Last updated on December 31st, 2022 at 09:04 pm
Spinning rods are always the best decision to pick among various types of fishing rods, from beginner to professional fishing, spinning rods have the strength to perform in different situations, and when you have one of the best spinning rods you got the chance to land your ideal fish catch. From best spinning rods under $100 to best spinning rods above $100 all categories from ultra-light to medium-heavy are listed here!!
Although many brands offer spinning rods but selecting among the best rod makes it tricky because just buying an expensive rod does not qualify it as the Best Spinning rod until it meets your certain requirement as these rods may vary in many different factors for example spinning rods for trout fish, rods for saltwater fishing, spinning rods for bass fishing, rod action, power, pole material and many more. Our top 10 picks will not only save your time from endless searching but also serve as a guide to selecting the suitable one…
Top 3 Picks of best Spinnings rods
- Light weight
- comfortable to use
- affordable price
- 7 years warranty
- Lighweight
- Cork Handles
- both small and big fish catch
- Fast Action
- ultra light design
- graphite blank
- Corrosion Resistant
- Amazon Recommendation
FEATURES
Ugly stick tiger elite spinning rod contains 35 % more graphite which leads to a strong rod with length ranging from 4’6’’ to 7’6’’ resulting in increased sensitivity and great pulling power. It is also recommended for deep-sea fishing due to its unbreakable and strong components. The material of its handle contains Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) making its grip easy and strong.
Ugly Stick tiger elite 1 piece rod makes a good combination with Daiwa BG 5000 reel with 65lb Braid or Penn 6000 Series reels. Its users have been satisfied with its performance and rod power varying from medium to heavy spinning rods. Many anglers are impressed by its flexibility, and strong but lightweight rod helping them target a large catch even in heavy water. Moreover ugly stick’s fishing rods contain 7 years of warranty which also attracts the buyers’ attention.
The best thing about these rods is their comfort or ease to hold which is not only because of the comfy handles but all other factors its construction material, its availability in different lengths, sizes and powers collectively rises its vote to be a must added rod to your 2022 rod collection.
These rods are strong and they are sensitive so the slightest tough by the fish will never be neglected by the angler and more are the chances of a successful fishing day. Read complete review on Ugly Stik Elite.
- Perfect for full day fishing as they are super lightweight rods
- Comfortable to hold
- The rod comes with very affordable price
- A bit uncomfortable to bring on long travelling trip as they are one piece rods
2- St. Croix Rods Premier Spinning Rod
top rated spinning rods
FEATURES
ST Croix Premier Spinning rod’s construction makes it different from other regular spinning rods. It’s carbon construction serves as an exceptional alternative to other fiberglass and graphite rods.
They are rigid, tough, and strong enough to help you with your big catch. Its comfortable cork handles offer a strong grip on your spinning rod so you can ast all day long. It is best for fast fishing.
Moreover its 6 feet rod length with medium rod power performs fast action and provides you full control over the rod and you can catch bass, nothern pike and trout with this allrounder rod.
Its Fuji DPS real seats with frosted silver hoods are fixed over the rod to set your reel with your rod for a perfect fishing setup thus ST Croix upgraded the rod while maintaining the classic properties.
The best thing is rod tip sensitivity which increases the chances of a good catch. Even in rocky water conditions the rod steals the show, it is strong but still light as feather.
You can pair it with Shimano Stradic or Daiwa Saltist both are the best spinning reels tested with positive results.
Relative Content : best saltwater spinning reels 2022
This rod can be considered the best medium-heavy spinning rod as ST Croix has a fantastic variation in rods with rod power from ultra-light to extra heavy.
- Perfect for all type of fishing
- The rod is lightweight
- It’s weight and handle make it comfortable to hold during fishing
- reel seats keeps coming loose
- expensive than Ugly Stik Elite
best trout spinning rod
FEATURES
Okuma Celilo ultralight Trout Spinning Rods are ideal for catching trout, perch, and panfish with 6’6 feet in length, making it all set for your perfect trout fishing. Its weight is half as compared to the other light spinning rods.
Its aluminum oxide guide inserts make it corrosion-resistant so a versatile rod that is suitable to use in different water and weather conditions.
The cork handles make it easy to use and handy. Its smoothness in action, reliability, and durability raise it’s users’ satisfaction, and thats why ranked among the list of popular fishing rods.
This model comes with six different variations in it. The ultralight design of this rod makes any size fish a fun battle.
