Most anglers can attest that a spinning rod plays a significant role in fishing. As a matter of fact, a high-quality line, rod and reel along with the right lure are just as important as technical know-how and raw skills.
However, there’s an adage about these lures that also applies to spinning rods – they are usually made to catch the fishers instead of the fish. This article gives a detailed review of some of the best spinning rods available on the market.
Choosing the best spinning rods on the market to suit your needs is an uphill task especially between the many options available, professional endorsements and marketing hype. Don’t fret, we’ve done the legwork for you to make the shopping process a lot easier.
This guide will help you make an informed decision as you’ll have the necessary information to assess one that works for you. Let’s dive right in!
Best Spinning Rods
1. St. Croix Premier PS60ULF
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Lure Size: Between 1/32 Oz to about 3/16 Oz
- Lure Weight: 2 to 6
- Material: Graphite
- Length: 6 inches
- Power or Action: Fast action, super lightweight
- Guide Material: Fuji aluminium oxide
- Handle: 12.25 inches spinning/split cork
- Piece: 1
St. Croix Premier PS60ULF are taking over the market and are outshining their counterparts including the famous Fenwick brand. The latter are okay but St. Croix Premier is giving them a run for their money. It’s one of the best spinning rods on the market for those who are looking to invest in one.
St. Croix Premier PS60ULF additionally features fast action combination that provides the sensitivity you need from a cushioned hookset that comes in handy when fishing. This spinning rod has it all and it’s equally well balanced, supple, light and strong. The rod can comfortably handle different types of fish including trout, bass and perch without making you worry about the line breaking. Besides, the line can even break before this spinning rod.
St-Croix Premier PS60ULF is made with high quality Fuji aluminium oxide guide to pamper the line. Casting with this spinning rod is outstanding especially if you respect the weight of the line and lure recommendations.
The premium quality cork typically furnishes the long handle of the rod giving the user enough room to cast as it accommodates even the biggest of hands. Fenwick is the best alternative for anglers who prefer split handles.
Ultralight spinning rods are usually cheaper but that is quite the opposite for this model. St. Croix Premier PS60ULF is unparalleled in terms of functionality, ideal for those who are willing to dig deeper into their pockets.
However, for the price, this spinning rod edges out high-tech models including the G. Loomis when it comes to action. But in most cases, it always narrows down to personal preferences.
Pros
- High-quality handles
- The sensitivity of this spinning rod is fantastic
- Casting is excellent
- Awesome guides
Cons
- Falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
2. Cadence Fishing CR5 562S- ULMF
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Piece: 2
- Material: Graphite
- Length: 5ft 6 inches
- Power/Action: Moderate to fast, ultralight
- Line Weight: 2 to 6
- Lure Size: 1/32 Oz to about 1/8 Oz
- Guides: Stainless steel with some SiC inserts
- Handle: EVA foam/spinning 12-inch cork
Cadence fishing usually offer reasonably priced fishing rods that are equally excellent in terms of performance.
Cadence Fishing CR5 562D-ULMF is a perfect choice for anglers looking for the most dedicated panfish spinning rod with moderate to fast action and is about 5ft 6 inches long. It not only provides exquisite but also accurate casting thanks to combination of power, action and length. Like other short spinning rods, this model is best suited for trout fishing especially on small streams.
Cadence Fishing CR5 offers moderate to fast action sturdy enough to catch some of the big fish in any water body while allowing you to use super light lines even under pressure. The rod tends to flex along with the length to absorb the force that would be transferred to the line under normal circumstances.
This spinning rod is equally strong which means catching a walleye or largemouth to the limit of the line is a breeze. However, you might want to ease up when it comes to controlling an actual brute.
The guide quality of the Cadence Fishing CR5 is excellent and features a high-quality handle with a perfect length. Generally, it’s one of the best spinning rods on the market for panfish as it stands out among the rest.
