Buyer’s Guide & Information

Best Spinnerbait Rods Reviewed

We have reviewed the best spinnerbait rods. Enjoy a smooth, flowing action that mimics swimming baitfish with these quality fishing rods.

by Andrew

Buyer’s Guide & Information

Best Spinnerbait Rods Reviewed

We have reviewed the best spinnerbait rods. Enjoy a smooth, flowing action that mimics swimming baitfish with these quality fishing rods.

by Andrew

by Andrew

Any serious angler knows that having the right lure and rod is essential to get bites. Spinnerbait fishing rods are among the core components of a fishing set that work in various environments.

There are a lot to choose from, and this review explores everything about spinnerbait rods and gives recommendations for all budgets.

Preview

Product

Rod Length

Lure Weight

Rod Power

Check Price

Dobyns Rods Fury Series 6’6” Casting...

Dobyns

Rods Fury

6 ft 6 in

¼-¾ oz

Medium

St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod...

St Croix Mojo

7 ft

⅜ -¾ oz

Medium/Heavy

Gloomis Fishing E6X 782C F Inshore [12751-01]

G. Loomis

E6X

6 ft 9 in

⅜-½ oz

Medium

KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods, Casting...

KastKing

Royale Select

7 ft

¼-¾ oz

Medium/Heavy

Daiwa TTU661MFS Daiwa, Tatula Bass 1 Piece...

Daiwa

Tatula Series

6 ft 6 in & 7 ft 4 in

¼-¾ oz

Medium

Why You Need A Specific Rod For Spinnerbait Fishing

A spinnerbait rod is a rod specifically designed to maximize the benefit of the spinning metal lure (known as a spinnerbait). Spinnerbait has long been used as an effective lure because it mimics the movement of the fish. Spinnerbait rods allow you to capitalize on this, giving you the perfect combination of power and movement to catch big fish in various terrains.

Spinnerbait rods are best used in shallow, murky waters, but they are flexible and can work with a variety of depths. Several blades are used, and when reeled at speed, they give the impression of a fish moving. The nature of the lure means that they are best suited for catching predatory fish who are attracted by the spinning bait. If you're looking to catch pike, bass, or perch, then the spinnerbait rod is perfect for you, but they genuinely are versatile rods that word well in most setups.


Considerations When Choosing A Spinnerbait Rod

Rod Composition

There are several different materials available for your spinnerbait rod. Durability is key as it will give you a longer life for your product and make it better value for money. Traditionally fishing rods were made with bamboo, but you should definitely avoid these.

  • Carbon fiber rods are common and generally fairly inexpensive. It’s really flexible and heavier than others but has less sensitivity than graphite. It’s well suited for beginners.
  • Graphite rods are more expensive, but they are lighter and more durable. They're also more sensitive, making them better suited for experienced anglers. 
  • Composite rods are made up of a mix of fiberglass and graphite. This makes them more sensitive than fiberglass but less heavy-duty and, therefore, better suited for smaller fish. 

You should consider the material when you purchase because the more durable the rod, the more it will save you in the long run.

Rod Type

The type of rod will determine how effective an angler you are. Casting rods are best for experienced users as they give the greatest accuracy and make it easier to catch fish, but they are only for experienced fishers. Novices or those with less experience should go for a spinning rod, which is best used from a boat or kayak.

Rod Length & Weight

You should aim to get a spinnerbait rod that is at least 6.5 feet long to allow you to catch easily. The bigger the fish the longer the rod you'll need and if you're taller, try and get something longer.

Rod Action & Power

The action of the rod refers to how much it will move and respond while fishing. Fast to extra-fast action is best for spinnerbaits, meaning it will flex a lot, allowing you to pull in larger or heavier fish.

Similarly, power will determine how big a fish you can catch. Medium to heavy is best as it allows the fish to catch the lure but means it won’t rip out of the fish’s mouth. Always remember that too much power can be a bad thing with spinnerbait rods.

