Saltwater Spinning Rod Comparison Table

About Saltwater Spinning Rods

Spinning rods are designed with the reel underneath the blank with the eyelets facing down. When you are reeling in a fish, the weight of your catch pulls the rod downward. They are easier to use than a baitcasting rod, which is perfect for newbies.

Saltwater spinning rods generally have corrosion-resistant parts to keep them from becoming damaged by salt. Saltwater spinning rods are typically used for more lightweight fishing activities. They are ideal for trolling and still fishing. They are also great for inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing.

Choosing the Best Saltwater Spinning Rod

Rod Material Composition

Most saltwater fishing poles are made of either fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass is more common. It is strong, flexible, and durable. It is considered to be an excellent all-around material for saltwater spinning poles. The main disadvantage of fiberglass is that it is heavy. It can be challenging to pick up subtle changes in lure or bait movement.

Graphite is much lighter and enhanced for performance. You can more easily detect subtle changes when a fish strikes. A disadvantage of these performance poles is that they can be prone to damage. Whatever material you choose, it should be resistant to saltwater corrosion. Both materials are suitable if maintained correctly.

Rod Length and Weight

A longer spinning rod will cast further than a shorter one. If you are planning to use mostly 10 to 20-pound lines, then an 8-foot rod will do the trick. Longer rods are great for surf fishing since you need to cast further out over the wave breaks. For shore or bay fishing, a short rod around 6 feet long will get the job done. If you plan to travel around with your spinning rod, then remember to check out the 2-piece sets so that you can take them apart.

Rod Action and Power

These terms have to do with the performance of your rod. Rod action is typically labeled as slow, moderate, fast, and extra fast. Rods with slow to moderate action are perfect for greater casting distance. A fast to extra-fast action spinning rod is ideal for casting accuracy.

Rod power, also known as rod lifting power, is often described as ultralight, light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. Spinning rod power is often linked to the line strength that you will be using. Heavy power rods are best suited for up to 130 lb test line. They are used to reel in tuna and marlin while an ultralight rod is perfect for an 8 lb test line, which is used to reel in striped bass and trout.

Braking System

The two types of systems on the market today are centrifugal and magnetic. They both control the speed at which the spool exits the reel. Centrifugal braking systems use small weights that are forced to the outside of the spool to slow it down. Magnetic braking systems work using magnetic polarity. By adjusting the dial, a magnet gets closer to the spool to slow down the rotation by magnetic pull.

Line Weight and Guides

The type of fish that you plan to catch will determine what line weight you need. For smaller fish, a line weight between 8 and 15 lbs will be plenty. Large fish, such as tuna, require lines with a test of up to 80 lbs. More powerful saltwater spinning rods should be paired with greater line weight. The guides on saltwater spinning rods face downwards and keep the line in place.

Handle Grip

Your saltwater spinning rod should be comfortable in your hands. Common materials for rod grips include EVA foam, cork, and coated plastic. They also come in full, split, and pistol grip designs. EVA foam and cork are lightweight and help you maintain your grip even with sweaty hands. Split grips are the most common.

Reel Seats

In simple terms, a reel seat connects the reel to the rod. Since spinning rods require the reel to be seated underneath the pole, then you need a reel seat that can accommodate this. Most spinning reel seats are made of aluminum or graphite. You should buy a reel seat that is designed for saltwater to avoid unnecessary corrosion.

Price and Warranty

All of the saltwater spinning rods that we have reviewed below include a warranty. We have also included a saltwater spinning rod for every budget, so set your price limit and find the perfect rod. The good news is that spinning rods are generally cheaper than baitcasting ones.

1. Shimano Trevala

If you’re a serious saltwater angler, then you need a pole that can do it all. The Shimano Trevala is the best saltwater spinning rod on the market. It features the best materials that we have come to expect from Shimano fishing gear.

The Trevala model is made of a graphite composite that is strong, but super lightweight. It is a rather short spinning rod measuring at 5 feet and 8 inches. Since it is a shorter pole, it has fantastic casting accuracy. As most anglers say, it has a strong backbone and great lifting power. It is classified as an extra-heavy power rod for reeling in large fish. It features Fuji line guides. They significantly reduce friction and line wear. It features a split grip design with comfortable EVA foam handles.

