The following are a handful of the best spinning rods that we have reviewed with the majority of them being focused on inshore fishing.
Too many anglers just focus on their reel and do not pay enough attention to their rod. Remember that it is the rod that connects to your hands and therefore transfers the feel of the bite. It is also the rod that allows you to control your cast for distance and accuracy.
Some of the fundamentals of choosing the right fishing rod come down to things like:
- Budget
- Durability (think how often you fish)
- Species of fish you will be targeting (size)
- Length
- 1 or 2 piece Rod
- Rod Power (what it takes to bend the rod)
- Rod Action (where the rod bends with a load)
- Freshwater or Saltwater or both
To learn more about How to Choose a Fishing Rod read the full article HERE.
When we review a rod you can count on the fact that it is an unbiased review as we purchase all the equipment that we review and test. Our objective is to make sure that you have all of the information that you need to make an informed decision when you spend your hard earned dollars on fishing gear.
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Best G.Loomis Spinning Rod Reviews
G.Loomis E6X Inshore
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The G Loomis EX6 is built on a carbon fiber blank where the 6 comes from carbon being the 6th element in the periodic table. Bottom line is that this is an excellent rod with a focus on balance and sensitivity. The carbon blank makes this a very lightweight rod that truly delivers and as a bonus, these rods are made in the USA. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (oz) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 6'6"-8' | EF-MM | ML-H | 6-25 | 1/4-2 1/4 | 1 |
G.Loomis NRX Saltwater
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The G Loomis is probably one of the nicest rods I have ever had the pleasure of fishing and it comes at a price like most other things in life of high quality. The rod blank is made of a composite material that includes graphite, carbon and 3M’s matrix resin and is super lightweight and sensitive. This is an excellent rod and is made in the USA. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 6'8"-7'8" | EF-F | ML-MH | 10-40 | 1/8-1 1/2 | 1 |
Best Penn Spinning Rod Reviews
Penn Battalion Surf
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The Penn Battalion surf is the step up from the Penn Prevail surf rodand is an excellent choice for the angler that fishes in the surf on a regular basis and wants a good quality rod without breaking the bank. The blank is made of a graphite and fiberglass composite and provides both strength and sensitivity. With high quality Fuji guides and reel seats and a rubber shrink tube handle this rod is designed to withstand the harsh saltwater conditions. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Rod Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | 8' -12' | M - H | 8 - 65 lb | 1/2 - 8 | 2 |
Penn Prevail Surf
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The Penn Prevail is an excellent choice for an entry level surf spinning rod. The blank is made of graphite and fiberglass composite and provides both strength and sensitivity. With stainless steel guides, aluminum oxide inserts and a rubber shrink tube handle this rod is designed to withstand the harsh saltwater conditions. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8'-12' | MF-F | ML-MH | 8-40 | 1/2-8 | 2 |
Penn Rampage Jig Spinning
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The Penn Rampage Jig Spinning rode is designed specifically for vertical jigging using a spinning reel. This is a very budget friendly rod that is constructed of graphite composite has quality components such as Fuji guides. While designed for jigging, the rod is versatile enough to be used for site casting when the opportunity presents itself. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6-6.6 | MF | M-H | 30-130 | 2-10 | 1 |
Best Shakespeare Rod Reviews
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
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Here is another great rod from Shakespeare in the Ugly Stik lineup. I don’t care what they call it these are pretty rods in that they are almost indestructible. The GX2 was released in 2013 and incorporated graphite into the fiberglass to give the rod extra sensitivity as well as strength. There are over 35 models available so you can always find just the right size and action for what you are targeting. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 6'-9' | F | L-H | 4-20 | 1/8-1 | 1 &2 |
Best Shimano Rod Reviews
Shimano Trevala S Jigging
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The Shimano Trevala S Jigging rod is available in both a spinning and a casting/conventional model. These rods are designed with one style of fishing in mind Jigging and they do it very well. Due to the CS4 construction of the rod blanks these rods are very narrow and light while still maintaining incredible strength. READ THE FULL REVIEW
Shimano Trevala S Jigging Spinning
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6'3" - 6'6" | M - F | L - MH | 20 - 80lbs | 2.65 - 5.93 | 1 |
Shimano Trevala S Jigging Casting
| Models | Length (ft) | Action | Power | Line Wt. (lb) | Lure Wt. (oz) | Pieces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6'3" | M - F | L - MH | 30 - 80lbs | 3.17 - 5.93 |