12 Best Saltwater Spinning Rod in 2023

If you want to enjoy the thrill of capturing large, saltwater monsters, you’ve got to invest in a good stick for the job. Indeed, only the best saltwater spinning rod can be relied upon when the battle gets tough. But in a crowded marketplace, it can be difficult to choose a rod that’s worth its weight in gold.

So, in the next few paragraphs, we’d like to educate you on the dos and don’ts of this. And hopefully, at the end of it, you’ll be able to make a sound judgment.

Best Saltwater Spinning Rod

Top-Rated Saltwater Spinning Rod: Comparison Table

We’d like to get you started with the following comparison table. It brings you a quick analysis of the leading options available at your disposal.

RankingNameLengthWeight
1EatMyTackle Sabiki Rig Bait Fishing Rod7 feet2.9 pounds
2St. Croix MIS76MF Mojo Inshore Spinning Fishing Rod7 feet3.3 pounds
3UglyStik USCA662MH Casting Rod6 Feet 6 Inches0.5 pounds
4Penn Squall 30 Level Wind Fishing Rod6 Feet 6 Inches2.8 pounds
5Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos2.5 pounds
6DaiwaTatula Casting Rod7 Feet0.25 pounds
7Entsport E Series7 Feet
8Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod7 Feet1.5 Pounds
9OKIAYA COMPOSIT 80-130LB Roller Rod2.15 Pounds
10SHIMANO TREVALA Spinning Saltwater Rod
11Fishing Rod Reel Combos Spinning Carbon6.9 Feet
12Fiblink 1-Piece Saltwater Offshore Trolling Rod6 Feet

1. Eat My Tackle Sabiki Rig Fishing Rod

Do you hook and line twist each time you are casting? Eat My Tackle Fishing rod is designed specifically to avoid such issues and it seems like a rod worth trying out.

The length of this fishing rod is 7 feet. As such, you are likely to cast further and you have more control over your catch as compared to when using a shorter fishing rod.

Key Features

The manufacturer is likely to have considered your comfort when making this fishing rod and included EVA handle. The handle is said to be soft plus comfortable, enabling you to hold for long without straining.

This fishing rod is made of a fiberglass frame with plastic fittings. Fiberglass is said to be strong and able to withstand frequent hitting against water vessels.

Extra Details

This is a medium action rod, which means it offers you the opportunity to catch small and large fish species. Besides that, you use less effort when casting and reeling in your catch.

You can dismantle the fishing rod into two for easy storage. However, customers have reported that this rod works best with size 4 and 6 hooks.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • EVA comfortable handle
  • Fiberglass frame
  • Can be dismantled in two

Cons

  • Only works well with size 4 and 6 hooks

2. St Croix Mojo Inshore Saltwater Spinning Rod

Have you been experiencing trouble with your fishing rod guides rusting after use? Well, try out this St Croix Mojo spinning rod with aluminum oxide guides that are said to be strong and resistant to rust and corrosion.

This rod is made of a graphite frame and is alleged to be very sensitive at detecting bites. Besides that, it is light so you can use it effortlessly for long hours.

Key Features

The split-grip cork handle used on this rod is also sensitive and is alleged to detect when there is a bite. In addition, cork is less slippery and lighter.

Being a fast action fishing rod, you can use it for larger fish that are likely to be stronger. You cast out and reel in with ease since the rod starts bending from the middle up.

Extra Details

Two layers of Flex-Coat are meant to protect your fishing rod from UV-rays and discoloring. You need to be careful when using your fishing rod as graphite is brittle and may not withstand pressure, meaning your blank can easily break.

The reel seat on this rod is a Fuji DPS which some customers have raised complained about. They say the reel seat unscrews itself. 

Pros

  • SCII graphite blank
  • Aluminum oxide guides
  • Split-grip cork handle
  • Highly sensitive rod

Cons

  • Reel seat unscrews itself

3. UglyStik USCA662MH Casting Rod

Are you in search of a fishing rod that is strong? Ugly Stik USCA662MH seems to fit the description as it is made of graphite and fiberglass; it has the characteristics of both materials.

The clear tip design is said to make the rod highly sensitive and you are likely to notice immediately there is a bite on the fishing rod. As such, the chances of catching more fish are increased.

