Best Spinning Rods for 2023 – Detailed Review of top 10 picks

Going on a fishing trip or planning your next picnic that includes fish hunting activity as well? then you must have the best spinning rod to assist you and bring the best out of your day. You should know what factors to look for when choosing the best spinning rod for your need so that you don’t end up your fishing day with a disappointment which could have been a great day otherwise.

With a wide array of options in the market, finding the perfect match for your needs can be a challenging task. To help you navigate the waters, we have compiled a list of the top spinning rods available, catering to various budgets and skill levels.

Our comprehensive spinning rods reviews are designed to highlight the best spinning fishing rods, providing you with insights and valuable information to make the right choice. Join us as we dive into the top 10 spinning rods that cater to every angler’s desires.

Features:

• Length: 6 feet 7 inches
• Power: Medium High
• Material: 24-ton graphite
• Rod Action: Fast
• Guides: 7 + tip Fuji O-Ring line guides
• Tuned ergonomic graphite high-strength reel seats
• Line Rating / Test: 8-14 lbs
• Lure Rating: 3/8-3/4 oz
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• The Twin Tips Has a Lifetime

Review:

KastKing has designed Perigee II Spinning Rod to replace the previous Perigee and now this rod is a little more affordable premium rod that anybody can afford. This spinning rod is the number 1 selling fishing rod on Amazon and people love it. With the feature that no other rod in the market has even tried to give, you get 2 fishing rods in the package of 1.           

It comes in 1 piece and 2 piece configurations, their 2 piece rod is a twin tip technology so when you buy their 2 piece rod you are actually getting 3 pieces. You are getting 2 different ends that you can switch out, whether it’s from a medium-light to medium rod or from a medium to medium-heavy, so that’s 2 rods in 1 that is something that no other fishing company is offering.

Perigee II is loaded with fuji o ring line guides that gives you the confidence and ability to switch it up with different lines, switch it up with plastic lines, or want to go heavy-duty and run some braids? no problem, they are all going to fly through this with a very little resistance, making the casts quite and ultra smooth every time.

Its ergonomically tuned graphite high-strength reel seat is another beautiful add-on that makes the process a lot more comfortable as it holds the reel firmly even when the reel flexes. The bare and beautiful carbon fiber finish with high-density EVA grips make it a super lightweight and elegant rod.

This rod really is a much versatile rod available from ultralight 4’6” to medium high 7’6” and is ideal for bass fishing, walleye fishing, trout fishing or saltwater fishing. KastKing is an ICAST award winning manufacturer, don’t underestimate it due to it’s low price that is even an extra attraction for the buyers, it is probably one of the best lightest fishing rods you will find under $100.

Remarks:

Kastking Perigee II is making its name continuously and it is the talk of the town that it is shaking the roots of Shakespeare’s Ugly Stiks, being the hot-selling on World’s Number 1 e-commerce platform is big evidence for that. But if you are one of those who prefer the good old long running brands then you might still prefer Shakespeare Rods.

Also Check:

• Best Spinning Rods Under $100
• Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

2- Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6 feet 6 inches
• Power: Medium
• Material: Graphite and Fiberglass
• Guides: 6 Stainless Steel guides
• Handle: EVA Grip
• Line Weight: 6-15lbs
• Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz
• Many Sizes/Variations Available
• 7-year warranty

Review:

Ugly Stick GX2 is a powerful and sensitive rod due to the composition of graphite and fiberglass. It is designed for tough situations and yet lightweight, the EVA foam grip handle provides you a comfortable and firm grip keeping in mind your fight with the fish doesn’t get unpleasant. This rod comes in a lot of variations so that you can choose the one that fits your needs.

It is the choice to go with when you cannot afford Ugly Stik Elite Rod as this is a very affordable rod and is priced within the reach of all of us. It has exceeded our expectations most of the time when we tried it during the fight due to its amazing strength as we were mentally prepared in some of our instances that this is going to break now but that didn’t happen.

