Apart from electric fishing rods, manual fishing rods come in a variety of types. And of all the available types, spinning rods are by far the most common. They are pretty easy to use, and any novice can easily learn how to set up a spinning reel and rod.
However, choosing the ideal spinning rod is more complicated than you would think. That’s because there are thousands of spinning rods available, and picking the right one might be difficult. Fortunately, we’re here to assist you.
Whether you’re new to the sport or specialize in finesse fishing, having the incorrect fishing equipment may completely spoil your day outdoors. Of course, your success is not only limited to your choice of spinning rod alone but also on your choice of the best fishing reel and the other fishing gear and accessories that you will need for your fishing trip.
And, while completing your fishing vacation without a catch isn’t the ideal way to do it, you should pick the proper spinning rod to get the most out of your excursion. Spinning rods are the best way to start with since they’re enjoyable to fish with, flexible, and you can learn how to cast them in a couple of hours.
This review will guide you through the most excellent spinning rods to make it a lot easier for you to choose the best spinning rod. to help you make an informed decision, the review will also cover the pros and cons of each spinning rod.
Table of Contents
Top 8 Spinning Rods
Editor’s Pick For Best Spinning Rod: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
Shakespeare spinning rods are among the best because when made, the fisherman was in mind. The Ugly Stik Elite, which is without a doubt the ultimate spinning rod that any fisherman could hope for, is one of Shakespeare’s best spinning rods. With over 17 distinct versions, you’ll pay less than $100 and have a rod that can handle nearly any sort of circumstance in terms of power, length, action, and a variety of other factors.
The guides on the Ugly Stik Elite rods appear to be the compromise since several customers have reported that they wear out rapidly. If this occurs, changing them would be easy, but it’s worth noting so you can make an abetter-educated choice about this rod.
Key Features and Benefits
The backbone of this rod will become apparent fast, and it will handle considerably more resistance than you may expect. Given the line weight it’s intended to carry. I doubt you’ll be able to break this rod in a battle.
This rod is quite pleasant to grip, and when used with a proper spinning reel, you can see that the balance gets carefully considered and included in the design.
The Ugly Stik Elite’s premium cork grips serve to improve the rod’s feel and performance. They are incredibly comfortable to grip, allowing you to flip lures for lengthy periods without becoming fatigued.
Because of the transparent tip design, you’ll be able to feel even the tiniest knocks on your lures as soon as they happen, perhaps leading to more excellent hook-up rates.
Pros
- Because of the mix of fibreglass and graphite, it is firm and durable.
- Very long-lasting
- The rod has a cork grip handle for a comfortable grip.
- It’s a little lighter, but it’s a lot more sensitive.
- Includes a 7-year warranty.
Cons
- After some time, the line guide may become troublesome.
- Pricier than other models.
Verdict
Although its broad range of options may turn off some individuals, it helps you select something just right for you. You should consider this spinning rod if you want to go fishing and have a good time, as it provides durability, effectiveness, and top performance.
Best Value For Money Spinning Rod: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
The GX2 spinning rod from Shakespeare is another soul-satisfying spinning rod with great features at a surprisingly low price. It feels lightweight, is incredibly robust and comes in 23 significant variants while being built for harsh environments.
Key Features and Benefits
I’ve never seen a rod as rugged as an Ugly Stik, and they’ve earned their name by putting up a good fight after a good battle. The GX2 series provides rugged durability in a light-action design at a price that any fisherman can afford.
Expect a delicate tip on this 5’6″ Rod, and while it loads nicely, its short length will limit casting distance. However, if you do your part, this rod is terrific for throwing a lure into a tight location, and accuracy is outstanding.
The backbone of this rod will become apparent fast, and it will handle considerably more resistance than you may expect. Given the line weight it’s intended to carry. I doubt you’ll be able to break this rod in a battle.
You are to expect a long, soft EVA-foam handle.
Pros
- Thanks to its fibreglass and graphite construction, it’s sturdy and well-balanced.
- Made with high-quality, cutting-edge components
- Both strength and sensitivity make the rod.
- It’s less expensive than the Ugly Stik Elite.
- A seven-year warranty gets included.
- It’s simple to put together.
Cons
- The EVA foam handle might not be exceptionally long-lasting.
- Braided lines may not be compatible with the eyelets.
- Its locking mechanism may get broken.
Verdict
True, Ugly Tuff guides do not have the same reputation as Fuji guides. But when put to the test in both controlled and uncontrolled environments, and they perform well. They’ll defend your line in a battle, and I can’t say enough good things about them.
