Ranking Budget Spinning Rods Under $100

The best spinning rods under $100 are made from affordable fiberglass, non-slip cork handles, graphite seats, and corrosion-resistant line guides.

The Shimano Solora is my top choice because it has the ideal combination of Shimano's latest technologies with an affordable price tag. It is made from sturdy aeroglass with reinforced aluminum oxide guides. It is ideal for anglers who are looking for a budget spinning reel without sacrificing performance.

Spinning rods are by far the most popular style of fishing rod on the market and with good reason. They are simple to operate, cheap, durable, and perform well even against large fish.

A good quality spinning rod can improve your fishing experience. But not everyone has the budget to buy fancy composite materials and heavy-duty designs. 

Finding a trustworthy rod in this price range is quite a challenge, but I have compiled the top ten best spinning rods under $100 on the market right now. 

I have added a buyer’s guide so that you can find the right one for your fishing needs. I have also written a guide into the best spinning rods overall if money is no issue.

1. Shimano Solora Spinning Rod

This Shimano Solora is designed to be the perfect tool for beginners.

First of all, let’s talk about Shimano reel parts. This amazing rod is built up from sturdy aeroglass and reinforced aluminum oxide guides.

To be honest, if you are looking for a heavy power for fast action, this Shimano inshore rod is not the right one for you. However, it’s a medium power rod. But still, it got more than enough power to turn it fast. The Shimano Solora has four different models, so you can find the length and action you need.

What I Like About It

A solid graphite reel seat allows you to lock it quickly. As a result, you can feel it’s quite blank with your finger. Featuring a comfortable cork handle, it is the ideal rod for any avid fisherman.

The Solora is my top recommendation for a budget spinning rod, because it retains the superior construction quality Shimano is famous for while coming with an affordable price tag.

Pros

• Ultra-Light Action.
• Solid Graphite Seat.
• Fast And Accurate Action.
• Delivers Longer Casts

Cons

• Graphite can shatter with heavy contact

2. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod

For the ultimate summer fishing, pick up this amazing old Fenwick fishing rod and enjoy a great time with friends and family.

Before getting down to a deeper insight into this Fenwick spinning rod review, I would love to talk about its overall feature.

What I Like About It

There are several reasons why I liked this Fenwick Eagle. To begin, it can fling lightweight lures at a long distance. Meanwhile, it is even better in many aspects than an ordinary baitcaster. However, this rod is effective for tossing crankbaits, drop shotting, and lightweight jerk baits.

Fenwick offers five years warranty for this fishing rod from its original purchase date.

Another definite advantage is its versatility feature. It is a rod that can be used by anyone. So no matter whether you are right-handed or left-handed, it will fit easily. Besides, B2 Burled Cork Designs will give you a feeling of Traditional Cork yet more durable and chip resistant.

If you are a beginner angle who is still learning, I recommend the Fenwick Eagle. It is a premium rod that is comfortable and easy to operate. You will certain catch more fish with this rod due to its sensitivity and wind resistance.

Pros

• Wind Resistance
• Easy To Operate
• Cork Handles For Comfort
• Corrosion Resistant

Cons

• Cork handle can degrade over time

3. Shimano FX 2 Piece Freshwater Spinning Rod

Let’s kick off with the most admired spinning rod for the money. In fact, this Shimano FX casting rod made up with sturdy Aero Glass Blank Construction.

Before anything else, let’s talk about its overall specification. With a length of 8’0, it comes with medium-heavy power. The action is really fast on this 2 piece of medium-heavy spinning rod. Meanwhile, Its Lure rating is 3/4-4 and Aero Glass material.

What I Like About It

The FX series was created for anglers of all skill levels and ages. Hence, these versatile Shimano rods cover a vast variety of lengths and applications. Thus, they can be enjoyed on any river or lake stream, or for light saltwater applications.

From an angling perspective, every angler who has owned Shimano tackle has a good reason to admire a Japanese visionary, Shozaburo Shimano. For over 80 years, the company has been intense in precision engineering.

Featuring Reinforced Oxide Guides, it is sturdy. Likewise, the aeroglass blank makes the rod sturdy and sensitive, and this is a fantastic matchup.

Pros

• Great Balance.
• Well Constructed.
• Excellent Sensitivity.
• Well Worth Your Money.

Cons

• Can be difficult to store and transport

4. Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spinning Rod

When you are on a tight budget for fishing gear but search for an excellent rod, then check out this Shimano Stimula rod. This amazing rod created several actions for fishing bass, trout, panfish, and even larger ones like salmon or catfish.

If you want a spinning rod that is durable enough for saltwater but quite lightweight for fresh water, then this is just the ticket.

What I Like About It

The blank of the rod comes with a modern design made of low-profile aluminum, it gives the rod a brand new look. I must admit the price is quite reasonable.

Meanwhile, you will find two different versions of this rod. For lake fishing or salmon, bluefish, and pier, the 7-foot rod will be more than enough.

The two-piece rod breaks down conveniently into pieces at about 3.5 feet. So it will be ideal to manage when you are low on space. Hence, Custom shaped cork handle will give you pure comfort. Most importantly, it comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

• Rear Grip Material.
• Composite Blank Construction.
• Multipurpose Hook Keeper.
• An EVA Butt Cap.

Cons

• Two piece rods can make it difficult to feel a fish bite until its too late

5. Fenwicks HMG Durable Rod

The Fenwick HMG Spinning Rod was the world’s first graphite rod for fishing. With the revolutionary design, it is now better than ever. Straight from novice to pro, this Fenwick HMG Spinning rod is the ultimate choice.

As I mentioned earlier, HMG had changed fishing forever as the first graphite rod. And Decades later, it reinvented this classic spinning rod by making it lighter, the most comfortable HMG ever!

