Best for Bass
Our Top Pick
Best spinning Combo
Whether targeting trout or aiming to use finesse tactics on bass, a spinning rod will make up the bedrock of the perfect fishing setup. Spinning rods are different from casting rods, but generally, they are the simpler of the two to understand.
If you’re looking to buy a rod that can be used in tons of different scenarios and won’t break the bank, read on through this comprehensive overview of spinning rods.
Preview | Product | Rod Length | Action | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ugly Stik Elite | 7’0” | Fast | ||
Cadence CR5-30 | 6’6” | Moderate-fast | ||
Daiwa Mini System | 4’5” | Slow | ||
KastKing Calamus | 5’0” | Moderate-fast | ||
Shimano Solara | 6’0” | Fast | ||
St. Croix Mojo Inshore | 7’0” | Fast | ||
Fenwick HMG | 6’6” | Fast | ||
Entsport E Series Sirius | 7’0” | Fast | ||
Lew’s Fishing WMSS90-2 Wally Marshall | 9’0” | Medium | ||
Shimano World Shaula 21053R-3 | 10’6” | Moderate |
Comparing a Spinning Rod Vs Casting Rod
A spinning rod’s reel seat and line guides are on the bottom of the rod. A casting rod has both on the top of the rod. This means the line puts pressure on the eyelets of a spinning rod when fish fight on the line. If the line guide inserts pop out, the fish can be lost.
Spinning rods are also generally designed to hold lighter lines and lures, and they have less stopping power than casting rods. This makes them better for finesse tactics while casting rods are better suited for power angling and catching larger fish like flatheads.
Spinning Rod Buyer’s Guide
Frame Quality/Durability
The longevity of a spinning rod depends on more than just the material in the blank. Specially applied finishes, and the design of the rod also has a role. Stainless steel or other materials treated to resist corrosion can help a rod last longer. Higher-quality rods often use better materials, but they may cost more because of this. A good spinning rod should last a few seasons at a minimum with the right upkeep.
Rod Composition/Construction
A blank is the central part of the rod that determines its strength. The material of the blank also has a significant effect on the overall weight of the rod. The most common materials are graphite and fiberglass. Graphite is more lightweight and flexible. It can be machined to create carbon fiber, which is more durable and just as lightweight. Fiberglass is heavy but basically unbreakable. Composite blanks mix the two to make lightweight, durable rods.
Rod Length & Weight
One common question asked by beginner anglers is - What Is The Best Length For A Spinning Rod?
Spinning rods can come in lengths ranging from 5 feet to 10 feet and above. The most versatile length is between 6 feet and about 7.5 feet. Longer rods are better for casting further in open water and are generally more flexible. Lighter rods catch panfish, trout, and the like. It's critical to have a light rod for trout fishing to give nymphs and wet flies a realistic appearance to the target. Heavier rods are used to catch larger targets, for example, in bass fishing or inshore fishing.
Rod Action & Power
Rod action describes the point at which a rod will bend when pressure is put on it while rod power describes how much pressure it will take to bend the rod. Rod actions can be either slow, moderate, fast, or extra fast. Extra fast rods bend very close to the tip, while the other actions bend progressively closer to the handle.
Rod power is heavy, medium, or light, with medium-heavy and medium-light in between. Light power is better for lightweight lures and finesse fishing, while heavy rods are better at ripping line through vegetation or reeling in larger fish.
Rod Components
Line guides are the raised circles that run the length of the rod. They help the line stay in place. Some rods have line guide inserts made of aluminum, stainless steel, or ceramic that can improve the performance of the line guides. One-piece line guides made of durable material are the most optimal choice.
Another rod component is the reel seat, which is where the reel goes. A snug-fitting reel seat will add strength to the rod when fish bite. A hook holder is often included for keeping the hook secured when the rod is not in use.
Design & Rod Type
Some rods disassemble into two or more pieces for easier transportation. Manufacturers are always getting better at making two-piece rods just as strong as single-piece ones. Handles on rods can be one long section, split into two, or styled like a pistol.
Split grips shed some weight off the rod and give a bit more torque. Handles are usually covered in either cork or EVA foam to make them more comfortable. Spinning rods are rated based on what weights of linework best on them. Larger line weights are best for larger targets.
Price & Warranty
The standard warranty for a spinning rod is a 1-year limited warranty, which protects the original buyer against defects in materials or construction for one year following purchase. Other warranties last longer or protect against different things.