Similarly, the ugly tuff guides are not known for very outstanding performance but as far as my experience with them is concerned, I didn’t face any trouble with them during the period I used them. Clear Tip is also reactive as soon as it comes in touch with the target.

Remarks:

This is the most common spinning rod out there and a great selling one, due to its price and durability. So if you are looking for a trendy yet very affordable rod then this is the rod to go for but if you can afford just a bit more then I would advise going for their Elite version.

3- Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6 feet
• Power: Medium
• Material: 30 ton graphite
• Rod Action: Fast
• Guides: 6 + tip Stainless steel guides with SIC inserts
• Fuji reel seat.
• Handle: Split grip and Full grip premium cork and EVA
• Line Rating / Test: 6-10 lb
• Lure Rating: 1/8-3/4 oz
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• 1-YEAR WARRANTY

Review:

Made with quality materials and 30-ton carbon this rod brings great comfort and strength without increasing the rod’s weight. Also comes with a 2-piece design that will allow you to travel with it easily and keep it in your backpack along your journey. The cork handle comes with 2 different types of grips the split grip and the full grip.

The EVA foam and cork handle combination optimizes comfort and performance. Moreover, the performance and durability are further enhanced by SIC guides and stainless steel frames with an easily adjustable Fuji reel seat.

This spinning rod is available in multiple different sizes and actions and is very much suitable for freshwater fishes like walleye, bass and trout, etc. and as well as for some commonly known inshore fishes. This rod beats the quality and performance of most of the spinning rods if not all that are costing twice the price.

They have a tag line “GO FISHING. GIVE BACK.”, which explains the donations they do when each purchase is made as they donate their youth combos to the young generation by one of their charity partners to spread this sport and bring the generations together.

Remarks:

Using this rod multiple times I can confidently say that this is a very lightweight and sensitive rod for sure and beating the other rods in the price as well. Comes in a very well-packed shipping tube. As we all love our pets and also take care of them, similarly if you love your spinning rod you shall also take care of it and if you think you can take care of this rod maintenance, this rod will never disappoint you and will be the best thing you will buy in this budget.  

Also Check:

• Best Inshore Spinning Rods
• Spinning Rod Vs Casting Rod

4- Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 7 feet
• Material: Composite (Graphite and Fiberglass)
• Line Weight: 6-14 lbs
• Lure Weight: 1/4 to 5/8 oz
• Action: Medium-Fast
• Clear Tip Fiberglass
• Handle Type: Cork
• Guides: 7 Stainless steel guides
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• Warranty: 7 years
• Lighter and sensitive due to 35% increase in graphite

Review:

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rods are the enhanced and better version of GX2 Ugly Stiks. They have increased its graphite composition by 35%, hence making it more lighter and sensitive. These spinning rods are just the right rods for the anglers and they love it the most, the design is also modified for a better and updated look.

It consists of a good quality cork grip that provides a comfortable yet firm grip that is a necessity when you are going for a long fishing day. The fiberglass clear tip adds more strength and toughness to the rod, making it a strong and yet lightweight spinning rod. Available in multiple different sizes you can choose the one that fits your requirements.

The reel seat with cushioned stainless steel hoods efficiently holds the reel in its place and aids the angler to use it effectively. Due to the stainless steel guides, the line moves through it seamlessly and it eliminates the insert pop-outs and makes the rod more durable and effective.

This series really is a step up from their previous version, mostly available in 2 piece configurations and a few in 1 piece. This is a spinning rod that you should have if you want to fight larger fishes and will help you out in tough fights without having a fear of breakage every time you rely on it.

Remarks:

Ugly Stik Elite Rod is an all in one spinning rod, you can take it with you in any fight whether it’s as small as catfish you will not miss its bites as this rod is sensitive and now even more after the increase in graphite or whether it’s bass or a salmon this rod will give it a fight due to it’s tough built and fiberglass and yet this is an affordable rod and that makes it a complete package and the reason of it being one of the most selling spinning rods.