Meanwhile, Carbon Bound blanks are nice with carbon thread giving precise action as well as unparalleled strength. Besides, TAC Handle ensures a comfortable grip in all fishing conditions. Also, it is more durable than typical cork as well as offers an enhanced grip when it is wet.

What I Like About It

Deep pressed titanium guides will help eliminate popouts. Custom grooved handles have a perfect blend of EVA and TAC for absolute comfort. So I assure you, this Spinning rod won’t disappoint you. There is another version of this Rod that is a Fly Fishing Rod.

I like the way this HMG rod casts about: very impressive loop control, a solid performer.

Pros

• Virtually Bulletproof.
• Custom Grooved Handle.
• At A Modest Price Range.
• Revolutionary Design.

Cons

• Graphite rods need to be looked after more

6. Eagle Claw Pack-It Telescopic Rod

What’s the difference between the Eagle Claw Trailmaster and Eagle Claw PK555SP except for the price? Well, Eagle Claw PK555SP is a superb fishing rod that comes in a more sturdy design. For a great price, it amazing rod is great for those who want something reliable for the trail.

First, let me talk about its design. Featuring durable glass construction, it makes it ideal for trail, turboprop, or trunk. It is made up of blank glass material. 1/8 – 1/2 oz. It is more than enough for handling small and medium fish. With a weight of 5 ounces and 19.3 x 5.1 x 2 inches, makes for so easy to operate.

What I Like About It

Another great feature of this rod is its RVA foam handle. However, this five by the 6-inch telescopic spinning rod is the ultimate choice for the fisherman on the go. Most importantly, it comes with the company’s one-year warranty.

In all consideration, I think this is a tremendous option considering the price.

Pros

• Quick To Deploy.
• Seems Pretty Tough.
• Versatile Travel-Friendly Rod.

Cons

• Can lack sensitivity for feeling a fish strike

7. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

At 4’6″ – Ultra Light version with just 4.8 ounces, the Ugly Stik lite spinning rod is the best medium-light spinning rod in our review.

This Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod is flawless for moderately big fish undertakings. Another thing I liked most, it’s going to perform quite fine under significant pressure. That means you can rely on this rod for inshore and offshore fishing. It’s suitable for certain freshwater undertakings as well.

Apart from this, it provides uncompromising performance for all skill levels. Meanwhile, it comes with 35 percent more graphite which makes it lighter.

What I Like About It

Cork handles offer a smooth handhold and hook sets so that you enjoy comfortable fishing for hours. Being a Clear Tip design, it responds to the lightest strikes and nibbles.

What about the Ugly Stik Elite warranty? Backed by a seven-year warranty, the Shakespeare Spinning Rod ensures professional performance at a reasonable price.

I often recommend the Ugly Stik Elite because of its versatility and durability. This is the kind of rod that you will be using in 20 years time for anything from bass to redfish and even saltwater species. If you only want to own a single rod, pick an Ugly Stik.

Pros

• Ease Of Use.
• Eliminate Insert Pop-Outs.
• One-Piece Stainless Steel.
• The Tips Are Quite Strong.
• Affordable Price.

Cons

• Nil

8. Daiwa Mini System Spinning Reel And Rod Combo

Looking for a smart spinning rod that’s ideal for hiking and camping trips?

Check out this Daiwa Minispin review. This amazing rod is designed for the angler with a compact tackle setup and is perfect for stowing in backpacking, luggage, or keeping under a car seat.

The very first thing I like to talk about this rod is its impressive specification. However, the Five-piece ultralight rod got Matching 4.5-foot, for two-to-six-pound test lines.

Daiwa’s first spinning rod rolled off the production line in 1955. And Since then, the brand has grown into one of the biggest and most influential tackle names in the world today.

What I Like About It

The ultra-compact hard case comes with built-in tackle compartments. Ultralight MS-S500T has a great ball bearing drive which is pretty smooth. In a nutshell, it’s a travel-ready rod.

Pros

• Ultra-Compact Hard Case.
• Feels Superb To Use.
• An Ultralight Rod.
• Handy And Portable.

Cons

• Does lack some rod sensitivity

Spinning Rod Under $100 Buying Guide

The most puzzling matter for me was deciding the rod’s power. I got more confused when I saw it also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Things get more complicated when I realize a medium power rod from one brand may not come with the same strength from another. And I know you will be in the same situation if you are a novice like me.

Power

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Power is the backbone of the rod.

Power indicates the strength of the rod. Meanwhile, the usual power rating is medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. One more thing, power is related to the line strength. That means heavier power rods can handle heavyweight and relatively lightweight is ideal for light lines. Determine what you want and then decide which power will be good for you.

Transportable (telescopic, 1 piece, or 2 pieces)

Of course, it is all about preference what piece suits you most? Also, I figure out quality will vary slightly with the style of the rod. However, if you ask, then I must admit telescoping, and 2pcs are way convenient to carry. But if you feel 1pcs is best for you, go for it.

Guides

Undoubtedly, the material is quite important. SiC or Silicon carbide is considered the finest material nowadays. Meanwhile, they got a super smooth surface for a minimum fraction during the retrieve and the cast. That means a longer cast at less heat.

A rod with better guides will usually cast better. Meanwhile, the fact is the cost will be almost the same. So go for more guides.

Action

Fast Action means you can tip the bend easily when you give pressure on the trip. Meanwhile, there are several types of action like blank, medium/moderate action, and slow action.

Decision Time And Final Recommendation

It’s time to wrap up this article. In summary, I could say that it was a tough task to find a reliable one in this price range. Still, every rod on the list has some specialty and is a true performer.

I recommend the Shimano Solora as the best budget spinning rod due to its manufacturer’s reputation, durability, and superior performance.