Rod components and materials are more high-quality on more expensive spinning rods. Most anglers won’t know how to determine the difference in some design features after a certain point, but there is a clear difference in a cheaply-built spinning rod and a good, dependable one.
10 Best Spinning Rods Reviewed
1. Ugly Stik Elite
Our Top Pick
Rod Length | 7’0” |
Line Weight | 6 - 14 Lbs. |
Action | Fast |
Power | Medium |
Pieces | One-piece |
Warranty | 7-year Limited |
Likely the best spinning rod for catching the widest variety of targets, the Ugly Stik Elite is best known for its nearly unparalleled durability. With so many power and length options, this line of rods is a great addition to a wider arsenal or as a solo or go-to rod for less avid anglers. With more graphite content in the blank than most of the competition, these composite rods have great flexibility and sensitivity but retain the toughness of fiberglass rods.
The seven guides on the length of this Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod are one solid piece of stainless steel, which makes them strong and prevents them from popping out during a fight with a fish. On the two-piece Elites, all the line guides are on the top piece, removing the need for aligning the first guide with the remaining ones.
Whether you go with the two-piece or a single-piece rod, the Ugly Stik Elite is really lightweight, even in the medium-heavy models. The cork handle is comfortable and easy to prop on a stomach or hip for additional leverage. This is hands down the best spinning rod under $100 for common sport fish targets in the 10- to 15-pound range.
Perhaps the only drawback is the small foregrip that doesn't have much use as an additional source of torque. However, the lower cork grip is plenty long enough, and the blank is exposed in the reel seat for additional sensitivity.
Pros
Cons
2. Cadence CR5-30
Best Spinning Rod for Bass
Rod Length | 6’6” |
Line Weight | 4 - 10 Lbs. |
Action | Moderate-fast |
Power | Medium-light |
Pieces | Two-piece |
Warranty | 1-year Limited |
To get the right action for a clean hook set on bass and enough power to keep them on the line, this Cadence spinning rod certainly does the trick. Its 30-ton graphite construction is very light but not too unforgiving. Almost every rod in this broad lineup is either fast action or moderate-fast.
While the tip is flexible, you really feel the backbone kick in to provide torque and stop bass that try and go on a run. The strength of these rods also comes in handy for fishing in heavy cover or ripping lures through vegetation, both common tactics for catching bass in shallow water around springtime.
For that matter, this rod is excellent for fishing Texas rigs and larger rigs, not to mention worms. If a big fish does get on the line, this rod is still flexible enough not to break, although it's always smart to use a leader. A strong Fiji reel seat adds additional fighting strength and makes the whole rod feel sturdy and well-balanced. Line guide inserts keep the line moving smoothly, although they do contain inserts that might pop out.
Overall this rod is tremendously powerful. Paired with the right spinning reel, it will help give anglers the stopping power they need to get bass in the boat while also giving them comfort through a long day of fishing and the right balance to fish finesse lures or even smaller panfish if you’re using one of the shorter lengths available.
Pros
Cons
3. Daiwa Mini System
Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
Rod Length | 4’5” |
Line Weight | 2 - 6 Lbs. |
Action | Slow |
Power | Ultralight |
Pieces | Five-piece |
Warranty | 1-year Limited |
For a flexible ultralight rod and matching ultralight reel, there’s no beating the convenient Daiwa Mini System. Despite its size, it hauls in some good-sized fish. The lightness of the rod and its slow action will make fighting 2- and 3-ponders more challenging and more fun. You won’t find much backbone in this rod at all, but if you get lures with trebles or any kind of lure designed to set the hook on their own, they’ll work just fine on this rod.
Not just the best travel spinning rod but arguably one of the best ultralight spinning rods, this Daiwa works well for fishing crappie and trout with a simple hook and live bait method, soft plastics, lighter crankbaits, and spinners. If you’re skilled and lucky enough, small bass and bowfin can also be brought in with this combo.
As is the case with most spinning rod combos, the line that comes with this one is pretty cheap, so make sure to switch it out. The reel has a slower ratio, but for a rig this small, it works fine. Make sure to set the drag before you use it.
Storing this combo in the included hardshell case keeps it organized and out of the way, and the dedicated storage bins inside allow it to double as a tackle box. It's not for distance casting but built for accuracy in small inlets and branches around the outside of lakes or to fish for river trout.