Line & Lure Weight

Line and lure weight depend on the type of spinnerbait rod you have and the type of fish you're after. Standard and recommended line weight is about 6 pounds, but they are available up to 20 pounds. The heavier the fish you're catching, the heavier you'll want the line to be.

Similarly, with lures, you'll need to determine the right weight. Every rod has an ideal lure weight for the best performance, and generally, the bigger the fish, the heavier the lure.

Other Features

Other factors to consider when choosing a spinnerbait rod include:

  • Handle - you have a choice of cork or EVA foam. The foam is more expensive but several times more durable, so we would recommend it.
  • Reel Seats - this what holds the reel onto the rod itself. There are a few choices, but graphite will allow you to feel the vibration the most to help you be more effective.

Price & Warranty

Getting the best value is the number one factor in any purchase. A solid spinnerbait rod will cost in the region of $100-250, but, as always, there is a variety to fit most budgets. Spending more can mean that you'll get a more durable rod, which will save in the long run, but consider the factors above before paying significantly more.

Most major companies now offer a lifetime warranty on their spinnerbait rods to help protect your purchase. Never get a spinnerbait rod without one.


5 Best Spinnerbait Rods Reviewed

1. Dobyns Rods Fury

Best Spinnerbait Rod

Rod Length

6 ft 6 in

Line Weight

10 - 17 Lbs

Lure Weight

¼-¾ oz

Rod Power

Medium

Rod Action

Fast

Rod Material

Graphite

Fury, made by Dobyns Rods, is our considered favorite when it comes to spinnerbait rods. It strikes the perfect balance of sensitivity, durability, and affordability to give all anglers the best shot of catching their prey.

Dobyns Rods themselves are a less well-known brand, but their reputation is building. Gary Dobyn, an award-winning angler, founded them, and they are designed specifically for the casual fisher who wants to take it to the next level and start getting more results from their efforts. Gary Dobyn designed his rods to have all the high-level professional features without the heavy price tag, and you can see that he achieved this here. 

Dobyns Rods Fury is the best spinnerbait rod not because of one stand out feature but for the culmination of several. It's made from high modulus graphite giving increased sensitivity and strength. It's 6 foot 6 in length, which is around optimal for fishing and is fast action. Anglers have found that it can take a lot of punishment in different conditions, but it's also comfortable to use, and there is no strain on injury even after prolonged use.

If you're a complete novice or a fairly experienced hobbyist, then this is definitely the spinnerbait for you. It works with lines between 10-17 pounds and lures from ¼-¾ ounce. Available at around $100, this is a great value rod. It's practically built for spinnerbait and will see you catching bigger fish with ease.

Pros
  • Sensitive
  • Durable
  • Comfortable
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Less durable cork handle

2. St Croix Mojo

Runner up

Rod Length

7 ft

Line Weight

12 – 20 Lbs

Lure Weight

⅜ -¾ oz

Rod Power

Medium/Heavy

Rod Action

Moderate Fast

Rod Material

Graphite

The St. Croix Mojo rod is a very close second on our list, and it stands head and shoulders above some of the competition due to the quality put into them. Compared to other rods, the Mojo is stronger and more durable made from advanced SC graphite and carbon fiber. St Croix has also used integrated poly curve tooling technology to eliminate transitional points to give a smoother and more sensitive rod, which ultimately makes you a better angler.

St. Croix is one of the most well-known brands on the market, and they've made their name through sheer quality. They create a wide range of rods, but the Mojo is the best suited for spinnerbait. Their rods are slightly more expensive than some other brands, but they offer a great deal of longevity that shouldn't be undervalued.

The Mojo is 7 feet long, which makes it well suited for large fish. It's moderately fast and medium heavy, able to handle line weights of 12-20 pounds and lures of ⅜- ¾ ounces. All of this makes it a perfect choice for spinnerbait. This rod is around $150-250 depending on specifics, but there’s a lot of quality here which St. Croix backs up with a 5-year warranty. Suitable for enthusiasts and beginners, this is a reliable choice to consider.

