Successful spincast fishing requires the right equipment. For an experience to remember, you should not only look for the high-performing spincasting reels but the best spincast rods as well. Establishing a good foundation with the appropriate set of gears leads you a long way. However, deciding which product is right for you could be tricky.
There are a couple of factors with key importance that you must consider while purchasing spincast fishing rods. These include the right rod length, power, action, and more. Each factor contributes to the overall performance of the combo. If your best spincasting rod is a misfit for your reel, it won’t be possible to achieve success while fishing.
After rigorous research, I have found the 10 best spincast rods suitable for catching a variety of fish. If you wish to know the top three recommendations, these include the Ugly Stik Elite Fishing Rod, KastKing Resolute Fishing Rods, and St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod. Each of them comes with the right specifications that work well in different fishing environments.
10 Best Spincast Rods – Reviews
1. KastKing Brutus Fishing Rods – Best Spincast Rod For Bass
Specifications
- Material: Composite
- Length: 4’6”, 5’, 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’, 8’
- Action: Moderate, Moderate-Fast, Fast
- Power: Ultralight, Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
What else could be better for a bass angler than investing in a true bass rod? Put it together with my Garcia 170 spincast reel and the show began. The lethal casting distance allowed my 7’ rod to go farther than my expectations.
I used the 30 lbs. braided line and was able to catch 38 lbs. largemouth bass, 26 lbs. striped bass, and 49 in. flathead. The fast action and heavy power worked impeccably to offer great sturdiness as I fought with the bigger fish.
Offering tremendous power and durability, this reel maintains its rock-solid strength for a long time. While the longer rods are quite powerful too, these become slightly bulky for some users. So, depending on how long you fish or what type of rod you want, make sure to determine if you can manage the weight of the rod or not.
Pros
- Incredible performance
- Robust enough to fight against large fish
- Corrosion-resistant guides
Cons
- Longer rods a bit heavier
Verdict
The legitimate performance offered by KastKing Brutus is truly worth appreciation. It is available in a wide range of action, power, and length which caters to the need of every angler.
2. St. Croix Rods Triumph Fishing Rod – Best High-End Spincast Rod
Specifications
- Material: Carbon
- Length: 5’, 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”
- Action: Fast
- Power: Ultralight, Light, Medium-Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Though pricer than other choices, this rod offers tremendous performance. As I held the rod, it felt extremely premium. As a true bass lover, I wanted to try this one for bass fishing hence, chose the longest 7’6” rod.
To test it out, I coupled it with the Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 Spincast reel and hit the water. With impeccable power and casting distance, I was able to win a fight against 35 lbs. largemouth bass along with fluke and bluefish.
The only downside of this rod is its hefty price tag. Though it is a deal to steal, it might not fit the budget of all anglers. If you want a less-pricey alternative to this rod without compromising on the performance, check the KastKing Brutus Fishing Rods.
Pros
- Superb durability
- Excellent casting accuracy
- Great value for money
Cons
- Expensive
Verdict
I was stunned to see how amazingly the St. Croix rod worked with my spincast reel. Indeed it is one of the best spincast rods in the premium category.
3. Ugly Stik Elite Fishing Rod – Best Fishing Rod For Spincast Reel
Specifications
- Material: Graphite and fiberglass
- Length: 5’, 6’, 6’6”, 7’
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy, Ultralight
Out of several choices, I used the 7 ft. medium action rod and it worked magically. It was extremely comfortable to use, thanks to the cork handles, I was able to perform longer fishing sessions without any issue.
After pairing it with the Okuma Ceymar C30 reel, the casting distance offered was brilliant. I used the rod in different waters of Louisana including saltwater. It had ample power to catch medium to slightly heavy species such as sheepshead, porgy, fluke, redfish, and mangrove snapper.
If you are a novice angler, you might find difficulty assembling or disassembling the 2 piece variant. However, after a couple of tries, you will get used to it and bring the rod together in no time. If you don’t want to indulge in this difficulty go for the single-piece variant.
Pros
- Shorter rods can be used by beginners
- Highly versatile
- Work great with braided line
Cons
- 2 piece variants are a little hassle to assemble and disassemble
Verdict
Considering all the necessary specs and price, this product from Ugly Stik is indeed the best spincasting rod to buy.
4. KastKing Resolute Fishing Rods – Best Ultralight Spincast Rod
Specifications
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Length: 5’, 6’, 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”
- Action: Fast, Moderate-Fast
- Power: Ultralight, Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Engineered with high-end features, this rod probably has the best ultralight power. I opted for the 6’6” moderate-fast rod with ultralight power and was able to comfortably target and pull in some bass, walleye, steelhead, salmon, pike, crappie, and trout.
For an excellent performance, I paired the rod with my KastKing Brutus Spincaster reel. Needless to say, the casting distance was beyond my expectations that too, for an ultralight rod. Thanks to the lightweight rod, the overall combo didn’t feel bulky at all.
