The 8 Best Spinning Rod [Check Out These Top Models!]

If you enjoy advanced and professional fishing, you are definitely going to need the best spinning rod. However, with so many fishing rod brands available, how do you know which one is your perfect choice, or shall it at least live up to your expectation? Searching for a fishing rod is going to be a daunting task, for example, you will spend hours reading reviews online or even listening to words of mouth or advices from your anglers friends club.

To smooth things over, we present you with our 8 best handpicked spinning rods approved by professional anglers. Besides, you are advised to go through our comprehensive buyer’s guide that will help with your search for the perfect spinning rod. And for those who wants to jumps straight to our final verdict, here are our top picks.

Comparison Table [Top 10 Spinning Rod]

We have summarized a comparison table below for your easy reference. However, it is important to note that the positions are in no particular order of importance.

10 Best Spinning Rods Reviewed

1. St. Croix Premier Series Spin Rod - Best Ultralight Spinning Rod

The first thing that makes this particular model so special is their variety choice of versions. You can choose between several models that come in different sizes and tension calibrations. We tested the ultralight/fast version, but there are heavy and slow models available. The size starts at 5 feet and up to 8.3 feet.

2. Fenwicks HMG Spin Rod - Best Spinning Rod For Bass

The next model on our list is the well-known Fenwicks HMG. The unique thing about this model is it comes in either one or two piece package, and available in different sizes as well. This is a great because different choice cater to different needs.

We tested a few versions and found that all of them are made of the same materials and comes with the same features too.

3. St. Croix Mojo Surf - Best Surf Fishing Rod

St Croix Mojo Surf is a superior model and is one of the most popular surf fishing rod. It is an advanced model that is made according to the latest standards and offers superb performances.

4. Kastking Speed Demon - Best Spinning Rod For The Money

This is truly the king of all rods when it comes to the value for money and the implementation of the latest technologies. There are a total of 15 versions available - which 4 of them are spinning rods, and the remaining 11 are casting rods. Each user can choose the specifications based on his requirements. Cool, isn't it?

5. Tica UGSA Series

The Tica UGSA Series rod is a masterpiece. It is popular and also a desirable unit which is made according to the latest user requirements. We like so many different things about this model. For example, it is affordable, comes in a pack of one or two and more versions available.

Keep in mind that this is an advanced, professional model, so it comes with corresponding features. If you are planning to use it for a long period of time and for heavy-duty applications, then getting this rod will be the right choice.

6. Daiwa Harrier - Best Inshore Spinning Rod

This model has been designed and made for inshore fishing. It is made of X45 Bias Graphite fiber, lightweight, durable and more flexible if compared to conventional fishing rod design. The handle is made of cork and it is comfortable to use, simple yet elegant. 

7. Hurricane Calico Jack - Best Spin Rod Under $100

The Hurricane Calico Jack is known to be one of the best freshwater fishing rods but it can also be used for saltwater fishing. It is great value for money and comes with a decent quality. It's attention to details are above average and comes with plenty of important features. 

We liked the fact that it is well-made and strong. We also appreciate the design and some elements which are ‘’borrowed’’ from more expensive models. You can have it in sizes between 7 and 8 feet. And you can choose between light, medium and heavy.

8. Shimano Trevala Spinning Rods - Best Saltwater Spinning Rods

Shimano Trevela comes with an impressive design and superb capabilities. It is however not designed for beginners, but more suitable for professionals. You can see the TC4 tip, carbon elements, and powerful reel compatibility. Guides are reinforced and diamond polished. Overall, the attention to details is epic and the rod looks even better.

Buyer’s Guide for Buying Spinning Rod

Most of the time, we, as buyers would expect the products that we are going to buy to be the most perfect. Same goes when it comes to buying the best spinning rod. As such, you are going to need a buyer’s guide which will help you make the right choice.

Keep in mind that here we will be completely focused on spinning rods specifically. They are different than fly fishing rods and casting rods which we will be explaining below. Anyway, you should know that choosing the best spinning rods is more than just complicated, a lot of factors need to be considered.

Basically, you should pay close attention to the reviews we have provided for you. These are the best models at the moment and the ones that will be the safest choice after all. Anyway, with our buyer’s guide we hope that it will be able to help you understand why the mentioned models are even on our list.

Handle

Yes, this is a small feature which has a huge overall effect on the rod. There are three main possibilities, and each one comes with pros and cons. Some of them are ideal for users who like traditional handles, while others are high-tech and more advanced. Anyway, this factor should be based on your personal preference.

Cork handles are the most common choice of them all. They are also known as traditional handles and they offer superb grip and are durable. However, they may not look very nice and sadly to say they are not immuned to stains. If you like traditional features, this type of handle is the one.