Key Features

The fishing rod has an EVA handle with a secure grip which is said to be comfortable. You can also use the fishing rod for long hours without straining your palm and hand as the handle is light in weight.

 According to the manufacturer, this casting rod is strong and enables you to subdue your fish with ease. Moreover, the rod’s design facilitates long-distance casting.

Extra Details

This fishing rod has one piece Ugly Tuff stainless steel guide that is claimed to be durable and strong. In addition, this guide is said to be resistant to corrosion, making the rod suitable for saltwater use.

In as much as this seems like a good fishing rod, some customers have reported that it does not work with all types of reels. Therefore, you have to identify the most compatible saltwater spinning reel in order to have successful fishing experience.

Pros

  • Graphite and fiberglass frame
  • Comfortable EVA grips
  • Stainless steel guide
  • Clear tip design

Cons

  • Not compatible with all reel types

4. PENN Squall Level Wind Reel and Rod Combo

When you purchase this product from Penn, you get a rod and a compatible reel. The reel has a carbon drag system that is said to work smoothly with sufficient power.

The reel’s main gear is made of marine-grade bronze alloy. As such, this gear is likely to be strong with the ability to resist corrosion elements common in saltwater.

Key Features

The fishing rod has eight double foot line guides. These guides are said to be able to support heavy loads without twisting, which can cause the rod to snap.

Since the fishing rod is a medium action rod, you are likely to use the rod with various lines. Besides that, the rod is claimed to be flexible while giving you better control when reeling in your catch.

Extra Details

The fishing rod has a tubular glass frame that is said to be sensitive to bites. Moreover, the frame is light in weight and unlikely to cause you to strain even when you use it for a long time although it is very brittle.

One drawback we found with this rod and reel combo is the hand use orientation. Customers who have used it say the left-handed users are likely to have a difficult time with this product since it is meant for right-hand use only.

Pros

  • Glass blank with solid tip
  • Carbon fiber drag
  • Stainless steel ball bearings
  • Medium-fast action rod

Cons

  • Right-hand orientation only

5. Sougayilang Fishing Rod Combos

Sougayilang has a fishing rod that comes with one fishing reel, three fishing lures, a fishing line and a carrier bag. This seems like a good purchase as you get most of what you require to go out fishing.

The fishing rod has a pole made of carbon fiber with fiberglass. The pole is supposed to be strong and durable while requiring less effort to cast and reel in your catch.

Key Features

The reel that comes with this fishing rod has 13 ball bearings that are said to be corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, the reel gears are precision matched to provide a smooth performance.

Both the reel and fishing rod have EVA foam handles that are not only comfortable but also non-slip. As such, you have a secure grip which enables you to have full control even when faced with a large jumpy fish.

Extra Details

The reel and fishing rod combo is said to be lightweight and easily portable. A carrier bag is also included that you can use to carry other accessories.

Ceramic, alleged to be long-lasting and strong, is the material used to make the eyelets on this fishing rod. We expect the eyelets to be durable and to reduce friction, preventing damage to the fishing lines.

Pros

  • Ceramic eyelets
  • Strong and durable rod pole
  • EVA foam handles
  • Fishing line and fishing lures included

Cons

  • Plastic parts on the reel break easily

6. DaiwaTatula Casting Rod

If you have been looking for a fishing rod that allows you total control and precision, then Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod may be what you need. The rod is said to have a pistol grip likely to provide full control and precision when casting.

The ring guides are made of alconite for stability. Alconite is strong with minimal chances of twists when handling braided lines and heavy loads.

This casting rod has a single-piece design. According to the manufacturer, this helps to prevent breakage of the pole when you are reeling in your catch.

Key Features

The reel seat on this rod has a machined hood nut made of aluminum. Consequently, the grasp of your reel on the rod is likely to be secure, resulting in a better performance.

Extra Details

The handle on the fishing rod is made of split EVA grips for that comfortable and lightweight use. Besides that, the Zero-G design is also alleged to make this fishing rod light hence easy to use.