Despite superb action and power, I found this rod a bit less premium than what I expected from KastKing. Though it worked well for my fishing sessions, not sure how long it will last. You can instead get the St. Croix Rods Triumph Fishing Rod with much more improved featured and premium durability.
Pros
- Available in various options
- MicroWave Air Guide Systems for better casting accuracy
- Slip-resistant and comfortable SuperPolymer handles
Cons
- Lacks high durability
Verdict
Overall, this is indeed one of the best spincast rods with multiple power and actions by KastKing for the price.
5. Zebco Z-CAST Fishing Rod – Best Spincast Rod For Kids
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Length: 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”
- Action: Fast, Moderate
- Power: Medium-Light, Medium
I took the 5’6” medium-light rod with moderate action to the Gulf of Mexico in search of some decent species. To achieve successful fishing, I paired it with my old Zebco 33 Max reel and could easily catch 5-7 lbs. carp, bass, and panfish without any inconvenience.
My beginner friend also tried out this rod and he loved how easy it was to use. Offering a decent casting distance and maximum comfort, the Zebo-Z cast is definitely a great starter for new anglers.
When it comes to the downside of low-priced rods, it usually comes down to their sturdiness. Similar is the case with this rod since it is not made to last a long time. As a beginner, this rod would work fine for you however, experts might want to look for beefy options such as KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Rods.
Pros
- Reasonable casting accuracy
- Very inexpensive
- Works well with various spincasting reels
Cons
- Not the very best of durability
Verdict
Getting a decent performance for numerous fish species from a rod that is priced under $15 is indeed a great bang for the buck. It is an excellent choice for beginners who wish to learn without spending a large amount on premium rods.
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6. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Rods – Best Spincast Rods For Inshore Fishing
Specifications
- Material: Carbon, glass
- Length: 6’8”, 7’1”, 7’3”, 7’4”, 7’6”, 8’
- Action: Fast, Moderate-Fast
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy
Designed to provide maximum convenience and easy portability, this collapsible telescope rod isn’t short on key features. I paired the 7’3” medium-heavy rod with my Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 Spincast. The combo was deadly and offered an epic performance.
The fast action leveled up the experience by many folds with its sensitivity to even the slightest nibbling. It was best suited with spinner baits however, the performance was not ideal with big swimbaits and Texas rigs.
While fishing for longer hours, I found this reel somewhat heavy. However, when used for shorter fishing sessions, there were no such issues. So, make sure whether you can manage the rod’s weight for prolonged hours or not before purchasing.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Great build quality
- Well-made for larger species
Cons
- Slightly chunky
Verdict
KastKing never disappoints with its fishing gears and the Blackhawk is no exception. With this rod, I was able to pull in a fully grown Pitbull and flounder in the streams of Washington.
7. Okuma Celilo Graphite Fishing Rods – Best Spincast Rod For Trout
Specifications
- Material: Graphite
- Length: 4’5”, 5’, 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’5”, 8’6”
- Action: Moderate, Fast
- Power: Ultralight
Since my aim was to fish trout, I chose the 6’6” moderate action rod. For an improved experience, I used it with the Pflueger Trion spincast reel. The overall casting distance was great with a smooth retrieve.
The best thing about this rod is its extremely less weight which makes it an ideal choice for longer fishing sessions. I used it with a 4 lbs. fluoro line and it landed right on decent-sized rainbow trout and brown trout. I also caught a couple of panfish and perch.
Considering the super-affordable price of this product, I didn’t have very high hopes for its performance. But, it does lack durability. Since I only used it for trout, there were no problems. If you target larger species then I would recommend the KastKing Brutus Fishing Rods.
Pros
- Offers great power
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Doubtful durability
Verdict
Featuring the right specifications and offering ease of use, this product from Okuma is a great choice for trout fishing, especially for beginners.
8. Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip Casting Fishing Rod – Best Fishing Rod For Closed Face Reel
Specifications
- Material: Graphite
- Length: 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”
- Action: Fast, Moderate
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy
I wanted a compatible rod for my Zebco 33 spincast reel for quite a long time. Both fit the 6’6” medium-heavy rod with fast action and offered an amazing performance. The testing was done on local ponds with brackish water and these reels worked fine.
With a decent casting distance and overall smooth performance by the combo, I was able to manage decent fish. These include a couple of walleyes, croaker, bream, panfish, bass, catfish, and perch.
While using this rod, I found the eyelets not as robust as other higher-end rods have especially under load. Therefore, it is important to keep the pressure within the range that this rod can handle. For the most superior-grade rod with amazing durability, check the St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod.
Pros
- Casts accurately at multiple lengths
- Robust rod
- Can be used by everyone
Cons
- Eyelets could be sturdier
Verdict
Considering the great performance offered, it will be safe to call this product the best rod for closed face reels.
9. Eagle Claw Pack-IT Telescopic Spincast Rod – Best Spincast Rod For The Money
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Length: 5’6”
- Action: Moderate
- Power: Medium
Crafted with great expertise to provide the desired performance, this rod is highly specific in its features. I used it with my Pflueger Trion spincast reel in a small size for finesse fishing. The entire combo was quite comfortable to use and had very lightweight.
