Saltwater fishing is very different compared to most other types of angling. It necessitates tackle that can stand up to the most significant trophy game fish while also resisting any potential corrosion from saltwater. You can choose a rod that will give you the appropriate features to provide you with the best advantage to catch those fish, depending on the particular type of fish you’re after. Therefore, heed the advice below and choose one of the best saltwater spinning rods if you’re serious about fishing and want to put more fish in the freezer.
Read more: Best Spinning Rod – Top 10 Fishing Spinning Rods Reviewed
Top 10 Best Saltwater Spinning Rods
Although many companies produce rods for saltwater use, few can deliver satisfactory results to the most experienced anglers. Therefore, I tested the top ten best saltwater fishing rods for this review to see how they performed on the water.
- PENN Carnage III Saltwater Spinning Rod
- Daiwa Proteus Winn Boat Rod
- Shimano Trevala Jigging Rod
- St. Croix Seage – Best Surf Rod
- Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod – Best Budget
- G.Loomis E6X Inshore Spinning Rods
- Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod
- Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
- JEKOSEN Portable Travel Spinning Rod
- Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
PENN Carnage III Saltwater Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: PENN
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: One and Two-Piece
- Length: 7’, 7’6
- Action: Moderate
- Power: Medium Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy
Description of the product:
Since almost a century ago, the Penn brand has been closely associated with saltwater fishing. Few rods can compete with the Penn Carnage III Spinning Rod for anglers willing to spend more money on their equipment. Especially a single light fishing rod and powerful reel can be used for vertical jigging to target the same fish.
The Penn Carnage III Spinning rod is intended to be used with braided lines and is strong enough to withstand the typical strain that braided lines put on rods. Therefore, this rod is made to catch the biggest trophy game fish. Furthermore, Penn’s new SLS3 blank construction to create this rod gives it a firm, slim profile. Besides, it also has Alconite inserts for unwavering toughness, a reinforced Pac Bay aluminum reel seat, Fuji K guides, and Pac Bay guides.
In addition, the non-slip handle and optional rubber or aluminum gimbal on the Penn Carnage II Spinning Rod is features that anglers will appreciate. Despite being arguably the best saltwater fishing rod on the market, the higher cost may deter some inexperienced anglers.
Pros:
- Robust and responsive line guides
- Durable composite blank made of carbon and fiberglass
- Metal gimbal
Cons:
- Only one size is offered
Daiwa Proteus Winn Boat Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: Daiwa
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: 1 piece
- Length: 7’6, 8′
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium, Heavy, Medium heavy, Extra-Heavy
Description of the product:
Please leave it to Daiwa to incorporate all of the most recent rod-building advancements into a line of high-quality saltwater rods that anyone can afford. The Daiwa Proteus rod features an upgraded set of FazLite Fuji guides that are lighter and more abrasion resistant when using braid than the previous generation. Especially all spinning models have lightweight EVA grips for added comfort and weight savings while fishing. The larger K-Guides ensure the line has the least friction when using larger spinning reels.
Furthermore, when you hook a large fish, extra power is passed from the rod to the line to lift the fish and keep the line guides vertical to the water. Besides, the blank is made with Daiwa’s Braiding X resin and material, which makes the rod incredibly strong yet durable.
One of my favorite features is the backstop reel seat from Fuji, which utilizes a lock nut to keep the clamp from releasing while the reel is being compressed. Additionally, Winn grips and dense polymer grips, a feature of several Proteus models, offer more grabs and a softer feel while being harder than EVA and cork. One of my favorite models is the Proteus Boat Rod. However, the series features cutting-edge parts and the same blank technology for inshore and offshore fishing.
Pros:
- Fuji locking reel seat for the backstop
- Construction with carbon bias
- Winn grips
Cons:
- Winn grips are only available for specific models
Shimano Trevala Jigging Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: Daiwa
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: One-Piece
- Length: 5’8, 6’, 6’6
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy, Extra Heavy
Description of the product:
Jigging is a widespread technique among many of the best saltwater anglers. It can bring in bites when fish won’t take to other lures and may be too deep to fish with natural baits. As a result, the primary purpose of this rod is to provide you with the perfect amount of action so that you can quickly whip the jig up and down in a way that will make fish notice.
Especially, high carbon butt and a TC4 tip are fused to form this rod’s design. Moreover, the material used to construct the rod blank is intended to give anglers greater sensitivity while maintaining a lighter weight than most jigging rods. It also has aluminum oxide material-reinforced Fuji guides, which are smoothed out with diamond polish.