Pros
- Cadence Fishing CR5 is relatively cheap
- Excellent guide quality
- This spinning rod has a premium quality handle
- The incredibly soft hooksets are guaranteed
- Fantastic sensitivity
Cons
- N/A
3. G. Loomis Classic Trout and Panfish SR841-2 IMX
BUY ON AMAZON
- Pieces: 2
- Handle: Continuous spinning/cork
- Material: Graphite
- Length: 7 inches
- Power/Action: Fast, ultralight
- Lure Weight: 2 to 6
- Lure Size: 1/32 Oz to 3/16 Oz
- Guide material: 8+1
When you hear the name Loomis then you know that quality is guaranteed. This means you have to dig deeper into your pockets if you are looking to invest in these American-made handcrafted spinning rods. The performance of the Loomis Classic Trout and Panfish across the board is legendary that’s why it’s hands down the best spinning rod on the market.
Loomis Classic Trout and Panfish line is quite extensive. It’s the best ultralight option for the price especially since it’s 7 inches long and offers fast action. The spinning rod is thin whip yet surprisingly strong owing to the brand’s proprietary blank technology.
The rod is also equipped with a series of micro-tapers to reinforce the blank technology at specific pressure points without compromising on the size of the rod. If you can afford it, then this spinning rod is an excellent hard fighting and casting option.
Loomis Classic Trout and Panfish works perfectly well and can comfortably handle whatever you throw at it including a big trout. What’s more, you can use this spinning rod to fight a largemouth as well since it takes anything the line can withstand.
The top-quality cork handle is beautifully designed and offers enough space for hard fights and two-handed casting. This spinning rod typically struts the premium pedigree and the guide quality is equally impressive.
Pros
- Has fantastic sensitivity
- This spinning rod is an excellent choice for casting
- It features premium quality handles
- The guide quality is perfect
Cons
- Falls on the higher side of the pricing spectrum
4. St. Croix Premier PS66LF
BUY ON AMAZON
St. Croix Premier PS66LF is one of the best light power spinning rods on the market.
Product Features
- Pieces: Either 1 or 2
- Length: 6ft 6 inches
- Material: Graphite
- Lure Weight: 4 to 8
- Lure Size: 1/16 Oz to 5/16 Oz
- Guides: 7+1 Stainless steel and Fuji aluminium oxide inserts
- Handle: Cork
If you have used any of the rods from this brand then you’ll understand why most of them feature on our list. These spinning rods are the best choice for the price since they are made with high-quality materials and the St. Croix Premier PS66LF is no exception.
The blank is super light but can comfortably handle different types of fish from the walleye, perch, blues, to bass. You’ll love the 6ft 6 inches long rod. What’s more, this spinning rod is not only well balanced but also incredibly strong for smaller species and very sensitive.
St. Croix Premier PS66LF is not a perfect worm rod so anglers should not expect to miraculously turn a huge bass on a dime. However, if your arsenal will only have one spinning rod, then this model is an excellent choice. For instance, the rod is short enough for casting into other thick stuff although it’s not long enough and doesn’t have the backbone to effortlessly launch a lure 5/16 ounces. The blank also tends to bend on angry striper, hungry walleye and big bass but still works remarkably well.
Line failure due to friction when casting will be a thing of the past with the 7+1 stainless steel and Fuji aluminium oxide inserts. It makes this spinning rod sturdier than its counterparts since it can comfortably handle a fight better than others with awesome guides.
This spinning rod is long enough and features a continuous handle clad in high-end cork. However, you might want to explore other options if you prefer split grips.
Pros
- Croix Premier PS66LF has awesome guides
- It’s ideal for casting
- This spinning rod features high-quality handles
- It has excellent sensitivity
- It has it all and is perfect for small species
Cons
- Croix Premier PS66LF is expensive
5. Fenwick HMG HMG66L-MFS-2
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 6ft 6 inches
- Handle: Continuous cork
- Material: Carbon fiber composite and graphite
- Guides: 7 Fuji and aconite inserts
- Lure Weight: 4 to 8
- Lure Size: 1/16 Oz to 3/8 Oz
- Power/Action: Moderate to fast, light
Fenwick HMG HMG66L-MFS-2 punches above the price point while delivering high performance for a spinning rod that is relatively cheap. It comes with a 6ft 6 inches spinning rod with a blank with a carbon fibre wrapping to deliver uncompromised light weight and strength.