I took this spinning rod out on the Gulf Coast of Florida for an offshore fishing trip. I was totally impressed with its quick action. Since I was fishing for marlin, the extra-heavy action was perfect for reeling in these fighting fish. I wouldn’t recommend it for surf fishing since it is quite short to cast over waves.

2. Fenwick HMG

This rod changed the game 45 years ago as the first graphite pole. Fenwick has since reinvented this old classic to give you a great new spinning rod. The Fenwick HMG is the best saltwater fishing rod under $100. The original design has held up, but they’ve added a few additional features.

The Fenwick HMG comes in its original full graphite design, so it's durable and lightweight. It is a light power rod, so it is ideal for catching small fish like gray snapper and bluefish. It is maneuverable at 6 feet long. It would be great for use on the shore or in shallow bays.

It features a full AAA-rated cork handle. It is comfortable even after a full day of fishing. It comes with Fuji line guides like many of the models that we have tested. It comes with a positive lock alien reel seat that will fit most spinning reels.

I thought that this spinning rod was classically designed and at a reasonable price point. It was super easy to cast since it's only 6 feet long. The light action made it easy for me to pull in tons of small fish quickly. The maneuverability of this spinning rod is hard to beat.

3. St Croix Mojo Inshore

Deep-sea fishing can be awesome, but it does require a bit more effort than inshore. If you’re an inshore angler, then this spinning rod is perfect for you. We named the St Croix Mojo the best inshore saltwater spinning rod.

Similar to the previous model that we reviewed, it comes in a classic and elegant design. It features a split cork handle that offers a superior grip. It comes with aluminum oxide guides that have a corrosion-resistant black coating. It features a Fuji DPS reel seat that will keep your reel in place no matter how tough the fish. It has two coats of Flex-Coat that will protect the rod from damage by saltwater. It also has a Kigan hook keeper, which is not present on the other models we reviewed.

I took this spinning rod out for a day of inshore bay fishing. I expected it to work perfectly under the calm water conditions, and it absolutely did. It has a higher line weight than the previous model I reviewed. I was able to reel in halibut and redfish.

4. Ugly Stik Elite

Sometimes you will need a rod that will perform well under many different conditions. We named the Ugly Stik Elite the best all-around saltwater spinning rod. It performs well in many situations. It’s a great rod to grab when heading out the door for any fishing adventure.

The Ugly Stik Elite is a top-notch spinning rod that is designed to be versatile. It is made of a composite graphite material that is lightweight and durable. It features the signature Ugly Tuff line guides that are tough enough to battle with any fish. The Ugly Stik Clear Tip design makes this fast action rod perfect for medium fish.

This model comes with the cork split grips like the previous model that we reviewed. Cork handles are comfortable and lightweight. This spinning rod was impressive on my shore excursion last month. I liked the fast action paired with medium power. I was able to reel in medium-sized fish but much quicker than using a slow action rod.

5. Okuma CSX-S-1102MH Cedros

For all the surf anglers out there, this one’s for you. It was designed with surf fishing and light tackle in mind. The Okuma Cedros Surf is the best light tackle saltwater spinning rod. It offers the most significant casting distance out of all the spinning rods on our list.

Okuma absolutely pulled out all the stops for surf fishers when they designed this rod. It comes with a tough and lightweight composite blank made out of carbon 30-ton carbon graphite. This is an impressive 11-foot spinning rod that is designed to cast out past wave breaks. It is useful when utilizing light tackle as your bait. This rod has a line weight of 30 to 50 lbs, so it is ideal for reeling in large fish like mahi-mahi and yellowfin.

This spinning rod from Okuma was great for surf fishing. The length allowed me to cast much further than other small spinning rods. I was able to clear the wave breaks every time. I liked the comfort grip. Since you're normally quite far out in the water when surf and light tackle fishing, you need a nonslip grip.

6. KastKing Crixus

Everyone loves a great value. Anglers can be tough on their fishing gear, so finding a product that is worth every penny is essential. We deemed the KastKing Crixus as the best saltwater spinning rod for the money. It shines through the competition with excellent features.

KastKing is a big name in the fishing community, and they didn't disappoint with this spinning rod. It is made of the IM6 graphite composite, which is fast and light. KastFlex technology creates a powerful and sensitive rod that’s easy to cast all day.

It features a golf club style SuperPolymer handle that is slip-resistant. You never have to worry about losing control of your rod in the water. It has stainless steel line guides that won’t fray your fishing line. It comes in a 2-piece style so that you can still travel with it.

