Best Spinning Rods under $100 2021 Guide

best spinning rods

Spinning rods are the most common kind of fishing rods. If you are a beginner, starting with a spinning rod is kind of a custom. Be it an expert fisher or a beginner, all levels of fishers have at least one spinning rod in their fishing kit. Seeing its popularity, a wide range of spinning rods are available today at bot budget-friendly and high prices.

However, it is significant to know which ones work best for your requirements. If you are looking for the best spinning rod under $100, you are at the right place. We have reviewed some of the best ones within your budget in this blog. Moreover, Fishing Tools Review provides a buying guide for you to know about the important factors before making the final decision. So, read on!

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Take a Look at the Best Spinning Rods under $100

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

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You must have got this feeling when you come across some great-quality products unexpectedly affordable compared to their features. It feels amazing, right? It feels the same way when you come across the products on this list of best spinning rods under $100.

The first on the list is among the most affordable, low-cost delight spinning rod – Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod. Ugly Stik is a well-known brand when it comes to searching for best fishing rods for beginners.

This model is built using 35% more graphite than all its previous models. This extra graphite in the body of the rod makes it more strength and offers better sensitivity. You get to know about your bait as soon as it comes in contact with the rod. This way, you can take immediate action and give the prey the least time to escape. So, with this spinning rod, your successful fishing graph will also rise!

Not just this, the core of the fishing rod is designed using fiberglass and graphite, which makes it lightweight, sensitive and robust. You can use the rod for different purposes like catching heavy species. It is a strong and sturdy reel seat that can handle the heavier species well. The handle is comfortable to fish for hours without any issues. However, some people consider the rot a little unbalanced, thinking the grip is too heavy. But. It is not the case; you need to use it to believe its features.

One of the rare downsides of this spinning rod model is the stainless steel guides as it resulted in damage to braided lines. But, these cons can be easily fixed.

Features

Pros

  • Comfortable cork handle.
  • 7-year warranty.
  • Responsive metal body.
  • Enhanced performance.
  • Durable and strong fiberglass core.
  • Effective reel seat.

Cons

  • Guides may damage the braided lines easily.
  • Considered imbalanced by some customers.

Ugly STIK GX2 Spinning Rod

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The next on the list is UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod, which is a top quality spinning rods for people who like fishing in the rain. Yes. If you are worried about the handle getting too heavy while fishing in the rain, this spinning rod should be your choice.

No extra weight in the rain! Many people ask how’s that possible. Well, the handle of GX2 is designed using EVA foam, which not just makes it comfortable for long hours of fishing but in the rain as well.

The model is designed using both fiberglass and graphite. So, it is also sensitive to your bait and holds greater strength to catch and hold it until you roll it out of the water.

Moreover, it becomes more durable with a combined structure of graphite and fiberglass. The fiberglass allows it to become more sustainable and not to forget its clear tip design.

The fishing rod is lightweight and you can easily catch prey weighing in the range of 1/8 to 5/8 Oz. You can also target victims that are moderate-sized and it is mainly possible with its medium action reel. Although most features of this Ugly Stik model are amazing and satisfactory, some people are not satisfied with its guide material. The stainless steel used for the guide is not as effective as it needed to be. It can easily damage the braided lines over time.

Features

Pros

  • Works great in wet conditions.
  • Lightweight.
  • Durable and strong.
  • Can manage.
  • Easy to transport and store.
  • Clear tip enables better responsiveness.
  • Capable of handling moderate-sized species.

Cons

  • Not a good pick for sea fishing.
  • Guide could be constructed better material.

Shimano FXS 2 Piece Spinning Rod

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Shimano FXS 2 Piece Spinning Rod is a model that can handle a lot of aggression than expected. The product was designed, keeping the vision of creating the best fishing product for its customers.

The founder’s vision is still followed and we get the most genuine and reliable fishing products from Shimano. So, you need not worry about the product design, strength, quality or performance. It is fantastic!