It has the smoothest casting experience over the water and has a good hook setting power. So what makes it not to add in the best light spinning rods’ list.
- The rod comes with good casting distance
- Perfect rod for trout fishing
- One of the Amazon’s recommended product
- Some users experienced tip breakage
best spinning reel and rod
FEATURES
Again an Ugly Stik’s product with a big fan following as Ugly Stik is a pure fishing brand popularly known for its quality fishing gears among anglers. It is an upgraded and modern addition to the classic Ugly Sticks.
The Ugly StikGX2 spinning rod comes with 2-piece rod construction and its fiberglass and graphite construction combination makes it a strong, lightweight, and flexible rod.
It is one of my favourite rod and I will definitely recommend this to the beginners because again an amazing rod with powerful features which is easy to use and perfect to use in differrent conditions in such an affordable price range is a perfect rod to take start with.
The rod handles comes with EVA grips to add comfort moreover the rod’s cosmetics are upgraded which gives rod an attractive and modern look.
It is durable and sensitive at the same time so it lets you feel the slightest fish bite to your bait and being strong and sturdy helps you fight with the fish. No doubt that Ugly Stik GX2 is a long-lasting product and will be your fishing partner for a long period.
Moreover, It is quite affordable as compared to Ugly Stik Tiger Elite and also maintains its heritage and meets modern traditions of popular fishing rods.
- Price is relatively lower than Ugly Stik Tiger Elite
- It is durable and sensitive spinning rod
- This rod fulfils all the modern gear requirements
- Old users still prefer the previous models
- Not a perfect rod to use with braided line
best Shimano spinning rods
FEATURES
Are you seeking a good alternative option to an expensive rod for a good start ? Here is the best solution I have for you.
SHIMANO Solora series is designed as an ideal startup package for fresh anglers to learn the skill. Durable Aero glass blank construction, aluminum oxide guides, and full-length cork grip set it compatible to join the best 2-piece spinning rods group even at a cheap price.
Its rod construction makes it flexible, durable, and comfortable to use even for people of all ages. Its medium power helps in performing fast action fishing.
Like all other professional and expensive spinning rods these rod also have reel seats which perfectly tights down your reel.
A perfect rod for bass and saltwater fishing and as it is a 2-piece rod you can easily carry it on your fishng trips. Moreover its a long lasting product which not only maintains its cosmetics but also performs its best each time you cast it.
Adding more to its features the rod is sensitive to feel the nib of the fish hence proving itself as a wise option to pick this rod not just for the beginners but for the professionals too.
- It is an easy to use rod especilly for beginners
- It is quite affordable to take a start with
- A reliable, long lasting product
- It requires regular maintenance
- The rod weighs more than other spinning rods
- It is less flexible as compared to other rods
best entery-level spinning rods
FEATURES
Daiwa rod combo is simple, easy to use, and popular among all its users due to its affordable, budget-friendly price with incredible qualities. It comes with fiberglass rod construction. As fiberglass rods are very well known due to their flexibility, less maintainability, and affordable range of prices. This rod fulfills all these as expected.
It is strong and sensitive enough to catch largemouth bass even many beginners used it for catching bass, trout and crappie.
Daiwa rod combo comes with a minimum 6 feet long fiberglass rod and a 2000 size reel so you wouldn’t have to worry about the perfect pair for the rod.
It is perfect for beginners to control and manage. Its gripped cork handle makes it comfortable to hold even with wet hands. Moreover it is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
So, if you are going out for a fishing trip, whether you are a beginner or a professional angler Daiwa D-Shock spinning rod will prove itself the best of all among other expensive spinning rods.
Daiwa D- Shock spinning rod can be ranked as the best travel spinning rod.
- A budget-friendly combo
- It is a lightweight and easy to use rod
- Its easy to maintain this combo
- Perfect startup package for freshers
- The slip joint is loose
- On the strong cast top blank can slide out
best travel spinning rod
FEATURES
This one comes with 24-ton graphite rod blanks which means more the graphite more stiffer the rod is. It has smooth stainless Steel Guide. Its 2 piece structure makes it easy to carry on your trip. They are newly designed travel rods so they just perfectly fits even in a small car.
It’s a smooth and fast action rod and with comfortable EVA handles it just offers a smooth fishing operation. It is best for both fresh water and saltwater fishing rod and you can catch both small or heavy big catch.
The best part about this rod is that all these incredible features don’t affect the rod’s weight it is still a lightweight rod and a perfect rod to catch bass, trout, and walleye.
Its stainless steel guides with SiC inserts enhance its super smooth action, avoiding line sticking into the guides. The variety in this spinning rod among lengths, power, action, and handles ensures maximum effectiveness. These good spinning rods are ideal for game fishing.
- Suitable for gamefishing
- Perfect for catching variety of species
- Inexpensive fishing combo
- No long term warranty is available with this product
best freshwater spinning rods
FEATURES
One of the worth buying entries into the list of best spinning rods. Shimano is well known for its quality products. But Shimano FX 2 piece freshwater spinning rod has made its place in a very short time among others with its remarkably cheap price and quality features.
Its aero glass construction which make this rod lightweightand flexible and the EVA handles make it a good choice for both beginners and professional anglers. Its combination with Zebco 33 micro trigger spinner is recommended by its users.
It also serves great for casting long distances. Shimano FX Spinning Freshwater Fishing rod is among best fishing rods in the market at a minimal price. It’s a worth buying product which will not dissapoints you in any fishing condition. Pair it with Shimano Nasci or Stradic or any other Shimano spinning reel from the list.
- An unexpensive rod
- Suitable for different fishing conditions
- Offers long casting distance
- Perfect for both professionals and beginners
- Not suitable for bass fishing
best spinning rod brand
FEATURES
A modern and advanced fishing rod constructed with a mixture of 24T/30T carbon blanks which enhances its strength, and durability and makes it lightweight and easy to handle rod. It is one the most reliable and popular fishing rods with light extra fast action, 7 guides +tip, and cork handles that make it comfy.
There are almost 10 variations in this PENN’S spinning rod with differences in length, casting weight, and number of pieces. These rods are fitted with high-quality aluminum reel seats with stainless steel hoods and steel guides with LTS rings.
A very lightweight spinning rod perfect for inshore fishing. It’s just a treat for fishermen to have such a wide variety of spinning rods.
- It is a strong and reliable rod
- One an catch big heavy fish with it
- Perfect to use with mono line
- Tip breakage is faced by some of its user
- Not suitable to use with braided line
best heavy spinning rods
FEATURES
As per the name the Zebco Rhino Tough spinning rod is 2 piece fishing rod constructed with layers of heavy-duty cross-weave graphite for a tough and stable blank design. A lot of fishing adventures are on the way as its strong graphite is surrounded by the fiberglass core in combination with the strong solid glass tip which adds durability to the rod.
The rod is perfectly designed to tackle a big fish its handles are specially designed for this purpose so an angler will be super comfortable even when fighting with a tough catch.
Its ability to hold a line weight of 4-10 pounds and a lure weight of 1/16-1/4 ounces proves it perfect for both light and heavy species from panfish to trout, walleye, bass, and more. Its extreme toughness, heavy-duty strength, all-day comfort, and versatility in use have marked its popularity among users.
- Strong and tough rod
- Fast Action Rod
- Stiff Guides
11- Shimano Zodias Spinning Rods
best medium power spinning rods
FEATURES
Fishing rods that are lighter in weight are always appreciated by anglers, but many brands to produce flimsy rods, reduce the quality of the rods as a result the rod snaps into two pieces.
Shimano Zodias without adding any additional weight to the rod make this rod ideally lightweight. The rods being feathery are still durable and have enough backbone to catch the heavy striped bass and other inshore fishing targets.
All its durability credits go to Hi-Power X construction which is a wrapping of carbon tape to the rod’s outermost layer. This advanced feature in its updated version enhances the rod performance to another level.
In addition to this, the rod is great with sensitivity and a solid grip. The added Hollow Carbon Monocoque grip makes sure to pick up the slightest fish wobble vibrations and transfer them directly to the angler’s hand.
The best part is, the addition of this grip increased the rod sensitivity up to 30%.
To maintain the balance of the rod and to make it suitable for almost every type of fishing targeting multiple-sized species, these rods feature the Ci4+ reel seat. That does not disturb the rod’s balance, plus these reel seats do not let the reel loosens from its position. Simply a big relief from the most annoying thing.
The Alconite line guides without any additional weight enhance the casting accuracy and smoother cast. Thus allowing rod and reel to perform at their best. You can accurately cast a ½ oz. lure with this weight hence targeting bigger catches.
Shimano Zodias is playing its role as the best durable spinning rod, seriously it is hard to break these rods. Pair it with Shimano larger spools spinning reels among them Vanford is the top recommendation.
The only comprising part is the price. Might be difficult to swallow at first, but I bet the moment you will cast your heavy lure with this rod, the price point will compensate.
- The spinning rod perfect for bigger-sized fish
- Premium Quality Components
- Lightweight rod
- Expensive spinning rod
12- Fiblink 3-Piece Spinning Rod
best spinning rod under $100
FEATURES
It is always good to have multi-piece travel-friendly spinning rods. They can be always present in your car or trunks so whenever and where ever you want to fish you can! If you are a moving angler then you should seriously consider the Fiblink 3-piece rod in your rod s collection.
These rods besides being 3 –piece offers the performance of a one-piece rod. The rod ferrules are of high-quality materials so they fix all the segments of the rods properly. It’s a durable multi-piece rod and a reliable option for saltwater catches and boat fishing.
The main part is the rod’s construction which is Carbon Fiber. These rods are stiffer and at the same time offer the required flex and backbone when landing a bigger fish. The good part is the rods are also lighter in weight so enjoy a long day fishing without any arm fatigue.
This construction of rods also ensures that the rod wouldn’t be snapped under heavy load. Because they are made to tackle tough conditions. To maintain the powerful performance with any type of fishing line it has stainless steel line guides.
These line guides are corrosion and heat-resistant, offer smooth casts, and are durable enough that they wouldn’t bend easily under heavy load. The Aluminum alloy steel hooded reel seat and line guides all can bear the saltwater bruises.
In addition to this, for increased sensitivity, the rod features EVA grips that pick up vibrations and add comfort to hold the rod for a longer period. Moreover, you can cast 2-8 oz. lures with these rods.
It is available in three different lengths i.e. 6, 6’6”, and 7 feet. If you are in search of a durable rod, perfect for traveling, and must be within the budget the Fiblink 3-piece spinning rod is worth buying as these rods are strong enough to land Tuna, salmon, and other shore and other off-shore fishing catches without any hassle.
If you are interested to go with spinning rods under $100 we have a full list all below $100 and a proper buying guide.
- Budget-friendly spinning rod
- Perfect for traveling
- This multi-piece rod can cast heavy lures up to 8 oz.
- Rod is also suitable for trolling
- Make sure to give the rod a freshwater catch after saltwater fishing as the ferrules or guides might be rusted if aren’t maintained properly
Buying Guide for choosing a good spinning rod
You should consider all of the following factors before buying a spinning rod or you can learn about the best spinning rods categorized on basis of species, budget, and type of fishing. A proper buying guide is covered in each category. Some of the related articles to spinning rods are
- Best inshore spinning rods
- Best ultra-light spinning rods
- Best Spinning rods under $100
- Best spinning rod for trout
- Best spinning rods for bass
Diving into the general buying guide for spinning rods.
Material
According to me, the first thing to consider is the material used for rod construction. It can be fiberglass, graphite, a mixture of both (composite), or carbon fiber.
Fiberglass rods are cost-effective and the ideal choice for a big fish catch but heavier as compared to graphite and carbon fiber whereas graphite rods are popular for being light in weight, more powerful, and offer great sensitivity to feel the slightest fish nibbles but relatively more expensive.
Composite rods are a combination of graphite and fiberglass and offer the features of both construction materials. At last, there are Carbon fiber rods which are an enhanced form of graphite although they are the most expensive of all. They are lightweight, strong, and durable. They are the optimal choice when graphite lightness, and stiffness but the fiberglass flex is required.
Length
The length of a rod decides how long you can cast. The longer the rod is, the longer the casting distance is achieved. The main matter of concern is when to choose the shorter vs the longer length rod.
It’s quite simple when you need to cast long, for deep water conditions, pier fishing, fishing with walking baits, topwater lures, and saltwater fishing. All are the conditions when long-length rods are best to pick.
The fishing rods that are shorter in length offer casting accuracy. They are more manageable and less prone to breaking. When you want to cast the lure right on the point use shorter-length rods.
The hook set leverage also depends on the rod’s length and the shorter rods offer better leverage.
Guides
The circular loop of metal that is affixed to the length of the rod is the fishing rod’s guide. Their basic function is to keep the line separate from the rod. A general way to check a guide is by sawing a line through the guide if the line breaks, you should go for searching a better guide.
