Spinning
UNDER $100 13 FISHING FATE GREEN
While there are six casting rods in the Fate Green series from 13 Fishing, there’s an equal number of spinning rods in this new-for-2019 line as well. In addition to its Japanese 30 ton HTC3 blank designed to offer the right balance of lightweight and durability, you’ll appreciate the 3A Portuguese cork handles, Evolve Engage cushioned reel seats, plus tangle-free guides with zirconium inserts for smoother casts. Models range from 7’1” to 7’6” and come with a one-year warranty. Six fast-action models are available with handle lengths of 12.5” to 14”and are designed for 6 -12, 8-15 and 10-20 lb. test. MSRP: $79.99 USD www.13fishing.com
BERKLEY LIGHTNING ROD SHOCK
The redesigned Berkley Lightning Rod Shock is ideal for going after any number of freshwater species – from bass and walleye to a range of pan fish. In addition to its 24 ton, multi-modulus carbon composite blank construction that minimizes weight and increases sensitivity, the Lightning Rod Shock introduces a new integrated reel seat (with an ergonomic handle design) plus textured rubber for an improved grip. What’s more, its shock-absorbing tip can accommodate the lack of stretch when using braided line and the stainless guides with Titanium Oxide inserts have been added to resist against line grooving and cracking. A series of spinning rods are available in medium-light, medium-power and moderate to moderate-fast action. They also have a maximum line rating from 4-10 to 4-12 lb test. MSRP: $34.99 - $49.99 USD www.berkley-fishing.com
LEW’S FISHING LASER SG1 GRAPHITE SERIES
Handling and ease of use are some of the most important functions of any spinning rod and the Laser SG1 spinning models from Lew’s Fishing are based on IM6 graphite blanks to reduce weight, increase sensitivity and improve overall balance between the rod and your reel. Available in one- or two-piece models, each come with black coated stainless steel frames with aluminum oxide guide rings, stainless steel hook keepers and split grips with cork handles plus EVA rod butts. Eight one-piece, fast-action rods are available in lengths of 6’, 6’6,” and 7’ and can have a maximum line rating from 4-8 to 8-14 lb test. Two one- piece rods are also available. MSRP: $49.99 USD www.lewsfishing.com
OKUMA DEAD-EYE CLASSIC
If you commonly fish for walleye, you just may want to check out the Dead-eye Classic spinning rods from Okuma. Designed specifically for this species, the Dead-eye rods feature Okuma’s Ultimate Flex Reinforcement (UFR) tip technology, which according to the company “blends unidirectional fiber over 24-ton carbon in the extended tip section of the rod to increase lifting strength and power by as much as 400 percent” without sacrificing sensitivity. They also have stainless guide frames with titanium oxide guide inserts and while all jigging models have cork split grips or cork full grip configurations, trolling models have a shrink tube rear grip configuration plus a triangular EVA fore grip to reduce rod twisting. Seven spinning models are available in lengths of 6,’ 6’6,” 7,’ and 7’6,” and medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy power. MSRP: $69.99 – $74.99 USD www.okumafishing.com
UNDER $200 ABU GARCIA FINESSE SERIES
The Finesse line is part of the popular Ike Signature Series and are the result of a collaboration between Abu Garcia and the expertise of acclaimed bass angler Mike Iaconelli. Available in seven models, the Finesse rods are based on a blank construction that consists of 36 ton high modulus graphite to offer lighter weight, ideal balance and the utmost sensitivity – as well as reliability for when the fish start to bite. Some key features in the line include Fuji reel seats to ensure comfort plus stainless guides with Zirconium inserts to minimize line friction and provide added sensitivity. All rods come with Abu Garcia’s Limited Three-year Warranty. There’s a choice of medium-fast and fast action rods available in lengths of 6’6,” 6’10,” 7,’ 7’2,” 7.4,” 7’6,” and 7’8” and with medium-light to medium-heavy power. MSRP: $149.95 USD www.abugarcia.com
DAIWA TATULA BASS SERIES
Fishing for bass is always exciting and Daiwa’s Tatula series of spinning rods are designed to enhance your experience when you start casting for this often-feisty and never-dull freshwater species. With 21 different bends in the Tatula line, the spinning rods acount for seven of them and range in length from 6’6” to 7’6” and fast to extra-fast action. All rods in this spinning class are based on Daiwa’s lightweight X-45 concept blanks that incorporate Braiding-x Fiber Braiding Technology to offer reduced weight and the ability to handle larger loads. They also come with cork handles plus tangle-free, Fuji Fazlite guides for long, accurate casts. The one-peice spinning rods are available in medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy models, have a maximum lure weight ranging from 1/8-3/4 oz. to 3/16 to 1/2 oz. and feature between 8 to 9 guides. MSRP: $149.99 – $169.99 USD www.daiwa.com
LEW’S TOURNAMENT PERFORMANCE TP1 SPEED STICK SERIES
One of the first things you may notice when handling Lew’s Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Sticks is the light weight, while at the same realizing the comfortable grip and control with its Split-grip Dri-tac handles by Winn Grip. Backed by IM8 graphite construction, the Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Sticks are strong and offer the utmost sensitivity no matter how soft the bite. Another great feature is the Microwave Rod Guides from American Tackle to increase line flow, eliminate wind knots and improve casting distance and accuracy. Three new fast-action and medium-power Multi Purpose rods are available in lengths including 6,’ 6’6” and 7” with 7 to 8 rod guides (plus tip). There are also two new fast-action Float n’ Fly rods available in lengths from 8’ to 9.’
