Gear Guide: Spinning Rods - Over $200

By Perry Mack

Spinning rods for the beginner to the pro.

Fenwick® AETOS™ Spinning

The next generation of Aetos features a new construction technique that Fenwick calls an ‘X-Veil high modulus blank’ providing improved sensitivity, casting accuracy and durability. The guides are titanium with zirconium inserts and the handle is an EVA and TAC split grip. Available in ten models from 6’3” to 7’6” fast to extra fast action, and medium light to medium heavy power.

MSRP: $200 USD - Fenwickfishing.com

Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Spinning Rods

Designed to withstand the corrosive saltwater of inshore fishing, this new series of rods comes equipped with saltwater grade American Tackle Microwave guides. The stainless steel guides and Duralite HD rings improve casting distance, accuracy and sensitivity. Well balanced and finished with cork handles, just choose your game and pick your rod. Six models from 6’8” to 7’8” long, medium to medium-heavy power, moderate to fast action, and 6 to 40lb line weights.

MSRP: $190 - $200 USD - Fitzgeraldrods.com

Favorite Fishing Summit Spinning

Launched in the USA at iCast 2016, it’s actually a ten-year-old company that has been available in 26 other countries around the world. Summit is the top of the model line up with titanium guide frames holding Fuji’s Torzite ceramic liners, which are reportedly thinner, lighter, and more durable than SiC. High modulus fibres form the graphite blank ending in the grip, which is an integrated part of the blank.

Available in four sizes from 6’ to 6’10”, line weights of 2-12 oz, light to med power and med to extra fast action.

MSRP: $350 USD - Favoriteusa.com

G1000 Pro Spinning

The G1000 Pro series is the melding of two classic Lamiglas series - the Certified Pro and G1000 models were condensed into the new G1000 Pro, now offered in a variety of both spinning and castings roads

American made graphite is used for these salmon/steelhead rods featuring a cork-handle design, and double locking reel seats. Lamiglas says they are ‘attractive’ but you be the judge.

Six models are available in moderate fast to fast action, line weights 6 to 15, medium to heavy power, in 2 piece lengths of 8’6” to 10’6”.

MSRP: $350 USD - Lamiglas.com

G. Loomis GLX Spinning Rods

The new GLX spinning rods from iconic rod builder G. Loomis are created with blanks up to 20 percent lighter than previous incarnations. Improved split grip cork handle ergonomics, and even better balance make fishing all day with this Worm & Jig series even more enjoyable. Guides are Fuji K titanium SiC. Available in 8 models for 6’ to 7’6” long, line weights of 6 to 14, medium to medium-heavy power and fast to extra-fast action.

MSRP: $410 - $450 USD - Gloomis.com

St Croix Mojo Salt Spinning

Mojo Salt rods feature a blend of graphite and glass for a good balance of strength and durability. Their production methods produce a lightweight blank fitted with a Fuji® DPSH reel seat to withstand heavy duty use, and corrosion-resistant stainless steel guides fitted with aluminum oxide rings.

These one-piece, fast action rods are available in 3 models, medium to medium-heavy power, 7’ to 7’6” long with rod weights of 10.4 to 14 oz.

MSRP: $200 - $220 USD - Stcroixrods.com