Best Spincasting Rods in 2022 – Spinning Rods Compared & Reviewed

If you are looking to get started in spincasting but don’t want to break the bank, you’ll be quick to find a lot of options. And while this freedom of choice is good, it can also be overwhelming—how do you know you are getting the best rod for your money?

After all, most products claim to be the best and the most cost-effective, but there’s a difference between a rod being inexpensive and cheap.

There are many brands out there offering best spinning rod that will fit your requirements, believe it or not. I have done the leg work for you by compiling this comprehensive list to show you the best spincasting rods under $100. You are going to see names you will recognize and can trust, so don't worry about finding some fly-by-night company that will not support you, should the product fail for some reason.

Fishing does not need to be expensive, but it can be. But while there are some really pricey options out there, they might perform only marginally better than cheaper options. I won't steer you wrong, so let’s dive right in and see what is out there for you.

10 Best Spincasting Rods - Comparisons

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Product Name

Primary Material

Length

Price

Shimano Solara 7'0 M Spinning Freshwater Spinning Rod

Aeroglass

5.6"- 7"

Entsport 2-Piece Spinning Rod Graphite Portable Spinning Fishing Rod Inshore Spinning Pole Freshwater Spin Rod (8-20-Pound Test) 7' Medium Heavy

Graphite

7"

Daiwa 0001-3772 Trf602Mfs Triforce Spinning

IM-6 Graphite

6" - 7"

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Graphite & Fiberglass

6" - 7"

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium - 2pc

Graphite

4.6"-7.6"

Daiwa 0001-3772 Trf602Mfs Triforce Spinning

IM-6 Graphite

6" - 7"

Fenwick Eagle Spinning

Stainless Steel

5.6" - 8"

okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods, CE-S-662UL-1

Graphite & Aluminum

5.6" - 7.6"

Okuma Sarasota Salt Water Spinning Rod, 7-Feet, 20 to 40-Pound

Glass-Fiber

7"

Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods (Large, Black/Blue/Silver)

Graphite Composite

9" - 12"

Best Spinning Rods in 2020 - Reviews

Shimano Solara 7'0 M Spinning Freshwater Spinning Rod

I told you that you would know some of these names. But if you haven’t heard of Shimano yet, here’s your chance—this company has been making quality rods and reels that anglers have trusted for decades.

I personally have used a plethora of their rods, this one included. This is a durable rod that will let you control your lures easily and will help you cast them with precision. It will also allow you to land the big fish without having to worry about stressing out your gear. It’s an excellent choice for getting used to fishing, where you will spend time snagged in the grass and weeds.

A good cost-effective option to get you on the water fishing for a good price. Great for both kids and adults, and this rod would serve anyone's collection as a great additional rod. Put the right reel on it and you’ve got a friend for life.

What we liked

  • Aeroglass construction rod blank
  • Aluminum oxide guides
  • Cork grip
  • Easy to master
  • Reliable and affordable

What we didn't like

  • A tad stiff for some
  • Not the most advanced but gets the job done
Entsport 2-Piece Spinning Rod Graphite Portable Spinning Fishing Rod Inshore Spinning Pole Freshwater Spin Rod (8-20-Pound Test) 7' Medium Heavy

Without a doubt a good way for an inshore angler to cut their teeth is with this rod by Entsport. Hook into some stripers and land them with relative ease with this great and portable rod. With the saltwater inshore angler in mind, this rod is designed for accurate casts and smooth retrieves. Of course it’s pretty light and not suitable for those monsters, but for perch and other smaller game fish this one is a great and sporty little rod.

Now, it may not be the best in terms of durability—you will eventually look to replace this rod if you go out often, but for the casual angler that enjoys a little time out now and again, you should have no problems. Entsport is a trusted brand with good support on the back end, so if you experience any problems with the rod, you will be able to get yourself back in the game in no time.

What we liked

  • Solid carbon fiber construction
  • Stainless steel guides
  • EVA split grips
  • Great for starting on saltwater

What we didn't like

  • Not as durable
Daiwa 0001-3772 Trf602Mfs Triforce Spinning

Keeping with the trend of reliable brands, Daiwa delivers a good entry-level fishing rod that is sure to make your wallet happy and still not hold you back. This rod is sturdy enough to land those tough bass that make a run for the grass that other rods may struggle with.

It’s also lightweight, giving you good control and fineness to get into those tight areas where you can find that fat lurker below. This rod is a great example that a rod being light does not necessarily compromise its durability and stability—this rod will get the lures out there and back with ease.

I have used Daiwa rods and reels for many years, and so has my entire family. It’s a reliable company that you can trust to get started, and you may want to move onto their more advanced models when you are ready. 

What we liked

  • IM-6 graphite construction
  • Aluminum oxide guides
  • Cork grip
  • Robust design 
  • Perfect for the beginner bass angler 

What we didn't like

  • Only suited for narrow-footed reels
  • Stiff for some
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod

To fish or not to fish, that is what Shakespeare would ask. The GX2 put out by this company under the Ugly Stik label is an excellent example of a nearly pro level rod at an affordable price. Durable, reliable, and from a brand you can trust, this rod will keep its promise to get you landing good sized bass.

For some reason they have a reputation for literally holding a stick, no action, but that is not the case with this great little rod. You are going to love how it feels in your hand and lets you cast with ease from the shoreline or from out on the pier. Go after fresh or saltwater fish with this strong rod, and don't worry about what might happen if you hook into a grand surprise.

Ugly Stik and Shakespeare are names you will see repeatedly. A trusted name for generations for me, and a great rod still to this day—a truly superior product. However, I am not sure what they changed, but the older rods are a lot more comfortable. 

