The best spinning rod should have the right balance of length, power, action, composition, and construction.
All of these characteristics will increase your odds of catching more fish and ultimately give you value for your hard-earned dollars.
Our favorite is the Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod with its superior construction and value for money price tag.
There are a lot of models available so we’ve combed the market to bring you some of the best spinning rods out there.
Check out our top 5 picks below.
Best Spinning Rods – Reviews & Buying Guide
Overall Best Spinning Rod: Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod
The Vigor Spinning Rod is Cadence’s high-performance premium rod available at a variety of lengths and multiple actions.
It comes at a price point that’s hard to beat. Plus, it is constructed using first-rate components, making it a great buy.
This model features a 2-piece construction, split-grip handle, and well-built guides with durable inserts.
Overall, this rod is lightweight, sensitive, convenient, and has great casting performance.
Consider going with this model if you want the best spinning rod for bass.
The Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod, is no doubt, one of the best 2 piece spinning rods currently on the market.
Constructed using a lightweight 30-ton carbon material, the blank is extremely sensitive and will pick up even the slightest nibbles.
Although it has a 2-piece design, that doesn’t take away from its impressive capability to transfer vibrations very quickly through the rod to the angler’s hand.
And thanks to the portable design, the rod is more convenient for backpacking and transporting, so you don’t have to worry about bringing it along even if you don’t have plenty of storage.
With stainless steel guides and LS inserts, you’ll enjoy a smooth casting performance every time.
The rod is fitted with a split-grip EVA handle to give you increased comfort, even when you are casting for longer periods.
Cadence offers a wide range of lengths and actions for its Vigor Spinning Rod to suit the needs of different anglers.
That makes this rod an excellent choice for gamefish, whether you are targeting inshore fish, such as flounder, redfish, and speckled trout, or going after freshwater species like walleye, bass, or bluegill.
To crown it all, the rod comes at just the right price.
Combining its impressive build quality, additional value, and moderate price point, it is not difficult to see why the Cadence Vigor Spinning Rod tops our list as the best overall pick.
Featured Specs
- Material: Stainless steel
- Size: 6.6, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.2, and 7.6 feet
- Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Lightweight and extremely sensitive rod
- Portable and travel-friendly 2-piece rod
- Wide range of lengths and action suitable for different needs
- Ideal for catching gamefish
- Responsive customer service
Cons
- The split grip handle design might not be suitable for people with sweaty hands
Runner-Up: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
Strong and well-balanced, the GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is designed for fishing in both saltwater and freshwater.
The particular model is a 2-piece rod, making it an ideal option for traveling and backpacking.
Engineered with components that will last for several seasons, the GX2 is a fantastic option for anglers looking for a dependable fishing rod.
Ugly Stik has a ton of confidence in this product, which explains the 7-year warranty it offers for the rod.
With well over a century’s experience, Ugly Stik has long established itself as one of the industry-leading brands when it comes to manufacturing high-quality yet affordable fishing tackle.
The GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is clear proof of Ugly Stik’s superior workmanship.
It is constructed with components that can stand up to any challenging condition, making it one of the best saltwater spinning rods that also work great for freshwater fishing, too!
The 2-piece rod is built from a combination of graphite and fiberglass, making it a considerably strong and balanced spinning fishing rod.
It features a clear tip design, Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides, and lightweight EVA grips.
Featured Specs
- Material: Graphite and Fiberglass
- Size: 5, 5.10, 6, 6.6, 7, and 9 feet
- Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Lightweight and durable EVA grips
- Clear tip design offers better strength and increased sensitivity
- Affordable price point
- Holds a wide range of line pound tests
- Industry-leading 7-year warranty
Cons
- Not the best choice when it comes to a sensitive jigging rod
Alternative: Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip
Zebco designed the Rhino Tough Glowtip to be a tough spinning fishing rod. It is a 2-piece rod engineered for fishing light to medium species.
The rod is very affordable yet well constructed. You can confidently buy this model, knowing that it has Zebco’s one-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.
Whether you are on a shoestring budget or simply want a good-quality spinning rod that’s insanely affordable, this Zebco’s model might just be the right fishing rod for you.
This rod is priced at nearly five times less than many of the other models on this list, making it one of the best cheap spinning rods you will likely find anywhere.
But just because it is inexpensive doesn’t mean it is poorly constructed. The “Rhino” in the name says a lot because this is one of the toughest spinning rods currently on the market.
Similar to our best overall pick, this model is a 2-piece fishing pole constructed using heavy-duty graphite with a fiberglass core and extremely solid glass tip, talk about incredible strength!
The Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip spinning rod is engineered with six heavy-duty guides with a d-tip guide made with stainless steel material.
