All fishing enthusiasts and professional fishers know the importance of a sturdy and reliable jigging rod. Without it, your fishing equipment will be incomplete, and using a jig for catching fish can fail.
A good quality jigging rod stabilizes the action and increases the chances of you getting a better catch.
The following article provides an in-depth review of the best jigging rods and a buying guide to help you decide.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Jigging Rods
- BEST OVERALL AND BEST SALTWATER JIGGING ROD: Fiblink Saltwater
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Okuma Cedros E-Glass
- BEST WALLEYE JIGGING ROD: KastKing Perigee II
Comparison of the Best Jigging Rods
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What is a Jigging Rod?
Jigging refers to a method, a technique in fishing that uses metal lures to attract the fish and make a catch. These metal lures are called jigs, which are jerked every now and then to create a luring movement for the fish. To create the jerky motion, jigs require a stable jigging rod, which is a lightweight component of the jigging setup.
They are usually made with graphite as a core component. Their super reliable grips make them capable of withstanding the metal jig’s weight and the rigorous vertical motion.
How Does a Jigging Rod Work?
In any fishing technique, the rod that you use plays a vital role. It is responsible for holding the weight of the luring elements, such as the metal jigs, and even provide the ease of luring for long periods of time. In the jigging technique, the metal jigs are continuously moved up and down at different depths of the water. This means that you will need a long and strong rod that can access different depths. The jigging rods that are longer in length can be held under the arm since they are very lightweight.
What to Look For When Buying a Jigging Rod
Before we move on to the reviews, let’s take a good look at some important considerations that you will need to make before you can buy a jigging rod. In this section, we have listed some important aspects to look for in a good quality product.
Weight
The weight of the rod will determine the comfort level of using it. You will be jigging for hours, pulling the jig up and down repeatedly. Therefore, you need to make sure that the rod you are buying is lightweight.
Length
The length of the rod you choose to buy will depend on your usage and need. If you are going to be jigging at the shore or shallow water, a mid-length rod will do for you. Often, you will find models that are available in multiple lengths and sizes. You should opt for a rod that has a variety of sizes available so you can choose the best one for your use.
Power
Power refers to the rod’s capacity of holding and withstanding the weight of the fish you catch. If you are jigging in deep water for bigger fish, then it’s important to look for a rod that has exceptional power and strength.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Materials: The materials the rod is made of.
Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.
Grip Type: The style of grip the rod has.
Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.
Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.
Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc.
Fishing Technique: The technique(s) the rod is intended to be used for.
Review of the Best Jigging Rods
Read the following section carefully. Here, you will find the best jigging rods available on the market. All of these are divided into categories for your ease.
Best Overall and Best Saltwater Jigging Rod:
Fiblink Saltwater
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have reported it to be a sturdy rod that holds the reel in place well. Moreover, buyer reports also tell us that the rod has exceptional power that allowed the buyers to catch lots of tuna that weighed about 20lbs. Buyers also claim it to be compact and, therefore, convenient to use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the 1-piece, no assembling needed design of this rod is really impressive. It features versatile qualities such as its variety of 2 colors that help you choose the one that matches your fishing set-up the best. Moreover, the EVA handle is another feature that is going to make your experience as a user truly comfortable.
Who Will Use This Most
We would strongly recommend this rod to people who want to catch bigger and heavier fish. Moreover, if you are going to be frequently traveling with a rod, then this one will be good since it’s lightweight and compact too.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this jigging rod by Fiblink has a versatile range of features that are all backed by a huge amount of satisfied buyers and users. Plus, it is also backed by a satisfaction guarantee that will cover all repair and damage costs. Choose the most suitable color for yourself and make the most out of this best overall jigging rod.
Product Specs
Materials:
Graphite-glass fiber composite blank, aluminum alloy reel seat
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Full
Available Lengths:
6 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Fast
Fishing Technique:
Spinning
Best for the Money:
Okuma Cedros E-Glass
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers report that the rod has a rather compact and lightweight design, making it truly comfortable for jigging in deep water at high speed. In addition to this, the reports also suggest that the rod can be a good tool for jigging fish like tuna. It was also able to handle 30 pounds weighing yellowtail and other catches of similar weight.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the durable and reliable e-glass construction to be truly outstanding. The construction material is always an essential feature to consider for determining the quality of a product, and therefore this qualifies in these terms. Plus, the rod is packed with comfort-providing and user-friendly features while also being available at a rather pocket-friendly price tag.
Who Will Use This Most
As the buyer reports tell us, this jigging rod proves to be a good choice for people who want to catch fish like tuna and those that weigh up to 30 to 50 lbs. It is also a budget-friendly product, making it a good choice for beginners or first-time buyers who have a limited budget.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Okuma jigging rod qualifies as a great product in terms of its price to performance ratio. It has exceptional features, making it suitable for shore jigging as well. Catch heavy, large-sized, and even smaller fish with this rod while having a variety of sizes to choose from at a reasonable price.
Product Specs
Materials:
E-glass blank, anodized aluminum reel seat, 316 stainless steel guide frames with Zirconium guide inserts
Handle:
EVA
Available Lengths:
5 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Extra Heavy
Fishing Technique:
Spinning
Best Walleye Jigging Rod:
KastKing Perigee II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The users show great satisfaction with the performance of this rod, primarily because they were able to get it at such a low price range too. Buyers also report satisfaction with its flexibility and find its pre-assembled 1-piece design helpful too.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Firstly, the EVA grips make this rod a complete package of comfort and convenience. This feature is really important, especially if you will be jigging for hours or are a beginner. In addition to this, its smooth transmission again makes it a professional-level product while also remaining budget-friendly.
