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New cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing fishing daily, and the tech world moves so fast that we need to catch up with many novelties in fishing equipment. So, dear spinning devotees, that’s where we come in. We decided to make a list of all the best spinning rods on the market and share our knowledge with you!
It doesn’t matter if you are a starter or a master angler; the fast-paced lifestyle prevents us from constantly checking in for new and exciting things. To make your search easier, we tested some of the best spinning equipment in the industry. So, before buying something you did not mean to, read on!
I love to test new fishing gadgets and share my opinion.
Top 3 Best Spinning Rods
Best Overall
KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod
- Lightweight carbon blank
- A versatile rod that can target several fish species
- Smoot casting
- Great balance
Best Travel Rod
Goture Travel Fishing Rod
- Solid backbone
- Good casting distance
- High sensitivity
- Durable and can withstand pressure
Best for Portability
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
- Long-lasting construction
- Cork handled
- Suitable for various fishing methods
- Durable
Top 12 Best Spinning Rod for the Money
1. KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod – Best Overall Spinning Rod
2. Goture Travel Fishing Rod – Best Travel Spinning Rod
3. Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod – Best Portability Spinning Rod
4. KastKing Centron Spinning Rod – Best Sensitivity Spinning Rod
5. St Croix Triumph Spinning – Best Inshore Spinning Rod
6. Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager – Best for Freshwater Spinning Rod
7. Cadence CR5 Spinning – Best for Fast Action Spinning Rod
8. KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod – Best Lightweight Spinning Rod
9. Fenwick HMG Ice Spinning Rod – Best for Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
10. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod – Best Durability Spinning Rod
11. Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo – Best Combo Spinning Rod
12. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo – Best Budget Spinning Rod
Table of Contents
Setting the Standard: Our Review of the Best Spinning Rods
#1 Best Overall - KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: What we love about the KastKing Perigee is the well-thought blend of extra-quality materials used for its overall construction. The result is a versatile rod with ultralight power and fast action for an enhanced fishing trip. It has a spot in our review on the best ultralight fishing rods as well.
- Size: Available in seven sizes ranging from 4 ft 6 in to 7 ft 6 in
- Material: Graphite, Carbon Fiber
- Color: Black
- Handle material: high-density EVA
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Lightweight carbon blank
- A versatile rod that can target several fish species
- Smoot casting
- Great balance
Cons
- Small handle for some anglers
- Fragile blank
- Not strong enough rod tip
BUYING ADVICE: We took the Kast King Perigee to check it out on a slow river and paired it up with a 2000 reel and 4-pound line. The complete feel was a balanced rod with a comfortable, cozy handle, even after five hours of fishing.
Also, this rod has an elegant and accurate cast that brought us an average size bass. So, if you want a rod that can withstand the rigors of fishing and still provide great sensitivity, then the Kast King Perigee is the right match for you.
FEATURES: What truly makes this rod so different is its strong backbone and versatility. You can use it in freshwater and saltwater fishing and go for bass, catfish, salmon, and more. And it all comes at an affordable price.
#2 Best Travel Rod - Goture Travel Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: We like the long casts that the Goture Travel offers. It’s a 4-piece rod that’s easy to pack and transfer in the hard case included in the price. It’s lightweight and well-balanced, which makes it an excellent addition to your spinning gear and one of the best travel fishing rods on the market.
- Size: Available in seven sizes ranging from 6 ft 6 in to 12 ft
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Color: Black and eight more
- Handle material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium Fast
Pros
- Solid backbone
- Good casting distance
- High sensitivity
- Durable and can withstand pressure
Cons
- The handle can be slippery
- The reel seat is frail
- Could benefit from bigger guides
BUYING ADVICE: We felt like catching some sun and took the Goture Travel rod for light beach surf fishing. It’s transportable and easy to set up. We matched this rod and reel combo with a 20-pound monofilament line.
Since it’s primarily a casting rod, we had to try the casting distance, and we were surprised by the accuracy, no matter how much we pushed its limits. It provided an utterly relaxing feel for a day on the beach with a bonus catch of small surfperch and bluefish. Thus, we recommend this traveling companion to all anglers that want a simple yet stable fishing rod.
FEATURES: This rod features anti-corrosive guides for a smooth line flow and EVA split grip handle for all-day support. Set aside this light traveling hook keeper that will never disappoint you.
#3 Best for Portability - Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: The superior performance and sensitivity of the graphite composite enables a more responsive action in the Shakespeare Micro. It’s lightweight, can handle many fishing situations, and is portable and suitable for backpacking.
- Size: 4 ft 6 in, 5 ft 6 in, 6 ft 6 in, 7 ft
- Material: Blend
- Color: Multicolor
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Power: Ultra Light, Light
Pros
- Long-lasting construction
- Cork handled
- Suitable for various fishing methods
- Durable
Cons
- Not practical for bigger fish
- Guide inserts may fall off
- Fragile rod tip
BUYING ADVICE: We decided to go on a panfish adventure. We took the Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod and matched it up with a 6 lb braided line and smaller minnows, and some worm bait.
This excellent rod and fishing line displayed a smooth casting that brought us a 2lb panfish and medium-sized flounder. It is a great rod that provides consistent results in the ultralight category!
FEATURES: It is constructed with first-class materials to make your fishing trip more effective. The Shakespeare Micro features a reel seat with cushioned hoods for extra support on the water and robust stainless steel guides for endurance, which add to its quality! Plus, it comes at an affordable price.
#4 Best Sensitivity - KastKing Centron Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: The KastKing Centron is a 2-piece spinning rod and reel combo which makes it easy to pack and take on a fishing trip. The graphite blanks add to the responsiveness and another feature we like is the capable triple disc drag system that allows you to polish the retrieve.
- Size: 6 ft, 6 ft 6 in, 7 ft, 7 ft 6 in, 8 ft
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Color: Black/Blue
- Handle material: EVA foam
- Grip type: Split
- Power: Medium, Heavy
Pros
- Lightweight and simple to use
- Solid reel
- Well-grounded casting
- Decent combo for the price
Cons
- The guides are not that durable
- Not a practical combination for heavier fish
- The rod tip can break under pressure
BUYING ADVICE: Many anglers like these bass rods because they are known to be durable. So, we decided to try it out on a small pool along the river. We completed the combo with light lines and 1/4 oz lures for finesse fishing and got a stable rod with a good-looking backbone and a firm grip. It has an agreeable reel seat compared to other rods.
Even though we are used to catching bass on a longer rod, we still got an 8-inch smallmouth bass and some prey fish. We recommend this rod because of its excellent performance and balance.
FEATURES: The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel features tailored EVA handles and a fighting rod butt for additional safety and balance. All these and a stainless steel backbone are characteristics of a great spinning rod.
#5 Best Inshore - St Croix Triumph Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: What we like about the Croix Triumph saltwater spinning rod is the firm SCIII carbon framework that makes it extremely light and highly sensitive. Still, it’s very strong and delivers a great saltwater fishing experience.
- Size: Available in 6 sizes ranging from 5 ft to 7 ft 6 in
- Material: SCIII Carbon
- Color: Black/Cork
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium/Fast
Pros
- Unmatched strength and resilience
- Lovely paint finishes
- Long casts
- Lightweight for long hours of fishing
Cons
- No hard cases available for packing
- The tip is prone to damage
- The rod is prone to breaking
BUYING ADVICE: Many of our poles are St. Croix, so this testing will not be our first time using this magnificent spinning rod. It is so gentle to use, has the right medium-fast action, and made our trip a walk in the park.
We paired it up with a 17-pound fluorocarbon line and some spinnerbaits. The accurate cast, straight retrieve and sophisticated performance got us several perch, pike, and striped bass.
FEATURES: Equipped with a built-in Sea Guide XDPS reel seat, this rod features St.Croix technology that is proven and unique on the market.
#6 Best for Freshwater - Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Okuma Voyager is a reliable travel rod that we liked at first glance. Simple and compact, it contains everything you expect from a fishing kit. It comes with a custom travel bag and adds a tackle box with a bunch of baits so you’re set for an enjoyable freshwater fishing trip.
- Size: 6 ft
- Material: Synthetic
- Color: Black/ Cork
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Light
Pros
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Practical for spinning in freshwater
- Strong backbone
- High-quality reel
Cons
- Not practical for saltwater fishing
- Not recommended for novice anglers
- It can be fragile where the sections come together
BUYING ADVICE: Since this is a traveling pack, we decided to go camping near a lake and try the Okuma VS-605-20 Voyager fishing kit. The casing was compact and neat. We thought about taking several spinning reels but decided to use the one in the kit, which is easy to attach.
The rod was also uncomplicated to set up, and we had a whole fishing day filled with crappie, trout, and bass to look forward to. On the whole, this solid mobile kit will help you catch some fish and enjoy a camping day!
FEATURES: An affordable spinning kit with everything you need to enjoy a day of fishing. Simple to use and enjoy the great outdoors!
#7 Best for Fast Action - Cadence CR5 Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Cadence rod is suitable for freshwater and saltwater fishing with a mandatory rinse afterwards. Reinforced with 30-ton carbon components, it’s light, sensitive and quite durable. At first sight, you would think it belongs in the slow action rods category, but once you take it out on the water, you’ll notice the fast action that makes this rod unique!
- Size: 7 ft
- Material: 30-ton Carbon
- Color: Black/Cork
- Handle material: Cork and EVA
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium Heavy/Fast
Pros
- Well-matched with different reels
- Stainless steel guides with SIC inserts for increased sensitivity
- Flexible and balanced
- Made from high-quality materials
Cons
- Rod is fragile
- The handle is a bit thin
- The reel seat is loose
BUYING ADVICE: We got ready for some heavy action and mixed and matched this rod with a 4000 reel series, a 10-20 lb line, and 3/8-1 oz shaky heads plastics. After spending some time fighting a big fish, we were happy that we chose a more extensive reel.
Also, the cast was precise, and we discovered that this Cadence rod could take a lot of pressure from so many vicious strikes. So, if you are ready to up your game and catch some trophy fish, always take a Cadence rod with you!
FEATURES: The highlight of this rod is the Cadence top-notch tech which offers stability, strength, comfort, and sensitivity at the same time. That is something that you can’t find that well combined in other rods.
#8 Best Lightweight - Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: One thing we like about this rod is the combination of lightweight and sturdiness that can handle some bumpy action. Charming design and witty craftsmanship make the Penn Batallion one of the best spinning rods with an excellent casting capacity.
- Size: 7 ft, 7 ft 6 in
- Material: SLC2 construction blanks
- Color: Black/Gold
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium Heavy/Fast
Pros
- Ideal for inshore fishing
- Good hook set
- Allows long and precise casts
- Lightweight and sensitive
Cons
- A bit stiff
- Delicate rod tip
- Limited power for large fish species
BUYING ADVICE: We embarked on an inshore fishing quest to test the Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning rod. We were able to make long and precise casts and found that it is flexible with enough muscle for a battle.
We matched it with a 4000 series reel, some crankbaits, and live baits. Although we were mostly in grass flats, the lure didn’t get snugged, and we managed to get some redfish and trout.
FEATURES: Armed with Fuji aluminum oxide guides for a better and more secure line flow and lavish cork handles, this rod is one of the most aesthetically pleasing rods on the market.
#9 Best for Ice Fishing - Fenwick HMG Ice Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: What’s not to like about this rod? A delicate and responsive blank, ideal for detecting slight fish bites and providing precise casts. Also, it features a comfortable cork handle and stainless steel guides for increased robustness and smooth line gliding.