This is an excellent choice for serious anglers over reefs and other offshore areas where jigging can catch some of the most famous fish species. The rod is very durable and is also suitable for fishing charters.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for jigging
- In your hands, it feels good
- Lightweight
Cons:
- The reel seat could be improved
St Croix Avid Inshore Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: St. Croix Rods
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: One-Piece
- Length: 6’6, 7’, 7’6, 8’
- Action: Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast
- Power: Light, Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy
Description of the product:
St. Croix is one of the world’s top saltwater fishing rod manufacturers for various factors. Their rod quality is practically unrivaled, and the St. Croix Avid Inshore saltwater spinning rod is among the best available.
A few years ago, St. Croix revamped its Avid Series rods and returned with a rod that was tougher, more functional, and specifically made for use in saltwater. Its trough graphite construction makes it one of the most resilient rods in the business. Especially with its advanced tangle-reduction guides, any angler should be able to venture out into the open ocean with confidence that their rod won’t let them down.
Additionally, the rods in the Avid Series come with a stylish cork handle and Fuji DPS reel seats. Furthermore, comparing this rod to most other models from other brands, it has a 15-year transferable warranty and is a better product overall.
Pros:
- The rod has a good balance of power and feels throughout
- An excellent rod with a high-quality blank
- This rod throws jigs and miniature rigs across the flats
- It is a perfect option for live-bait fishing
Cons:
- The price point
Ugly Stik Bigwater Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: Ugly Stik
- Type: Spinning Rod, Conventional Rod
- Construction: One-Piece, Two-Piece
- Length: 6′, 7’, 8′, 9′, 10′, 11′, 12′
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy, and Heavy
Description of the product:
The Ugly Stik Bigwater is an excellent saltwater fishing rod that uses a monofilament line. Ugly Stik earned a reputation for producing virtually indestructible rods decades ago. The rods have evolved, but the Ugly Stik philosophy of creating the most rigid rods remains.
The Ugly Stick Bigwater comes in different rod configurations for all types of fishing. With variants ranging from medium to heavy and lengths ranging from 6 feet, 6 inches to 12 feet, The Bigwater includes a model for every type of fishing, including casting, trolling, and surf fishing.
Black and yellow rods can be found in the most recent Bigwater series. With a 7-year warranty, this rod has been built with Ugly Stik’s Clear Tip technology for increased durability. Moreover, it is made of a composite of fiberglass and graphite to be strong and still provide the sensitivity required to feel minute bites. In addition, Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides used in the rod construction are made to withstand intense pressure and guard against pop-outs, which can result in fish loss. Though they rarely cause problems, these can fray braided lines.
Pros:
- Padded grips for comfort
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Insensitive compared to graphite
G.Loomis E6X Inshore Spinning Rods
Specifications:
- Brand: G.Loomis
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: One-Piece
- Length: 6’6″, 7′, 7′6″, 7′8″, 8′
- Action: Fast, Extra Fast, Moderate Fast, Magnum Medium
- Power: Medium, Medium-Heavy, Medium-Light, Heavy
Description of the product:
I recommend the G Loomis E6X Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod if you want to spend money on a quality rod without breaking. The G Loomis E6X rods offer a fantastic fishing experience with advanced technology. Especially, E6X is an allusion to carbon, the sixth element on the periodic table, and to the letter “X” that denotes technology and is present on other G Loomis rods.
Furthermore, the rod blank uses a multi-taper technology that combines carbon fiber with a high strain rate and low resin content to create a lightweight yet solid material. Besides, On E6X rods, a single mandrel with numerous tapers produces uniform wall thickness. It reduces weak points in the blank, making precise action and incredible sensitivity.
In addition, the full cork handle on the Inshore Saltwater series rods, available in 5 variations, offers the ideal balance and the necessary strength and durability for all of your inshore fishing action. When fighting a bigger fish, the composite cork that makes up the butt is more comfortable against the midsection because of its slightly higher density.
Moreover, the E6X features the popular Fuji ECS reel seat, which provides very low friction for your braided line. For these reasons, the G Loomis E6X Inshore Saltwater is an excellent, well-balanced, well-manufactured fishing equipment for the money.
