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Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
Jigging is a special fishing technique that involves lifelike motions akin to prey to attract the fish. Because it requires constant movement, anglers tire quickly and cut their fishing sessions short. But there’s a key to preventing fatigue, and that is having the right gear by your side.
For this reason, we have crafted a special jigging rods list containing some of the best jigging rods on the market – from xx heavy and heavy jigs, to fast action tip rods, there’s something for everyone.
By choosing the right jigging rod, you’ll be able to jig away for long hours without ever getting tired.
Comparison Table - The Best Rods for Jigging
Editor's choice
Shimano Trevala Casting Rod
- Lightweight rod
- Strong and powerful
- Suitable for all-day saltwater fishing
- Great custom EVA grips
- A very lively rod
Best Rated
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod
- Lightweight and thin
- Very durable
- Versatile
- Sensitive and tactful but still tough
Best Value
Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece
- A long-lasting rod
- Very reliable
- Good quality product, especially for saltwater
- Great value for the price
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Jigging Rods in 2023
1. Shimano Trevala Casting Rod – Editor’s Choice – Best Saltwater Jigging Rods
2. KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod – Best Rated & Best Versatile Jigging Rod
3. Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece – Best Value & Best Saltwater Jigging Rod
4. Daiwa Megaforce Fishing Rod – Best Boat/Travel Jigging Rod
5. UglyStik Tiger Elite Spinning – Best Bottom Fishing Jigging Rod
6. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning – Best Lightweight Jigging Rod
7. Fiblink Saltwater 3-Piece Heavy – Best Offshore Jigging Rod
8. GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6’6″ – Best Slow Jigging Rod
9. Goture Travel Fishing Rod – Best Jigging Rod For Large Fish
10. Okuma Cedros E-Glass – Best Beginner Jigging Rod
Top Picks for Jigging Rods: Our Expert Reviews
#1 Editor's Choice - Best Saltwater Jigging Rods - Shimano Trevala Casting Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Trevala Casting rod comes with Fuji O or Alconite guides for a smooth line and a Fuji reel seat. The custom EVA grips make this rod very comfortable on the hand, and the lightweight body works well for all-day fishing. In addition, the handle design is unique, and it won’t leave marks after a full fishing day. Very suitable for saltwater jigging.
- Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 78 inches
- Material: Graphite
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting, jigging
Pros
- Lightweight rod
- Strong and powerful
- Suitable for all-day saltwater fishing
- Great custom EVA grips
- A very lively rod
Cons
- Not the best for mono line
- Toward the mid-price range, not the cheapest rod out there
- Not the right choice for anglers that prefer very long rods.
BUYING ADVICE: Your shoulders and lower back will thank you with this ultralight rod! It showed some backbone in fusion with parabolic features. To us, that is an ideal combination for a good jigging rod. We were able to catch big aggressive fish with comfort and ease. Overall, it provides a very good balance and action.
FEATURES: The Shimano Trevala Casting rod is an innovative rod from the Trevala Jigging series ideal for the Shimano Butterfly jigs. This rod is potent yet lightweight and gives a light action. It works best with high speed and a power reel for maximum jigging success.
#2 Best Rated & Best Versatile Jigging Rod - KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: The KastKing Cirxus is very light and highly sensitive. It’s constructed of IM6 graphite blanks that give it a great look and performance. The rod is equipped with stainless-steel guide frames that have zirconium so that this rod can take the pressure of fighting fish.
- Length: 5’6″-7’6”
- Material: Stainless steel
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting, Spinning
Pros
- Lightweight and thin
- Very durable
- Versatile
- Sensitive and tactful but still tough
Cons
- Not best for anglers that dislike shorter rods
- The rod tips are quite thin and delicate
- Needs some setup to adjust properly
BUYING ADVICE: This rod is powerful yet pretty sensitive. We like the versatility it offers – it can be used to jig away some nice tuna in saltwater or catch a great bass in freshwater. It’s definitely one of the best bass fishing rods on the market.