Shimano FX is designed using the best material combination to offer you better sensitivity, strength and comfort. It is built with an Aeroglass core that ensures its high durability and enhanced performance.

Not just this, the ultimate locking graphite reel seat will provide the best build of the spinning rod. You do not need to bother about the reels turning loose once you fix it properly.

Considering its measurements, the spinning rod is 8” long with a foregrip and rear grip of 5” and 13” respectively. As you know about fishing and fishing tools, you must be aware that the shorter foregrip is for better control and sensitivity. Having fast action and medium-heavy power, this spinning rod can manage all kinds of milder currents and lakes.

Furthermore, you can target species weighing in the range of 3/4 to 4 Oz. You will also not have any issues using its aluminum guides. You can go on a fishing vacay for days as the EVA foam handle makes it easy to hold the spinning rod for hours and even days. It is very comfortable for newbies as well!

If your idea is to go fishing in waters with milder currents and larger fishes, this is an excellent option for you.

Features

Pros

  • Foregrip and rear grip supports better responsiveness.
  • East and comfortable to use.
  • Capable of managing milder currents and heavier species.
  • Highly portable and easy to store.
  • Strong and durable.

Cons

  • Not quite flexible.
  • Cannot attach hooks.

SHIMANO Solora Spinning Rod

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Do you want to catch larger fishes and sea species? Do you want to go to the shorelines for fishing? If so, this product from SHIMANO can be your top pick from this list of spinning rods under $100.

It is brilliant in design and sensitivity. It provides great strength and sensitivity with its perfect aeroglass core. The ultimate locking graphite reel seat is another plus point behind its amazing performance, strength and grip.

The only thing that you should be concerned about is its weight. This SHIMANO Solora is a bit heavier than other models listed here. But that shouldn’t be a problem if you are looking for a spinning rod offering medium-heavy power. Because Solaro by SHIMANO provides exactly what it promises. Moreover, it has a fast action which makes it great for fishing in milder currents. The guide is designed using aluminum that serves as the right material. You cannot complain about the wearing of braided lines ever!

While buying this product, you will get to choose from four different lengths with different specifications. It is built to fit your purpose. So, you will get the most suitable product based on your requirements. If by any chance you feel it will be a burden to handle such a well-built spinning rod, you are wrong. It has got the potential to handle heavier species as well and you can fish holding the cork handle for hours.

Features

Pros

  • Capable of handling larger species and milder currents.
  • Better safety and functionality.
  • Flexible.
  • Fast action.
  • High-quality aluminum guides.
  • Effective and comfortable handles.

Cons

  • Not much durable.
  • Heavier.

Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultralight Trout Rods

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Do you have any idea how a particular product can be custom-built to meet a particular purpose? Well, you will definitely know as you understand this product Okuma. The Okuma Celilo Graphite trout rod is made completely with graphite.

This makes the rod extremely sensitive and such kinds of rods are best for fishing for small fishes in lakes. So, if you have a lake close to your house or you like fishing for small fishes, this can be a great model to help you get the bait easily.

Another thing we can guarantee when you buy this rod is that it serves best for trout fishing. The light action of the spinning rod makes it highly flexible and a perfect match for smaller fishes.

However, you must remember that this model from Okuma is only suitable for fishing in lakes where there’s no current. You can only use it for fishing smaller species. In case you wish to catch medium-sized and bigger species, it is better you select from the other rods mentioned in this list of  spinning rods.

However, for trout fishing, there’s no better match than this! It is a reliable option and has aluminum oxide guides that are lined perfectly. You just need to find a reel, which is lightweight and goes well with it. The stainless steel hoods in the reel seat of the spinning rod make it efficient and durable. Moreover, you can fish for long hours with its comfortable cork handles.

Features

Pros

  • Best for trout fishing.
  • Lightweight.
  • High-quality guides.
  • Light action; perfect for lake fishing and smaller species.
  • Extremely sensitive.

Cons

  • Designed specifically for smaller species.
  • Can break easily when used in high currents.