What we liked

  • Graphite and fiberglass construction
  • One-piece Ugly Tuff guides
  • EVA grip
  • Lightweight for a medium action rod 
  • Lots of action 
  • Reliable and durable

What we didn't like

  • Older models were more comfortable
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium - 2pc

I was not kidding when I said you would see this name again, for good reason, Shakespeare makes first-rate rods. A step up from the previous rod but still well under budget, this rod will do you well and will last you a while. This is rod could be your workhorse, it can take some use and abuse. It is a medium action rod but it is as durable and strong as much heavier types. Performing at the same level as some competitors at half the cost, it’s not hard to see why this is a go-to for so many anglers—Shakespeare does not take away quality to save a penny. Good enough for beginners and pros alike, this rod can be a great addition to your rod arsenal. The tip is somewhat light for a medium rod, so it feels good, but it might break under extreme hook ups.

What we liked

  • Added graphite for increased sensitivity
  • Ugly Tuff guides
  • Premium cork grips
  • Durable 
  • Comes with a 7-year warranty 
  • Nothing ugly about this stick

What we didn't like

  • Tips is not as stiff
Daiwa 0001-3772 Trf602Mfs Triforce Spinning

Let’s kick it up a little bit and get some high quality for a good price. Daiwa time and time again edges out as one of the better brands, and the Triforce Spinning Rod is a great example to showcase this fact—it’s sturdy, well designed, and worth every penny. Of course, keeping with the theme of saving money, this rod will not cost that many pennies and you lose nothing in trade-off. The Triforce is a great product from a great company, and paired with the right reel you will be able to use it for decades. It’s a great choice for those of us who want professional quality but don’t get free things for wearing a bikini. You don't need to be #prostaff to go out and fish with pro level gear, Daiwa has you covered.

What we liked

  • IM-6 graphite construction
  • Cut-proof aluminum oxide guides
  • Cork grip
  • A superior design that lasts many years
  • Great customer service from Daiwa

What we didn't like

  • Only good for more narrow footed reels
Fenwick Eagle Spinning

Go for this Fenwick Eagle rod for an ultra-sensitive rod that will give you all the sweet action you desire, but still won’t make you smash your piggy bank. This lightweight rod will allow you to cast into those tight spaces where the big boys like to sit in the heat of the day. Once you hook into them, you’ll have no problem bringing them back, as even aggressive bass and trout are landed with ease on this rod.

On the other hand, since this is a lighter rod, big fish might stress it out over time. But if you keep an eye on it and take care of your rod, it will take care of you.

What we liked

  • Stainless steel guides
  • B2 burled cork design grip
  • Great light action
  • Extremely sensitive
  • Strong enough to handle bigger fish 

What we didn't like

  • Not as durable/not made for lots of heavy fishing
okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Light Trout Rods, CE-S-662UL-1

I do a fair amount of back country fishing and I have also snapped a few rods on fallen logs I was ducking under. I also like to fish with a light tackle rod for trout to give myself more of a fight on smaller fish. This ultra light rod by Okuma is perfect, as it is durable enough for my clumsy oaf hikes, and still light enough to keep the fishing fun and honest.

It is a great little rod that gives you a lot of options in those tight mountain creeks. This one is an excellent sensitive rod and great for its stated purpose, but it isn’t made for prolonged use and is really meant for those smaller creeks and streams in the back country.

What we liked

  • Ultralight
  • Graphite blank construction
  • Aluminum oxide guides
  • Cork grips
  • Perfect for small streams and creeks 
  • Made for the back country

What we didn't like

  • Specific application so not very versatile
Okuma Sarasota Salt Water Spinning Rod, 7-Feet, 20 to 40-Pound

Going from one end of the spectrum to the other, the Sarasota saltwater rod by Okuma takes us from a mountain stream to some great inshore and pier fishing. From a well-known and prestigious company that has been cranking out good quality gear at a reasonable budget, this rod is a great choice for surf casting or for going off for a day on the local fishing pier. It will last you many years and can serve as a great starting point for the more serious-minded angler.

This rod would also work well as a catfish rod for big channel cats, and can also pull in those tasty sheephead off the beach all in the same day.

What we liked

  • Glass fiber coating for added strength
  • Double foot guides
  • Great starting point for the more serious angler 
  • A company name you can trust

What we didn't like

  • Really only for saltwater
Okuma Longitude Surf Graphite Rods (Large, Black/Blue/Silver)

Staying with the Okuma tradition and with saltwater rods, the Longitude surf rod is without a doubt one of the best surf casting rods out there.

Okuma Longitude has been built for you to huck out those heavy triangle weights with ease so you can cast into the right part of the rip to get some sneaky reds or stripers feeding at low tide.

Again, a brand that you can trust, and a price you can afford. A great action on this rod as well, making it easy to tell the difference between the movement of the line on the bottom or a fish striking at your line. Not enough good can be said about this affordable piece of fishing kit—put the right reel on it and you have a beach bum companion for life

What we liked

  • Graphite composite blank construction
  • Double-footed guides
  • Perfect for surf casting 
  • Durable and reliable 
  • Lets you cast where you need with ease 
  • Affordable 

What we didn't like

  • Singular purpose by design, only suitable for saltwater surf fishing

Final thoughts

Fishing can be a very expensive addiction but it does not need to be. You do not need to spend huge money to have professional quality of best spinning rod, even as a casual or angler just starting out—there are plenty of good and competition brands keeping the market healthy and full of affordable options of best spincasting rod.

I hope this list helped to get you started and well on your way to getting that fishing collection going. It’s going to be a good day, so get some fishing done, have fun and, as always, Tight Lines!

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JB
 

I started this blog to provide advanced material, guiding you towards a better and more comfortable fishing experience. I deliver more than fishing gear guides, and motivate people to hit the water!

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