FEATURES: The KastKing comes with special technical compound SuperPolymer handles that have a great grip, feel and durability. The handles are non-slip, which makes them ideal for all fishing conditions.
#3 Best Value & Best Saltwater Jigging Rod - Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Fiblink is a medium-heavy saltwater rod with a strong construction and a sensitive response. The carbon and glass fiber combination provides good performance and action. In addition, the guides are made of stainless steel mixed with ceramic, which gives a smooth and stuck-free line. We loved the fishing experience this jigging rod gave us.
- Length: 6′
- Material: Stainless Steel, Glass
- Color: Blue
- Fishing Technique: Casting
Pros
- A long-lasting rod
- Very reliable
- Good quality product, especially for saltwater
- Great value for the price
Cons
- A bit stiff
- More toward the heavyweight side
- Works better with a heavier reel.
BUYING ADVICE: In our experience, this is solid gear to be used as a jigging rod, particularly in saltwater. As it’s quite tough, big fish won’t be an issue for this rod. We also tried it for deep-sea fishing, and it performed well. Finally, the comfortable non-slip, high-density EVA handle and foregrips make for the best saltwater jigging rod mix.
FEATURES: These Fiblink Saltwater rods come equipped with a multi-purpose hook holder. In addition, the machined aluminum reel seats on these rods have a seat cap, protecting the reel from corrosion. Overall, a great jigging rod for saltwater jigging action.
#4 Best Boat/Travel Jigging Rod - Daiwa Megaforce Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: These quality rods are ideal for all kinds of fishing trips, whether you drive the coast or fly, and they are set at a very affordable price. The multi-part Daiwa Megaforce is easy to pack and fit as a carry-on, and it’s ideal as a boat rod. It will save you space, and you don’t need a rod tube if you don’t like bringing it along. In addition, the rod has a nice bend.
- Length: 7.38, 7.87, 8.86, 9.84ft
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting, Spinning
Pros
- Amazing for fishing trips, driving, riding a motorcycle, air travel
- Nice sensitivity
- Lightweight
- Versatile - works well as a casting, spinning, or jigging rod, and you can even go surf fishing
Cons
- A longer rod, may not be the right choice for every angler
- Not the most durable guides
- The rings fall off easily
BUYING ADVICE: This rod is an amazing travel jigging rod. It goes great distances and has fine action. We tested it out with some bucktail jigs, and it did its job well. The construction of the rod is good, and it’s lightweight. It has a pretty sensitive tip.
In our opinion, this rod has a nice finish and progressive action, and it’s quite rigid.
FEATURES: The Daiwa Megafroce is a 4-piece fishing rod that is quite long with 8 guides that give it a nice line. These rods are light and made of thin carbon fiber. The EVA cork split grip handles give a comfortable and balanced grip.
#5 Best Bottom Fishing Jigging Rod - UglyStik Tiger Elite Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Ugly Tech is a one-piece rod and has a lightweight graphite construction. It is made with stainless steel double-footed guides so that your line doesn’t slip out. The heavy-power action on this rod is specifically crafted for jigging and bottom fishing. It has a great bend for various jigging techniques.
- Length: 6’6″
- Material: Blend
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Spinning, jigging
Pros
- Very versatile
- Good for vertical jigging
- Both strong and sensitive
- A good value-to-price ratio
Cons
- The guides can rust easily
- Reverse bending should not be practiced with this rod to prevent damage
- Does not have a hook keeper
BUYING ADVICE: This UglyStik Tiger Elite is a spinning rod with a soft tip but a heavy backbone. It goes well with a braided line. We found it to be very good as a vertical jigging rod and pretty durable. The sensitivity is on point, and so is the pulling power.
FEATURES: The handles feature fighting-length EVA grips with additional rubber gimbals. The reel seat is made with stainless steel cushioned hoods and offers fair value for the money.
#6 Best Lightweight Jigging Rod - Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Penn Battalion II is a spinning fishing rod that covers various fishing techniques. It is made of two graphite composite blanks that give the rod toughness but also sensitivity. It has stainless steel guides and aluminum-oxide inserts.
