Best Inshore Spinning Rods of 2023

Oct 17, 2023

Get the right rod for inshore fishing this summer

The Penn Carnage III's heavy duty construction makes it a workforce on the water for anglers who are serious about their inshore angling.

The Daiwa BG is a highly affordable way to break into saltwater fishing without skimping on the quality and sensitivity of the rod in the process.

The Ugly Stik Carbon's great looks are matched the quality of the backbone, guides, and other components for an incredibly affordable price.

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Today's inshore spinning rods are built to be lighter, stronger, and more durable than ever before. Many also come at a more affordable price, making them a perfect starting option for anglers who are new to saltwater fishing. With so many options on the market, the only hard part is narrowing them down to find the right spinning rod for your style of fishing. We’ve tested some of the most popular fishing rods made today to help point you in the right direction.

We break down many of today's top options based on situation, action, portability, budget, and more. Whether anglers plan to target redfish, snook, or something bigger like tarpon, we’ve got the best inshore spinning rods to make sure they are prepared.

Some picks were inspired by personal experiences using these rods. Other recommendations came from fellow Field & Stream staff members and contributors. Fortunately, we get opportunities for a lot of hands-on testing, and we’ve caught a little of everything from redfish to jack crevalle, and even roosterfish on some of these rods. I weighed the pros and cons of each choice, and carefully considered the following factors whe deciding which rods would make the list:

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

The Carnage III is a workhorse of a fishing rod and an easy choice for the best overall. I got the chance to test this rod in the saltwater fishing paradise of Costa Rica a couple years ago and came away thoroughly impressed with the comfort and capabilities. These rods have an excellent amount of backbone, as I found while battling jack crevalle and yellowfin tuna. Although tuna isn't an inshore species, it still speaks to the power of this rod. Even the fishing guides on my trip were thoroughly impressed. I remember one of them commenting: "I want one of my own."

Penn didn't skimp on the components and construction of the Carnage. A graphite/fiberglass SLC2 rod blank is standard with Fuji K guides and a machined aluminum reel seat locking things down. Further, as if all that wasn't enough, this rod is offered in a variety of size, power, and action. There's something for almost everyone here regardless of fishing style or target species. The only real downside is the heavier options are expensive, but that's to be expected with this kind of quality build.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

This inshore spinning rod has a high price tag, but it's worth it because Bubba didn't go cheap with any part of these rods. They feature an incredibly secure double locking Fuji reel seat that ensures not even the largest fish can pry your expensive reel loose. Bubba also gave this rod extremely high-quality Fuji K-guides that will resist corrosion better than any other guides out there. Field & Stream contributor, Max Inchausti, has given this rod extensive testing on the water. He found the lightweight design was perfect for anyone who plans on casting all day, even with larger plugs and jigs.

Bubba makes excellent grips on all their fishing gear and the Tidal Pro is no exception. This rod features an extremely ergonomic carbon fiber handle fitted with their signature non-slip grips at the base. Perfect for situations where hands get covered in fish slime. The only downside is that the grip can scratch easily, but this is rod for serious anglers who want to get their money's worth.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

The Ugly Stik Carbon Insore was our favorite saltwater fishing rod of 2022, and we were not the only ones with that opinion. The Carbon also won the best saltwater rod category at ICAST 2022. That feat was made even more impressive considering this rod only costs $100. Our own Ryan Chelius found this rod's single-piece graphite construction gave it a ton of backbone. It also helped deliver some impressively long casts. Throw in some stainless steel guides and it leaves us wondering how Ugly Stik can afford to sell this rod so cheap.

The only thing we didn't like about the Carbon is the fact there isn't a heavy option available. Otherwise, this is a great choice for new and experienced saltwater anglers who want a sensitive rod that won't break the bank.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

The Saltiga is a travel rod built with quality components. Most notable here are the Fuji K guides with FazeLite tangle-free rings. The rod comes in at two pounds making it lightweight enough for casting all day. What sets this two-piece rod apart from other travel-style rods are the V-joint connections that flex with the blank and prevent problems with the rod pieces twisting or coming apart. Daiwa also includes a travel carrying case. The downside is that the Saltiga only comes in one length. The price tag is also a little high for a travel rod.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

This is a great rod and reel for saltwater anglers who are just starting out. The single-piece graphite construction is extremely sensitive, helping anglers detect the lightest of strikes while the two-piece options are more portable. The options for ergonomics are nice too. Daiwa offers these rods with either EVA foam or cork grips depending on each angler's preferences.