Pros
Cons
4. KastKing Calamus
Best Ultralight Spinning Rod for Trout
Rod Length | 5’0” |
Line Weight | 2 - 6 Lbs. |
Action | Moderate-fast |
Power | Ultralight |
Pieces | Two-piece |
Warranty | 1-year Limited |
Hooking trout requires a strong, sensitive, and flexible rod. This KastKing spinning rod uses design and materials to achieve that goal. The blank is made of graphite, which is then wrapped with layers of carbon fiber, which makes it extremely light. Weighing in at just 2.5 ounces and disassembling into two pieces, this rod is really easy to transport and won’t be fatiguing no matter how long you spend casting out with it.
The reel seat fits in the hand well, although the lock may spin during use from time to time. The EVA foam grips are split, and both are smaller to preserve weight. Smaller-diameter titanium guides and inserts enhance sensitivity and add extra strength for fighting your targets.
This spinning rod works fantastically for bluegill and panfish, to a point where the wrong lure may draw in tons of bites from minuscule panfish that are no fun for anglers. Try the right lure, like shad baits, and you can avoid too many nibbles from uninteresting fish.
Considering its lightness, this rod has excellent moderate-fast action, ideal for common trout lures like spinners, spoons, wet flies, and nymphs. The rod is light and responsive enough for anglers to give these lighter baits the realistic presentation needed to persuade trout to attack. Pair it with the right saltwater spinning reel, and it will even work on small snapper bluefish.
Pros
Cons
5. Shimano Solara
Best 2-Piece Spinning Rod
Rod Length | 6’0” |
Line Weight | 6 - 14 Lbs. |
Action | Fast |
Power | Medium |
Pieces | Two-piece |
Warranty | 1-year Limited |
When the opportunity for a quick couple hours of fishing presents itself, having easily portable gear is a huge advantage. Shimano spinning rods in the Solara line offer that portability and the right power to whip sizable fish.
These rods are built with aero glass, which offers the durability of fiberglass without as much weight. While aero glass isn't as lightweight as graphite, it makes up for that with toughness. The reel seat is made of graphite, and once it's locked up tight, it will give the angler tons of stopping power and a comfortable grip.
The best budget/cheap option for an all-purpose spinning rod that can help reel in just about any common sport fishing target, the 6’6” medium-power Solara is perfect for anglers who are just getting started and also makes a great addition to more experienced anglers’ equipment collection.
Sturdy aluminum guides and a comfortable cork split handle make for a comfortable, secure rod. Be careful not to slam the rod pieces into a trunk or truck bed too hard as the line guides may get bent out of alignment that way.
This rod is very responsive to make lure presentations more lively and alert the user to bites on the line. You might find yourself graduating to more technically advanced rods, but a solid baseline spinning rod like this one will never lose its appeal for anglers of any experience level.
Pros
Cons
6. St. Croix Mojo Inshore
Best Inshore Spinning Rod
Rod Length | 7’0” |
Line Weight | 10 - 20 Lbs. |
Action | Fast |
Power | Medium-heavy |
Pieces | One-piece |
Warranty | 5-year |
Inshore fishing requires a rod that can handle heavier test, hooks, and lures, and it should be no surprise to seasoned sport fishing enthusiasts that St. Croix spinning rods have you covered. Casting out near the shore is commonly done with live baits or whitebait; the St. Croix Mojo Inshore has the length you need to cast that heavier bait a reasonable distance.
Available rod lengths are all over seven feet, and they all have a fast action to set the hook in tougher ocean targets with ease. Now, they are all one-piece, so if that's more than you can transport without breaking down, then you might want to get a smaller two-piece rod, but you will notice the difference in strength right away.
This rod is inexpensive for an inshore model, but it's still made with quality parts and the components found on more costly rods. The guides are hard aluminum to help you fight fish, reduce line friction, and make the overall operation feel very smooth.
A Fuji reel seat locks in the spinning reel of your choice very soundly. The blank is made of premium graphite, which has been treated with two coats of an epoxy finish to prevent corrosion and make it more durable. With its cork handle and long-lasting construction, this is the best spinning rod under $200 for inshore anglers.
Pros
Cons
7. Fenwick HMG
Best Spinning Rod for the Money
Rod Length | 6’6” |
Line Weight | 10 - 17 Lbs. |
Action | Fast |
Power | Medium-heavy |
Pieces | One-piece |
Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
This Fenwick spinning rod has everything an angler needs to put a spinning reel to good use. There are plenty of lengths, powers, and actions available to cover any kind of fishing scenario, although they do offer more in the light to medium power end of the spectrum.