You can count on this rod to weather the storm even in conditions where more expensive options easily break down.
You can use this rod all day without feeling fatigued, thanks to its lightweight EVA foam handle.
And when it is time to travel, you can easily disassemble the rod for convenient storage, and safely store your hook in the accompanying hook keeper.
As you can tell, the construction makes for an extremely tough, strong, durable, and stable rod blank design.
It might be the cheapest model on this list but it will definitely serve you for several years into the future.
Featured Specs
- Material: Composite
- Size: 5.6, 6, 6.6, and 7 feet
- Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Super strong rod yet lightweight
- EVA foam handle provides a secure grip and all-day comfort
- Versatile use, great for holding a variety of line weights and lure weights
- Comes with built-in hook keeper
Cons
- The tip is not braid-proof, meaning braid can damage the guides
Alternative: Ugly Stik Spinning Fishing Rod
This well-balanced rod is Ugly Stik’s lightest model so far. It is tough, incredibly sensitive, and very durable.
It’s graphite construction combined with durable guides, makes this one of the best light spinning rods.
While it comes at a higher price point than the previous Ugly Stik model on this list, the rod is worth buying considering its remarkable performance.
Ugly Stik offers this model in a wide variety of lengths, power, and action, so you are likely to find something that suits your fishing preferences.
If you are in the market for the best ultralight spinning rod, look no further than the Ugly Stick Spinning Fishing Rod.
Aptly described as the lightest Ugly Stik ever, this model is constructed using 100% 24-ton graphite, giving it its lightweight quality.
But lightness is not the only thing going for this rod.
Unlike many other spinning rod models that can’t withstand braid, this Ugly Stik features highly durable stainless still guides that can work with just about any type of fishing line, braid included.
Although it is ultra-light to eliminate fatigue, the spinning rod is also fitted with a Fuji reel seat.
This significantly increases your comfort level, even when you are out all day on your fishing adventure.
Featured Specs
- Material: Graphite
- Size: 5.6, 6.6, 7, and 7.3 feet
- Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Extremely light and sensitive
- Suitable for use with all line types, including braid
- Fuji reel seat provides extra comfort
- Tough and durable
Cons
- The rod handle may not work well for some people with big hands
Alternative: St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod
This is St. Croix new spinning rod model with improved design features for better feel and performance.
It comes with many first-rate components, including SCIII carbon rod, atlas performance guides, Sea Guide reel seat, and more.
But to set your mind at ease, this upgraded version has a 5-year warranty.
It is a relatively short rod, making it an excellent option for fishing conditions that call for greater control and precise casting accuracy.
The 1-piece spinning rod is not cheap, but it is worth every single cent considering its premium construction and superior performance.
St. Croix is known for excellent quality fishing rods, and the Triumph Spinning Rod is not an exception.
Anglers, both new and experienced, looking for the best spinning rod will most likely fall in love with this model.
Continuing in its celebrated tradition, St. Croix didn’t disappoint, as it gave anglers a spinning rod made from premium SCIII carbon.
And to take things up a notch, it wrapped this version of Triumph Spinning Rod with the Fortified Resin System (FRS).
The result? Unmatched strength and durability! With this rod in hand, even the toughest bass or trout stand no chance.
Most importantly, you can use it in nearly all fishing conditions, including rough waters without having any issues.
The guides and reel seat are made from high-quality components to make your experience on the water successful.
However, you won’t get the best results from this rod if you want greater reach or casting distance.
The 1-piece rod is available in lengths ranging from 6 to 7.6 feet, so it is best suited to fishing in small water where precision is crucial.
Featured Specs
- Material: Carbon
- Size: 6, 6.6, 7, and 7.6 feet
- Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Extremely durable construction
- Ergonomic handle helps improves grip
- Remarkable power yet very light
- Incredibly sensitive even in rough water conditions
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Poor customer service
Spinning Rods FAQ
What size rod is best for spinning?
The ideal length for a spinning rod will depend on where you are fishing, the species you are targeting, and the size and type of fishing lures used.
Longer rods provide a farther casting distance because you have greater leverage from the rod’s length. On the flip side, shorter rods are great when it comes to casting accuracy and maneuverability.
Here are two different scenarios to help you figure out the most ideal rod size or length to use.
Let’s say you are going after the elusive muskellunge or a huge pike, and you have big, plastic lures you plan on casting out of a boat in open space.
The ideal rod to use would be a longer one of about 8 to 9 feet long. This length gives you better control to do battle with the stubborn fish even in close quarters.
The rod’s length is a huge plus because it provides increased leverage to cast larger lures over a greater distance and also minimizes casting fatigue.
On the other hand, let’s imagine that you are fishing for small trout in a small space where dense vegetation limits your casting stroke.