5- St Croix Premier Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6 feet
• Power: Light
• Material: Premium Quality SC II Carbon
• Rod Action: Fast
• Guides: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with aluminum-oxide rings
• Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods.
• Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
• Handle: PREMIUM-GRADE CORK HANDLE
• Line Rating / Test: 4-8 lbs
• Lure Rating: 1/16-5/16 oz
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

Review:

St Croix Premier Spinning Rod is designed and made in the USA. Made by premium quality carbon/graphite, this rod is extremely lightweight and very sensitive, and much prettier than its competitors. If budget is not an issue and you are just looking for a premium quality spinning rod that you can hold and use for weeks and weeks and not get tired and enjoy the speed and accuracy with the elegant looking rod then this is the rod to go for.

It provides limited length ranges, i.e., 4’6”-7’6”. Ugly Stik’s spinning rods and this rod give competition to each other but I believe this rod is a bit better at casting distance than ugly stik, not a lot but maybe around 15% and a little bit more maybe in some conditions. But the balance of these rods is almost the same.

St Croix adds the Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim and strong aluminum-oxide rings with the black frames finish that looks beautiful and the Fuji DPS reel seat with the frosted silver hoods gives comfort to the guides and they look firm seated on it. It is a handmade rod and yet it is so carefully made with a lot of attention that you feel it is specially made and handcrafted for your order.

It has a full grip cork handle and you can hold it comfortably. If you are not impressed by a specific model easily, don’t worry they have 38 different spinning models for this rod and you can find multiple variations and combinations and see what suits your needs. But the restriction is that most of their rods are fast action and it’s really hard to find a moderate one.

Remarks:

If money is not the issue, then this is the best light spinning rod out there in terms of look, use and durability. The amount of attention St Croix rods get is really amazing and just talking about it is useless, you will only know it’s true value when you will be holding one.

6- Kastking Brutus Spinning Rod

Features:

• Power: Medium
• Material: Composite Graphite/Glass
• Rod Action: Moderate Fast
• Full Length EVA Handle
• Guides: 5+1 stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Inserts
• Graphite Reel Seats
• Line Weight: 6-15 lbs
• Lure Weight: 1/8-5/8 oz
• Available in Different Sizes/Variations
• 1 Year Total Piece of Mind Warranty

Review:

Kastking created their Brutus Series for the guys that want the toughest and the most durable rods that one can buy. Available in 1 piece, 2 pieces, 3 pieces and the 4 pieces these are the rods that you can take anywhere with you whether you are going in a plane, bicycle, boat or kayak, you can just count on them.

The unique feature that I love of this rod is the bright fluorescent green strike tip, with it, you will never miss even the slightest detection of the bites when you are fishing in the low light conditions or doing night fishing.

Made with composite graphite construction, they start the rod with high modulus graphite for sensitivity and to keep the weight down and the rod thin, then they add glass to this rod to make it super tough.

Their Brutus Spinning Rod never disappointed us in extreme conditions during hard fights and going for more and bigger fishes as they cover almost everything whether it’s crappie, panfish, catfish, trout, salmon you just name it.

These rods are available in 22 models with casting and spinning rods and with different lengths from 4 and a half feet to the 8-feet fast action rods. Equipped with full-length EVA handles these rods deliver all day long comfort.

These handles are very easy to clean and provide cushioning and don’t get cold or crack when the temperatures drop. They also have the same EVA material in the foregrip to give you additional leverage for handling large fish.

Screwed down type reel seat graphite construction to keep the reel securely in place with nice foldable reel handle and a comfortable knob and the beautiful graphics on this fishing rod, all these great and unique features and yet under $50 makes it a lucrative spinning rod and one of the best selling fishing poles on amazon.

Remarks:

If you are looking for a tough rod to handle large fishes and species that gives a hard fight, that’s for what this rod has been designed specially and making it as light as possible while strengthening it and at a very affordable price. But if you are looking for really lightweight spinning rods for smaller fishes then you should try Cadence CR5 or Ugly Stik Elite.