While on a vacation in California, I planned to test this rod with a spincast reel. It took me nearly 2 days to finally catch something as significant as 25 to 30 largemouth bass. I also managed to pull in a couple of lunkers, panfish, trout, and bass.
Being an expert fisher, I love testing out rods with different actions or power. Moreover, this Eagle Claw Pack-IT Telescopic is the best budget spincast rod and it performs like a charm. I would have loved it if the action and power weren’t limited. If it doesn’t fit your requirements then try the KastKing Brutus Fishing Rods. It offers a wide range of action and power options to choose from.
Pros
- Incredible performance for the price
- Casts amazing
- Easy to store and carry
Cons
- No length, action, or power options are available
Verdict
Truly, I didn’t expect this rod to work as brilliantly as it did considering the price point. If you wish to invest in the best spincast rods without spending a hefty amount, do try this out.
10. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods – Best Spincast Rod Under $100
Specifications
- Material: Graphite, Carbon Fiber
- Length: 6’, 6’6”, 6’7”, 7’, 7’1”, 7’4”, 7’6”
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium-Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
The two-piece spincast rod offers so much more than one would expect. From a wide range of options to great durability and impeccable performance, the KastKing Perigree has it all. I chose this as a replacement for my older rod.
After coupling it with the Daiwa Goldcast spincast reel, I noticed a great balance between the casting distance and the rod’s stability. I got the 7’1” heavy action rod and it helped me win fights against 39 lbs. bass and 45 lbs. black drum.
During the initial fishing trips, this rod was a charm to use. However, as I started using it more and more for larger species, I found meager durability. For people who need a powerful rod for infrequent trips, this is an ideal choice. However, it might not work well in the long run. You can consider Zebco Rhino Tough Glowtip Casting Fishing Rod a higher-end alternative.
Pros
- Lightweight yet powerful rod
- Amazing hookset power
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Not the best durability for the price
Verdict
Being one of the best spincast rods, the KastKing Perigree doesn’t fall short of the right features and ensures flawless performance.
Buying Guide – How To Pick Best Spincasting Rod
Following are the key characteristics that the best spincast rods must possess. Make sure to understand each carefully and pick the right product.
1. Material
The durability and longevity of a fishing rod depend on the crafting material. Typically three different materials are used to make these fishing rods including, fiberglass, graphite, and composite.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass rods are quite enduring and quite reasonable but a bit heavier. However, considering their affordability and reliability, these sure take a beating, especially for novice anglers.
Graphite
Graphite rods are less in weight and a pricey alternative to fiberglass. These rods are best suggested for catching larger species and are an excellent choice for professionals.
Composite
Lastly, composite or blend material consists of a mixture of graphite and fiberglass. These fishing rods are highly versatile, sensitive, and less in weight compared to the other rod types.
Rod Length
When it comes to comfort and ease of use, rod length matters. Any rod measuring below 6 ft. is known as a short rod and works excellently to catch smaller species. Whereas, rods over 7 ft. in length are longer and famous among bass anglers. These offer impeccable casting distances as well as accuracy and are best used for large fish and lures.
Rod Action
Rod action can tell a lot about the performance by dictating where it will flex from when under load. The rod action is categorized into three groups i.e., fast, medium, and slow. A fast-action or heavy rod has the lowest flexibility and will bend from the tip only. It is best used for larger species and is compatible with bigger hooks.
The medium action rod features moderate flexibility and is highly versatile. It can be used to catch small as well as big fish in different waters. Slow or light action rods are the most flexible and bend more than 50% of the total rod’s length. These make fishing for small species like salmon, trout, and panfish fun.
Rod Power
It is best described as the ability to withstand pressure. Fishing rods come in various power options such as ultra-heavy, heavy, medium-heavy, medium, light, and ultra-light. Remember, the heavier the rod, the more power it offers, and is best for larger fish. Similarly, lighter rods are ideal for catching small species.
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FAQs – Best Spincast Rods
1. Can you use a closed face reel on a spinning rod?
Yes, a closed-face reel and a spinning rod make one of the best combos. These are less expensive and can easily be used by kids or new anglers.
2. Are more guides better on a spincast rod?
As a general rule, a rod with more guides has brilliant casting accuracy. However, these would cost more than the rods with lesser guides.
3. What is the difference between spincast and spinning rods?
Spincasting rods work with spincast and baitcasting reels whereas, spinning rods are designed only for spinning reels. The major difference is the positioning of eyelets. On spincast rods, eyelets take an upward positioning, and on spinning rods, these are present downward.
Conclusion
Regardless of your experience and type of fishing, finding the best spincast rod is always a challenge. Because of the wide range of options available in the market, you can get perplexed easily. Make sure to keep an eye on the right set of specifications and pick the one that fulfills your requirements.
According to my field testing and review, Ugly Stik Elite Fishing Rod is one of the best spincast rods one could invest in. From numerous options for power, action, and length, this rod ensures tremendous performance in different conditions.