If you’re searching for a high-quality spinning rod but can’t afford the Ugly Stik Elite, the GX2 might be the answer. It’s light, tough, sensitive, and long-lasting. This spinning rod will faithfully serve you for a decade, if not longer, regardless of the fishing circumstances.
The Most Flexible Rod: Kastking Perigee II Fishing Rod
The KastKing Perigee II rod has answered the prayers of those fishing enthusiasts seeking a suitable rod in the mid-budget range.
What can you expect from a spinning rod that has two rods for the price of one? The Perigee II comes with two spinning rods with various power actions, which is excellent if you enjoy being adaptable when out on the lake. To put it another way, you can change the tips on this spinning rod to fit your fishing needs.
Key Features and Benefits
Due to the existence of an ergonomic reel seat, it gets dispensed easily. It is made of high-quality graphite and provides not only strength but also weight reduction. This allows for quicker deployment and eliminating any discomfort caused by hand strain or blisters on the fingers or palm.
The rod is straightforward to handle because of the high-density EVA grips, which provide an excellent, comfortable grip for the fisherman. The grip doesn’t feel soggy and never slips off, even if your palms are sweaty or if the rod becomes wet from a lot of splashing in the water.
The Saf-T Keeper Hook Holder is made of carbon fibre and maintains the hook firmly in place. Now, this isn’t anything you’ve never seen before, but the visual value this feature gives what drew us to this point. Who doesn’t desire a rod that is as attractive as it is functional?
The KastKing Perigee II is a flexible rod in the sense that it comes in several sizes, allowing you to utilize it for a variety of fishing situations. This rod is capable of performing a wide range of jobs with ease.
The Perigee II’s technical design, which makes extensive use of powerful computers for precision control, allows us to incline the rod at four different angles: 00, 450, 900, and 1350. This contemporary design will enable us to target different sections of the water body we’re fishing in without angle our arms and wrists in an unnatural or strange position, which might harm the long term.
Pros
- It is both light and well-balanced.
- Fuji O-rings are among the high-quality components used in its construction.
- It is elegantly and ingeniously designed, with a contemporary twist.
- It has dual tips for a variety of motions and flexibility.
- There’s a hook holder on it.
Cons
- Incidents of tip-snatching
- Eyelets tend to fall out.
- Between the tip and the handle, there is a gap.
Verdict
The KastKing Perigee II fishing rod is a rod you can count on to deliver one of the most incredible fishing experiences you’ve ever had on any given day.
While the Perigee II’s twin-tip is notable for its ingenuity and adaptability, it is built with high-quality components to provide excellent fishing performance at a meagre cost.
Longest-Lasting Rod: St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
If you’re searching for a long-lasting spinning rod that can handle even the most significant and most challenging fish, the St. Croix Triumph might be the ideal choice. This spinning rod has graphite and a carbon wrap, and it has a double layer of Flex Coats to ensure that it will withstand even the harshest of fishing conditions.
This rod is a fantastic choice for people who want high-performance without the expensive price tag. The price is quite competitive, and you would be hard-pressed to find a rod of comparable quality for the price. So, St Croix is so confident in their product that they give a fear year warranty, which is fantastic. The rod series is ideal for freshwater fishing, with rod sizes ranging from 5 feet to 7 feet 6 inches.
Key Features and Benefits
The first thing that comes to mind is the excellent materials used to make the St Croix Triumph spinning rods, such as the premium SCII graphite structure that allows the rod to function at a high pace.
The rod comprises a mid-modulus graphite fibre with a more significant strain rate than more typical fibres, making it lightweight and robust while sensitive.
The quality cork handles on the St Croix Triumph spinning rods help the operator retain a firm grip and prevent slippage, ideal for battling giant prize fish.
The Triumph series also has a Fuji DPS rail seat with a frosted silver hood and strong aluminium oxide guides that ensure this rod’s durability and dependability.
The rod has two coatings of flex-coat slow-cure finish, increasing its toughness and extending its shelf life, allowing you to fish for longer.
Anglers may choose from several powers, ranging from ultra-light to medium-heavy, with action ranging from extra-fast to sluggish, in the St Croix Triumph Rod line, allowing them to choose the right rod for their preferred fishing style or fish.
The Triumph is lightweight, robust, and sensitive, as well as highly flexible, as you’d expect from a St Croix fishing rod. With over 70 years of expertise, St Croix has created some fantastic rods, and the Triumph is no exception.
This rod, designed to high-end specifications, comes at a low price that most anglers will find difficult to disagree with, especially considering the quality materials used in its creation.
Verdict
It’s advantageous because of the sensitive tip and cork grip. Although the rod’s length is limited, this might work in your favour if you cannot grip or balance longer rods.
