !!