Spinning rods are almost always popular among anglers and it’s easy to see why spinning rods are easy to master, can be used to catch a wide variety of species like trout, pike, salmon, bream and bass, and are almost always fun to use. They’re also versatile when it comes to where you can fish as you get options that are suitable for both salt and freshwater.
If you are a beginner than spinning rods are one of the easiest types to learn on, and many novices find them more enjoyable than other kinds of rods. Some learners even learn faster on spinning rods. You’ll also find that spinning rods are ideal for finesse fishing, where you need your rod to cast light lures efficiently and accurately, they’re also excellent at casting further distances.
Spinning rods are generally easier to hold in your dominant hand for more control when hauling in fish or casting lures, and many anglers find spin fishing setups better balanced and more comfortable to fish with for longer periods. His is mainly due to the line guides and reel seat hanging beneath the rod.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner you need a spinning rod that suits your needs and can target the species you need it to. It can seem overwhelming when you see how many options are out there, but luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and picked out some of the best spinning rods on the market and explained some of the main features to look out for when you’re picking a rod. We’ve also answered a few of your questions to give you as much information as possible so you pick out the best rod for you.
Top 5 Best Spinning Rods
OUR TOP PICK
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
EDITORS CHOICE
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Fishing Rod
BEST VALUE
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
OUR TOP PICK
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
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Summary
Ugly Stik is one of the most popular brands for fishing gear. Anglers love their rods because of how well constructed they are, Ugly Stik prides themselves on their durability and you can be relatively sure that an Ugly Stik is going to give consistently good performance and be pretty unbreakable. This rod is no exception to this rule and it’s able to handle a lot of punishment without breaking. This is a combo rod/reel which saves you the hassle and worry of pairing a rod and reel yourself and it can be used as soon as you get it which is handy for beginners looking to practice.
The rod is a graphite and fiberglass composite that is very durable and strong to live up to the Ugly Stik reputation but is also lightweight and flexible making it quite versatile. The rod is also very sensitive and it allows you to detect a wide range of sensitivity while on the water. This is a great value combo that offers a great level of performance to both beginners and more experienced anglers. The handle is also very comfortable with an EVA grip. The handle contributes to the overall lighter weight of the rod which relieves pressure on the wrists and makes it possible to hold for long periods. The 4'8" length option is available in 1-piece construction of this rod, but longer lengths are more portable due to the 2-piece design.
The reel is also very durable and should last for a good few years, it includes an anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire, 3 ball bearings and a 5:2:1 gear ratio. The reel is very smooth and retrieves quickly.
This is a great set-up for beginners and more experienced anglers, the hybrid composition makes it very durable and lightweight. The sensitive construction of the rod makes it easy to sense even the lightest of bites from the fish. Most anglers would be happy to have this rod in their arsenal.
Pros
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Can be used straight away as this is a combo rod/reel
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Durable and lightweight
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Wide range of lengths and powers available
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Durable reel with a smooth retrieve
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Suitable for anglers of all skills
Cons
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If using in saltwater you will need to rinse this combo thoroughly every time
EDITORS CHOICE
Abu Garcia Ike Dude Fishing Rod
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Summary
Abu Garcia got some help from Michael Iaconelli, the professional bass angler and this high-value rod is a great option for novices as it’s easy to use, but perfectly capable of catching fish like bass, catfish, and crappie. It’s a durable rod/reel combo and if you want something that can stand up to some abuse than this could very well be the rod for you.
This 2-piece construction rod is easily portable and is a great option for those looking for a rod to take with them on hiking trips. This composite rod is lightweight and durable with stainless steel line guides and steel cone which reduces line friction and provides a smoother release. The EVA handle is durable, very comfortable and it’s easy to find a strong grip that’s easy to maintain for a long time. This rod looks cool and the quality of its performance proves it’s more than the sum of its parts. The rod is a great choice if you’re thinking about going after trout or panfish, and has more than enough backbone to hold its own against aggressive fish.
The rod has both spin cast reel and spinning reel options available and if you’re unsure about using a spinning rod than this might just what you’ve been looking for as it’s affordable and offers a great performance letting you get the best out of your fishing experience. While this rod is an excellent all-rounder for beginners, more experienced anglers may be impressed at the effectiveness of this rod. This rod has a good feel in the hand and offers excellent casting. It is also easy to set hooks with this model and it’s more than capable of handling a large range of fish.
The reel on this combo is lightweight thanks to a graphite body and rotor. It is a size 30 reel and includes a 5.2:1 gear ratio, a duo ball bearing system, and an aluminum spool which has a 6 lb. line already included. The reel is ambidextrous and can be used with either hand which is a nice feature to be included by Aby Garcia and symptomatic of the whole thought behind the design of this model. The reel delivers a consistently excellent performance, and the whole set-up is remarkably good value.
Pros
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Well balanced
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Great combo for beginners to learn on
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Comes with the included line
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Looks great and performs better
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Lightweight and durable
Cons
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Some anglers may find this a bit stiffer than what they are used to
- 2 ball bearings
- Lightweight graphite body and rotor
- Aluminum spool
- High density EVA
- Lightweight composite blank
BEST VALUE
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
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Summary
Shakespeare (or the minds behind Ugly Stik) knows how to craft excellent quality rods at a great price. They want their customers to have successful and fun fishing experiences with their rods and this model is no different. Made for lighter line and going after smaller panfish, trout, and crappie in open water this micro-spinning rod is exactly the thing you need for this kind of ultralight angling.
This rod is constructed from a graphite composite which makes it sensitive enough to let you feel the light bites of smaller fish as well as tough and durable. The stainless-steel guides and inserts add to the overall sturdiness of this rod which makes it a good one if you like your rods to last you a long time. The rod is lightweight which removes some of the pressure from your wrists which helps you to fish comfortably all day.
The rod comes in a variety of lengths from 4.6 to 7.6 feet and dependant on what fish you want to go after and how far you want to cast comes in ultra-light to light power. Apart from the shortest length at 4.6 feet, the rod has 2-piece construction which makes it very portable and a great one to take with you while on the move for those surprise, perfect fishing spots.
The included reel comes with a secure reel seat with cushioned hood. The stainless-steel guides and inserts are designed to make the line run smoothly and reduce friction to a minimum. The reel is well constructed and is comfortable and easy to use in a variety of conditions.
This rod and reel combo is an excellent value considering the price. Anglers of all skill levels will be impressed with the casting distance and speedy hooksets on this option, and it can handle pretty much anything in freshwater that you throw it at. The reel has smooth casting and retrieval and the whole package is a great solution for those who want great performance at a good price without the hassle of pairing your rod and reel yourself.
Pros
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Ultralight and durable
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Comfortable to use
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Great action and comes in a variety of length options
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2-piece construction for portability
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Well designed and constructed
Cons
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The reel will probably need replacing before the rod
- Graphite composite rods with perfect light and ultralight actions
- Full cork handles
- Conventional reel seat with cushioned hoods
- Stainless Steel guides with stainless steel inserts
RUNNER UP
Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
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Summary
If you’re not certain a spinning rod is for you but you want to give it a good go before deciding then you’re probably worried about finding a rod that will give a great performance without breaking the bank. The option from Shimano is a great option for beginners looking for a great quality rod but will also impress anglers looking for a back-up rod that’s very portable. The 2-piece construction on this rod and the aero glass rod blank is very strong and sturdy and the overall rod is very durable and likely to last you a few years. The reinforced aluminum oxide guides help the line run smoothly, and the reel seat is made from graphite and is very secure.
The rod is easy to transport as it breaks down into an easily portable size to be packed into luggage or a backpack thanks to the 2 piece construction. The handle offers a great strong grip, that’s is comfortable and easy to find and maintain. The for and rear grips are made from cork, and the whole set-up is easy to cast with all day without fatigue or risk of injury.
The fast action rod is very sensitive and has an excellent casting distance. The rod has a variety of length options including 5 feet 6 inches, 6 feet, 6 feet 6 inches, and 7 feet, this means that you can choose the length that best suits your location and how far you need the rod to cast. This is a durable and high-quality rod that’s a lot of fun to use
Pros
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Well-constructed with good quality materials
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Very durable and robust
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Easy to handle with a great casting distance
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Easily portable, and easy to break down and reassemble
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Includes a variety of lengths
Cons
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A little heavy
- The Solara series is designed to be the ideal tool for new anglers to learn the art
- Reinforced with durable Aeroglass blank construction that provides incredible sensitivity
- Featuring aluminum oxide guides for smooth line flow on every cast and retrieve
- Equipped with a solid locking graphite reel seat and comfortable cork fore and rear grip handles
- Medium Power Fast Action
RUNNER UP
Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rod
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Summary
If you’re looking for a great rod to hunt game fish at an affordable price then this might be just what you need. This rod can easily stand up to some far higher-priced options and will offer consistently good performance. The rod comes in a lot of different lengths, powers, and actions so you can pick what will work best for you and what species of fish you want to pursue.
This well-built graphite and carbon composite are lightweight and sensitive, featuring stainless steel guides with SiC inserts that promote smooth line flow while the reel seat from Fuji is very durable and secure.
Pros
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Made from high-quality materials
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Durable construction
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Comfortable handles
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Great for gamefish
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Excellent casting
Cons
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Some may find a bit tip heavy
- 【What You Get From Cadence】Cadence fishing poles offer high-performance premium features at an unbeatable value. Fishing with quality, dependable gear should not mean breaking the bank. Cadence has a reliable customer service team and we will solve any problem you have. Customers have a risk-free guarantee when purchasing from us!
- 【Ultra-High Quality 30-TON Carbon Fiber Blank】All CR5 1-piece and 2-piece fishing rods are constructed with 30-ton carbon matrix graphite blank offers strongest ,lightweight, durability and sensitivity than other rods. Ideal for game fish including freshwater fish like bass, walleye and trout as well as popular inshore species like red fish, speckled trout and flounder with a rinse after fishing.
- 【Premium Materials】Cadence CR5 spinning rods are made from materials that bring strength and sensitivity without weight. Made of 30 ton carbon, SiC guides with durable stainless steel frames, a comfortable Fuji reel seat and a blank wrapped in carbon veil to enhance the durability. Rods comes in 2 handle configurations; carbon split grip and full grip using a premium cork and EVA, is made to deliver a premium rod at a greater value than the competition.
- 【Super Smooth Power】Stainless steel guides with SiC inserts makes it more smooth and durable, avoids line sticking into the guides, minimizes friction while also enhancing sensitivity by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand.
- 【Travel Friendly】Unique 2 piece design makes it easily and affordable to fit in car, trunk, boat hatch than traditional one piece,but using feel like a one-piece fishing rod ! 2 piece spinning rod allows you to travel to your favorite fishing spot and enjoy fishing whenever and wherever you want.
Best Spinning Rods Buying Guide
You should now have some idea about what sort of spinning rod might suit your style and have a bit of a clue about what sort of price or brand you might want to go with. Don’t worry though if you want some more information before making a decision, this section of the guide is here to take you through some of the features that are important when choosing a spinning rod.
Weight
How much a rod weighs determines how much weight it can be subjected to before it snaps, and how strong it is. Rods can be ultralight, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra heavy, and the right weight rod for you depends on what fish you want to catch, how heavy they normally are, and what technique you use. If you’re going after larger, heavier fish than you’ll be using heavier lure wights, lines or hauling the fish in form dense foliage, or deep-sea fishing than you’re going to need a rod with a heavy power. Of course, the opposite is also true. When fishing for smaller fish you need a lighter rod that’s more responsive and can cast lighter baits and lures. Some anglers prefer a medium rod because they’re more versatile and can handle a wider range of fish.
Remember that the weight f your rod is important and just choosing the heaviest one is no good because it’s power won’t mean anything when you need something more responsive and the line can snap. Professional and skilled anglers can use a lighter rod to go after a large fish, but if you get it wrong, you’re likely to break your rod. A heavier rod is more tiring to use but it’s worth it if the extra power and durability will be useful. Lighter rods have less power, but they’re easier to fish with.
Length
Like all rods spinning rods come in different lengths, and the length of your rod tells you how much control you have when fighting fish or casting. The length also helps with how far you can cast, and you need to know what sort of bait you want to use and how far you need to cast to decide the best length for you.
If you need something that can cast further and cover a wide area with a fast tip speed you are probably going to want something longer that can absorb the shock of fighting bigger fish to stop the line from breaking. When fishing in large open bodies of water or fighting larger fish with bigger baits a longer rod is advised. If you need accuracy a shorter rod is better as it offers more control when casting, but it will negatively impact the distance you can cast. Shorter rods offer more maneuverability in dense vegetation, so you need to be aware of the location you'll be fishing before picking your rod out.
FAQs
Are spinning rods easy to use?
Spinning rods are a great, fun set-up for both old anglers and beginners, though they can be an especially good way to introduce younger anglers to the sport. They’re great for a range of species and techniques and for getting you catching fish quickly even as a novice.