This is essentially a highly robust yet lightweight spinning rod that works admirably without sacrificing sensitivity or weight. If you spend long hours fishing in stormy seas, you should think about it.
Most Portable spinning rod: Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod
The Cadence CR5 is the most portable spinning rod currently available on the market, thanks to its carbon-fibre construction and ultralight characteristics. We’re talking about a spinning rod with a 4 pound heaviest version! The fact that it’s so light doesn’t mean it’s any less practical or durable.
This is an excellent spinning rod that performs admirably in a variety of fishing situations. Its stainless steel eyelets have SIR inlays to reduce friction without compromising the rod’s sensitivity. As a result, even under challenging conditions, your line will seldom break.
Key Features and Benefits
When fishing, you must be at ease because you will be holding your rod for an extended period while being motionless. As a result, the handle should be sufficiently padded and pleasant. This rod appears to be available in two grip configurations: a carbon split grip and a complete grip with quality cork and EVA.
The stainless steel guides with SiC inlays are very long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. For improved casting and recovery, they have reduced friction against the line. With this also sensitivity is improved, allowing you to detect the fish nibbling earlier.
Compared to older materials, CR5 comprises carbon fiber, which provides greater strength and lightness.
Pros
- It’s light as a result of the materials used to make it.
- The line guides are one-of-a-kind and long-lasting.
- Can capture a variety of fish, both large and tiny.
- It is pretty delicate.
Cons
- It has a minimal warranty.
- The reel seat is loose in some way.
Verdict
The CR5 is a very versatile rod that comes at a reasonable price. Cadence goods cannot go wrong, which is why they are so popular in the marketplace.
Because it’s incredibly lightweight, you should have no trouble transporting the Cadence CR5 on your fishing outings. Despite the heaviest variation weighing around 4 pounds, the rod can precisely catch even the largest fish. Even better, for every rod purchased, the company provides a charitable gift.
Excellent Balance Spinning Rod: Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
One of the leading fishing rod manufacturers, Shimano, has released the Shimano Solora Spinning Rod, a lightweight rod with excellent balance.
When you don’t want to fight the fish for extended periods, you want something to bring the fish in as soon as possible. So, if you’re a catch-and-release angler, this spinning rod could be the best option because it gets recognized for being a rapid action rod that won’t let you down when it comes to reeling in fish swiftly.
Key Features And Benefits
The rod has two built-in modes: one for capturing tiny fish and another for getting larger ones. According to several anglers, the Shimano Solora fishing rod is the finest for novices to help them acquire the most incredible fishing action. The rod’s balance aids in the development of this development.
The rod’s guides are composed of aluminium oxide, which aids in casting and retrieval during cranking. With the aid of this Shimano Solora lightweight rod, you can now effortlessly handle line-lay.
The grip is made of the same material as the rod itself, which ensures comfort. Aero-glass, used throughout the Shimano Solora lightweight spinning rod, is hollowed out from the inside. As a result, the exterior surface is highly robust and has a natural shine to it. The flow is smooth, and the rod is incredibly lightweight because the material is hollow.
Pros
- The rod has a quick action.
- It has a dual tip for more flexibility.
- Full-length adjustability is possible with the cork grip.
- Relatively inexpensive
- Very long-lasting
Cons
- A lightweight rod that is not appropriate for more extensive freshwater.
- The two parts of the rod may come apart when stressed.
Verdict
Shimano guarantees that the Solora 2 features a full-length cork grip to allow flexibility for adjustment when you want to bring in fish with little fighting. That’s not all; the medium power setting is ideal for landing fish without overpowering your hooks. If you’re searching for a rod that will help you land fish without putting up a struggle, this is the one to choose.
The Absolute Classic fishing rod: Fenwick HGM Spinning Rod
Fishing is a sentimental pastime. So, if you’re looking for a spinning rod similar to the one your grandfather used over 30 years ago, the Fenwick HGM may be a good option. This spinning rod has been available for a long time, despite a few tweaks here and there, and maybe a great pick if you want to walk down memory lane.
This rod is an ideal alternative for budget-conscious anglers looking for a beautiful, high-quality, and long-lasting product with a limited lifetime guarantee.
Key Features and Benefits
This spinning rod gets distinguished by its carbon-bound rod blank, made of extra-strong helical carbon threads. This one-of-a-kind feature gives incredible strength, precision, and sensitivity, which any fisherman or lady will appreciate.
The rod also has Fuji titanium guides and a very durable AAA cork handle, ensuring that you maintain your grip even in the most extreme circumstances. The twin retaining rings on the reel seat, on the other hand, guarantee that they do not get loose or break as a result of repeated use.