EVA foam handle is another common material used. They are newer than cork handles and they are better resistant to stains. This type is ideal if you plan to keep the rod in the holder for a longer period of time. We should point out that these handles look better and they are more appealing for the new fishermen.

The third type of handles is the one which allows you to put the finger on them. This is an advantage because it helps you with the maneuverability and the sensitivity. However, they are still rare and usually reserved for some, high end rods.

Reel Seat

Guides

There are several types of guides, for instance plastic guides. They are reserved for absolute beginners who just started out. The price point - they are cheap.

Aluminium guides are decent, however, they are soft and not very resistant to wear and tear. This type of guide usually can be seen on medium-grade spinning rods.

Nickel-titanium and ceramic guides are the top of the line. They are the most appealing simply because they are highly resistant to wear and tear and they won’t corrode, under any weather. This type of spinning rod is perfect if you like fishing in the rain.

When it comes to sensitivity transfer, we can see that ceramic models are superb. The bottom line is that these two types must be on your list. They are the best of the best and they should be considered as the top choice, period.

Action Level

In terms of action level, all spinning rods are categorized as slow, moderate and fast. The fast ones bend at the top, the moderates bend at the midsection, while the heavy ones bend through the entire length.

For smaller fish, fast ones are the best. For medium fish, medium action rods are preferable and the slow ones are ideal when using a live bait fishing big fish. Overall, your fishing method will determine the type of action level.

Beginners should always start with fast spinning rods. They offer the best action for the most purposes. But if you are a professional, you will know that a slow or medium spinning rod is more purpose-focused and this is its main advantage.

Power

Power of a spinning rod is linked to the weight and to the type of fish you are fishing. You can see models which are categorized as heavy, medium heavy, medium, light, and ultra-light.

If you fish smaller fish, Less power is needed, so you should go for the light rod. On the other hand, if you fish bigger fish, you will certainly need more power, therefore you should choose a heavy rod. So yes, the factor is determined by the size of fish and this is an essential factor to keep into consideration. You don’t want to use a heavy model for small fish as it won’t help you get any impressive results.

Type of Material

Generally there are two types of material built on spinning rods, the graphite and the fiberglass. The graphite models are still considered as traditional type and they are the most sensitive rods.

Modulus is used to measure how efficient the rod is. You can see values between 33 and 64 million in graphite models. For example, the IM6 has 30 million modulus. The higher the number, the stronger the rod, especially for its weight. This also means that the rod will be smaller. Even today, graphite models are the most popular and probably one of the first choices to consider. However, they are only suitable for fishing small fish.

Fiberglass units have modulus between 6 and 13 million. They are more suitable for big fish and extremely durable. However, they are less sensitive than graphite versions. So, you get less sensitivity and a better durability. Keep in mind that the higher the modulus levels, the higher the brittleness as well.

The last type of the material is actually the mixture of the two mentioned above, which is known as composite rods. For some of you, they may be your first choice. They are extremely strong and durable, yet they offer superb sensitivity. The only drawback is the looks of the rods. The blending however isn’t smooth.

Versions of Model

This is an important factor as well. If you are looking for a good spinning rod, you will notice that all manufacturers offer single rod available in different versions. You can choose between power and sensitivity.

Now, most of you believe that they are made of the same material and they have exactly the same advantages. However, these rods look the same but they are made with different techniques. As you should know by now, heavier models have a different amount of modulus, meaning that their construction is slightly different.

Always look for this factor, simply because it can make a huge difference and it allows you to get the one which is the most suitable for you.

Size

Not all spinning rods have the same size. In this case scenario, we were able to see that the size goes in between 5 and 8 feet. Where will you fish? Answer this question and you will see which size is the most suitable for you.

If you fish on the open seas, the bigger is better. If you fish on small rivers or lakes, a smaller version is always a better choice.

Portability

Make sure you consider the factor like how are you going to store your rods before you make a purchase. Some of the fishing rods can be folded completely and this is extremely convenient for transportation. 

Differences Between Spinning Rod and Casting Rod

In order not to make a mistake, we must point out that there are obvious differences between casting and spinning rods.

The spinning rods are designed to have guides and reels at the bottom. When the fish bites, the guides will be directed towards the water, so they will point down. Spinning rods are preferable choice for beginners and also more affordable. If you are interested to know more about other choices of fishing rod brands, check out this post.

Casting rod is simply an opposite version of the spinning rod, the guides and the reel are both located on top of the rod. Casting rod is usually more suitable for experienced users. Check out our reviews on our top lists of the best casting rods.