- Size: 28 in
- Material: Carbon
- Color: Black, Cork
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Fast
Pros
- Light and sensitive
- Fairly strong with a good backbone
- Great for walleyes, northern pike, and trout
- Well-balanced and durable
Cons
- A bit stiff
- The size of the reel seat
- The cork handle is not that comfortable after a more extended session
BUYING ADVICE: We got warm clothes and ice fishing tools and went on a frozen lake to test the Fenwick HMG Ice Spinning Rod. We paired it with a Shimano 1000 reel series that has shown outstanding performance and stability and 6 to 8-pound test fluorocarbon lines.
It has a very sensitive tip, and we could feel the nibbles on the lure underneath the ice. It also had a nice drag and elegant line movement when retrieved. We landed some walleyes and pike, and we can say that it’s the best walleye ice fishing rod we have tried.
FEATURES: The tac trim and cork combination reduces overall weight and makes this rod easier to control. Also, the stainless steel guides are suitable for harsh weather conditions, making this rod one of the best ice fishing rods at the moment.
#10 Best Durability - Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: All the components of the Ugly Stik Elite are made from high-quality materials that add to its strength and durability. It features a clear tip design that is responsive to very light bites and you can be sure that it’ll reel in a catch!
- Size: Available in seven sizes ranging from 4 ft 6 in to 7 ft 6 in
- Material: Graphite and Fiberglass
- Color: Black, Cork
- Handle material: Cork
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium
Pros
- A versatile rod that can target a lot of fish
- Anti-corrosion stainless steel guides
- Ergonomically constructed handles
- Solid casting and accuracy
Cons
- The eyelets can bend
- The reel seat is small
- The tip is prone to damage
BUYING ADVICE: We get excited when we test the Ugly Stik series due to their remarkable performance in all circumstances. We matched the rod with a 3000 reel series and an 8-pound mono line and found that it allows for a nice cast even though it’s a 6′- Medium rod. It was flexible and robust enough to catch sheepshead, redfish, mangrove snapper, and speckled trout.
FEATURES: The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod features an almost indestructible graphite and fiberglass framework. Also, its light weight makes it easy to carry and utilize!
#11 Best Combo - Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Daiwa D-Wave Spinning Combo is a strong rod that allows you to target bigger fish. It can reach great casting distances even with heavy lures. It’s tough and retains its flexibility and tip sensitivity for many years.
- Size: 7 ft
- Material: Fiberglass
- Color: Black
- Handle material: EVA foam
- Grip type: Split
- Action: Medium
Pros
- Durable and reliable rod and reel combo
- Anti-corrosion body
- Waterproof drag system
- Cozy EVA handles
Cons
- The anti-reverse function is not suitable for all anglers
- The reel can get damaged
- The rod tip isn't so durable
BUYING ADVICE: Such a magnetic rod and reel combo! We added a 10-pound mono line and live bait and went out on sea kayak fishing. The rod has a comfortable grip and feels firm when you hold it.
Ultimately, we fished out Jack Crevalles and tunas, and it was an uncomplicated drag and landing. So, if you want a quality spinning combo that is good for the money, this is the one for you!
FEATURES: The stainless ball bearing reel and excellent manufacturing set this matching combo far ahead of the competition.
#12 Best Budget - Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Travel Spinning Combo
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Rod Combo offers great value for money. It’s well-known for its durability and it’s perfect for both novice and expert anglers. And the rod’s sensitivity and strength allow you to target all kinds of fish.
- Size: Available in six sizes ranging from 4 ft 6 in to 7 ft
- Material: Fiberglass
- Color: Black
- Handle material: Aluminum
- Grip type: Split
- Power: Ultra Light to Medium Heavy
Pros
- Solid backbone
- Sensitive tip
- Flexible pole
- Decent casting distance
Cons
- The reel quality doesn't match the blank quality
- The reel handle is prone to damage
- The handle material picks up dirt
BUYING ADVICE: When we decided to test the combo, it arrived in a lovely slick design casing. Since the combo set has everything an angler might need, we only took some drop-shot rigs with us.