The rod also features a beautiful appearance and a custom-made handle with an ergonomic appearance and design. This model gives the impression of being a considerably more costly, quality rod, thanks to the eggshell blank and subtle graphic design, rather than an inexpensive, though durable option.
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The rod is lengthy, making it ideal for casting long distances.
- It comes in one or two pieces.
- Its thinned-down handle provides a secure grip.
- It is reasonably priced.
Cons
- It isn’t ideal for novices.
Verdict
Today’s versions are lightweight, but they still have the same level of durability as older models, which is why they come with a lifetime warranty. It’s also constructed with durable components, such as titanium framed guides, and performs as well as any other modern spinning rod.
Best For Large Fish: G. Loomis’s Classic Trout And Panfish
You ought to pay a premium for these handcrafted, American-made rods since Loomis is a brand synonymous with excellence. That said, I’ve never encountered a single person who regretted spending the money on one since their performance is legendary across the board.
Key Features and Benefits
Loomis’ traditional Trout and Panfish range is extensive, and the 7-foot, rapid action ultralight is, in my opinion, the greatest ultralight they have
Due to the company’s patented blank technique, this rod is skinny but surprisingly robust. G. Loomis can strengthen the blank in stress spots while keeping it slim everywhere else by using a sequence of “micro-tapers” throughout the length of the rod.
The luxurious cork handle is a work of art, with enough room for two-handed casting and challenging battles. The guide quality is outstanding, and this rod flaunts its premium lineage.
Pros
- Outstanding sensitivity
- The casting is superb.
- Handles of superior quality
- Excellent manuals
Cons
- Relatively very expensive
Verdict
The G. Loomis’s classic Trout and Panfish work well, and you can trust this rod to handle whatever a large fish can throw at it! I wouldn’t think twice about fighting a largemouth with this rod; it will take everything the line can handle. If you accept to pay the price, the Classic Trout and Panfish is a great-casting, hard-fighting option.
What to Consider When Selecting a Spinning Rod
Don’t simply wiggle a spinning rod to see whether it’s right for you to avoid a catastrophe on a fishing trip and to stretch your hard-earned bucks a little farther. Inexpensive spinning rods and of good quality appear pretty similar to those you should avoid. Take a moment to evaluate these essential characteristics of every spinning rod before deciding which one is ideal for you and your budget.
Action
The action of a rod describes where it begins to bend under force along its length. Rods with fast action are rigid over most of their length before turning at the tip. On the other hand, slow action rods curve across a considerably more significant proportion of their size as they get closer to the handle and reel seat.
Power
Power is the amount of force necessary to bend a rod. When combined with its action, a rod’s power tells you a lot about how it will perform. If all other factors are equal, a stiffer blank will enhance the ability of your hookset and allow for longer casts.
Length
In general, the longer the rod, the further you can cast it, but the less precise the casts will be. Shorter rods are more accurate, but casting distance suffers as a result.
Line and Lure Weight
Near the reel seat, a rod will almost always have designated line and lure weights. While you can go above these limits, your performance will decrease.
These weights, unsurprisingly, fluctuate with the rod’s strength and motion, indicating what would cast and fish best with that blank. Take not of the type of fishing line you intend to use before you make a pick.
Guides
A decent rod’s guide quality is crucial, and mediocre guides will cost you more fish than dull hooks and cheap lines combined. In general, more is preferable since a higher guide count means each one is put under less pressure, resulting in less friction at any one time.
Material
Carbon fiber, graphite, and fiberglass are just a few materials used in modern fishing rods. Some rods have more than one substance in the blank, which serves as their backbone for being made of composite materials,
Handle
Much of the decision regarding which handle to use is personal, and what is comfortable for me maybe a source of agony for you. Cork and EVA foam are the two most common handle materials.
Key Takeaway
The ideal rod for you could not be the appropriate rod for someone else, and the best approach to restricting your options is to consider what and how you fish. If you’re a spinning tackle angler, though, you should know that rod manufacturers offer anything from lightweight to big rods.
That concludes our list of the top spinning rods currently on the market. Hopefully, this list will assist you in making an informed decision when selecting the best spinning rod for your fishing adventures. After all, a good spinning rod may be the difference between bringing in a prize fish or going home empty-handed. And if you are not sure about the type of rod you would want to pair with your fishing reel, you can opt for the best rod and reel combo options.
Anthony has been an angler for the past 15 years. His experience makes him an invaluable asset to FISHING GEN and writes on fishing expeditions as well as fishing gear.