Gear Guide: Spinning Rods - Under $200

By Perry Mack

Spinning rods for the beginner to the pro.

Ardent Edge Series Spinning Rods

High modulus Japanese carbon graphite blanks are used to provide you with good strength, sensitivity and power. A premium EVA split-grip makes for all-day comfort. Reportedly becoming available from 5’6” to 7’2” long, with a range of light to medium-heavy action. So far all we’ve seen is three fast action rods in lengths of 6’9” to 7’2” long, medium-light to medium-heavy with a range of line weights of 6-14lb.

MSRP: $130 USD - Ardentoutdoors.com

CastAway Rods Taranis CX1 Spinning

The All New Taranis CX1 spinning series arrives in both salt- and freshwater models featuring their CastAway proprietary Nano Tube carbon blend blank. Built for the weekend warrior it was designed to provide the lightweight and sensitive feel of a professional-grade rod at a more affordable price. There are four spinning models from 6’6” to 7’ long, light to medium-heavy power, moderate to moderate-fast action and handling line weights of 8-17 lbs.

MSRP: $100 USD - www.castawayrods.com

Denali AttaX Spinning Rod

Introduced at iCast 2016, Denali is saying all the right things to anglers with their new AttaX series rods. They want you to talk about ‘the one in your livewell’ not ‘the one that got away’. The proprietary IM7 graphite blank offers great sensitivity, strength in a lightweight package. Stainless steel guides enclose ceramic inserts back to the Winn Grip for maximum comfort. Choose from two 7’ spinning models in medium to medium heavy power, moderate to moderate-fast action, holding line weights ranging from 6-15 lbs depending on which one you choose.

MSRP: $120 USD - Denalirods.com

Denali Myriad Walleye Spinning Rod

‘Eye-chasers’ rejoice – Denali wants you to own a new ‘dedicated to Walleye’ rod. They say that after getting input from top national and regional walleye anglers, their engineers went to work designing and building ten different walleye rods, seven of which are spinning. Each rod has a split grip, super sensitive high modulus graphite blank and in our humble opinion, some aggressive style. Choose a rod to suit your style from 5’6” to 7’6” long, medium to medium-heavy power, holding line weights of 6-14 lbs.

MSRP: $130 USD - denalirods.com

Dobyns Sierra Spinning Rods

If you are familiar with Dobyns rods, the Sierra is an upgrade to the Savvy series. Sierra features a high modulus graphite blank, Fuji ‘k’ frame Alconite guides, Fuji reel seats, Kevlar wrapping and ‘AA’ cork from Portugal. There are eight fast action spinning rods available in 6’9” to 7’0” long, extra-light to heavy power, ready to carry line weights of 2 to 20 lbs.

MSRP: $160 – $170 USD - Dobynsrods.com

Fenwick® Elite Tech™ Inshore Spinning

Brand new for 2017 is the inshore spinning line up of Fenwick’s Elite Tech using a high modulus blank, skeletonized Fuji ‘hidden handle’ reel seat, stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts and a high grade cork handle. Designed to handle the rigors of saltwater for your favourite game. Available in ten models from 6’6” to 8’, moderate fast to extra fast action , and medium light to medium heavy power.

MSRP: $150 to $200 USD - Fenwickfishing.com

Lew’s Mach Speed Stick Spinning Rod

This rod took Best of Show Saltwater iCast 2016. The one-piece rod starts with a lightweight, sensitive IM6 graphite blank then adds American Tackle’s new AirWave slim ring line guides. It has a skeletal, graphite reel seat and a split grip handle in what looks like a Kawasaki bright green color scheme. Six models complete the series from 6’6” to 7’0” in length, medium/light to medium power, line weights of 4-14 lbs, and medium to medium/fast action.

MSRP: $80 USD - lews.com

McCain Kayak Spinning Series

This series of rod is tailored to kayak fisherman - both fresh and salt water. MHP says these rods are lightweight, sensitive, powerful and durable, fine-tuned with the input from kayak fishing experts. The rods are constructed with American made graphite and some models are strengthened with S-Glass. They all have Fuji seats, Super-Slick glides and premium cork handles. Each rod comes with a rod tether, rod glove, and Line Cutters ring. Three 7’ long spinning models from, medium-light to medium power, moderate to fast action, 6-18 line weights

MSRP: $180 USD - McCainfishing.com

Quantum Prism Spinning Rods

If you’re looking for affordable light line applications, start here. Using a lightweight high modulus graphite blank for sensitivity to feel subtle bites, Quantum adds smooth, durable stainless steel guides with hard chrome inserts – an improvement over cheap ceramic inserts which can blowout. Reel seats provide a comfortable ergonomic base for your reel, and the high quality cork handles deliver all day comfort. Available in four sizes from fast to extra fast, line weights of 6 to 14lb and lengths starting at 6’6”.

MSRP: $100 USD - http://shop.zebcobrands.com/quantum