Stainless steel guides can be considered worth buying guides as compared to aluminum oxide or silicon carbide guides. Titanium guides are of top quality among all guides material but this also raises the rod’s price.
The no of line guides also affects your cast. These guides allow to rod and reel to perform their best and also to cast the spooled-out line straight and tight removing the line coils. Generally, a greater number of line guides are preferred. One guide per foot. The more are the no of guides more accurate the cast will be.
Power
Power describes how much pressure or force is required to bend a rod. It is the strength and backbone of the rod i.e. what weight and size of the fish a rod can carry. Rod power comes in different variations from light, medium to heavy. There are many in-between options e.g. Ultra-light, medium-light, you can choose it according to the size of the catch.
As their name suggests, the heavy the rod the more material is used to make the rod stronger and stiffer as a result the weight of the rod increases.
Heavy power rods are best for a big fish catch, they are less flexible and only bend from the tip, casting with heavy lures and line test, heavy power rods are the optimal pick.
Medium power for medium-sized fish, these rods are good with maneuverability, they cast regular-sized and weight lines and lures, with minimal flex and stiffness. Medium-power spinning rods are recommended for bass, musky, and walleye cast.
While light to ultra-light power rods is optimal to catch pan fish. They handle lighter lures up to 1/8 oz. with a line up to 4 lb. pound test. These power rods are the recommended rating for beginners.
As novice anglers, mainly start with pan fishing and target smaller fish ultra-light spinning rods with fast action are the ideal pick.
To learn more about fishing rod power check out this guide.
Action
The action of the rod means how the rod bends from top to bottom while lifting up a weight. This action is called rod flex. The more the rod flexes, the slower the action is. The action rating also indicates how fast the rod returns to its original position after bending.
Generally, the action of the rod is rated among three different categories i.e. fast, moderate, and slow. Many in-between options like moderate-slow, moderate-fast, extra-fast, etc. are also offered by the fishing rod brands.
The fast action rod bends near the tip, the medium action rod bends from the middle point to the tip and the light action rods are flexible of all. They bend throughout the length right above the butt section to the rod’s tip.
To catch fish like largemouth bass, striper, or other larger fish species fast action rods are the perfect match. Fast-action rods are also good at quick hook sets. Among spinning rods, fast-action rods are the ideal pick.
If you are jigging or worm fishing, fast-action rods should be picked, then if you want more casting distance, pick moderate or moderate-fast action rods.
Retrieving straight or casting treble hook lures, slow action rods are suitable for this fishing type.
Learn more about the rod action in this guide as each power rating is explained in detail here.
Rod Handle
The rod’s handle is one of the most important things to consider. Handles should offer a good grip and should be comfortable to hold by anglers. Handles are often of two types cork and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) both offer firm grip but cork handles are waterproof, are lighter in weight than EVA grips and there is less sweating of hands with cork grips.
EVA grips are less expensive than cork and more durable than cork. EVA grips are good for winter fishing while cork handles serve in all conditions. The good thing about EVA handles is that they retain their shape for a longer period and do not get affected when placed in a rod holder on beach fishing..
Line and lure weight
Line weight refers to the maximum capacity of the rod regarding lure and line weight. Generally, these ratings are mentioned on the rods according to the rod power. For example, a heavy power rod can cast heavy lures up to 10 oz. to target larger fish catch whereas a light or ultra-light rod can cast a lure maximum of 1/8 oz. with a 1-4 lb. pound test.
To save your rod from snapping in half make sure not to exceed the mentioned lure and line weight limit. To learn more about the line and lure ratings of each type of rod check this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Although casting rods are more professional rods than spinning but still there are tons of reasons to use them. Spinning rods are the budget and beginner friendly. Having the best spinning rods is equal to having an all-rounder fishing rod. Pick a seven inches fishing rod and you can go for any fishing type.
Spinning rods are also great with finesse fishing techniques like drop shot rig or Texas rig for bass. A versatile type of rod that should be part of every angler’s arsenal.
If you are a beginner pick spinning rods, if you want to teach the young ones, pick spinning rods, if you want to gift someone, pick spinning rods. These are the best and always will in every situation.
Last but not least one suggestion from me is to clean your rods and reels with fresh water after every time you use them because the salt in the water may cause damage to your rod and reel.
Hope you find this guide helpful by the FishingSideLife team.
how long do you think this will last?
good