You might feel a little overwhelmed when you first try a spinning rod. The whole process of choosing the right rod is a bit intimidating.
Do you want to buy the best spinning rod for a better fishing experience but don’t know where to begin?
This article reviews the products you need in one place, so no more endless searching through different websites and forums!
Check out our top five picks on spinning rods to help you decide which one will be the best fit for your fishing needs.
In case you’re wondering, here’s the difference between a spinning rod and a casting rod.
Best Spinning Rods
- Best Spinning Rod Overall – Croix Rods Premier Spinning Rod
- Most Affordable Spinning Rod – Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
- Best Spinning Rods for Finesse Fishing – Megabass Destroyer P5 F2-66X Whippet Spinning Rod
- Best Moderate Action Spinning Rod – Shimano Terez Spinning Rod
- Best Travel Spinning Rods – Okuma NT-S-703M-MH Nomad Travel Spinning Rod
1. Croix Rods Premier Spinning Rod
Best Spinning Rod Overall
Key Features:
- 6 feet, 2.6 oz. spinning rod with a line weight of 2-6 lbs., and the weight of the lure is 1/32-3/16 oz
- Made of premium SCII carbon fiber rod with a fortified resin system
- A premium cork handle for a comfortable handle that guarantees a firm grip
- Features a Kigan Master Hand 3D for a slim, aluminum-oxide rings and a black frame finish
- Fuji reel seat with frosted silver hoods and a Kigan hook-keeper, and a Flex-Coat slow-cure finish
The Croix Rods are hailed as the best overall spinning premium rod on this list. You will have no problem using its rod length and weight.
It is made of premium carbon rods for excellent durability. You can use it in medium-heavy fishing or choose from ultra-light to medium-light to extra-heavy.
With its very affordable price, you can have an excellent spinning rod.
2. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Most Affordable Spinning Rod
Key Features:
- Made up of 35% more graphite for exceptional strength and experience
- Strong blank construction combined with graphite and fiberglass
- It comes with a Clear Rod Tip design that adds responsiveness and strength
- Cork handles provide comfort during long fishing outings
- Includes a 1-piece stainless steel guide that eliminates pop-outs and can be used with any line
The Ugly Stik Fishing Rod is solid and sturdy because of the combination of fiberglass and graphite. It comes with a cork grip handle for comfort.
Even though the line guide may be problematic sometimes, it is lighter yet much more sensitive. With its affordable price, it offers a lot of variations for a spinning rod. It’s one of the best trout rods today.
3. Megabass Destroyer P5 F2-66X Whippet Spinning Rod
Best Spinning Rods for Finesse Fishing
Key Features:
- Megabass original IBCS reel seat gives a new era of comfort, utility, and performance.
- MBCS ergonomic fit increases grip and leverage for rod work
- Utilizes a smaller-diameter thread made of unique fiber for tighter and more effective guide wraps
- Balanced for a tip-up posture for heavy-cover applications
The Megabass Destroyer Spinning Rod is designed to push innovation toward fishing. With its outstanding performance, this is hailed as one of the best rods for fishing with finesse.
Although this is one of the most expensive rods, it has advanced qualities and materials.
4. Shimano Terez Spinning Rod
Best Moderate Action Spinning Rod
Key Features:
- Shimano’s Spiral-X and Hi-Power X Construction for an enhanced torsional rigidity
- A very responsive rod that provides instant power transmission and enhances fishing capabilities
- With Shimano Aluminum Reel Seats and wrapped with all-new Fuji BKW Alconite frame guides
- Covers a broad spectrum of offshore angling techniques
The Shimano Terez is a highly responsive rod, perfect for moderate-action fishing. It is also 250% more structurally rigid, 180% less prone to twisting than other standard blank construction, and can use a braided line.
Designed to be the perfect companion for your next fishing trip. It comes complete with Shimano’s most advanced blanks, fitted with all custom components so you can maximize performance. With its kind of high price, it is worth investing in.
5. Okuma NT-S-703M-MH Nomad Travel Spinning Rod
Best Travel Spinning Rods
Key Features:
- A three-section breakdown rod for an easy travel
- Comes with two tips with different activities for each rod
- Features a European spigot ferrule connections for one piece rod feel
- Made of ALPS 316 SS guide frames with zirconium inserts, ALPS 2-tone anodized aluminum triangular reel seat, ALPS anodized aluminum gimbal
Okuma Nomad Travel Spinning rod is an excellent rod, constructed in three pieces for anglers who want a wonderful fishing experience.
Each one includes two tip sections to increase versatility. And it is also secured in a custom padded and waterproof case. Rod length is not an issue with this. It is made to be carried more easily than long rod tubes.

Things to Consider When Buying Fishing Rods
Power
This factor describes how much power is required to bend when casting rods. The rod’s power tells a lot about how it will perform when fishing.
There are a lot of variations that you can choose from, like ultra-light, medium-light, medium-heavy, and many more. Ultra-light and medium-light don’t necessarily mean that it’s weak in power.
While heavy rods are designed for bigger fish, understanding what you’re going to fish is a must. Find a durable rod to match it.
Length
The length of the rod can alter the distance you can cast a lure or bait. Although, this is not correct in all instances. It should be noted that the blank of your rod (the core of the rod) also impacts the casting distance. Longer rods are also typically more difficult to store and transport.
Guides
A guide’s quality is an aspect of saying that a rod is a good rod. The best way to test a guide’s quality is to see the line against an extensive guide. If it snaps, that’s not a good rod.
One of the best guides you can find on the market now is stainless steel guides.
Handle
Handles are also crucial in finding the rod you will use in fishing. A solid and firm grip is vital in choosing. Also, a rod that gives the angler comfort is a plus.
Materials
There are many rods on the market right now, and checking the materials used is essential. Rod materials affect your fishing performance.
Choose a rod made of fiberglass, graphite, or composite (a mixture of fiberglass and graphite).
Line and Lure Weight
All rods have designated lines and lure weights near the seat for reels. Also, this factor may vary depending on the rod’s power and action.
Action
Action and rod length are connected. This factor describes how it will bend when under load. If you want to match your technique, find the right rod length for it.
Final Thoughts
The best spinning rods are one of the essential parts of any angler’s fishing gear. Please don’t buy a popular spinning rod when you know little about it.
A well-invested rod makes you more aware of what’s happening to your lure. Find if there’s a suitable spinning reel for it. This enables you to catch more bites and catch more fish.
Use this guide to help you choose the excellent rod that will suit you and your style of fishing.