UNDER $200 OKUMA DEAD EYE CUSTOM SERIES
The Dead Eye Custom rods are designed for serious or professional anglers looking for a series of features specific to walleye fishing. At the core of these spinning rods is Okuma’s SCT technology that consists of a dual helix wrap featuring more than 6,000 strands of carbon thread wrapped around the its 30/40 ton graphite blank. This means you’re provided with strength, fast action and ideal responsiveness that’s required to achieve quick, solid hooks sets. The features continue with the Sea Guide XO-316 stainless steel angled guide frames to reduce line twist, a stainless guide tip and an EVA Cork split grip for ideal balance. The rods also have ALPS RPD reel seats featuring an aluminum thread nut to ensure your reel stays secure. Six extra-fast action rods are available in 6,’ 6’8” and 7’4” rod lengths and medium-light, medium, medium-heavy and power. They are also very light as weight ranges from 4.2 to 4.8 oz. Price: $129.99 USD www.okumafishing.com
ST. CROIX MOJO YAK
If you’re in the market for a rod that can handle the saltwater environment and the species that go along with it, St. Croix offers its Mojo Yak series. Starting at $150, the Mojo Yak is available in six spinning models, ranging from 7’ to 7’6” in medium-light, medium and medium-heavy powers. While the rods range in weight from just four to five ounces, all feature the Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) Mandrel technology to offer smoother action, increased strength and more sensitivity. They are also backed by high-modulus SCIII graphite plus a double-coat of Flex-coat slow cure finish to ensure added reliability. They also have Fuji DPS reel seats, Winn split-grip handles and the Kigan Master Hand 3D guides – complete with slim, aluminum-oxide rings and black frames. Six fast action rods come in lengths from 7’ to 7’6,” weigh 4.0 to 5.0 oz. and have a maximum line capacity of 8-17 lb test. MSRP: Starting at $150 USD www.stcroixrods.com
UNDER $300 DENALI N3 SERIES
Features of Denali’s all-new N3 Series start with a blank constructed of high-quality IM10 graphite to deliver reliable action, sensitivity and light weight, qualifying it as one of the company’s most popular and highest quality lines of spinning rods. Based off the previous N2 series it replaces, the N3 is finished in stylish matte black and while it looks good, it’ll also perform effortlessly with its 304 stainless semi-micro Duraloc Guides that ensure high sensitivity, longer casts and are large enough to prevent clogging by weeds or other debris. Another key aspect is the custom, coloured polymer handles to reduce fatigue, ensure control and provide a solid grip in wet or cold conditions. Two spinning rods are available in lengths of 7’ in medium- and medium- heavy power. MSRP: $249.99 USD www.denalirods.com
UNDER $300 K ST. CROIX LEGEND GLASS (FRESHWATER)
St. Croix is making its popular Legend Glass spinning rod series even better for 2019 with the addition of the all-new LGS72MM, a medium-power, moderate action 7’2” freshwater spinning model. Ideal for handling lighter line and casting small-to-medium crankbaits, one of the key highlights of the LGS72MM is its linear S-glass tech design where you’ll notice its lightweight and optimum sensitivity. It comes in at a mere 5.3 ounces making it extremely user friendly for a variety of fishing applications. Also, if you’re one of those anglers that constantly change up your line type, you’ll have no problem with the LGS72MM. It features Fuji K-series tangle-free guides with Alconite rings and Corrosion Control (CC) matte finish frames so a lot of different style of lines can be used. Featured at the bottom end are Fuji DPS reel seats with a frosted silver hood set against the split- grip/super-grade cork handle. A Kigan hook-keeper, two coats of Flex-coat slow-cure finish and a 15-year transferable warranty (backed by St. Croix Superstar Service) are other benefits. This Legend Glass has length of 7’2” with moderate action and medium power. MSRP: $260 USD www.stcroixrods.com
UNDER $500 L 13 FISHING ENVY BLACK
With five models in the Envy Black spinning line, 13 Fishing offers a great selection of spinning rods to suit your specific fishing preferences and style. Regardless of your choice, each blank is based on 46 ton Poly-vector Graphite, which means the graphite is interlaced during the construction process to effectively control the fiber angle alignment. The result? A strong, sensitive and light weight rod. The Evolve Carbon Divide reel seat enhances overall sensitivity and some other appointments include Fuji stainless K guides with SIC inserts, Snaggle Tooth hook keepers and high-density Japanese EVA Split Grip handles. All rods are also offered with an impressive 10-year limited warranty. Five models are available in lengths ranging from 6’10” to 7’3,” fast and extra-fast action, and medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy power. MSRP: $300-$325 USD www.13fishing.com
UNDER $700 M KISTLER ZBONE SERIES
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into a $500-plus spinning rod, check out the 2019 Kistler Zbone series, which offers a range of impressive spinning rods built with definitive technology for all-around great handling, sensitivity and performance. For instance, the rods are based on exclusive North Fork Composite LMX X-ray Blanks that involve a process that increases the carbon fibres, which results in 25 percent more sensitivity and 25 percent less weight, thus creating optimal balance, efficiency and strength-to-weight ratio. It also incorporates what is called Armor Resin that makes the blank 25 percent more resistant to micro- fractures or accidental impacts. In addition to the technology, the rods sport the company’s signature Smart Grip II EVA Fore Grips, corrosion-proof titanium-framed “Tangle Free” stripper guides, and Flanged Torzite/titanium Tip with “semi-conventional-size” rings. The series is also backed by the company’s five-year VIP Warranty. Six spinning models are offered in lengths of 7,’ 7’3,” and 7’6” and in medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy power. They are also lightweight ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 oz in modified- fast and fast action. MSRP: Starting from $519.99 USD www.kistlerrods.com