Eagle Claw PK555SP Pack-It Telescopic Spinning Rod

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If you want some adventure while fishing in the waters, this one from Eagle Claw is one of the best adventurous spinning rods under $100. Most people consider it to be the most reliable rod for travel as it works great, both in rain and snow.

Not just this, this spinning rod works smooth in almost every condition – rain, snow, freshwaters and saltwaters. Your journey in the waters with the Eagle Claw telescopic spinning road is going to be adventurous and memorable.

The reason how it performs so well in all these conditions its perfect-build and clever design. The high-quality construction and sorted custom-design of the product make it strong and sensitive in the waters. It comes with a durable glass construction which does not allow it to show extreme sensitivity but makes it the strongest product on the list. You can fish in trails and rivers for larger species without bothering about the rod damaging anytime soon.

Moreover, you will get perfect control and accuracy with its graphite reel seat. It keeps the rod rolling smoothly in the waters. It has ceramic-made guides that also support for its high performance. You can attach lines if around 4-10kg weights to the Eagle Claw spinning rod. You need not worry about bruising your hands with the handles due to the heavyweight. The handles are designed using EVA foam, which makes it comfortable for long hours of fishing. It will hold the grip longer, improving your fishing skills.

There’s only one complaint that is marked with this rod – it gets stuck when folded.

Features

Pros

  • Perfect for river fishing.
  • Controllable and comfortable.
  • High-quality guides.
  • Easy to handle larger species.
  • Good line weight capacity.

Cons

  • May get stuck when folded.

Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rods

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This one from Fenwick is a spinning rod made up of graphite to provide complete sensitivity. It is so good at sending signals while fishing and you also need not worry about the rod breaking anytime soon. It is not that fragile! Additionally, it provides the strength to tackle the catch at the moment.

But ensure using it wisely, as it is still a graphite rod, which is not as strong as a fiberglass core rod. So, remember that you need to stay confined by the weight limit of both the line and the species and balance it accordingly.

While you use this Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod on heavier lures, it might not be as durable as it is built to be. It is very crucial that you use it appropriately to get the benefits of its features, such as its sturdiness, strength and durability. Furthermore, the guides are designed using stainless steel and it is not just effective for being lightweight but is also strong and corrosion-resistant. Certainly, you will have a good day fishing with this spinning rod with no pressure or discomfort on your hands.

Fenwick is a fishing tools manufacturing company that has been in the industry for more than 50 years now. It is a trusted and reliable company to purchase a spinning rod as the rods built here are strictly under expert supervision. You will find a rod suitable to your needs.

Features

Pros

  • Extremely sensitive.
  • Comfortable and chip-resistant cork handle.
  • Strong, sturdy and durable.
  • Perfect for panfish fishing.
  • Lightweight and smooth in action.

Cons

  • No best-quality guides.

ST. Croix Triumph Spinning Rods

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Are you planning to fish for long hours with a spinning rod that provides absolute support? If so, St. Croix Triumph can be your perfect choice. The best thing and favorite of most buyers is its lightweight. You can enjoy fishing for long hours, sitting in one place. All thanks to its lightweight!

Furthermore, premium SCII Graphite core and lightweight offers great sensitivity that you just can’t overlook. The rod delivers even the softest touch to your senses, ensuring you take immediate action. Talking about its action speed, it is finely tuned with tapers for better performance.

You will find a number of spinning rods with varying tension limits to select from, which makes sure you find one best for your fishing needs. This particular model has guides designed with hard aluminum oxide, making it efficient and durable. Additionally, its reel seat has frosted silver hoods. The spinning rod comes with a two-layer flex-coat that offers a perfect finish and makes it a durable option to choose from the list. Its cork-handle makes it comfortable to fish for hours.

Features

Pros

  • Smooth action.
  • Lightweight.
  • Strong and durable.
  • Extremely sensitive.

Cons

  • Some issues with reel seat locks.
  • Not as stiff as meant to be.

Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rods

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Looking for the ultimate spinning rod under $100 that serves your fishing purposes perfectly? Why don’t you have a look at this Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rod? The CR5 model from Cadence comes with a wide range of sizes, power and actions to choose from.

To your surprise, you can select from 16 different lengths and action combinations. If you have been struggling to find that one fishing rod suitable for your needs, the CR5 model is probably the one you would like.

All the rods come with 30-ton carbon core. So, Cadence fishing rods are balanced and lightweight. Not just this, they are enough strong to support long fishing hours. It won’t break while you are into the waters! Moreover, the guides of CR5 fishing rods are made of stainless steel with SIC inserts. You will also have a Fuji reel seat with the rod that will keep you stable while fishing. The handles of this rod-type are designed with a blend of EVA foam and cork, making it both durable and comfortable for long hours.

You will enjoy fishing both fresh-water species and gamefish with this incredible fishing rod. With its lightweight combination, it has an efficient and smooth action that you will love.

Features

Pros

  • Perfect for both freshwater and game fish.
  • Smooth action.
  • Strong and sturdy.

Cons

  • Not so durable.

Penn Mariner II Boat Spinning Fishing Rod

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If you do not want to fish just on smaller species but target the larger ones for some water adventures, this model by Penn is a great choice. It is a spinning rod that works best in aggressive waters for catching larger water species. You get to choose from the three-line tests.

The first line has a range of 12-20lbs; the second comes with a range of 15-30lbs and the last with a range of 30-50lbs. All three line tests are designed to produce medium, medium-heavy and heavy power respectively. So, you can choose wisely between the three sets based on your fishing requirements.

Apparently, this boat spinning rod has a core of tubular glass, which makes it stable, strong and durable. While catching heavier fishes, you do not encounter light touches on the rod, so the rod not being too sensitive shouldn’t be a matter of concern for you. This is also because it suits well to its purpose of targeting heavier species. It has a stainless steel guide having aluminum oxide inserts, which causes no problems for braided or monofilament lines. The graphite reel seat is another significant feature as it makes it functional and lightweight.

The Mariner II Boat spinning rod comes with an exceptional handle with EVA triangle handle grips to make you comfortable while fishing for long hours.

Features

Pros

  • Glass core makes it strong.
  • Perfect for heavier species.
  • High versatility with the three line tests.
  • Efficient and comfortable handles.
  • High-quality guides.

Cons

  • A little too heavy.
  • Not quite portable.

Buying guide for the best spinning rods under $100

There are different kinds of fishing rods available on the market and when it comes to spinning rods, there come several things under consideration. Here are a few things to keep in mind while buying the spinning rod:

Reel weight

The reel weight contributes to the total weight of the rod; it can depend on various things mainly the material used to design the reel. So, if you are going to buy a fishing rod to fish for long hours, choose one with lighter reels.

Rod Material

The fiberglass is one of the most popular material when it is about purchasing a spinning rod based on the material. However, it might lack sensitivity and can be tough on your hands for long fishing hours. When you buy a fiberglass spinning rod, you can allow your children to use it as fiberglass makes it highly durable. However, it is important to choose a material that is best for your requirements

Power

The power of a spinning rod indicates the ability of a rod to take the load without breaking into half. The other parameters influencing these things are the thickness and material of the rod, power ratings, etc. The rod power is directly related to its line strength. So, make sure you always have your priorities sorted about the type of fishing you want to do using a spinning rod. This will make it easier to decide on the power factor.

Line Guides

The line guides of a fishing rod are nothing but small circular loops that are attached to the rod and cover the entire length of the fishing rod. The loops restrict the line to touch the rod and thus, creates a smooth interface for the line to pass. The line guides of recently manufactured models are of titanium wires that make the rods near to unbreakable. However, you can choose an aluminum oxide line guides for a good fishing experience.

In a Nutshell

We hope now you know which would be the best spinning rod under $100 for your fishing needs. Among these top fishing rods, you can select one based on the factors mentioned in the buying guide. Want to fish for long hours in comfort? There are many options for you to choose from!

Last update on 2023-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API