12 best spinning rods for jigging

Fishing goods

Since its inception, the canons of spinning fishing have undergone considerable changes and stratification into a number of separate techniques. One of the striking examples of such a layering is the method of jigging - a soft stepped drive performed at certain intervals of winding and guiding the bait. Like all other currents, jig fishing requires the use of spinning rods with specific, strictly defined characteristics of rigidity, overall dimensions, structure, etc.

Since spinning rods are a very liquid commodity, there is a surplus of rods suitable for jig fishing on the market. Making a choice in such a situation becomes a difficult task not only for beginners, but also for quite experienced summer fishing enthusiasts. In this regard, we have conducted a thorough analysis of the market and selected the best jig rods for you, which have received hundreds and thousands of approving comments from happy consumers. We took the following parameters as criteria for selecting goods for the rating:

popularity of the manufacturing company in the Russian market;
the level of consumer confidence, the number of positive reviews;
functionality and structural reliability of the product;
performance ratio;
cost level.

The best ultralight jig rods

3 Pontoon-21 GAD CHASER CRS662XULF

The Pontoon-21 ultralight rod has been repeatedly awarded the title of the best microjig equipment, for which it was included in our rating. Possessing a test in the range of 1-5 grams, it confidently catches even a very large predator, the weight of which reaches 2 kilograms. His trophies often include pike, pike perch and chub, although the main prey is perch and ide.

According to consumers, with a length of 198 centimeters, the Pontoon-21 GAD CHASER CRS662XULF can be used not only for fishing from a boat. The slim rod configuration, coupled with a high degree of rigidity (fast action), make it an excellent opportunity to fish from the shore. In terms of ergonomics, the model is also good. The lightweight carbon blank gives full control to the user, and the combined handle (cork + EVA) provides a secure grip in all phases of fishing.

2 DAIWA SWEEPFIRE 702 ULFS

The DAIWA company also got into the rating with its interesting SWEEPFIRE 702 ULFS rod. Its obvious advantages include the presence of a solid safety margin for overload, as well as the price, which en masse attracts an audience of potential buyers. Possessing a very standard indicator of the bait test (2-7 grams), this spinning rod is able to catch a far from small predator from the depths of water. Together with perches and ide, chub, pike, pike perch and even trout often "swim" in the jig when it comes to fishing in the current. The weight of the largest trophy can reach over 3 kilograms, although in nominal terms the rod is capable of carrying a slightly lower load. From the point of view of ergonomics, the DAIWA SWEEPFIRE 702 ULFS also does not present negative surprises. With a length of 210 centimeters, the model weighs only 135 grams, which practically does not affect hand fatigue when performing frequent casts.

1 Salmo TIOGA 1.98 m Light

The excellent spinning rod, developed according to the advanced technologies of the Salmo company, did not stand aside in every sense. High-modulus 40T graphite was used as the blank material for it, setting the required strength characteristics and significantly lightening the model up to 87 grams. The medium-fast action provided good conditions for the rod hooking when biting, as well as the ability to fish in a long cast. But, judging by the reviews of most users, it is better to do this from a boat than from the shore.

The performance of the Salmo TIOGA 1.98 m Light test also received special praise. The spinning rod performs well with lures weighing from 1 to 8 grams, and is able to withstand the load on the line up to a good 3 kilograms.Of course, his abilities cannot be compared with heavier models, but he also knows how to catch mediocre pikes, walleyes and other river predators.

The best lightweight spinning rods for jigging

3 Salmo ELITE JIG 18

Another representative of the Salmo company is not among the premium spinning rods, but is confidently based on high-tech developments. Firstly, it is worth noting the very low weight of the rod (118 grams), even for a length of 243 centimeters. It would seem that with such indicators, he will not be able to fully reveal himself, limiting himself to catching only small predators. However, the high modulus graphite (IM7) blank works wonders. With an actual test of 5 to 18 grams of lures, the ELITE JIG 18 is capable of fighting predators weighing more than the 5 kilogram threshold.

Of the other spinning "chips", the connection of two plugs according to the Over Steek principle, when the lower part of the blank is inserted into the upper one, is especially striking. Such a connection method provides a significant reduction in bending loads at the joint, which has an extremely positive effect on the strength characteristics and the capabilities of the model described above.