This KastKing spinning rod performed exceptionally well and at a great price point. I liked the polymer grip. It was easy for me to hold onto and superbly comfortable. I fished for medium size tuna and had no trouble getting them into the boat.

7. Penn Battle II Combo

This product is unique since it is the only one we have reviewed so far that is a rod and reel combo. If you’re looking for an all in one fishing pole, then this is the model for you. The Penn Battle II is the best saltwater spinning rod combo available.

This is a great spinning rod for beginners or experts alike. This Penn Battle model features a graphite blank rod with a full stainless steel reel. It is lightweight and easy to cast. The blank features aluminum oxide guides. It comes with a full EVA foam grip that is comfortable for al day fishing. The reel features an aluminum SuperLine spool that allows anglers to tie superlines without backing. It comes with the HT-100 drag system for heavy drag when reeling in big fish.

Some anglers are skeptical about buying a rod and reel combo, but this model worked well under pressure. I was impressed in the way that it handled medium and large fish. The medium power and fast action made it easy for me to pull up most catches.

8. Daiwa ARDT763MHFS-TR

Reeling in a big fighting fish requires a rod with a backbone. You’ll need a top-notch medium-heavy rod. The Daiwa Ardito is the best medium-heavy saltwater spinning rod on the market. This rod has a lot to offer in terms of innovative fishing technology.

The Daiwa Ardito is made of an IM7 graphite composite. It’s lightweight and fast action so that you can pull fish up quickly. The graphite blank is constructed at a 45-degree angle to help eliminate blank twisting. It comes in 3 pieces so that you can easily travel with it wherever you go. The V-Flex ferrule system ensures that the rod stays together. It has Fuji guide lines that offer the best in low friction fishing. There is also an included semi-hard traveling case, which is a nice bonus.

Since this pole is a medium-heavy power rod, I wanted to try it out during a deep-sea fishing trip. I was aiming to catch some snapper and redfish. I was impressed at how this held up to some 10 and 15 lb snapper that I caught. It had a quick action, and I didn't have any issues reeling them in using a mono line. 

9. Berkley Big Game

Traveling with fishing gear can be quite tricky. Saltwater spinning rods don't always fit easily into your car. We chose the Berkley Big Game as the best cheap saltwater travel spinning rod. It's easy to travel with, and it comes in at a reasonable price point.

The Berkley Big Game rod is the only spinning rod we’ve reviewed that is made of fiberglass. As we talked about earlier, fiberglass is durable and strong, but it's heavier when casting. It is not as sensitive to small changes in lure movement. It is a 2-piece rod so that you can take it apart when traveling. It comes with a custom Fenwick reel seat and titanium guides. The medium-heavy power is ideal for reeling in medium to large fish from a pier or bank.

I thought that this pole was great for traveling. At 8 feet long, it is great for casting long distances. It can be hard to find a spinning rod that has the length for casting but can still be broken down for travel. This spinning rod takes care of that. The 2-piece construction fits well together when in use.

10. Fiblink

Deep-sea fishing can be one of the most exciting excursions that you’ll ever go on. Being out on the boat and reeling in big, multicolored fish is exhilarating. The Fiblink Saltwater is the best deep sea/ocean fishing rod available.

This Fiblink model is designed to take your deep sea fishing game to the next level. It is ideal for vertical jigging off the side of a boat. It comes in a 1-piece graphite blank with a heavy power rating. It is 6 feet long, which is good for casting off of a boat. If it were any longer, then it would be much less maneuverable in close quarters. It has stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts that reduce friction on braided lines. It has comfortable EVA grips that will keep your hands steady on the pole.

This saltwater spinning rod performed well on the latest fishing charter that we took out. I brought this pole with the intention of reeling in some huge wahoo and grouper. Once the line was in the water, I was impressed with the sensitivity and pulling power. It reeled in large fish without a problem. I wasn’t a big fan of the guide material for extended use.

Comparing Baitcasting vs. Spinning Rods

There are two main types of fishing rods that anglers use in saltwater. In this buyer’s guide, we’ve focuses on spinning rods. The other popular model is a baitcasting rod.

A spinning rod is designed to be simple and easy to use. They are perfect for beginners since the learning curve is low. A spinning rod holds the reel underneath the rod. The line guides rest on the bottom of the pole, so when you're reeling in your catch, the pressure is applied downwards on the guides. The casting technique requires that you flip a lever, hold the line, and let the tackle take the line out.