However, they have constructed this classic spinning rod with a spiral carbon binding to add durability to the lightness afforded by the graphite blank. It may not catch any state record catfish, but this rod is plenty strong enough for all manner of bass, walleye, and flatheads, and other sport fish.
The line guides on this rod are securely fastened and built with inserts made of a unique ceramic called Alconite that gives the line a smooth performance. The lock on the reel seat feels closed all the way the whole time this rod is in use.
The medium-heavy rod can handle ripping through vegetation and structure like rocks, making it a fine option for river fishing as well as lake fishing and even inshore saltwater fishing. With its high line rating up to 17 pounds, the Fenwick HMG can catch 10-pounders or bigger with just about any lure you care to try.
If you like to fish for long periods, this rod is versatile enough to change up lure types as many times as you want, and the cork handle will keep your hands from getting fatigued.
Pros
Cons
8. Entsport E Series Sirius
Best Travel Spinning Rod
Rod Length | 7’0” |
Line Weight | 6 - 20 Lbs. |
Action | Fast |
Power | Medium |
Pieces | Two-piece |
Warranty | One-year |
Frogging or using spinners, anglers can reel in some good fish with this rod and the right reel. The focus of this rod is enjoyment. It may not be the best option for highly technical anglers, but for weekend warriors and those who enjoy fishing at any level, this rod does well.
The carbon blank is strong and still fairly lightweight. It can handle up to the 20-pound test, which is more than most spinning rods, especially at this price point. But it also has stainless steel line guides and inserts that help send vibrations from the lure to the handle, alerting the angler to new bites.
Built with a fast action to set the hook well, the tip of this rod also helps with sensitivity to movement in the rod, and it has a strong tip point line guide that's hard to bend or break off, unlike many competing rods.
The longer length of this rod will help with casting and fishing deep-diving cranks and blades. Saltwater anglers will love the distance they can get casting with this rod off a pier or into the surf. It also separates into two pieces, making it easy to bring along or store in the trunk for impromptu fishing trips.
Pros
Cons
9. Lew’s Fishing WMSS90-2 Wally Marshall
Best Spinning Rod Under $50
Rod Length | 9’0” |
Line Weight | 4 - 12 Lbs. |
Action | Medium |
Power | Medium-light |
Pieces | Two-piece |
Warranty | 1-year Limited |
Besides the standout neon colors, this Lew’s spinning rod also has a lot of draw on anglers who want to fish in open water where they can cast really long distances with lighter crankbaits or drop-shot rigs. Its 9-foot length might seem like absolute overkill to most anglers, but there are actually many applications where this rod will come in use, like flipping for bass.
If you fish off the bank or fish from a boat around banks frequently and you don’t already know about pitching and flipping, this rod is the perfect one to get to try out both methods. The medium action on this rod might not impress folks who have fixated on fast action rods and accept no substitutes, but fishing for crappie and tossing jigs can be much more fun with a rod that has more bend to it.
There’s still plenty of backbone in this rod, thanks to the IM8 graphite blank. There are some more powerful rods for larger targets, but for more of a challenge with those larger fish and a rod geared more toward particular techniques, take this Lew’s spinning rod out on a fishing trip. The guide eyes and inserts are made of aluminum, there are plenty of them, and though they could be tougher, they nonetheless give this rod great sensitivity.
Pros
Cons
10. Shimano World Shaula 21053R-3
Top of the Range
Rod Length | 10’6” |
Line Weight | 12 - 30 lbs. |
Action | Moderate |
Power | Medium-light |
Pieces | Three-piece |
Warranty | 2-year Limited |
Shimano spinning rods are some of the most sophisticated on the market, but this one is technically impressive even by their standards. The carbon blank consists of three layers: the first, the central blank, made of vertical fibers; next, two layers, an inner and an outer, made of carbon tightly wound in opposite directions around the central blank.
Not only is this blank design much different than almost anything else on the market, but it also makes the rod lightweight but also improves its power for both casting and fighting fish. To give the angler even more rod control, Shimano winds the wide outer layer of carbon at a particular angler in specific places on the rod to make it flexible and suitable for particular species of fish.