Pros
  • Superb quality
  • Durable and long lasting
  • Sensitive
Cons
  • More expensive
  • Not as well suited for smaller lures

3. G. Loomis E6X

Best spinnerbait rod for bass

Rod Length

6 ft 9 in

Line Weight

10 – 17 Lbs

Lure Weight

⅜-½ oz

Rod Power

Medium

Rod Action

Extra fast

Rod Material

Carbon fiber

When it comes to bass fishing, you want a spinnerbait rod which is fast action. The G. Loomis E6X is a highly recommended rod that has many positive reviews from customers. This is primarily due to the build quality and extra features, making it a pleasure to use.

G.Loomis is a well-known brand and has built a strong reputation with anglers. G. Loomis has their own patented multi-taper design, which is incorporated into the E6X. This uses more material in the weaker areas, and less in others. This gives the perfect balance between sensitivity and durability that other brands haven’t matched.

The E6X is a fast action rod allowing you to put maximum pressure on the bass. It's just under 7 feet so it can catch larger fish easily, but it's lightweight and easy to transport. It's medium power and able to handle lines between 10 and 17 pounds. All of this makes it perfect for spinnerbait, and it's ideal for catching bass. This rod isn't suitable for true beginners, but even for casual anglers, it works well. Priced competitively at under $150, it's one to consider.

Pros
  • Ideal for bass fishing
  • Durable and sensitive
  • Comfortable
  • Unique multi-tapered design
Cons
  • Not ideal for beginners

4. KastKing Royale Select

Best rod for spinnerbait fishing on a budget

Rod Length

7 ft

Line Weight

10 – 17 Lbs

Lure Weight

¼-¾ oz

Rod Power

Medium/Heavy

Rod Action

Fast

Rod Material

Carbon fiber

No spinnerbait rod guide would be complete without recommending at least one truly budget option. The KastKing Royale Select might not have all the bells and whistles of the others on the list, but it's affordable, comfortable, and effective. It's built with carbon using their unique 'Kastflex' technology, which is designed to provide further sensitivity than other carbon rods.

KastKing themselves is a well-known brand with a massive variety of different products, including some award-winning models. They clearly understand what an angler needs and have designed rods for all occasions. The Royale Select is specifically designed for bass fishing and for those with a more modest budget.

The KastKing Royale Select is designed specifically for bass fishing and is ideal for spinnerbait. It's reasonably sensitive and has a built-in Fiji-O guide. This helps you to cast further and protect your line under challenging conditions. The reel seats are durable and made of strong nylon, providing comfort to the user.

Priced at under $100 and protected by a lifetime warranty, this is a great spinnerbait rod for those on a budget. Well suited for beginners, this could be the rod to get you started.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Fiji-O line technology
Cons
  • Fewer features
  • Less durable

5. Daiwa Tatula Series

Best fast action rod for spinnerbaits

Rod Length

6 ft 6 in - 7 ft 4 in

Line Weight

10 – 17 Lbs

Lure Weight

¼-¾ oz

Rod Power

Medium

Rod Action

Fast

Rod Material

Composite

If you're looking for an action rod, then the Daiwa Tatula Series has it all. It's incredibly lightweight (under 7 pounds) but has an aluminum frame. It's medium/ fast and with medium/high power. Daiwa has also included a new tension system that allows you to truly let rip while you’re fishing. This is why it’s the best action rod for spinnerbaits on the market.

Daiwa has been operating since 1955 and is based in the United States. They have built a good reputation and make quality products, but their strength is in their innovation. They are regularly reviewing and developing their rods to create something that then goes on to influence the market. 

The Daiwa Tatula series has a wide range of rods available in a variety of shapes, sizes and with different bends. Daiwa has incorporated their unique T-wing technology, allowing anglers to cast further while giving smooth line management. The Tatula series is good with a variety of lures but best suited for spinnerbait.

This is a specific bass rod made for professionals. It's competitively priced and has some great features making it a perfect action rod. There is a wide range available to pick the size, power, and action based on your specific needs. Definitely a versatile rod that is an excellent asset for any angler.

