Inshore Spinning Rods Compared

Why Buy a Quality Spinning Rod for Inshore Fishing?

Inshore Spinning Rod Selection Guide

Rod Material Composition

Rod Length & Weight

Rod lengths for light powered rods tend to stay between 6.5-7 feet in length. These may seem long for novice anglers, but the extra length helps cast further into the sea. Inshore fishing rods should be low-weight as you may be traveling long distances to get to waterways. Nowadays, brands have created new materials for every part of the rod, so they are lighter than ever.

Rod Action & Power

The “action” of a spinning rod is where the rod flexes when pressure is put on the blank. Faster action rods flex mostly near the tip. Whereas, the “power” refers to the rod’s resistance when it’s being flexed. Different rod powers are designed to handle a specific species, bait weights, and line sizes. 

When inshore fishing, you’ll want a fast action rod with a medium or medium-light power rating. This will allow you to catch fish species quickly and with ease. If you’re hoping to bring home larger catches, then going up in length and power is recommended.

Line Weight & Guides

Extra Features

Price & Warranty

1. SHIMANO SE Teramar

We start our list for the best inshore spinning rods with the Shimano Teramar Southeast Spinning Rod, and for good reason. This beautifully crafted rod comes in a variety of models (20 to be exact) and ranges from  5’6” to 7’ in length. We find the 6’6” model is a perfect match for inshore fishing. No matter the size, each blank is constructed of Shimano's TC4 high-tech construction, which allows it to be pretty bendable without feeling like it will snap, so catching redfish, bass, or smallmouth trout will be no match for the SE Teramer.

The guides and reel seat on the SE Termar are superb. You’ll find FUJI Alconite guides and a FUJI reel seat accompanying this rod. These premium features will have your line running smoothly and without jerkiness when you’re out on shorelines. It may not be the lightest in weight compared to its competitors, but it does come in a 2-piece design, so traveling long distances to beautiful shorelines won't be a big issue.

Finish this rod with a beautiful full, cork handle, and you’ll look and feel like a professional angler with this traditionally designed piece of equipment. We think the SE Teramer is a great looking rod that can handle a lot of different pressures when fishing, making it a great all-rounder when catching fish. Be sure to keep your catch below 14 lbs, and you’ll agree with us, the SE Teramer is the best inshore saltwater spinning rod.

2. St Croix Mojo Inshore

It was tough for us to choose between the SE Teramer or the Mojo Inshore Spinning rod as our top pick. They’re both perfectly matched for inshore fishing. So, the Mojo Inshore Spinner has to be our runner up model. It has excellent features, a fantastic warranty, but just at a little higher price point. If the price isn't a problem, then seriously consider the Mojo Inshore models. They’re perfect for anglers who appreciate high-performance in every area.

Casting with the Mojo Inshore spinning rod is like a dream, even with heavier baits like whitebaits or live lures. You’ll be impressed with the quality of each cast thanks to its mid-modulus graphite fiber blank with a higher strain rate than conventional fibers. This blank gives the rod incredible sensitivity without adding any unnecessary weight.

You’ll find this rod has hard aluminum-oxide guides with corrosion-resistant black frames, and a Fuji DPS reel seat with a black hood.

This rod looks the part, and it performs well, too. We found this model had a ton of power and control right at our fingertips once we grabbed hold of the premium-grade cork handle. It’s in a split grip style, which we found very comfortable even after a long day of fishing. It will be hard for you not to come home with dinner for the family once you get the Mojo inshore rod out to the water.

3. Ugly Stik Inshore Select

A favorite choice for saltwater anglers who love to fish on a budget is the Inshore Select Spinning Fishing Rod. This rod has a lot of higher-priced features but with a more reasonable price tag. Ugly Stik is known for creating high performing rods in all price ranges, but this rod takes the win for the best light inshore spinning rod, and here’s why.

Whether you want to catch nightcrawlers, minnows, or larger species like catfish or bass, this rod won’t hold you back. The Select spinning rod can be paired with heavier or lighter lines and lures to suit most fish species. Braided lines can also be used with the Select spinning series. The blank is sensitive and has a smaller diameter than all of its competitors on our list. Ugly Stik’s new Ugly Tech construction helps keep it strong and dependable. It has added graphite to keep it lighter in weight, too.

Using it in saltwater won’t be a problem. This model has reel seats with stainless steel cushioned hoods for protection against corrosion. Its’ Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide maximum durability and eliminate insert pop-outs. These pop-outs could cut your line, which happens on a ton of spinning rods. With this one, Ugly Tuff has got you covered.

