Gear Review: Rise Fishing Co. Level Series 9-foot 7-weight

The Rise Level 9-foot 7-weight performed admirably on this carp river in Denver. Photos: Rick Mikesell

Soft rods are having a moment. Most big-name makers have started to back off their stiffest fast-action tapers, dialing in more feel and feedback, and full flex-rods are benefitting from real advancements in technology after a few decades of neglect. But not every situation calls for delicacy. Sometimes power is the priority, and that is where the Rise Fishing Co. Level Series 7-weight ($550) steps in. This rod is built for distance, control, and lifting strength, yet still offers enough feedback to avoid feeling lifeless. In tough, on-the-water scenarios, it proved to be a workhorse that favors muscle but does not ignore finesse.

The Level 7-weight looks and feels like a more expensive rod. The cork is excellent, with a full wells grip capped in composite cork. The fighting butt follows suit, oversized and durable without feeling clunky. The anodized-aluminum reel seat features solid double uplocking rings and well-machined knurling. It locks down tight and stays secure.

The fit and finish of the rod suggest a higher price.

The blank is a deep gloss blue with crisp, modern branding. Wraps are clean and uniform. Guides include two chrome stripping guides and heavy-gauge snake guides from butt to tip. The rod comes with a microfiber sock and Cordura tube, which includes thoughtful details like an adjustable shoulder strap and a business-card sleeve for identification when traveling. It is built in South Korea, a region that has become known for advanced rod manufacturing and consistent quality at this price point.

Casting and Line Match

My first pairing was a Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity WF7F. It is a solid all-around taper that matches many of my favorite rods, but it did not bring the rod to life unless the full head was out. Swapping to an Airflo SuperFlo Ridge 2.0 Power Taper made a noticeable difference. The rod loaded quickly, turned over longer leaders with ease, and the rod carried over 60 feet of line with authority. Once dialed in, the Level handled a wide range of casts with minimal adjustment.

Carp in moving water can be a test for any rod, but the Level showed impressive fighting and lifting power.

On the Water

I tested the rod on several warmwater fisheries, beginning with moving water that demanded quick loading, accurate shots, and the ability to turn over heavy flies. It struck a solid balance of finesse and backbone. It loaded quickly without feeling unstable and handled big carp in the current with control.

A day on a large Colorado reservoir gave the rod room to stretch. The carp fed like redfish—moving in packs, chasing damselflies and baitfish, and requiring long, precise shots. The Level delivered consistent 50- to 60-foot casts and lifted strong fish out of vegetation. Even when fish ran under the boat or buried themselves in weed beds, the rod held up through deep, nerve-wracking bends. It would be well suited to light saltwater use, particularly for redfish and seatrout.

A fish that runs under the boat puts a lot of stress on a rod.

Bass were a natural next step. The rod had no trouble turning over large poppers and bass bugs. To push it further, I added an Airflo 7-foot fast sink tip polyleader with a wind-resistant Game Changer and a heavy tungsten Jawbreaker. What is usually a clumsy, chuck-and-duck setup fished surprisingly clean. The rod handled it with less effort than most in its class, and casts stayed relatively accurate despite the weight and wind resistance.

Good People Behind the Rods

Rise Fishing Co. is a small rod company based in the heart of striper country on Long Island, New York. I got to know Steve and Koby as booth neighbors with them at several Fly Fishing Show stops, and it did not take long to see that the company reflects exactly who they are. Steve is a talented caster, seasoned guide, and dedicated East Coast saltwater angler. Koby brings a western perspective shaped by a lifetime of trout fishing, hunting, and product development across the outdoor industry. Together, they have built a company rooted in fishing, with a clear focus on making rods that feel right in the hands of anglers who use them.

This bass ate a heavy Jawbreaker streamer, which was easy to cast with the Level.

Built for Power, Priced for Access

The Level 7-weight has the power to turn over heavy flies, carry line at distance, and stay in control when big fish dig in. It looks and feels like a premium rod, with thoughtful hardware and clean finishing throughout. Well suited for light saltwater and big freshwater species, it holds its own in situations where backbone matters. A great rod from a good company at a great price.

Check Out Rise Fishing Co.’s Level Series Rods Here