Pros
  • Fast action
  • Versatile and customizable
  • Unique technology
Cons
  • Cork handle
  • Less durable than alternatives

Quick Guide To Spinnerbait Rod Setup

Spinnerbait rods are made up of several different parts which are relatively easy to put together:

  • Blades -
    there are a variety of different blades used with spinnerbaits. Colorado is most often used as it provides a lot of vibration, which makes them well suited for muddy waters. Willow leaf blades are for fast fishing in different textures, and Indiana blades are somewhere in between these.
  • Wire -
    spinnerbait rods generally use titanium wires bent at a 90-degree angle. This allows you to catch fish without it bending. When attaching the bait, make sure it doesn't wobble as you'll catch more prey when it's running straight.
  • Hooks -
    for spinnerbait fishing, you should look for a top-end hook. This is extra sharp and allows you to catch fish like bass more easily.
  • The Rod -
    the rod itself should come in 1 or 2 parts (depending on the make and model). This should be relatively easy to put together along with the parts mentioned above.

Once you've determined the best elements, you will need to combine them and get started. Generally, the best time to use a spinnerbait is around March/April as this is when the water begins to warm, and the bass start to get more active.

Spinnerbait should be used for catching predatory fish; the most commonly caught are bass. Spinnerbaits can be used in dirty or clean water, making them more versatile than many other fishing rods. For almost all setups, the best line for a spinnerbait is monofilament, or sometimes fluorocarbon. Some anglers will use braid, but we wouldn't recommend it for spinnerbait.

A full guide to setting up your spinnerbait can be found in the video below:


How To Properly Cast A Spinnerbait

If you want to get the most from your spinnerbait, you need to know how to cast it. Once you've set up your spinnerbait rod using the information above, you should give yourself plenty of space and cast from about 30 feet away. Do this in parallel to the shore or boat and reel it back quickly. Reeling quickly over this distance will attract nearby bass and other fish.

You should always try and reel in the spinnerbait quickly to get the spinners to work effectively. This makes it look most like a fish and will, therefore, attract more predators. Also, try to avoid open waters as predators are less likely to hunt there. A full guide on techniques and tips can be found here


Comparing Spinnerbaits To Other Lures

There’s a number of different lures and different reasons to use them. Spinnerbaits are probably the most versatile out there but are best suited for muddier or murkier waters. They’re also well suited for windy conditions, which makes the spinners appear more like a fish to be hunted, attracting bass and other predators.

Chatterbait is another type of lure which works similarly to a spinnerbait but has a single hexagonal blade that creates a humming under the water. Chatterbait, sometimes referred to as vibrating jig, is best suited in and around grass.

The other common type of lure is a spoon. These are reasonably simple but use a reflective surface, and the shape of the spoon causes them to wobble as they move through the water. This catches the eye of prey and lures them in. These work best in most open water where the light can openly shine through.

Spinnerbaits are most effective for bass fishing and the most versatile of the lures listed above.


People Also Ask (FAQs)

What methods of fishing use spinnerbait lures?

Spinnerbait lures are mainly used for bass or perch fishing.

Who makes the best spinnerbait?

There are a number of companies that produce spinnerbait. Strike-King, Yakima, and Terminator are considered some of the best.

What is the best gear ratio for spinnerbait?

A 5:1 gear ratio is usually best for spinnerbait.

What types of fish do spinnerbaits typically catch?

Spinnerbait attracts predatory fish such as perch, bass, or pike.

Where can I find the best spinnerbait rods?

Shopping online gives you the most variety, and Amazon has the largest marketplace for spinnerbait rods. This gives you the greatest choice to find the right one for you.


Conclusion

All of these rods have their pros and cons, but the Dorbyn's Rods Fury really stands out. It's light, durable, and sensitive, making angling easier for everyone. It's perfect for spinnerbait and easy to use for beginners or experienced anglers. On top of that, it's incredibly affordable. This is our number one spinnerbait rod and, in our opinion, the best out there. 

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