4. Fenwick HMG

When searching for redfish, expect to fish in tight areas that could be surrounded in vegetation. You’ll need a rod that’s perfectly matched for small jigs and top-water lures. Luckily for you, the HMG 6’6” spinning rod is on the market, and at a very reasonable price.

Fenwick excels at reinventing the traditional norm, and this model is no different. The Carbon Bound blanks are spiraled with carbon thread, giving this rod unparalleled strength. It also has AAA cork handles for better grip in all fishing conditions. We found this rod and handle could withstand harsh weather conditions easily. And we didn’t have to worry about water splashing back onto the rod either.

The HMG spinning rod has FUJI guides with stainless steel deep pressed frames with aconite inserts. They’re completely corrosion-resistant and, if maintained correctly, could last you years. The 6'6" length with a power rating of medium will be a great addition to your fishing arsenal. If there’s another size or species you want to catch when inshore fishing, then check this series out. Fenwick created 16 models with a range of power, action, and length options.

5. PENN Battalion

The Penn Battalion Spinning rod has all of the state-of-the-art features needed for inshore fishing, at the best price. The rod is constructed of a 30-ton graphite blank and is lined with a Fuji SS frame. This gives the rod a lot of backbone while still flexing at the top. The frame and blank also keep the rod well balanced, and it’s durable in almost any weather condition.

Braided fishing lines won’t be a problem with this rod. It features aluminum oxide inserts and guides, with a Fuji skeleton reel seat. The reel seat varies from model to model, but the 7'6", medium action, with extra fast power, will feature this. There’s a total of 20 models available, so if you're a more experienced angler who prefers specific action and power ratings, check out one of the other options. 

This 7’6” model has a higher line weight compared to its competitors. So, expect tug of war matches with small saltwater fishes to be a piece of cake with the Battalion. It’s balanced, durable and will give you the desired results you want. Just remember, if you intend to catch smaller species, then go for a lighter power rating.

6. KastKing Perigee II

Last but not least, The best budget inshore fishing rod has to be the Perigee II spinning rod that’s available in a whopping 29 sizes and actions. The brand has thought of everything an angler may need in an inshore spinning rod, and constructed this piece of equipment. They have even supplied you with an added two-piece twin-tip. This allows you to fish with medium-light and a medium action. 

The KastKing Perigee II will be loaded with power as it is constructed with KastKings’ new technology and high-quality materials. The extremely powerful 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank gives great flex, without worrying about breaking. The Fuji O-Ring Line Guides sets the Perigee II apart from a lot of other competitors as these guides are created with premium materials but at a price suitable for your budget. Your line will run smoothly during casts, and you’ll hit schools of fish accurately, with a little practice.

Manage your line, rod, reel, and baits with ease while still having an incredible grip on the Perigee II high-density EVA grips. This handle provides excellent traction and is resistant to sweat and the possibilities of slip-offs. All of these benefits and features from KastKing have led them to be one of the most reputable brands in the industry, so their products should never disappoint! And if you enjoy some kayak, freshwater, or saltwater fishing, this rod will suit bass fishing, trout fishing, and many other species.

The Basics of Inshore Fishing

Getting a dreamy rod and reel for inshore fishing is one thing, but you’ll need some crucial fishing tackle to be fully prepared for catching redfish, trout, and more. If you buy tackle that’s too light, you'll risk losing a catch. If your tackle is too heavy, your baits and lures won’t reach the striking zone. Make sure you have the following to accompany your inshore spinning rod and reel.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do you rig for inshore fishing?

Does a longer rod cast further?

In theory, the answer is yes. Longer rods will typically give you a longer cast, but the weight of your bait and lure could set you back a couple of feet. If you stick to the lure and line setup mentioned above, you could get the very best cast from your new inshore rod.

What is the best size rod for inshore fishing?

The best and most common size for inshore fishing rods is between 6.5-7 feet in length. They tend to stick between a medium to medium-light power rating, and the tip is usually fast in action. If you get a rod with these descriptions, you’ll find them extremely versatile for many species when you're fishing in-shore.

Who makes the best inshore spinning rods?

There’s always new models and brands coming onto the fishing market each year. But some stand out in anglers’ minds for their high-quality rods at a range of price points. These include St. Croix, KastKing, Berkley, and Penn.

Where is the best place to buy the best inshore spinning rods?

One of the best and easiest places to purchase your new rod is from Amazon. They have a range of rods that can be delivered right to your door. The customer reviews are also extremely helpful and honest. They can help you finalize your decision before you decide which rod is best for you.

Conclusion