This spinning rod is offered with moderate to fast action and is remarkably sensitive to detect hesitant bites and soft strikes without compromising on the backbone.
Just like the St. Croix which is usually relatively expensive, Fenwick also makes perfect one rod battery for smaller species to help you fight anything that comes your way especially if the fishing line can comfortably hold. It casts and loads beautifully on different types of fish ranging from panfish, flounder, small blues to perch. This spinning rod will give you a better fishing experience since its an easy catching and hard fighting rod.
The Fuji alconite guide and high-tech continuous cork are proof that the Fenwick HMG HMG66L-MFS-2 is high quality. What’s more, this spinning rod is reasonably priced.
Pros
- Has awesome guides
- This spinning rod has premium quality handles
- It’s remarkably sensitive
- This spinning rod casts and loads beautifully
- It’s an ideal all-rounder for small species
Cons
- N/A
6. Ugly Stik GX2 USSP562L
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 5ft 6 inches
- Action/Power: Fast, light
- Material: Graphite composite/Solid fiberglass
- Guides: 6 ugly tuff guides
- Handle: EVA foam
- Lure Weight: 4 to 10
- Lure Size: 1/8 Oz to ½ Oz
Ugly Stik is the toughest spinning rod on the market. The GX2 series offers long-lasting durability in a fast and light action package. The best thing about this fishing rod is that it’s reasonably priced which means that most anglers can afford it. This 5ft 6 inches spinning rod features a sensitive tip and loads perfectly well. However, the casting distance will be compromised since the rod is short.
Ugly Stik GX2 is ideal for pitching lures into tight spots and is equally accurate if you do the right thing. You’ll notice the backbone of this spinning rod pretty fast and it will comfortably handle all your fights. The rod will not break during any of the fights owing to its sturdiness.
What’s more, the Wight of the line is specially designed to wear. The guides work perfectly well in different conditions. Thy help protect the line especially in intense fights.
Ugly Stik GX2 features a longer EVA foam handle for additional comfort.
Pros
- Ugly Stik GX2 is reasonably prices
- This spinning rod has fantastic sensitivity
- Excellent guides
- The long EVA foam handle is super comfortable
Cons
- Ugly Stik GX2 is not refined like other high-end models
7. Ugly Stik Elite USESP702M
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Pieces: 2
- Length: 7 inches
- Guide: 8 stainless steel
- Material: Graphite composite/fiberglass
- Action/Power: Medium, medium action
- Handle: Cork
- Lure Weight: 6 to 14
- Lure Size: ¼ Oz to 5/8 Oz
Ugly Stik is a renowned brand that usually makes spinning rods that focus on functionality over style. They are legendary for their toughness. If your rod tip has ever snapped when doing something, then you know the importance of a Stick with long-lasting durability.
Just as in the name, the Elite line-up from the brand’s other offerings, offer more graphite especially in the predominant fiberglass blank. This helps reduce weight significantly, and adds some stiffness to a pliant fiberglass. This spinning rod offers medium action.
There are many spinning rods on the market at seven inches, ideal for long casts and enough backbones for bigger fish. This rod will see you through all your fishing activities from pike to bull reds since its sturdy especially for the price.
Both the blank and the sensitivity are excellent which makes it one of the best spinning rods. The ugly tuff guides of this rod are not that beautiful compared to those of other brands but they work perfectly well.
In addition, there are plenty of stainless steel guides. You might want a spinning rod made of high-quality materials for protection but this particular model lacks SiC which makes the cost low. However, the line tends to wear out quickly.
The long handle is excellent as it’s perfectly contoured and super comfortable. Seeing the slip float disappearing into saltwater is confidence inspiring and will also give you plenty of space for working a huge fish into the boat.