Super volume fiber graphite is the material used to make the blank on this fishing rod. As such, it is said to be highly sensitive to bites but the tip is very brittle and it breaks easily.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Pistol grip
  • Sensitive graphite blank
  • Single piece design

Cons

  • Brittle rod tip

7. Entsport E Series – Rattlesnake 2-Piece Casting Rod

Did you know that when you purchase this casting rod, you get three-rod tips instead of one? Well, now that you know Entsport E Series Rattlesnake casting rod comes with medium-light, medium and medium-heavy action rod tips, consider placing an order.

The rod’s blank is made of graphite material that is said to be light in weight. Besides that, the graphite material is likely to make the fishing rod very sensitive to bites. 

Key Features

This rod is made of two pieces that you can dismantle. Therefore, you can store it with ease or carry it wherever you want without damaging the pole.

Entsport E Series Rattlesnake casting rod features an enhanced reel seat with a stainless steel hood. As such, the reel you use is likely to be firmly attached.

Extra Details

There are six guides on this fishing rod made of stainless steel and that have ceramic inserts. The guides are said to be resistant to corrosion while the ceramic inserts reduce friction, making casting effortless.

For better control as you cast and reel, the handles are made of premium split cork. However, some customers have reported that the rod blank is brittle and breaks under minimal pressure.

Pros

  • Lightweight graphite blank
  • Two-piece design
  • Split cork handle
  • Enhanced reel seat

Cons

  • The pole rod pole breaks easily

8. Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod

Are you tired of having to replace your fishing rods because of the brittle poles snapping? Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod is made of graphite blank that is wrapped with carbon for strength and durability.

The fishing rod comes with two tips, a lighter and heavier one. You are at liberty to choose which rod tip to use, depending on the fish you intend to catch.

Key Features

There are five guides on this rod with zirconium inserts. The guides are double footed for increased stability and they are claimed to be resistant to corrosion.

On this spinning rod, the European spigot ferrule connections have been added. These ferrule connections are meant to aid you when handling a difficult catch during the reeling process.

Extra Details

A rod that has a length of 7 feet is considered better at casting far. Furthermore, the non-slip handle enables you to control your rod when casting.

The rod is designed with three pieces for easy carriage and storage. Unfortunately, these three pieces have proved to be a challenge for some customers when it comes to putting them together.

Pros

  • Lighter and heavier tips
  • Non-slip grip
  • Three-piece design
  • Strong rod pole

Cons

  • Challenging to assemble

9. OKIAYA COMPOSIT 80-130LB Roller Rod

If you have wanted a fishing rod for the large fish found in saltwater, OKIAYA COMPOSIT seems to fit the description. This fishing rod is said to be designed specifically for the big fish as the frame is made of aircraft-grade materials.

The roller guides on the rod are made of reinforced stainless steel. For this reason, they are claimed to hold any line and to support heavy loads without breaking.

Key Features

Since this is a fast action rod, it is more suitable for single lures. Besides that, it is stiff and the flexing begins halfway to the tip, requiring less effort to cast and reel.

For your comfort, the handle on this fishing rod is molded EVA foam. When your hand does not strain, you can control the fishing rod better.

Extra Details

According to OKIAYA, one-piece design is stronger and more durable. This may be the likely reason their roller rod is a one-piece design.

This seems like a good fishing rod but it is only compatible with specific reels. You, therefore, have to identify the reels that you can use with this rod.

Pros

  • One-piece design
  • Stainless steel guides
  • EVA molded handle
  • Strong rod pole

Cons

  • Compatible with specific reels

10. SHIMANO TREVALA Spinning Saltwater Rod

If your lines have been wearing out so fast, you may need to check the guide inserts on your fishing rod. You may start by trying out the SHIMANO TREVALA spinning rod that has alconite guides with diamond polished inserts said to reduce friction.

The EVA foam rubber handle is said to be secure even in wet conditions. Besides that, the handle is comfortable, especially when you are out fishing for a long time.

Key Features

The graphite material on this fishing is the likely reason for its sensitive nature. As such, you can notice immediately there is a bite on your rod.

As for fiberglass, it is said to be very flexible. You are likely to use less effort casting and reeling in.

Extra Details

According to some customers, this rod is light in weight. This makes using the fishing rod effortless and less strenuous.

This rod is made of graphite and fiberglass hence it is supposed to be strong. However, some customers have reported that the pole broke when they tried to catch big fish, which was disappointing.

