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The 5 Best Spinning Rods Under $100 in 2023

The 5 Best Spinning Rods Under $100 in 2023

If you’re getting into fishing, then you’re going to need a rod to get started. When looking for a new rod on a budget, there are many options out there. For many, a spinning rod will be their first fishing rod. We’ll be taking a look at some great spinning rods under 100. Here's a quick list of our top picks:

Who Needs To Use A Spinning Rod?

Anyone who wants to catch some fish, and have a base to attach their reel to. These rods have a design for casting baits or lures. Many fishermen use spinning rods for catching bass, trout, pike, or walleye. Additionally, these rods also work for trolling or still fishing with live bait.

Generally, spinning rods are easier to master than their bait-casting counterpart. For this reason many beginners choose to go with a spinning rod for their first rod. A spinning rod allows anglers to reel in fish faster and to avoid line tangles. These rods also have much less technique required to use.

Are Spinning Rods Different To Other Rods?

Spinning rods feature quite different construction to bait-casting rods. On spinning rods, there’s no hook or finger hold for where the reel goes. The reel on a spinning rod has it’s position underneath the rod. Whereas on a bait-casting rod, the reel rests on top of the rod. 

The spinning reel itself also has less mechanisms to deal with than a bait-casting rod and reel would. Many anglers find these aspects of a bait-casting rod frustrating to deal with. 

How Do I Choose A Spinning Rod?

One of the most important parts of a spinning rod is the is the weight of the rod. The fish you plan to catch, will determine how long and heavy your rod should be. For smaller fish, the lower the weight and length. For larger fish, the longer and heavier your rod should be.

The following YouTube video explains how to choose a spinning rod:

Buy a spinning rod with your ideal hardness. The hardness of your rod will determine the action you get with the rod. The action and hardness is how much give and bend your rod will have when reeling in fish. The softer, the more your rod will flex. The harder, the less your rod will flex.

Choose a spinning rod that is well made so it lasts. Your rod will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Moreover, you want to make sure that your rod will last from heavy use overtime.

Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a spinning rod:

  • Ensure the proper weight and length for the fish your plan to catch.

  • Buy a rod with your ideal hardness.

  • Choose a spinning rod that is well made.

What Is The Best Spinning Rod Under $100?

We’ve looked at a range of spinning rods under 100 that work for catching fish and have selected five rods. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the features of the rod. We’ve reviewed these five spinning rods under 100 and listed some pros and cons for each rod.

our #1 rated

GLS

Carbon Power Rod

Quality

Price

Our rating

The GLS carbon power rod is available in one length and size. The rod has a carbon fiber ultralight frame for easy carry. The level of hardness in the spinning rod has a soft rating with lots of flex.

Customers who purchased this rod liked how light the rod is in use. People said that the rod’s rings were of high quality and very smooth. Customers also said the rod was quite flexible and comfortable to use for catching fish.

A few customers who used this rod for fishing said that it was very tough and thin at the tip of the rod. Some people also said that the rod’s rings were a bit large along the line. Some customers said the spinning is softer than expected.


PROS

  • Easy to carry.
  • Carbon fiber build.
  • Very smooth.


CONS

  • Larger rings.

our #2 rated

Yumoshi

Carbon M Power

Quality

Price

Our rating

This carbon m power fishing rod from Yumoshi is available in one size. The rod features a combination of both carbon and fiberglass material. The rod also has a hardness rating of soft for more flex.

Customers who purchased this rod said that it works well and casts lighter than expected. Many customers also said that the rod has a sensitive feel and has a strong build quality. Other customers commented that the rod was very lightweight and easy to fish with.

People who purchased this fishing rod said they thought that it would be thicker. Others reported that the rod can tend to be loose at the joints. A few customers also said the rod was too light for catching some fish.


PROS

  • Carbon and fiberglass.
  • Soft rod.
  • Sensitive.


CONS

  • Thinner joints.

our #3 rated

ROSEWOOD

Carbon Rod

Quality

Price

Our rating

This ultralight spinning rod made by ROSEWOOD is available in one size. The rod features carbon material for a lightweight build. The rod also has support for line weight of 2-5 lbs, for catching smaller fish.

Customers who purchased this rod tested it out and found it to be a very strong rod. People said that it was one of the lightest rods they’ve ever used, and excellent for smaller fish. Many customers found the level of quality in the rod quite impressive.

Some customers who purchased this spinning rod said that that they found it to be little thin. A few customers said that they had one of the rings was kind of crooked against the line. Some other people also said that the rod was a bit fragile in build quality.


PROS

  • Lightweight.
  • Great for small fish.
  • Strong.


CONS

  • Thin.
  • Fragile.

our #4 rated

Lixada

Rod & Reel Combo

Quality

Price

Our rating

The Lixada telescopic spinning rod and reel is available in two color options and four sizes. The collapsible rod allows it to be portable, and tucked away for those on the go. The rod and reel combo also features a tackle bag. Additionally, it comes with some included tackle and hooks.

Customers who purchased this rod and reel combo were very happy with the each item in the bundle. People said the combo is a comfortable size for taking along on a vacation. Customers also commented that the rod and reel drag well in the water.

Other people who used this rod and reel combo said the included bag was of low quality. Customers also said that some of the gear was light and compact. A few customers reported that their handle on the reel had issues overtime.


PROS

  • Rod and reel.
  • Telescopic.
  • Portable.


CONS

  • Low quality bag.
  • Reel handle issues.

our #5 rated

JOHNCHOO

4 Section Rod

Quality

Price

Our rating

This four section carbon spinning rod is available in four different sizes. The rod has a carbon fiber ultralight construction. Additionally, the level of hardness in the rod has a hard rating. The rod also features a medium to fast action when fishing.

People who purchased this rod said that it’s well made and durable. Customers said that the rod is easy to fish with, and very comfortable. Customers also said that the level of quality was great for it’s small size.

Some customers who used this rod said the connection of each piece of the rod was not the best. A few customers said the grip on the rod was slippery when wet. Some people also said that the rod was too light for their liking.


PROS

  • Four sections.
  • Carbon fiber.
  • Medium to fast action.


CONS

  • Not great connectors.
  • Grip slips when wet.

Our Choice

Each rod we’ve reviewed works for those looking to catch fish with a spinning reel. All the rods have decent strength, safe handles, and a lightweight build.

After comparing all the products the best spinning rod under 100 is the GLS carbon power rod.

This spinning rod is comfortable to use and easy to pull in fish. The rod can work for small fish, and in a portable fashion. We also like the fact that the rod has a soft level of hardness.