- Length: 9′, 10′, and 11′
- Material: Stainless Steel, Steel
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Versatile
- Non-slip rubber handles
- You can use mono or braid line
- Light jigging rod
Cons
- It's a light and thin rod, so it's a bit fragile
- The guides could be a bit more durable
- Not for those that dislike long and light spinning rods
BUYING ADVICE: This inshore spinning rod offers finesse but also power. As a lighter rod, it has a good backbone in our experience. The handle is an ideal fit for a strong and durable grip, and the fine finish further improved our grip when handling this rod.
FEATURES: The Penn Battalion II is ready to fight any fishing battle with its DPS reel seat and stainless steel hood that gives a good reel and rod connection. The grips are constructed of rubber shrink tube and provide a stable and firm grip even in slippery conditions.
#7 Best Offshore Jigging Rod - Fiblink Saltwater 3-Piece Heavy
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Biblink Saltwater is a 3-piece heavy power rod that performs great with offshore jigging action. It is constructed of high-density carbon fiber and fiberglass blank to be tough yet light.
- Length: 6′, 7′, 8′
- Material: Fiberglass and graphite
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Baitcasting
Pros
- Made of quality, long-lasting materials
- The line guides were in perfect alignment
- Portable
- Sturdy and responsive
Cons
- Guides may arrive bent
- Disassembling may take a bit of practice
- Rubber butt doesn't sit well
BUYING ADVICE: This rod is a very good value, as it provides power and sensitivity. We jigged some tuna fish with it, and it gave a nice action. In addition, it comes at a reasonable price, and we definitely like that!
FEATURES: The Fiblink Saltwater has a nice DPS reel seat with stainless steel hoods that do not rust. The rod has good leverage when dealing with fish that give a fight. The EVA foam handle delivers a comfortable grip and is not slippery in wet conditions. Also, the rod comes with a multi-purpose hook keeper, which is a great addition to the best jigging rods.
#8 Best Slow Jigging Rod - GOOFISH Jigging Rod 6'6"
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s a one-piece spinning rod with an innovative nanotechnology blank that is light and powerful with the addition of a sensitive rod tip. This rod is ideal for slow jigging with medium-slow power.
- Length: 6’6″
- Material: Solid nano blank
- Color: Green, blue, pink
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
Pros
- New technology
- The best slow-pitch jigging rod
- Good backbone
- Durable
Cons
- Color may fade out a bit over time
- Reel seat is a bit on the smaller side
- Color may be too vivid for some anglers
BUYING ADVICE: The Goofish rod is a medium-action, slow-pitch jigging rod. It gives a good backbone and a nice tip action, as far as our experience with it goes! The rod is lightweight, and we found jigging to be less tiring with the Goofish.
FEATURES: This is the best slow-jigging rod that is also ultra-light due to its nanotechnology. As a bonus, the colors and craftsmanship on the Goofish are great. The handle and the guides are very nice too, and you get a one-year warranty.
#9 Best Jigging Rod For Large Fish - Goture Travel Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: In our opinion, this traveling rod is well-made and offers fantastic performance and overall quality for the price. It has a fine balance between sensitivity and sturdiness with its 35-ton carbon matrix design. Also, it has high-quality ABS reel seats and EVA split grips that will provide comfort even if fishing for a whole day.
- Size: 6ft – 12ft
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting
Pros
- Strong and responsive
- Comfortable split grips
- Portable and light
- Corrosion-resistant guides perfect for saltwater jigging
- Jigging rod that can knock out big fish easily
Cons
- Takes time to assemble
- The reel is not the best for entry-level anglers
- The extreme flexibility may not be up to some anglers' preference
BUYING ADVICE: What we like is that although it’s a 4-piece rod, it is very solid. Strong and with plenty of backbone, this rod can overpower big fish. Also, it’s super light, bends well, and applies the right amount of pressure. This medium power rod is an amazing choice to pick as a travel buddy for your fishing adventures.
FEATURES: This rod is very portable and comes with its own travel case for easy packing on fishing trips. It is suitable for air or land travel. The rod tip is very durable, and the smooth ceramic guides provide a friction-free line and a great cast. It’s the best jigging rod for large fish and one of the best choices for travel rods.