Pros

  • Alconite reinforced guides
  • EVA foam rubber handle
  • Single-piece design
  • Graphite and fiberglass pole

Cons

  • Unsuitable for big fish

11. Goture Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel

You get a fishing rod and a reel when you purchase this product from Goture. The rod is made of carbon fiber and E-glass material.

The guides on the rod are carbon-oxide plated for durability. Furthermore, the guides have been welded at three points for stability purposes.

Key Features

There is a protective cap included in the package to cover the rod top and the guides when they are not in use to prevent damage. This seems like safety taken a notch higher.

The reel that comes with this rod has a CNC machined spool. The spool is said to be oxidation-treated to enhance its durability.

Extra Details

The reel features an anti-reverse switch to help prevent frequent backlash. Besides that, there is a caliber drag knob that is alleged to help to control release and retrieve.

The reel seems to work well. But some customers have reported that the rod is of poor quality and does not work as expected.

Pros

  • Protective cap included
  • Plated metal guides
  • Heavy power rod
  • Easily portable

Cons

  • Poor quality rod

12. Fiblink 1-Piece Saltwater Offshore Trolling Rod

Fiblink states that glass fiber is more solid. As such, their trolling rod is likely to have more pulling power as compared to other rods since they have combined carbon and glass fiber.

This fishing rod is said to be light in weight, which makes it seem like a good choice for long use. We can attribute the weight to the material used in making the trolling rod.

Key Features

This rod is stated to be a fast action rod. As such, it is likely to handle larger fish better while you use less effort to reel.

Your control of the fishing rod is important. With non-slip EVA handles, you are in a better position to control your rod even with difficult-to-handle fish.

Extra Details

Aluminum is alleged to be durable. Since this is the material used on the reel seat, we expect that the real seat is more durable and strong.

The guides are made of stainless steel to resist corrosion. Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the roller on the fishing rod works poorly and the line keeps falling off.

Pros

  • Non-slip EVA handles
  • Aluminum reel seat
  • Stainless steel guides
  • Carbon and glass fiber material

Cons

  • Roller works poorly

How to Choose the Best Rod for Saltwater Angling

Before you make a choice, it’s important to understand the dynamics of saltwater fishing rods. This section focuses on the kinds of options you’d face.

Materials

It’s important to choose a rod that’s made from high-quality materials. The fiberglass material is the most popular alternative out there because it’s tough and flexible. However, it’s quite heavy and pricey.

If you’re on a budget, consider going for a graphite rod. It will be surely light in weight although not as tough and durable as its fiberglass alternative.

For the best of both worlds, consider going for a composite rod i.e. one made out of a combination of fiberglass and graphite.

Action

Simply put, action is what refers to the potency of the rod. It is tied to how low the blank can bend when the rod is fully extended. You might want to go for a parabolic action if you intend to make long casts. Extra-fast action rods are best suited for shorter casts.

Length

Longer rods are known for better casting distances. However, it’s shorter rods that provide you with the best leverage when you meet with feisty fish. So, this choice entirely boils down to the style of fishing you’re wishing for and the species you’re targeting.

Other Factors

Other important aspects worth paying attention to include castability. For instance, if you’re pitching live bait, a rod with a soft tip end offers the best bargain. You might also want to consider picking your rod from among the big boy brands among them:

  • Okuma
  • St Croix
  • Penn
  • Cabela’s
  • Shimano

Frequently Asked Questions

Now we’re onto the section that’s all about responding to some of the burning queries you might be having. Let’s respond to some of them.

Can I use freshwater rods in saltwater?

Yes you can. It, however, wouldn’t last as long as one made specifically for saltwater conditions.

Can you put a baitcaster on a spinning rod?

It’s possible to do that although we don’t recommend it. Generally, spinning reels are larger than baitcasting ones meaning they main not perform best when used with a spinning rod.

Best Overall Choice

Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod is our best saltwater spinning rod since it is light in weight and easy to use. In addition, the rod is highly sensitive, which may result in you catching more fish as you are likely to notice whenever there is a bite on your rod.

Final Thoughts

There you have it. A comprehensive look at some of the best spinning rods that can be used in oceans and other saltwater bodies. With one of these, you can now go out there and face it out with your most coveted fish species.

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