Your focus won’t be on casting distance in this case. Instead, you want to pay more attention to accuracy since you will be working with small, ultra-light lures.
The best spinning rod length for this purpose would be 6-feet. The short length will provide casting accuracy as well as maximum control.
Regardless of how excellent workmanship, the wrong rod length will perform poorly if used in the wrong setting.
In a nutshell, go for longer spinning rods (8 to 9 feet) if you are casting in a wide, open space. Choose a short rod (6 feet) if precision is vital.
Do pros use spinning rods?
Here’s a simple answer: yes, pro anglers use spinning rods, too!
Although spinning rods are great for newbie anglers, hobbyists, and those who fish on occasion, the rod type is not exclusively for beginners. Elliott Rods is an example of one manufacturer that specializes in making high-performance spinning rods that are used by some pro anglers
Well-rounded anglers tend to have more than one type of fishing rod in their arsenal. This allows for versatility.
Pro fishermen usually work with casting rods, particularly for targeting larger fish species.
But when the time comes to chase down smaller species, they are better off with spinning rods.
Why is that?
The simple fact is that the best spinning rods will cast light lures more effectively than any baitcasting reel can.
Even the biggest pro bass fishermen in a bass tournament understand this fact.
They know that it is important to get the best bass spinning rods and reels to successfully throw light or small lures.
A baitcasting reel simply won’t cut the deal or provide the casting distance for small crankbaits or light jerk baits, and swimbaits.
And when the wind comes into the mix, a spinning tackle certainly has the upper hand, especially with lighter lures.
Professionals will have to grapple with backlashes if they were to cast into the wind or across the wind.
And any pro bass angler will readily tell you that spinning reels have a big plus in this regard.
Another good reason professionals use the best spinning rod and reel combo is because a spinner gear can work for both left-handed and right-handed anglers.
The reel handle of most spinning reels is swappable, allowing anyone to switch to left or right hand according to their needs.
While baitcasters are awesome, they don’t come with swappable reel handles.
Pros will have to buy a dedicated left-hand model or dedicated right-hand model if they want to use baitcasting gear.
Which is better casting or spinning reel?
A more beneficial perspective to consider the casting versus spinning reel debate is to focus on what each reel type is best for rather than which one is better.
That’s because neither of them is better than the other; they are different reels and suitable for use in different fishing conditions.
A spinning reel is generally great for all-round usage and can work in nearly all fishing situations.
It is also the go-to choice for beginner anglers because it doesn’t require a lot of experience to get a handle on it.
The correct use of a casting reel requires plenty of time, practice, and patience to master.
But once you get the hang of it, you will become very proficient and gain a lot of mastery over casting distance and accuracy.
One general guideline is to use a baitcasting reel if you are fishing with a heavy line of about 10-pound test and above and then switch to a spinning reel if you want to fish with a light line in the range of 8-test pound or less.
However, keep in mind that this is not a rule cast in stone.
For example, wintertime bass fishing may have you fishing suspended stickbaits, so filling your baitcasting reel with an 8-pound monofilament may be a great idea, as that allows the stickbaits to go deeper.
Bottom line: go for casting reels if you need high precision and focus, particularly in a challenging environment, and pick a spinner if you are new to fishing or want something that works well in all situations.
Can I use casting rod with spinning reel?
While you certainly can put a spinning reel on a casting rod, it is not recommended to do so.
That’s because the result wouldn’t be something you like. If anything, it will likely cost you money, frustration, and disappointment.
In a nutshell, using a casting rod with a spinning reel will lead to one or more of these drawbacks:
- It will reduce the casting distance
- The power and action of the blank will be significantly reduced
- You risk damaging the rod
If you have a fishing rod and you’re concerned about getting the wrong reel type because you can’t tell if it’s a casting or spinning rod, here are a few ways to tell the difference.
- Eye type and size: Casting rods have many eyes that are smaller in size. These are typically located near the reel and face upward. On the other hand, spinning rods feature fewer, larger, and down-facing eyes.
- Trigger grip: Although this is not always the cast, most casting rods usually feature a trigger grip. This is especially true with saltwater models. Spinning rods don’t have this feature.
- Reel placement: The reel goes on top of the rod on a casting rod, while it is placed underneath on a spinning rod.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of spinning rods in the market.
And while the model you choose will come down to personal preference, we are confident that the options in this guide are some of the best spinning rods that will get you the type of results you want out in the water, a trophy catch!
No product is perfect, regardless of design and components. That’s why we’ve included the pros and cons of each model to give you buying insight.
Hopefully, you’ll find one or more spinning rods on this list that perfectly suits your fishing needs.
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