#10 Best Beginner Jigging Rod - Okuma Cedros E-Glass
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re just starting out as an angler, the Okuma Cedros E-glass jigging rod should be your number-one choice! Due to its sensitivity and sturdiness, it’s an excellent way to dip your toes into the jigging techniques.
- Length: 5’6″-7′
- Material: Aluminum, steel
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Casting
Pros
- Very strong with a lot of backbone
- Sturdy build
- Ergonomic design for comfort
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Not the most sensitive rod
- A bit stiff
- Not the best for professional anglers
BUYING ADVICE: In our opinion, this is a great jigging starter pack rod for novice anglers. We were jigging for tuna, and we managed to hook it with ease. The grip is comfortable, and the blank is solid.
FEATURES: The Okuma Cedros rod is made of an e-glass blank that provides great pulling power. It works very well paired with a braided line. And thanks to the high-rise 316 stainless steel guide frames and zirconium guide inserts, friction will become a thing of the past.
What Is A Jigging Rod?
Jigging rods are different from other fishing rods. They are made specifically for the jigging technique. They are more flexible but still strong and are shorter than other rods but with longer grips. Jigging rods should be light enough to be easily lifted, and they should come with a sensitive tip that allows for fast reactions.
Jigging Rod Selection: A Guide on How to Choose the Best
Action
Fast-action jigging rods bend moreat the tip as opposed to a slow-action rods. A fast-action rod is useful for keeping up with the quick hook sets required for jigging. On the other hand, with slow jigging, the jig tends to fall deep in a straight line, which boosts your chances of catching fish. It’s up to the angler’s preference.
Power
Keep in mind that you want to use the lightest rod power possible because this will enable you to detect bites more effectively. A medium-light power is ideal for vertical jigging because it will give you the most sensitivity while remaining tough so it can handle big fish. You might want to go a little heavier and use a medium-power when casting jigs.
Length
The suggested length for offshore best jigging rods is between 5 and 6 feet. This rod length is too short for lure fishing, but it works well for offshore jigging, which doesn’t require casting and focuses more on handling lures. For throwing jigs farther away and into deeper water, some anglers advise using a rod at least 7 feet long.
Weight
The best jigging rods are lightweight and powerful at the same time. With a light jigging rod, you won’t tire easily and will be able to pull out long fishing hours.
As for jigs’ weight, combine medium-light power rods with lightweight jigs weighing around 1/8 oz or less. You can pair heavy power with heavy lures up to 3/4 oz in weight.
Material
If you want top-notch rod action, you should also pay attention to the material. Carbon fiber or graphite with a high modulus are some of the better options. If you want durability – go for carbon fiber. If you’d rather have a lightweight rod while sacrificing some of the sturdiness – go for graphite.
Handle
The handle grip should provide comfort as well as reliability. A non-slip grip handle is best for saltwater jigging, as the wet conditions may interfere with your jigging technique if your handle slips away.
Reel Selection
The two types of reels that are used for jigging rods are overhead and spinning reels. The choice is up to the preference of the angler. A spinning reel is better if you want a reel that is simple to use, doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and is easy to cast.
An overhead reel is the better option if you want a reel that can hold more line weight, has more drag, and can be used for a wider range of fishing techniques.
Frequently asked questions
What type of rod is best for jigging?
A lightweight yet strong rod is best for jigging. The comfort of the grip is also important, as is the rod’s length, weight, power, material, action, and reel pairing.
What is the best length for a jigging rod?
The length depends on the jigging technique, and the best lengths range somewhere around 6 to 7ft. This is up to the personal fishing style – some anglers even prefer rods longer than 8ft.
Can I use spinning rod for jigging?
Yes, you can – it’ll make your life easier because it’s cheaper and straightforward – perfect for beginners.
What weight rod for jig fishing?
You should match the weight of the rod to the weight of the jig. The rod’s weight also depends on the fishing conditions, how much force you want to use, whether you’ll use heavy line, etc.