For only $159, this the easiest way to get started inshore fishing. This combo is ideal for snook, redfish, and more. It is a good choice for jigging, pitching docks, and bottom fishing. The only real complaint we have about this Daiwa combo is that the included 6+1 bearing spinning reel is a little heavier than we’d like.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

Portability is one of the biggest issues when it comes to inshore spinning rods, but the Kast King solves that problem by having these graphite rods telescope down to just under two feet. This is essentially a six-piece rod, but it has an advantage over other multi-piece rods because you don't need to unrig anything to break it down. The Blackhawk II has an amazing price point of only $59.99, which is a real bargain. Especially considering the graphite reel seat and stainless steel guides.

Kast King gave these rods a fiberglass tip to help strengthen the most vulnerable part of the rod. But unfortunately, it's also the part that's most often reported breaking in Amazon reviews. There are also some reports of the telescoping sections locking up, especially if sand or other debris gets caught in them. However, considering the affordable price point, this is a good "beater" rod to keep in a vehicle for those spur-of-the-moment fishing trips.

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Key Features

Pros

Cons

When it comes to affordability, the seven-foot version of this rod is a great bargain at $69.95. In addition to affordability, Amazon reviews rave about the sensitivity of these rods, which also retain Ugly Stik's signature toughness. Add in some quality cork grips and stainless steel guides, and these rods offer a complete package. The affordability of this rod means you can spend more time focusing on fishing and less time worrying about ruining your expensive inshore spinning rod.

Unfortunately, online reviews indicate there are issues with some of the rods getting damaged in shipping. While most user reviews about these rods are positive, the negative ones indicate a few lemons. The most common issue seems to be rods arriving with crooked or damaged guides, so it's worth a close inspection once your new rod arrives home.

When selecting an inshore spinning rod, it's important to consider the type of angling you’ll be doing. "Inshore" is somewhat of a nebulous term that refers to any type of fishing in depths out to 100 feet. However, some forms of inshore angling are in waters much shallower than that. It is important to think about what species you will be chasing and what conditions that entail. Here are some other considerations:

Most inshore spinning rods are in the 6.5’ to 7’ range which provides great backbone and leverage for a variety of species. However, it also makes these rods difficult to transport. Many manufacturers have introduced two and three-piece rods, or even telescopic rods, to solve that problem.

Unfortunately, it also creates a sensitivity issue because one-piece rods deliver more tactile feedback. It's easier to determine if that tap is a bite or a snag with a one-piece graphite rod than a multi-piece fiberglass one.

Most anglers opt for a medium to medium-heavy power inshore spinning rod. While some inshore species like redfish can reach weights well over 50 pounds, most fall in the three to eight-pound range. Therefore, an extremely heavy rig isn't always necessary. However, anglers planning to target larger, more aggressive fish like tarpon, should use a medium-heavy to heavy setup. Since tarpon are fierce fighters, a significant backbone is needed in the rod blank.

While often mixed up with power, the rod's action is different. It refers to how much flex is in the rod. Specifically, a fast action rod will flex more at the tip of the rod. A slow action rod will flex more along the entire length. Fast actions are better for techniques like jigging because they impart more vertical action and vibration to the lure. Slow actions are best for fishing stationary live baits. A moderate action is a good choice if you’re planning to fish mostly live baits and some artificial lures. Also, consider the casting distance you’ll need and pick an action that's appropriate to the scenario at hand.

It is possible to use inshore rods for freshwater fishing. Although some saltwater rods are a little too heavy for freshwater species unless you’re targeting something like pike, muskie, or sturgeon. Freshwater rods can also be used in saltwater, although the components are often not as rugged and prone to the corrosive effects of salt. Always be sure to rinse your rod with freshwater after using it in the salt.

If you plan to work a vertical jig, an extra fast rod will work for inshore fishing. They are also a good fit if fish aren't being overly aggressive. On subtle bites, extra sensitivity is needed, and an extra fast action will help deliver that. Although, an extra fast action is not a great choice where extra casting distance might be needed.

This is a highly subjective question, but a quality graphite spinning rod will work for most inshore scenarios. A medium to medium-heavy power rod will suffice for redfish, flounder, snapper, snook, and more. A heavy power rod usually isn't necessary except for scenarios with larger, more aggressive fish like tarpon.

The Penn Carnage III proved its worth to us more than once, and it's the perfect balance of features combined with price. It's a great overall rod for the angler who isn't sure what to buy for their next saltwater adventure. Although one can't really go wrong with any of the other options on this list.

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