Pros
- This spinning rod falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum
- It’s a perfect all-rounder for big fish
- It has excellent sensitivity
- The long handle is super comfortable
- It’s ideal for casting
Cons
- The guide quality is low
8. Shimano Teramar South East TMSX710M
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Pieces: 1
- Length: 7ft 10 inches
- Guides: 9 Fuji New Concept
- Action/Power: Fast, medium
- Material: Graphite composite, fiberglass
- Handle: Continuous cork
- Lure Weight: 8 to 17
- Lure Size: ¼ Oz to 1 Oz
Shimano Teramar Southeast TMSX710M is a perfect inshore spinning rod made with high-quality materials and is reasonably priced. It terrifies big fish since the rod is a battle-winning example of the brand’s attention to details. It features a 7ft 10 inches blank made with fiberglass and a graphite coating both inside and outside. This makes it sturdy enough with excellent sensitivity and casting. You will love the technology used on this spinning rod.
Shimano Teramar Southeast TMSX710M is ideal for bigger lures and heavy lines. This spinning rod can comfortably handle more than ¼ ounce offerings especially with aplomb. This makes it a versatile option for inshore fishing. This spinning rod shines since it’s a one-rod that typically rules the inshore.
Shimano Teramar Southeast TMSX710M provides enough backbone, ideal for fighting bigger fish ranging from barracuda to blues, mahi-mahi to reds. This spinning rod wears a 9 Fuji new concepts guides and will cushion the line remarkably especially in hard struggles. The continuous cork handles offer enough room when it comes to working the bruiser.
Pros
- A perfect all-rounder when it comes to inshore fishing
- Fantastic guides
- Awesome blanks
- Excellent handle
- Excellent casting
Cons
- N/A
9. St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76MF
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Guides: 9 aluminium oxide
- Length: 7ft 6 Inches
- Handle: Split cork
- Material: Graphite
- Action/Power: Fast, medium
- Lure Weight: 8 to 17
- Lure Size: 3/8 Oz to ¾ Oz
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76MF is one of the best spinning rods designed for fishing in saltwater. This spinning rod is capable of handling everything from stripers to tuna. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will perform any less when facing pike and lake trout. This spinning rod is quite handy when fishing on lakes.
As earlier mentioned, St. Croix is known to make high quality spinning rods and the St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76MF is no exception. It comes with a strong, super light and sensitive blank and outcasts almost everything of similar power, action and length.
This spinning rod is ideal for wide open fishing and always ready to catch fish. What’s more, it comes with plenty of premium guides. You don’t have to worry about the quality of this spinning rod even when under pressure.
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76MF premium quality line allows you to set the drag properly to catch some big fish without putting the rod to test. It additionally features a split cork handle is made with premium quality materials and the designer also paid attention to details. Generally, it’s one of the best spinning rods on the market.
Pros
- Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76MF is reasonably priced
- Awesome guides
- It an ideal all-rounder for big fish
- Excellent casting
- Fantastic sensitivity
- This spinning rod features a super comfortable handle
Cons
- N/A
Best Heavy-Power Spinning Rods
Heavy spinning rods always come with a casting reel. However, there are some notable exceptions. Here are some of the best heavy-power spinning rods on the market:
Shimano Teramar South East TMSX710M
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Pieces: 1
- Length: 7ft 10 inches
- Guides: 9 Fuji New Concept
- Material: Graphite composite and fiberglass
- Handle: Continuous cork
- Action/Power: Fast, medium
- Lure Weight: 8 to 17
- Lure Size: ¼ Oz to 1 Oz
Shimano Teramar Southeast is one of the best heavy-power spinning rods for inshore fishing activities. It’s made with premium quality materials which makes it stand out. The best thing about this spinning rod is that it falls on the lower side of the pricing spectrum making it an excellent choice for all anglers. This spinning rod terrifies big fish and is typically a battle winning model as evident in the brand’s attention to small details.