2 SHIMANO ALIVIO DX 270 L

Shimano's lightweight mid-action rod is the longest in the category and has been found by folk testers to be the toughest of opponents. With a length of 270 centimeters, its weight is 210 grams - despite the fact that the obviously lightweight carbon fiber XT30 was chosen as the blank material. Perhaps a deliberate increase in the mass of the model intervened in the matter in order to be able to perceive more intense loads. With an actual test on lures of 3-15 grams, ALIVIO DX 270 L is capable of dragging fish weighing up to 5-6 kilograms from depth, without undergoing visible deformations and critical fractures.

Ergonomics as well as visuals are fine with Shimano as usual. A one-piece cork handle, divided by a DPS reel seat, is responsible for the comfort of the rod grip. The ALIVIO DX 270 L used a Shimano Hardlite set of 6 pieces of hardware for the line guides.

1 Maximus Work Horse X MSWHX24L

Maximus' workhorse is the cheapest yet most balanced jig spinning rod, extremely popular among professional anglers. With a length of 240 centimeters, its weight is only 152 grams, which gives users ample opportunities for fishing both from the side of the boat and from the shore into a long cast. The test for lures in the region of 3-15 grams partly explains the fact that very good specimens of predatory fish, mainly pike, zander, trout and salmon, are often caught on the hook of the model.

As noted by users, Maximus Work Horse X MSWHX24L simply responds perfectly to jig wiring. This is largely due to the fast action of the rod, which abruptly dampens vibrations and gives the wobblers the necessary impetus for movement. We are sincerely pleased with the complete set of the model with a full-fledged cover, especially in view of such a low face value.

The best medium spinning rods for jigging

3 Black Hole Hektor 213 / 5-28

The most sophisticated rod in the category is also the most expensive one. Black Hole Hektor 213 / 5-28 is an original fusion of aesthetics and operational moderation, developed with an eye on the elite spinning rods from DAIWA and Salmo. With a mass of 113 grams (with a length of 213 centimeters), this spinning rod does an excellent job of catching large river predators such as pike perch, pike, asp and chub. However, a stable bite is also observed when fishing for small river perch, which prefers to fall for lures weighing 5-7 grams.

As anglers note, Black Hole Hektor 213 / 5-28 is a full-featured budget copy of well-known spinning rods, the purchase of which can cost more than tens of thousands of rubles. For this fact alone, this rod should be taken seriously. And according to the totality of other technical parameters, to buy - without any twinges of conscience.

2 SHIMANO VENGEANCE BX 240 M

The “vengeful” medium-fast action plug-in spinning rod is another recognized ideal when it comes to jigging. Its blank is based on a very durable composite material consisting of XT30 carbon fibers and Biofibre organic polymer filaments. Such a combination is the best way to affect endurance indicators, and also allows you to significantly reduce the weight of the finished product. According to the manufacturers, the nominal loads on the rod should not exceed 7-8 kilograms. However, user reviews indicate that this threshold has been significantly exceeded without visible damage to the "stick" itself.

At 240 centimeters in length, the SHIMANO VENGEANCE BX 240 M weighs 172 grams, which practically does not affect hand fatigue when casting. By the way, you can fish on it not only from a boat - the range allows you to throw wobblers and spinners right from the shore without any visible problems.

1 Salmo DIAMOND JIG 35

According to the tradition that has developed along this top, Salmo DIAMOND JIG 35 is among the most budgetary average spinning rods for jig. It is all the more interesting to observe the superiority of a cheap model in individual components. For example, in strength. As always, the ratio of weight to length in the Salmo spinning rod is the smallest (125 grams to 240 centimeters), which, however, does not interfere with catching a large predator with soft stepped fishing. The test range for lures in the DIAMOND JIG 35 is 10-30 grams, which, together with the average action (requiring considerable vigilance from the user), makes fishing interesting and very diverse.

From the ergonomic part, it is worth highlighting the presence of an uncompromising rubber pad on the handle, which excludes any sliding of the spinning rod in the hands. Fortunately, it is not possible to single out at least some negative qualities in this model - the level of its factory production is very steep.