7- St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6 feet 6 inches
• Power: Medium
• Material: SC II Carbon
• Rod Action: Fast
• Guides: Sea Guide Atlas Performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with black frames
• Handle: Premium Grade Cork Handle
• Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
• Line Rating / Test: 6-12 lbs
• Lure Rating: 1/4-5/8 oz
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

Review:

St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod is Number 1 Selling North American Manufactured Fishing Rod of All Time. They do high-end quality manufacturing that you can see at every stage of the rod and they sell it at a very affordable price compared to their built quality, I wish I had a dollar whenever someone says that they can’t believe that rod costs only that much.

They use laser alignment for all their guides and their guides are equipped with Sea Guide XDPS reel seats with eco-friendly sandblasted hoods so these are well balanced but nothing much special about them. Due to carbon wrap, the rod is highly sensitive to even the slightest of bites and is light in weight. This spinning rod is made for savvy anglers who are looking for a high-quality rod of the best value.

This rod is very versatile,  it has 24 freshwater models and 13 saltwater models. It has configurations for 1 piece, 2 pieces, and 4 pieces. My only fear back in the days I was not much experienced was the tip of this rod, I feared for its breakage because the sensitivity I received by this rod was amazing and thankfully I did not have any bad experience with it even though I was a beginner in those days and I enjoyed its quality built.

They feature the cork grip handle which we all are mostly a fan of. Their customer care and support is a must thing to mention, they have very quick and efficient support that people love and they almost solve your every problem quickly as they strive to please their customers and you have 5 years of Warranty to claim your issues.

Remarks:

St Croix is known for making high-quality rods at less prices and their Triumph Spinning Rod is the proof of that. This is a good spinning rod for all day fishing as it’s very light and very sensitive and although I never experienced any snapping of the tip with it still I feel if you are more into large fish hunting that gives a hard fight then you might try the KastKing Brutus or one of the above two Ugly Stiks.

8- Kastking Resolute Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6’
• Power: Medium
• Material: IM7 Carbon
• Rod Action: Fast
• Golf Style SuperPolymer Handle
• Guides: 6+1 AMERICAN TACKLE MICROWAVE AIR GUIDES
• AMERICAN TACKLE REEL SEATS
• Line Weight: 6-12 lbs
• Lure Rating: 3/16-5/8 oz
• Only 2 Piece Available
• 1 Year Total Piece of Mind Warranty

Review:

This Resolute Series by KastKing is one of the most beautiful rods I have used and found them the most attractive ones in my opinion. With the graphics and the unique look this rod possesses, people will eventually recognize it when you are holding it in your hands. They have used and combined the popular and great performing components in the fishing industry on their Resolute Series Rods.

With 27 different models, you get a lot of options to choose from their spinning and casting models. From 4’6” ultralight to 7’6” medium heavy in their spinning rods models. With the ultralight model, you can go crappie, panfish, fishing with small streams for trout pretty easily and they are the great ones for the kids to get started. Although all of their models are only available in 2 piece configurations they are going to fish as well as any 1 piece rod out there because of the Power Transition System they use.

They have teamed up with the American Tackle and are using their Microwave Air Guides on their every rod in the Resolute Series. These guides straighten the line out so that it runs through the running guides in a very straight line so it increases the distance and accuracy of your casting. Their spinning models have a nice palm swell that fits in your hand very comfortably. All the reel seats in the KastKing Resolute Series are Bravo 2 two-piece style American Tackle.

Just like KastKing Crixus they use Golf Style SuperPolymer handles and fighting butts which you will appreciate when you use them. The IM7 graphite makes the rod lightweight and sensitive to bites. Every rod features a Drop Shot style hook keeper for convenient and quick attachment of lures, hooks, or drop shot style weights and the parabolic taper bends the entire blank instead of more at the tip and becoming stiffer closer to the handle, this is something which no above-discussed rods have.

Remarks:

This is really a premium rod with everything that it has to offer. One of the best things that I love about this rod is the unique look and graphics it has. The thing that still surprises us is their price that even after all the best things they have done with their rod, they have still limited its price remarkably low than their competitors. Check out the St Croix Premier and now KastKing Resolute, it’s almost half the price.

9- Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 6 feet
• Power: Medium
• Material: Carbon Bound
• Rod Action: Fast
• Guides: 7 Fuji Stainless Steel with Aconite Inserts
• Handle: AAA Cork Full Grip  Handle
• Line Rating / Test: 8-14 lbs
• Lure Rating: 1/4-3/4 oz
• Multiple Sizes/Variations Available
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Review:

The new Fenwick HMG is stronger, lighter and more sensitive. This is a total carbon-bound rod blank infused with powerlux 100 material that reduces the weight of the rod and diameter of the blank while improving the impact and resistance. Fenwick introduced the first graphite rod almost 40 years ago and since then they have never looked back.

They feature a premium grade cork handle and have narrowed the handle almost half and the rod has a sleeky new finish and look. It has a soft touch Fenwick’s custom design reel seat and Fuji stainless steel guides with aconite inserts that keep your line intact and are efficient in longer and accurate casting. The rings on the reel seat hold the reel in such a way that makes sure that the reel doesn’t get loose or fall apart.

It gives you a variety of options and ranges and as far as  I have observed it is suitable for almost all kinds of species, it detects even the softest contacts and the hesitant bites. When you hold the Fenwick rod, you immediately feel a premium and quality rod in your hands.  Therefore, it is loved by the buyers and we can see their feelings by the feedback they give on the e-commerce stores.

With the feeling of a premium rod, it gives the impression of an expensive rod but doesn’t cost as much as it looks and feels like when you hold it. Moreover, the lifetime warranty Fenwick is currently offering makes it altogether a really lucrative option and a reliable one.

Remarks:

With so much this rod has to offer from premium look, shape and design to the specs it is offering and that too with a lifetime of warranty, you should go for it if you are not looking for the cheapest rod to buy and this still is not an out of the budget rod.

10- Kastking Crixus Spinning Rod

Features:

• Length: 5 feet 6 inches
• Power: Light
• Material: Graphite
• Rod Action: Moderate Fast
• Golf Style SuperPolymer Handle
• Guides: 5+1 stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings
• Graphite Reel Seats
• Line Rating / Test: 4-8 lbs
• Lure Rating: 1/16-3/8 oz
• Only 2 Piece Available in Different Sizes
• Warranty Lifetime only for Manufacturing Defects

Review:

The new KastKing Crixus Rods are all made of IM6 graphite which makes them very thin and lightweight, but because they are IM6 graphite they are very durable and you will love them. This series comes with 20 different rods, with actually  13 different spinning and baitcasting rods and the others as combos of spinning and casting.

KastKing Crixus comes with lengths from light 5’6” all the way to heavy 7’6”, so covering every type of user in terms of power and length but these are available only in fast and moderate-fast actions.

KastKing uses Golf Style SuperPolymer Handle with all the spinning and casting rods in their Crixus series that provides you maximum control with comfort under all conditions due to their exceptional slip resistance. Usually, these handles come with very costly fishing poles but KastKing hasn’t allowed it to impact its very affordable price. They feature the split rear handle design finished with an EVA fighting butt.

These rods come with good quality stainless steel guides equipped with Zirconium Oxide rings that deliver long, smooth casts and they handle any monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided fishing lines pretty well. Reel seats also made of carbon makes this rod lightweight, durable and a very good option considering it’s still under 60 dollars which is a great price when we compare it with the features and performance of this rod.

Remarks:

With so much this rod has to offer from premium look, shape and design to the specs it is offering As they have designed this rod for every angler with their 20 different combinations so you won’t have a tough time regarding the size or power and they have given so much detail to their handle, rod’s diameter, the weight and the sensitivity and that all under $60 is making it a very lucrative option.

How to Choose the Best Spinning Rod for Your Need (Buying Guide)

Choosing the best spinning rod among many different options is depended on the objectives and the circumstances you will be using it under. Along with it, there are important factors that you will be looking for when choosing the one for you. These are discussed briefly below.