Shimano Teramar Southeast features a 7ft 10 inches blank made of fiberglass with an interior and exterior graphite wrapping. The sensitivity of this spinning rod is on steroids without compromising on casting and sensitivity.
Most anglers appreciate the technology used in making this spinning rod. It works well on bigger lures and heavy lines. What’s more, it can handle about ¼ ounce offerings effortlessly with aplomb. This makes it versatile option for most inshore angling.
Shimano Teramar Southeast is one of the best spinning rods on the market as it stands out compared to its counterparts from other brands. This spinning rod can effortlessly fight big fish ranging from reds, blues, mahi-mahi to barracuda thanks to the backbone. It additionally wears Fuji new concept guides to help cushion the line in hard struggles. The beautifully designed continuous cork handle offers enough room for fighting a bruiser.
Pros
- Is a perfect all-rounder all your inshore angling needs
- It wears fantastic Fuji new concept guides
- The blank is awesome
- It features a super comfortable handle
- Excellent casting
Cons
- N/A
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76HF
BUY ON AMAZON
Product Features
- Length: 7ft 6 inches
- Action/Power: Fast, Heavy
- Material: Fiberglass composite and graphite
- Handle: Cork
- Lure Weight: 15 to 30
- Lure Size: ¾ Oz to 2 Oz
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76HF is perfect for inshore angling in both fresh and saltwater. Whether this spinning rod model is superior as compared to the Redbone is usually a matter of quality as opposed to handle preference. As earlier mentioned, St. Croix is popular brand that tends to build their products to high standards which is evident in top-quality of each of the components.
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76HF has a sensitive and sturdy blank making it an excellent choice for deep fishing. The added fiberglass, on the other hand, not only increases weight but also helps extend its lifespan.
This spinning rod is one of the toughest ones on the market. Don’t hesitate to try and push it to its limits especially when paired with a spinning reel. It comes with plenty of premium quality guides. Use a fishing line with the same level of quality to set the drag properly and the rod will comfortably handle fish in different sizes.
St. Croix Mojo Inshore MIS76HF additionally features a 21-inch split cork handle. It’s made with high-quality materials paying attention to details. The best part is that the length typically provides a handy leverage when you want to tie it to a swordfish or marlin to help you win the battle. Generally, it’s one of the best spinning rods on the market.
Pros
- It features a super comfortable handle that works perfectly well
- Excellent casting
- It’s reasonably priced
- Fantastic sensitivity
- A perfect all-rounder for big fish
- Awesome guides
Cons
- N/A
Factors to Consider When Looking for the Best Spinning Rods
When looking for the best spinning rods on the market, there are a number of questions you need to ask to help you make an informed decision. Some of these questions include:
- The accuracy of the casting
- The size of the fish
- The techniques you need to use
- Do I need a sharp hookset?
- How far do I need to cast?
All the above information will help you choose the best length, action and power. Let’s focus on the general purpose of the spinning rod instead of specific species models and techniques. This means that the review doesn’t feature some excellent spinning rod companies such as Dobyns and B’nM’. Let’s dive right in!
Action
The action of a spinning rod usually describes the point at which it tends to bend under pressure. There are different types of actions. For instance, fast action spinning rods are stiffer and bend towards the furthest end almost at the tip. On the contrary, slow cations pinning rods start bending closer to the real seat and handle and curve over a great percentage of the length.
Generally, fast action spinning rods offer great sensitivity near the tip to help you detect the strikes easily. On the other hand, slow action spinning rods provide more cushioning around the hookset. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that fast action spinning rods are better than their slow action counterparts. Anglers need to match the action of the rod to the technique they plan on using.
The best spinning rod should have moderate fast action and bend towards the tip. On the contrary, an ideal drop shot spinning rod tends to bend near the handle. Hookset is significantly affected by the power, which typically means that the set will be better if the rod is faster.
The difference between a fast and slow rod is easily noticeable especially when using a single hook to worm fish. However, a slower spinning rod will give the catch an instant to engulf the lure if you are running crankbaits using sharper treble hooks.
