Reviews Of The BEST SPINNING RODS Under $50 or So (Top 5 For [year])

I’ve been looking for a high quality spinning rod for my 10 year old son, and I don’t want to buy a spinning rod that’s going to put a massive dent in my wallet since he’s going to use and abuse this rod. Here’s the best spinning rods under $50 or so that I found.

 

The Best Spinning Rods Under $50 or So  (Top 5 Reviews)

 

The Spinning Rods I Found

Below are what I’ve found to be the 5 best spinning rods under $50. You should keep in mind, however, that although there my be better rods out there, these are spinning rods that I’ve actually been able to use over the years.  I’m comfortable in recommending any one of these to you. However, I do have a favorite…

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1. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod (Top Pick)

The Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod is the first on my list because I’ve always had an affinity for ugly stik fishing rods.  They’ve always delivered excellent performance for anglers of all skill levels. And they don’t disappoint with this one.

The ugly stik Elite features 35% more graphite than previous models of ugly stik spinning rods. This means a much lighter weight rod and increased sensitivity with the same durability and quality that ugly stik is known for.

The ugly stik Elite spinning rods feature handles made out of premium cork for maximum feel and comfort.  The guides on the rod are made from one piece Ugly Tuff stainless steel and are designed for durability and smoothness to allow fishing line to easily glide through.  

Backed by a 7-year warranty, the Shakespeare ugly stik Elite Spinning Rod delivers professional performance at an affordable price.

2. ugly stik GX2 Spinning Rod

Next is the ugly stik GX2 spinning rod.  The GX2 is the next generation of ugly stik spinning rods that combines the hertiage and tradition of the original ugly stik spinning rod.  All while maintaining the high level of performance and reliability this brand is known for.

The ugly stik GX2 features graphite and fiberglass construction which equals a very light weight rod which also allows for increased sensitivity when compared to other spinning rods.

The ugly stik GX2 spinning rod features dual EVA handle grips that are extremely lightweight, durable and very comfortable. In addition, the handles on the GX2 perform well in wet conditions and are very easy to clean.

The guides on the rod are made from one piece “Ugly Tuff” stainless steel and are  designed for durability and smoothness to allow fishing line to easily glide through.

3. Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod

If you haven’t tried fishing with an ultra-light fishing rod, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. It can be one of the most enjoyable ways to fish. The Shakespeare Micro Series rods have a variety of actions and lengths to fit any species of fish and are the perfect rod for fishing with light weight lures and lines.

There are 6 different models of the Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod that you can choose from.  They start as short as 4.6 ft and go all the way up to 7.6 ft. and feature a range of strengths to choose from.

The Shakespeare Utlralight spinning rods all feature graphite composite construction which is perfect for delivering fun utlralight action.

These ultralight spinning rods also feature full cork handles for excellent feel, grip and comfort.  While the stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts will allow your light weight fishing line to easily pass through.

4. Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod

I’m a salmon and steelhead fisherman, so I would be shunned if I didn’t mention a spinning rod specifically designed for salmon and steelhead.

The Okuma Celilo Salmon and Steelhead spinning rods offer straight forward, dead on action and performance exactly when and where you need it.

These salmon and steelhead spinning rods feature graphite composite construction, aluminum oxide guide inserts, quality fore and rear cork grips and stainless steel hooded reel seats. 

These spinning rods are excellent at resisting corrosion when others will fail.  The designers of this spinning rod knew we would be chasing salmon in both freshwater and saltwater and created the best spinning rod for those environments.

Okuma Celilo knows they have a great product in this spinning reel, which is why they stand behind it with a 1 year warranty.

5. Berkley Lightning Rod Spinning Rod

Lightning Spinning Rod is an affordable rod that provides sensitivity that’s needed to feel what’s happening on the other end of the line while providing a great level of durability.  

This blend of dependability, sensitivity and price is what makes the lightning rod a good choice for young fishermen as well as adults who’re just looking for an inexpensive alternative to more expensive spinning reels.

The Berkley Lightning spinning rod features 24 ton multi-modulus carbon composite blank construction.  The handles are made of fully wrapped rubberized cork to help feel the action.

The guides on the rod are made from stainless steel with aluminum oxide inserts which will not only resist corrosion, but allow for multiple types of fishing line to easily pass through.

This spinning rod made by Berkley has been around for quite a while, but is still a very popular choice as a budget spinning rod for many anglers.

Why I Prefer To Use Spinning Rods

Over the years, there have been a lot of improvements and changes to the fishing gear we use. But spinning rods and reels remain to be a staple for many fishermen, myself included, and now my kids as well.  

There are several reasons I like using spinning rods.  First of all, I like to do a lot of trout fishing, and spinning rods are known for being able to cast lighter lures and light tackle farther than other types of rods and reels.  Baitcaster reels may have a leg up when it comes to lure control, but as far as casting light 1/16 oz rooster tails, a spinning combo wins every time.

Some other reasons spinning rods are my go to fishing rods is because I find that they cast better into the wind, especially with light tackle, they are easily interchangeable between right and left handed fishermen and lastly, with some practice, can cast under low hanging branches and brush.  

Advantages Of Using A Spinning Rod

The fact is that with fishing, especially when it comes to using a spinning rod or spinning reel vs baitcaster, it mostly comes down to personal preference. There’s never a right or wrong choice. What follows here is a generalized advantage of using a spinning rod and reel over other kinds of fishing gear. In the end, however, it comes down to personal preference.

• Spinning gear is ideal for drop shot fishing.
• Spinning gear can cast or “throw” lighter lures, which is ideal for trout fishing.
• Casting into the wind with a spinning rod and reel is easier than with a baitcaster and can prevent less backlashes.
• Spinning rod and reels make it easier to skip lures across the water allowing you to cast under low hanging limbs and brush.
• You can easily and quickly adjust the drag with a spinning reel on the fly, or in the middle of the fight. 

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve been introduced to the 5 best spinning rods under $50, which one do you think beats the rest? Fact is, you can’t go wrong with any of these spinning rods that I reviewed here. Any one of them will give you an excellent value for the money!

But for my money, I chose the ugly stik Elite Spinning Rod as the best spinning rod for the money.

TOP PICK

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1. Your Guide To The Best Salmon Fishing Rods (Top 5 Reviews)

2. The Best Steelhead Fishing Rods (Top 5 Reviewed)

3. Best Saltwater Rod And Reel Combo For The Money (Top 5 For 2018)

4. The Best Surf Fishing Rod And Reel Combo For The Money (Top 5 Reviewed)

5. The BEST Trout Lures Of All Time! (Top 8 Trout Fishing Lures Reviewed)