Pros:
- Properly balanced
- Exceptional Quality
- Exceptionally light
- Warranty for life
Cons:
- The price may be a little high
Okuma NOMAD Travel Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: Okuma Fishing Tackle
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: Three-Piece
- Length: 6’6, 7′
- Action: Medium, Slow
- Power: Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Medium-Light
Description of the product:
The Okuma Nomad Travel Spinning Rods are designed for anglers who want every aspect of their trip. Especially, Utilizing European spigot ferrules and constructed in three pieces, Nomad Travel rods perform like a single-piece rod. Besides, Nomad Travel rods can be easily transported in overhead luggage bins because they are enclosed in specially designed.
Furthermore, each Nomad Travel Spinning Rod includes two tip portions, one lighter and one heavier, for added versatility. Realizing that the home might be thousands of miles away, high-quality components were chosen for their steadfast dependability. Nomad Travel rods are a great solution and affordable insurance for a quality trip as the difficulty and cost of traveling with rod tubes increase.
In addition to eliminating “oversize” fees from the bill, Okuma has developed a line of travel rods that will make flying through airports with strict security bearable.
Pros:
- 3-piece transportation design
- Large fish with much backbone
- High-grade components
- Very robust
Cons:
- Insensitive enough for small-scale fishing
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: Ugly Stik
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: One-Piece, Two-Piece
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Action: Medium Fast to Extra Fast
- Power: Ultra Light to Medium Heavy
Description of the product:
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is a good choice if you’re looking for a quality spinning reel that won’t break the bank. The Ugly Stik Elite has more flexibility than some of the brand’s other rods because it is made with more awesome fiberglass.
Especially this spinning rod functions well as a saltwater fishing rod for inshore species thanks to the Elite spinning rod’s stainless steel guides. Due to the use of graphite, the spinning rod’s durability dramatically increases. Therefore, this product is a top choice for experts and newcomers due to its durability.
Furthermore, with its cork grip handle, the rod has a more classic look and feel, which I prefer on spinning reels. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod models range from 4 feet 6 inches to 7 feet 6 inches. There are also light, light-medium, medium, and medium-heavy power options. In terms of action, each of the rods has a different rating.
Pros:
- A high-quality fishing rod
- Action, strength, and length variations
- Strong material combination construction
- Decent cork handles
Cons:
- With repeated use, the fishing lines may fray slightly
JEKOSEN Portable Travel Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: JEKOSEN
- Type: Spinning Rod, Casting Rod
- Construction: 3-Piece, 4-Piece
- Length: 5’9″ to 8’9″
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium
Description of the product:
The JEKOSEN Portable Travel Spinning Rod is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a saltwater spinning rod that is incredibly portable. Although this is excellent for portability, be aware that it might slightly reduce overall durability. Outstanding features include the stainless steel frame, ceramic guides, and cork pads.
One of its cool features is that this particular rod is available in various lengths. Models ranging in height from 5 feet 9 inches to 8 feet 9 inches are available. The more maneuverable the rod is and the more leverage you have to muscle fish back to the boat, the faster the rod. Furthermore, the JEKOSEN Portable Travel Spinning Rod’s action is moderately quick. This method works well for catching small and medium-sized fish. As it is reasonably responsive to your movements, it allows for finesse fishing and methods like jerking and jigging.
Even though I suggest this rod as a fantastic travel rod, we should always be aware of what it isn’t. Since this is not a power fishing rod, I do not advise using it with deep cranks or anything else you intend to use to bring in large fish. Without a warranty, it will break, and you won’t have any recourse.
Pros:
- A fantastic all-purpose rod for salt- and freshwater species
- A great deal for such quality
- Includes a tremendous travel tube
Cons:
- The tip requires a delicate touch because it is pretty thin
Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod
Specifications:
- Brand: SHIMANO
- Type: Spinning Rod
- Construction: 2-Piece
- Length: 5’6″, 6’, 6’6″, 7’
- Action: Fast
- Power: Medium, Medium-heavy
Description of the product:
The Shimano Solora 2 Piece Spinning Rod is an excellent alternative for saltwater fishing. Some options are 5 feet 6 inches, 6 feet, 6 feet 6 inches, and 7 feet. As you are probably aware, a shorter rod gives you more leverage and power to reel in fish while also being more maneuverable. However, the casting distance improves with rod length. Especially this rod is relatively light and portable due to its weight of just under one pound. Conveniently, there is some variety offered.
Furthermore, all of these rods have fast actions when it comes to casting. Small and medium-sized fish, as well as fishing that calls for dexterity and quick reactions to your movements, benefit significantly from this.
In addition, there are some differences in power between the various rod lengths, at least a little bit. Most of these rods have medium power, which means they can handle medium-sized fish and some larger ones. One rod here is a 6-foot, 6-inch medium-heavy power option. This is even better for larger fish because it gives you much backbone to muscle those fish back into the boat.