In addition, whatever is true for the most popular fishing game in America is equally true for other different species. Fast is usually the best choice when using a single hook to fish. However, slower is even better when you need a little more time to allow your catch to engage. Slower action is also perfect when throwing a sharp treble-hooked lure.
Power
When talking of he spinning rod’s power, we tend to describe the amount of force it takes to bend it. Power along with the rod’s action determines their functionality and performance. With all other factors constant, a stiff blank increases the power of the hookset to allow the angler to make longer casts. We also have the ultralight that describes everything an angler should know.
When we say the blank is ultralight, it typically means that the spinning rod bends even under the modest of loads. A fish weighing about two pounds will bend the spinning rod to an arc even with faster action.
Ultralight doesn’t necessarily mean that the spinning rod is weak. Heavy means relatively strong which is quite the opposite for light and ultralight since the two terms don’t equate to weakness in this context. An increase in power especially when moving up the scale ranging from light, medium to heavy is directly proportional to the strength and stiffness of the blank. You’ll need a heavier spinning rod to catch bigger fish but just like action, you need to match the spinning rod to the type of fish you going for.
Heavy-power spinning rods are ideal for catching the meanest and largest fish in any water body from lake trout, huge Muskie, shark to monster pike among others. On the contrary, medium power rods usually offer stiffer backbones for perfect hooksets and they work remarkably well on different species like large bass, pike, tuna and redfish.
However, they would be terrible for bluegill and crappie. In most cases, the type of species you are going for will help you determine the ideal power.
Length
The length of the spinning rod is not rocket science. Generally, the longer the rod the further the casting distance although the casts won’t be precise. Short spinning rods are more accurate but the casting distance is compromised. A longer rod will come in handy if you are looking to cast a longer distance to catch fish especially when standing off the shallow. This also applies to surf fishing.
However, a shorter rod will be an excellent choice if you are looking to cast into heavier cover and also need to put the lure where you need it. You can start with a 6-inch long rod if you are not sure of your needs.
Lure and Line Weight
For the most part, spinning rods usually have the line and lure weights indicated close to the real seat. You can go beyond the bounds but that means that you’ll be compromising on performance. Unsurprisingly, the weights vary depending on the action and power of the spinning rod. This tells you what will fish and cast better with a certain blank.
Guides
The guide quality plays a significant role when it comes to the best spinning role. Adequate guides will make you lose more fish compared to a combination of a cheap line and dull hooks. The guide usually takes most of the strain as you struggle fighting fish on the line giving you an estimate of half the number.
As this happens, friction also takes centre stage and gets intense especially between the guide and the line. That’s why you need to go for those made with premium quality materials and specially designed for high performance. Friction tends to wear the line and this compromises the strongest of braids.
Thankfully, there are different ways to test the quality of the guide. Don’t buy a spinning rod with a line that tends to break easily. Generally, more is usually better because if the guide count is higher, then the strain is evenly distributed to each one of the braids to help reduce friction at the pressure points.
Material
Advanced fishing rods are usually made with different materials including fiberglass, graphite and carbon fiber. Other spinning rod models feature a unique composite construction as they use different materials in the blank to provide the backbone.
Graphite is ultralight, stiff and strong with high sensitivity owing to its stiffness. Fiberglass is incredibly strong and heavier. Carbon fiber is the lightest, strongest, stiffest and relatively expensive.
Handle
For the most part, choosing the handle is a matter of personal preference especially in terms of comfort. Spinning rod handles are usually made with two different materials – EVA foam and cork.
The latter is more attractive and warmer but is not as forgiving when it comes to rough treatment. EVA foam, on the other hand, is way cooler and incredibly soft to touch without compromising on toughness.
Conclusion
You can’t find one perfect spinning rod to suit everyone’s needs. Always go for a spinning rod depending on the species you plan on going after, the lure you planning on throwing and your fishing techniques. However, at the end of the day, it all narrows down to personal preferences.