This World Shaula is designed to be fished in areas where there is plenty of room for distance casting. With its really long length, it’s also really great for fishing salmon, steelhead, and similar fish. You can even use it to catch bass. Turning a fish and pulling them up is much easier with a longer rod. This rod is definitely for very experienced anglers. If you know how to cover lots of water fast and you want to invest, then this is the spinning rod for you.
Pros
Cons
One-Piece vs Two-Piece Spinning Rods
Two-piece spinning rods are more portable and most useful for anglers who like to keep one in the car for spur of the moment fishing. Kayakers, campers, and hikers can also benefit from having a two-piece rod packed in with their gear.
Sometimes two-piece rods are difficult to assemble. The line guides can be misaligned, for example. One-piece rods usually have more backbone and tend to be more solidly built in general, but two-piece rod design is steadily catching up.
Spinning Rod Setup
Getting ready to fish with a spinning rod is pretty simple.
- 1Assemble the rod if it’s two or more pieces.
- 2Snap the reel into the reel seat.
- 3Thread the line through the line guides, and you're ready to fish.
Matching the line and lure with the rod is essential to maximize success. Lightweight rods go best with lightweight test and light lures. Heavier rods go with larger baits and heavier test line. If you use braid, you can spool more of it on a heavier rod.
Tips on How to Use Spinning Rods
Spinning rods are great for fly fishing and fishing light lures, especially if you’re going after some trout. Pair your spinning rod with some braided line that will be invisible in the water, a nymph bait, and cast upstream.
Saltwater fishing, be it surf fishing, inshore, or deep water, is better done with a spinning rod setup that can be more easily cleaned afterward. Try fishing live bait and get a long rod to increase your casting distance in open water.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How can I determine the action of a spinning rod?
Standing up, keep the bottom of the rod in your hand, and the tip pointed at a flat, hard piece of ground. Press the tip into the ground until the rod starts to bend. If it only bends in the very end of the rod near the tip, it's fast action or extra fast. If it bends about halfway down, it's moderate, and if it bends all the way into the bottom third of the blank, it's slow.
How important is it to consider the type of fish when deciding on a rod?
As mentioned earlier, pairing a spinning rod with the right setup is key to success. To do that, it's imperative to consider the target. Of course, it's impossible to know precisely what you'll land, but having a general idea can be helpful. The best thing to do if you’re unsure is to get a rod that can handle a variety of situations and bring plenty of different types of lures.
How do I determine which size spinning rod to buy?
In addition to the size of your target fish, there are some other benefits to a longer rod. Longer rods cast further and are usually more sensitive. They also hold more line and make it easier to turn fish, which is why many anglers use longer rods for salmon and bass. The best size for an all-purpose spinning rod is between 6 and 7.5 feet long.
What’s the difference between a light power, medium light, medium heavy and a heavy spinning rod?
Light power spinning rods have less backbone, which means they are less stiff and bend more. Medium-light are a little stronger, medium-heavy stronger still, and heavy or extra heavy the strongest of all. It may seem like you should always get the heaviest rod possible, but actually, there are many situations where a lighter touch is needed, such as trout fishing.
Are there any special maintenance steps for keeping my rod in good condition?
If you fish in saltwater with your spinning rod, make sure to clean it after each use to avoid corrosion. Wipe down the line as well, and make sure the hook is attached to something to prevent tangles. Give the whole outfit a good wipe down with a cleaning protectant and make sure to store the rod in a place where it isn't bent at all, and the tip won't be damaged, preferably in a rod sleeve.
What lures can I use with spinning rods?
Spinning rods are great for fishing crankbaits, swimmers, spinners, t-rigs, buzzbaits, and jigs. Make sure to mimic food sources of your target fish. If you fish trout, for example, fish nymphs and wet flies with as realistic a presentation as possible.
Who makes the best spinning rods, and where can I buy them?
Some of the most famous spinning rod manufacturers are Lew’s, Abu Garcia, Ugly Stik, Daiwa, Shimano, and St. Croix. For the majority of anglers who don’t fish every day and look for a one-size-fits-all spinning rod, Lew's, Abu Garcia, and especially Ugly Stik are the most popular. St. Croix and Shimano are higher-end manufacturers, and Daiwa tends to make both kinds.
Conclusion
Spinning rods are often used because they're easier to use than baitcasting rods, but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to consider about them. The right spinning rod should be flexible, powerful, and above all, it should suit a given target. No better spinning rod accomplishes that better than the Ugly Stik Elite.