A baitcasting rod is more difficult to cast and takes time to perfect a technique. The reel is seated on the top of the blank. The line guides rest on top as well, so when you reel in a fish, the pressure is not directly on the guides but on the blank itself. Baitcasting rods are generally more high performance and more expensive.

In short, you can use either kind of rod when going saltwater fishing. If you plan to hunt for enormous tuna or swordfish, then a baitcasting rod might suit you better. Other small-time fishing activities are suited to a spinning rod. They are easier to operate on a boat.

Saltwater Spinning Rod Size Guide

Depending on your fishing environment and type of fish, the length of your saltwater spinning rod will change. Saltwater fishing rods can range from 4 to 14 feet. Shorter rods will cast shorter distances than log rods.

Short rods, between 4 and 8 feet, are ideal for close-quarters, such as boats and kayaks. They have less bend, so many ocean anglers prefer them when fighting with big fish. Short rods are great for saving space when trolling and jigging. We recommend using a medium or medium-heavy short rod when fishing for redfish, snapper, and walleye.

Long rods, between 9 and 14 feet, are best for covering open water and surf fishing. They offer great casting distance when trying to overcome wave breaks. They work well for bank or shore fishing since you often have to cast far away to get to the hot spots. We recommend using a medium power long rod when trying to catch bluefish, pompano, and sea trout.

Spin Casting Guide for Beginners

Now that you’ve chosen a top-notch spinning rod from our list above, it’s time you take your new gear out to the water. Check out the guidelines below to throw out your first cast with ease.

Please note that some spinning rods will have a lever that you push and hold in while casting. Read the instructions that came with your rod before you use it.

Spinning Rod Safety Tips

The most important thing when fishing is to always be careful. Fishing involves sharp hooks, thin fishing line, and other possibly dangerous lures. Read through our safety tips for beginner anglers below.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do I set up a spinning rod and reel for saltwater fishing?

Both your rod and reel should be suitable for saltwater conditions. The first step is to loosen the reel seat on your rod. Then, attach the reel to the rod and tighten the seat. Next, you need to spool the reel. Slip one end of the fishing line through the hole in the reel.

Tie a small knot and start reeling the line in so that it goes around the reel. Once you have the desired amount of line on the reel, guide the fishing line through the guides and up to the top of the rod. The last step is to attach your bait.

Does a longer rod cast further?

Yes. Longer rods have greater casting distance than shorter ones. If you are planning on fishing in open water or surf fishing, then you’ll need a long rod. A medium-size spinning rod is around 7 to 8 feet.

What lures do I use with a spinning rod?

This will depend on the type of fish that you plan to catch. Most spinning rod lures are light and easy to cast. We recommend using small quivering lures for surf fishing. For deep-sea fishing, you should use deep-diving plugs or trolling spoons.

Which is better, one-piece or two-piece saltwater spinning rods?

Many anglers use to think that one-piece rods were more durable than two-piece rods. We believe that two-piece rods have come a long way since the old days of fishing. They usually are securely threaded together by the ferrules on the blanks.

They typically stay together without a problem, and most anglers can hardly tell the difference. If you can easily carry around a one-piece pole, then stick with that. If you need a pole to breakdown while traveling, then go with a two-piece.

Who makes the best spinning rods?

All of the products that we’ve reviewed above are brought to you by the best brands out there. Penn, St Croix, and KastKing are well-known brands that have made a name for themselves by using the best materials and having a top-notch quality control team.

Are there any special care or maintenance steps for saltwater spinning rods?

Always rinse off your saltwater spinning rods and reels with fresh water after use. This will eliminate all of the salt and prevent corrosion. Dry them with a towel and store them in a fishing rod rack.

Where is the best place to buy saltwater spinning rods?

We recommend shopping on Amazon for all of your saltwater spinning rod needs.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve reviewed the ten best saltwater fishing rods on the market. We tested these rods so that you can make an informed decision on your next shiny new fishing pole. We’ve also provided you with tips and tricks on getting started with saltwater fishing and using your rod effectively.

The best saltwater spinning rod in this roundup is the Shimano Trevala. It is a short rod at just under six feet, but it comes with an extra heavy power rating. This will help you reel in your next big catch as quickly as possible.