Overall, the reel is designed for light-duty fishing, but we managed to get a lot of kingfish, cobia, mackerel, and tuna. It was also easy to achieve a decent casting distance.
FEATURES: An alluring mix of 3-bearing reel systems for smooth operation and an enormous line capacity for increased casting distance. It also has a built-in anti-reverse switch for added convenience – a combination you do not see every day!
Factors to Take into Account when Selecting a Spinning Rod
Length
Spinning rods are versatile, and anglers use them for multiple fishing approaches. Therefore, you can select the length of the rod based on your fishing method. The typical length varies between 6′ – 7’5″, but you can choose shorter or longer rods, depending on your preference. We advise novice anglers to take a 7-foot rod because it is easier to master.
Composition
Spinning rods are made of quality components such as fiberglass, graphite, carbon fiber, and composite materials. The manufacturers mix and match quality components to create a solid rod and a sensitive rod tip that provide a smooth fishing experience.
Action
When it comes to the rod’s action, many fishermen choose a fast-action rod due to its sensitivity. Medium-action rods allow anglers to target a broader range of large fish, which can be more aggressive. Also, the flexibility provides a longer casting distance. The medium-heavy rods offer a more stable cast and retrieve when fishing in an environment with heavy cover.
Tap
Many manufacturers have developed additional fishing tools for recouping impaired or lost drill rods and rod casings. Anglers use spear taps to detach jabbed or damaged drill rods from the borehole. Another great tool that fishers use when they need to reclaim lost fishing gear is tapper taps. Having these economic tools will help you prevent buying fish gear frequently.
Material
Fishing rod designers consider graphite, fiberglass, or composite material with cork and EVA handles as the best materials for constructing a long-lasting and responsive rod.
Guides
Silicon carbide and titanium carbide are considered the best materials for fishing guides, but manufacturers often choose stainless steel, alconite or ceramics. Experienced anglers that like freshwater fishing select micro guides for spinning fast action rods since they don’t add much weight to the rod. Also, single guides are an excellent choice since they only impact the rod’s action a little.
Handles
Cork handles have eye-catching looks but are less durable than EVA foam handles, offering better longevity and security. When choosing a solid handle for your spinning rods, you must aim for comfort and stability. You can also select a full grip (both hands) or a split grip (one hand) handle if you want more sensitivity or complete control of the rod.
Rod Sections
Ideally, a one-piece spinning rod is better than a two-piece one, bringing improved responsiveness and strength than a rod with several rod sections. There are 2,3,4,5-piece rods that anglers need to assemble and disassemble after usage, and the sections must fit perfectly for overall functionality. However, many anglers believe they have not noticed a big difference between a one-piece rod and a multi-piece one.
Weight
Almost all rod creators use numbers and letters to explain what that rod can take in and how well it performs. To choose the right spinning rod weight, you need to know what type of fish you want to target, what fishing method you will use, and where you want to fish.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best length of rod for spinning?
Spinning rods vary between 4’5″ to 9’5″ feet in length. However, many anglers choose spinning rods between 6′ and 7’5″.
What size rod is best for spinning?
The right rod size for spinning ranges from 6′-7’5”, light to medium-heavy power rods. The rod size depends on the environment you plan to fish in and what fish species you are targeting. You can apply several fishing techniques on a spinning rod, like casting, bottom fishing, bobber fishing, live lining, and surf fishing.
Is a one-piece rod better than a two-piece?
Generally, anglers choose a one-piece spinning rod since it has more pros than a two-piece spinning rod. But, regarding fishing trips near banks or from a small boat, the two-piece rod has more advantages.