Power:

The power of the road is the strength of the rod, how much it can lift and the pressure required to bend the rod. Usually comes in terms of ultralight, light, medium, medium-heavy and heavy.  A heavier rod can carry heavy lures and lines and will be used to fight large fishes and use heavy baits. Therefore matching the line and lure weight according to the power of the rod is extremely important so that you don’t end up breaking your spinning rod.

Action:

Action refers to where exactly the rod bends and how quickly it will get back to its starting position.  The fast action rods will bend at the tip, medium action rods will bend around the middle of the blank and the slow action ones will bend close to the reel position. So, these positions also affect the time required to get back to the starting position as the ones bending only at the tip will come back faster than the slow action ones. Generally, fast action rods are a bit more sensitive than the medium or slow ones but the slow action ones generally cast a bit longer and bring flexibility in the rod’s backbone so that it brings more energy when casting something like bass crankbait.

Length of the Rod:

Choosing the length of your rod should be quite simple as the general rule of thumb is the longer the length will be the further the cast will be and similarly if the length is short then it will not be able to cast that long. But, the shorter ones are more precise and accurate that the longer ones lack. So, it depends on your fishing whether you want to cast in a longer and wider stream then using the longer length will be the right option and if you want to be more accurate in a restricted area and want to place your lure at just the right point then the smaller length will be more efficient.

Material:

Selecting the right material rod is very important according to your goals and target. They decide the sensitivity and the strength of the rod. They can make or kill your fishing day if or if not chosen right. There are generally 3 types of materials fishing rods graphite, fiberglass and composite.

Graphite rods are very lightweight and rigid. This makes them also very sensitive in detecting the lightest of the bites. You can hold them all day long and not get tired. These factors contribute to impacting the price of these rods and graphite rods are generally more expensive than fiberglass rods and graphite rods are more prone to breakage than fiberglass rods.

Fiberglass rods are very strong rods and are made for tough conditions and for fighting large fishes as well. They are generally slow and medium action rods and these rods bend from tip to butt in a parabolic curve. These rods are not much sensitive compared with graphite rods but are tougher, stronger and some of them are even virtually indestructible. These are also cheaper than graphite rods.

Composite rods are a combination of both graphite and fiberglass. These rods possess the qualities of both materials but they will still not be as sensitive and as lightweight as graphite rods and not as strong and cheap as fiberglass rods. But overall, it makes it a versatile rod and possessing the characteristics of both the materials provides it more opportunity of being used in multiple situations.

Guides:

Guides are being used in fishing rods even before the 1960s. They keep the line away from the rod and provide an even and smooth surface for the line to travel through. This smooth surface also reduces the friction between the surface and the line a lot and enhances the casting and sensitivity of the rod. As the friction is minimized the heat isn’t generated and the line faces less wear and tear. They direct the line to the target. The guides take the strain of the line when you fight with a fish. So if the material of the guides is not of good quality then they might wear your line and/or break them.

1 Piece or 2 Piece Rod:

1 piece rod often has more sensitivity than the 2 piece, but innovations and designs are minimizing this issue so it’s not necessarily always the case but mostly it is. But you cannot always carry 1 piece rod with you on your journey, for example carrying a 7 ft or longer rod in a boat or if you want to carry it in your backpack would not be possible most of the time and this is where the 2 piece rod comes to aid. So, it’s a bit tradeoff between the sensitivity or a pleasant journey but researching the rod carefully may help you in taking the right decision.

Conclusion

With the wealth of options available, choosing the ideal spinning rod for your needs may seem daunting. However, our extensive guide, featuring top spinning rod recommendations, has hopefully made your decision-making process easier.

Whether you’re in search of the best spinning fishing rods or the best budget spinning rods, our spinning rods reviews have highlighted some of the most exceptional options on the market. Remember, the perfect rod is the one that suits your unique preferences and requirements. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to tackle any angling challenge and enhance your fishing experiences with the top 10 spinning rods at your disposal.