Pros:
- Rapid action for quick response
- Blanks and tips that are both long-lasting and sensitive
- Available in a variety of lengths
- Excellent reel seat and guides
Cons:
- The joints could be a little shaky
FAQs About The Best Saltwater Spinning Rods
Considerations Before Purchasing The Best Saltwater Spinning Rods
Before buying a saltwater fishing rod, keep the following in mind:
Line Guides
The line guide is the essential component influencing casting distance and fighting power. They are also the first to break. The line guide’s job when casting is to collect the line as it exits the reel and directs it out of the rod with the least resistance. The line guide transfers fighting power from the reel to the fish during a fight. Single-piece stainless steel or titanium rod guides are the toughest. Line guides with ceramic or composite inserts appear to cast further but break faster. Line guides with ceramic inserts are more sensitive to every nibble.
Reel Seat and Grips
The reel seat and grips are frequently overlooked until a large fish rips the reel from the rod or pulls the rod from your hands. The reel seat and grips enhance sensitivity on light action rods. The best reel seat, in my opinion, is light and stiff and even exposes a portion of the rod blank to feel the slightest bite. The grips are also lightweight and narrow, making them easy to cast all day. The reel seat and grips on heavy rods keep big fish from spoiling the fun. Reel clamps made of metal or high-impact graphite secure the reel to the rod.
Feel
I bring my reel to the tackle shop when I go shopping for rods. The weight and grip on the rod are tested after I have gathered the rods belonging to that class. I don’t think twice about tying a lure to the line and running it through the eyes to see how it reacts. I put much thought into finding the ideal match when considering how many hours I’ll spend with a fishing rod. Try to borrow one before purchasing if you can.
What Distinguishes A Freshwater Rod From A Saltwater Rod?
Because freshwater fish are typically smaller than their saltwater counterparts, freshwater rods are lighter in action and weight. However, freshwater rods’ action and light weight have been copied in many saltwater models in recent years. Inshore fish like redfish, cobia, and yellowtail are targeted by more saltwater anglers using low-profile baitcasting rods.
Which Type Of Fishing Rod Do You Use For Saltwater?
A specific fishing rod that can withstand corrosive salt conditions and the biggest fish is needed for saltwater fishing. Saltwater rods have more decisive actions to lift heavy loads to meet these needs. They range in size from medium-action light-tackle rods to heavy-duty trolling rods designed to reel the largest fish in the sea. Matching the rod to the lure or bait’s weight and the size of the fish you want to catch is essential.
See more: How to Pick The Saltwater Fishing Rods? (Spinning or Baitcasting Reels)
What Is The Price Of The Top Saltwater Fishing Rod?
Saltwater rods range in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000. A less expensive fishing rod is usually heavier and less sensitive than a more expensive rod of the same size. Corrosion-resistant components are used in all saltwater fishing rods. However, higher-priced models have a lighter blank, line guides, and reel seat. Cheaper rods have foam grips susceptible to dry rot and damage, whereas more expensive rods have heat-shrink or cork grips. And good looks don’t come cheap; fancy wraps and silky finishes significantly raise the price of the best saltwater fishing rods.
The most noticeable differences are casting distance, accuracy, fighting power, and sensitivity. Squeezing every ounce of performance from a high-quality rod blank necessitates advanced materials and construction, which are not cheap. Spending more money on a fishing rod may not result in more or bigger fish, but it will make fishing more enjoyable.
Which Rod Is Best For Fishing With Braided Line?
When it comes to saltwater sportfishing, using a braided line has numerous advantages. Its low stretch allows for a sensitive setup, and its thin diameter enables reels to hold an extensive line. Using a braided fishing line puts much strain on some rods, which you should be aware of.
If you intend to use a braided line, look for a rod with strong guides and ceramic inserts to help reduce friction caused by the braided line. Using a rod without durable guides and ceramic inserts increases the risk of the line breaking or damaging the principles. When targeting large fish such as tuna, marlin, sharks, and swordfish, it is common to use an 80-100 pound test line on a conventional reel with a class of 30 or higher. This type of reel must be securely held by the rod.
Conclusion
Whatever type of saltwater fishing you want, there are plenty of options for various scenarios and budgets. We’ve reviewed ten of them here, many of which come in multiple flavors. So, think about how you’ll spend most of your fishing time and select the best saltwater spinning rods.