The Fisherman’s Guide to Finding the Best Spinning Rod Under 100 Bucks
Spinning rods have been around since the dawn of fishing, and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Not only can they throw lighter lures farther, but they are also suitable for both left and right-handed users, making them quite convenient if you’re onto light tackle fishing.
The problem is, fishing gear can get expensive, which makes finding something that’s both affordable and practical quite hard. Nevertheless, there are still some gems that you can use to hone your skills without going hard on your wallet.
So, which is the best spinning rod for under 100 dollars? And how to choose the most suitable rod for you?
Best Spinning Rod Under 100 Bucks – Our Picks
Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod Series
Topping our list is the refined version of the HMG, the first-ever graphite rod, which is the creation of one of the world’s most renowned rod brands; Fenwick.
This rod boasts a sensitive, durable, and robust construction using graphite as the base material, along with a premium handle made of enhanced cork, which ensures that the rod won’t lose its grip once wet. The comfort doesn’t end there though, as the rod features foam in specific locations on the handle to ensure that you won’t feel tired no matter how long you’re fishing. Add that to the Carbon Bound Spiral Blanks and the Fuji guides, and you’ve got yourself a killer deal.+-
The HMG comes in different sizes, ranging from 6 to 7.5 feet, and powers, as you can choose from ultralight to medium-heavy, with outstanding sensitivity and a wide range of fine ratings. It’s also worth noting that you can get this rod no matter which fishes you’re targeting, as the crisp actions range from Medium to Fast, which adds to the overall sensitivity, something that users from all over the world are praising.
Knowing how dangerous fishing can be, Fenwick offers a limited lifetime warranty with every rod, so in the unlikely event of this rod getting damaged, you can easily ask for a replacement.
Given the fantastic crispness, sensitivity, and durability of the HMG, it’s only natural for it to get the crown for the Best Spinning Rod For 100 bucks.
Pros
- Great action and guides
- Well-built, comfortable cork handle
- Outstanding sensitivity and balance
Cons
- None
UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
Don’t let the name fool you into thinking that the rod is ugly or useless, as the irony is strong with this one. Granted, the UglyStik GX2 is on the cheaper side of the spectrum, but it’s still a sturdy, durable, and fairly sensitive rod that you shouldn’t miss if you’re on a tight budget and want to explore the wonders of fishing.
The GX2 hit the market because UglyStik’s older models, which are known for being some of the most bulletproof rods out there, weren’t as sensitive as users wanted them to be. Coming to that realization, Shakespeare decided to create something new, a combination of fiberglass and graphite, and that’s how the GX2 was born. That very combo made this rod both durable and sensitive.
Sure, it’s not as sensitive as full-graphite rods, but compared to the company’s traditional models, it is a great upgrade, and for the price you’re paying and the durability you’re getting, it’s absolutely a grand bargain that can help you sharpen your skills without going hard on your wallet.
UglyStik’s budget-friendly rod comes in different lengths, ranging from 5.5 to 7 feet, and with a line rating that ranges from 6 to 15 lbs. The rod comes in medium power only, and the action is fast to guarantee a decent sensitivity.
Overall, although having a low price point, the GX2 is decently sensitive and offers excellent durability, making it a solid choice to consider in your quest to find the Best Spinning Rod for Under 100 dollars.
Pros
- Heavily durable
- Affordable
- Decent sensitivity
Cons
- Not as sensitive as a full-graphite rod
KastKing Calamus Ultra-lightweight Spinning Rod
If a lightweight rod is what you seek, then the KastKing Calamus might just be the best spinning rod for under 100 bucks for you. From the premium v-mark titanium rings and frames to the weight-saving EVA handle boasting a split rear and a thin fighting butt; everything in this rod is designed with weight in mind, which makes it suitable for all ages and a great companion for your family fishing trips.
The Calamus rod comes in 9 Ultra-LightWeight actions and lengths, ranging from 4’6” to 7’, each of which is suitable for any size of fish, from small trout and panfish to walleye, bass, or trout. Keep in mind that you need to be an experienced angler if you want to catch a big game.
Not only is this rod lightweight though, but it also boasts outstanding sensitivity, as it can detect all subtle bites with ease thanks to its great impact transference, and impressive durability thanks to the premium materials used in crafting the rod.
To sum it up, this is an impressive rod when it comes to lightweight and durability, and it comes at an excellent price point, making it a solid option to consider, especially since it comes with KastKing’s Total Peace of Mind Warranty.
Pros
- Outstanding sensitivity
- Ultra lightweight
- Well-built
Cons
- You have to be a veteran angler to catch large fish
Cadence Fishing CR5 Spinning Rod
Cadence is known for producing superior, high-quality rods, and the CR5 spinning rods are no different. These rods are made of premium 30-ton graphite with stainless steel guide frames and SiC inserts, making them quite sturdy, lightweight, and durable.
The handles of the Cadence CR5 are made of cork and EVA, making them robust and comfortable. They also come in two types, either whole or split grip, to suit anyone.
This rod comes in different lengths, ranging from 6 to 7 inches, with actions, and power ratings, to accommodate the needs of every angler out there, from beginners who are just starting to professionals who have been in the game for years.
The exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials used to create this rod make it suitable for every occasion and fish game, from trout and walleye to redfish and speckled trout. As long as you know what you’re doing, nothing will resist your reel. What’s even better is that you can get this rod without breaking the bank, as all of the mentioned features come at an unbeatable price.
As for the guarantee, you should rest assured using this spinning rod as it comes with a one-year warranty, which is just the cherry on top.
Pros
- Premium 30-ton graphite construction
- Durable premium EVA handles
- Comes with a Fuji Reel seat
Cons
- Using the handles for a long time may be uncomfortable
How to Choose the Best Spinning Rod Under 100 Bucks
What Are the Types of Spinning Rods?
When it comes to fishing rods, there are several different types you can choose from. While they’re mostly based on personal preferences, each model has enough nuances to distinguish itself from the rest, mainly by being better in certain situations than others. Here are some types of fishing rods you can choose from:
- Surf fishing rods
- Fly fishing rods
- Rock fishing rods
- Rivers and lake fishing rods
- Spinning rods
- Telescopic fishing rods
- Travel rods
- Squid fishing rods
- Bait caster fishing rods
What Is the Difference Between Spinning and Casting Rods?
Each one of these types sees extensive use by fishers. However, each one has its use. We’ll go over the main differences between them, but you can try both of them to see which one works best for you.
When it comes to casting rods, they usually have longer rods than the spinning alternative. They also come with heavier lines. This makes it perfect for catching richer games like bass. It can also come in handy for long-distance fishing if you so desire. One other advantage of casting rods over spinning rods is how accurate the line of the casting rod is. It’s pretty much unrivaled. It’s also pretty durable, which makes it less tedious and expensive to maintain the rod.
On the other hand, spinning rods are designed with another purpose in mind. The spooling system, for example, is specifically designed to minimize the risk of getting the line tangled. Another good thing about the spooling system is that it grants a faster reeling time.
How Can You Find the Best Spinning Rod Under 100 Dollars?
Even though the choice for a fishing rod might seem simple at first, when you go out to buy your own, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of options you’re presented with. To choose the rod that’s best for you, there are several factors you need to keep in mind when you’re trying to buy one for yourself.
The Reel Weight
This is quite important in that it contributes to the general weight and feel of the fishing rod. Reel weight can be impacted by a lot of things, like the materials used and the features that are implemented in the rod. Heavier rods are not necessarily worse, though they can be tiring to use, and can put an unhealthy amount of pressure on your hands if you used them for extended periods.
Spare Spools
While rods with a price tag below $100 don’t come with any extra spools, you can always try and bargain for one extra spool if you’re buying your fishing rod off of the internet. If you play your cards right, you can get a spare spool.
Rod Material
Ever since fiberglass rods have come into the market in the 1950s, they’ve been the most popular choice, mainly due to their inherent toughness and high durability. However, there’s a new contender, which is the new graphite rods. These tend to be tough and also a lot more sensitive than their fiberglass counterpart. With that said, if you’re not looking for a very sensitive and accurate rod, or perhaps want to teach your child the basics of fishing, then fiberglass rods should do the job.
Power
Power refers to the amount of pressure the rod can take before breaking up. Power usually depends on the type of material being used and the thickness of the rod. There are also power ratings that can help determine the power of a rod. However, before taking this into account, you need to have a clear idea about what type of game you’ll be trying to catch. Lighter fish don’t need that much power, while heavier fish like bass can put a lot of strain on your rod.
Line Guide
These are small circular loops on the rod that run along the entirety of the rod. These loops serve to keep the line and rod from touching.
Most recent line guides are made using titanium wires. This makes them very durable to the point of being almost unbreakable regardless of whether or not the rod bends. This is because titanium greatly limits friction which helps the line last longer and take on more pressure before breaking.
Depending on the model you choose to buy, you can be given the option of selecting between single-foot lines and double-foot lines. Single foot is more accurate than double foot lines, but the latter is more optimal for catching heavier games.
What Are the Advantages of Spinning Rods?
- For starters, spinning rods tend to be lighter which can allow the user to throw light fish bait further. This gives it a sharp edge over the heavier casting rods which even made it the choice of some pro bass fishers who tend to prefer spinning rods over casting rods.
- Another thing to take into account about spinning rods is that they minimize the “pendulum effect” that is usually caused by the spool constantly rotating. Since there’ll be less resistance when drawing back the spool.
- The spinning rods can also be easily adjusted and swapped for both left-handed and right-handed users. This will save you both time and money since with the casting rods you’d have to buy another model that’s specific to either left-handed or right-handed users.
- The fully liberated spinning reels in the spinning rods also allow for more accurate and free control of the reel, making for a more fun fishing experience overall. Customizability is the keyword here. You can adjust pretty much anything in the rod to ensure that you have the best fishing experience compared to casting rods which tie you to the specifications of the model you get.
- And last but not least, spinning rods perform better in windy weather conditions thanks to their swappable reel handles, superior drag system, straight and accurate bait fall, and further cast range. This makes them one of the top choices in the market.