The best heavy spinning rods for jig

3 MIKADO MIKAZUKI TELESPIN H 240

The advantage of the MIKADO MIKAZUKI TELESPIN H 240 heavy jig spinning rod lies in the simplest and at the same time the most important aspect of any rod. It works great with lures from 1 to 45 grams, showing excellent sensing results throughout the range provided. With a weight of 240 grams, it copes well with the applied bending loads, and, according to the reviews of competent specialists, it can withstand up to 10-12 kilograms of weight without plastic deformation of the blank.

This achievement would not have been so striking if it were not for one important fact: MIKADO MIKAZUKI TELESPIN H 240 is a telescopic rod. Of course, if manufacturers had conceived to produce a full-fledged plug analog, its performance in a single power component would be much better. However, even in this configuration, there is not much to complain about - except that the fittings could be a little better.

2 Salmo TAIFUN SPIN 40 240

Crowning the position of the most unselfish manufacturer, Salmo is honored with another place in the top of the best jig rods. Salmo TAIFUN SPIN 40 240 is a good heavy-class fiberglass spinning rod, working conditions of which allow you to catch fish weighing up to 10 kilograms. Large walleyes and pikes, as well as cautious asp and chub often become its trophies.

With an actual test in the range of 10-40 grams, the model is not particularly sensitive. Because of this, anglers often advise using it with wobblers and spinners, the weight of which is approaching the upper limit (from 25 to 40 grams). However, apart from this nuance, there are no obvious negative sides to Salmo TAIFUN SPIN 40 240. Ergonomically, this spinning rod is brought to the state of a confident average, and it would be at least strange to make claims for such a low cost.

1 SHIMANO JOY XT SPINN 270 MH

The Shimano developers have always been distinguished by their honesty towards their audience, and with the release of the JOY XT SPINN 270 MH they decided to stick to the accepted canons.Contrary to everything that numerous competitors produce, this particular model can be considered truly heavy - both in terms of its own weight (350 grams) and in terms of fish caught. Thanks to the plug-in design, the dynamic load ceiling was moved to the 15 kilogram mark, which is an unattainable height for current competitors in the rating. In addition, in the description, you can notice a slightly underestimated range of the test for baits (15-40 grams). This once again speaks of the honesty of the manufacturer: the sensitivity of the rod begins to manifest itself precisely from the point of 15 grams. There were no objective flaws in the JOY XT SPINN 270 MH, as such. Yes, consumers can have as many complaints about the excess weight of the model - but that's why it is a heavy class, right?

How to choose a jig spinning rod

Being a liquid and highly demanded product, spinning rods in all their variety have many small subtleties associated with performance and design. It so happened that the constant replenishment of the range of jig models has created a serious problem of choice not only for beginners, but also for professional, experienced fishing enthusiasts. Therefore, when purchasing a personal spinning rod, we strongly recommend that you pay attention to the following parameters:

Rod test. A characteristic that displays the range of the optimal weight of the lure, which provides the spinning rod with maximum efficiency in all phases of fishing. For jig fishing, this parameter varies between 10-40 grams.
Dimensions. One of the most important parameters of a spinning rod, which significantly affects the ergonomics of use. For a jig, the most typical length range is from 2.1 to 3.5 meters. Spinning rods of the upper limit are best used when fishing from the shore, while smaller ones are rational to take with you for fishing from the side of the boat.
Rod weight. A characteristic that is considered by many to be purely secondary, affecting exclusively the ergonomics indicators. It lends itself to a simple logical conclusion: the less the weight of the spinning rod, the easier and easier it is to use it for stepped (jig) wiring.
Story (rigidity). Multidimensional characteristic of any spinning rod, showing which part of the spinning rod will take the applied load. It has a strict gradation for fast (the force is perceived by the top of the rod), medium (includes the middle part in the work) and slow (the load is worked out by the entire blank up to the base of the handle) action. The first two types are most suitable for jig, while the latter is extremely rare here.
The number of knees (sections). It's not a secret for anyone that the more transition diameters and connecting places an object has, the lower rated loads it is able to perceive. As a rule, in the practice of jig fishing, two-piece plug spinning rods are widely used. Much less popular in this segment are telescopic models, consisting (as a rule) of five to eight knees.