Who Will Use This Most
This rod is highly recommended to people who have a tight budget but want to invest in a durable, highly functional product. It’s the best one on the market for walleye jigging. Its EVA grips make it a great choice for those who are still finding their way through the jig fishing technique.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, we would highly recommend this rod to beginners and learners because it is an affordable product and has all the essential and extra features. From a great quality grip to a flexible and smooth transmission system, this rod is highly impressive.
Product Specs
Materials:
Graphite, Carbon Fiber
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
6 ft 7 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Light
Available Action(s):
Fast
Fishing Technique:
Casting
Best Shimano Jigging Rod:
Shimano Trevala Casting
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This Shimano rod is backed by buyers and user feedback that tells us that it is a great tool for fishing in deep, rock-bottom water. The jigging rod is also suggested to be really lightweight yet powerful. It can withstand catches that weigh up to 50 to 100lbs., while buyers report it to be really lightweight and not tiring for their shoulders at all.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One distinctive feature of this product is the aluminum oxide anodized guides. These guides are constructed in a way that they will last for a long time, ensuring value for your money. Moreover, the heat-resistant quality further makes it a great product for those who want to jig fish frequently and rigorously.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a top-notch product on the market with exceptionally impressive features, such as the heat-resistant build. Therefore, we would recommend this to professional users who want to jig fish for hours but do not want to hurt their arm or shoulders. It’s really lightweight and compact but has good power; therefore, it’s a good choice for those who want to catch big fish as well.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Shimano jig rod is a great start for learning jig fishing. However, the extraordinary features that give tough competition to other products on the market make it more suitable for professionals than for beginners.
Product Specs
Materials:
TC4, Fuji aluminum oxide guides
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
5 ft 8 in
Available Power(s):
Extra Extra Heavy
Available Action(s):
Moderate Fast
Fishing Technique:
Casting
Best Slow Pitch Jigging Rod:
Tsunami TSSPJC-661MH
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of buyers of this product report that the rod performs really well for slow jigging purposes. The reports also suggest that people use it for fishing tautog while also maintaining comfort after jigging for whole days.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most distinctive feature of this rod is its intelligent design and the lightweight yet sturdy construction. It features high-density construction that ensures huge power and capacity to hold larger-sized fish. Plus, the rod also has EVA grips that make it safe and comfortable for use for long durations.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are using a jigging rod for the first time, then this might not be the best option for you since it does not come with any suitable customer support. However, if you have good experience with jigging and want a sturdy yet affordable rod, then this surely qualifies as a great option.
Bottom Line
Overall, this makes up a great choice for professional purposes. It has a remarkable power that can be used to catch big fish. Plus, it is also affordable and not awfully expensive. Summing it up, the EVA grips and lightweight design all make it an incredible product.
Product Specs
Materials:
Graphite, fuji graphite reel seat
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Split
Available Lengths:
6 ft 6 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Moderate Slow
Fishing Technique:
Casting
Best Ice Fishing Jigging Rod:
St. Croix Avid Jigging Series
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of this minimalistic yet highly functional rod report it to have a sturdy and durable construction that is meant to last for a long time. Buyer reports also tell us that people who used this for ice fishing were satisfied with the results. Plus, the sensitivity of the stick is also reported to be high by the buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most outstanding and prominent feature of this rod that made us add it to our list was its low-profile guides. These guides are almost non-existent from afar. However, their low profile quality does not make them perform any less. Other than that, the thicker and sturdier grip of the stick is also phenomenal.
Who Will Use This Most
This is the best jigging rod for people who are planning to go ice fishing. It is also a good choice for learners and beginners due to its simple design and affordable price tag. In addition to this, the rod is available in a variety of sizes, so it can be availed by professionals as well who want versatility in their equipment gear.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the simple yet efficient rod is a great choice for ice fishing. It is available in a variety of sizes and also features essentials such as smooth transmission and a rubberized grip for added stability. It’s also lightweight, meaning jigging for hours will not cause discomfort.
Product Specs
Materials:
Carbon, graphite
Handle:
EVA
Grip Type:
Full
Available Lengths:
27 in, 30 in, 36 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Heavy, Medium Light, Medium
Fishing Technique:
Casting
7. Penn Carnage II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of buyers of this jigging rod have suggested that it is truly functional and useful for catching large and heavy sized fish. In fact, some buyers report the rod to have a withstanding power of up to 300lbs. Other reports tell us that people who used it for high-speed jigging also found it suitable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The build quality of this jigging rod is truly impressive. It is meant for bulky catches while weighing only 8.8 ounces. You can use this for fast jigging but won’t get tired because of its non-slip grip that offers comfort, along with the lightweight yet powerful and sturdy design that meets all of your professional jigging needs.
Who Will Use This Most
We think that this rod will be a good choice for people who want a minimalistic rod that can withstand long hours of high-speed jigging. It’s great for larger fish catches. It is also good for deepwater fishing since it has a variety of sizes for you to choose from.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the 8.8-ounce jigging rod is going to be of great quality, adding good value to your investment. It’s a good start for beginners with its non-slip grip that is going to add convenience to your experience. It’s also a good professional level rod with its high power and strength.
Product Specs
Materials:
Aluminum, Fuji guides
Handle:
Rubber shrink tube
Available Lengths:
6 ft 4 in
Available Power(s):
Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Moderate
Fishing Technique:
Spinning
What Do I Need To Know Before Buying?
Before buying, there is always some technical information that you should be aware of. Make sure to inquire the seller or the manufacturer of the product about the following features:
Brand Reputation
You can always check a brand’s standing on a market or its reputation by going over genuine customer feedback and reviews. If a brand is reliable, then you can have peace of mind when investing in the rod.
Where Will You Be Fishing
The type of rod you choose to buy should match your purpose and need. Your expectations of the product will guide you towards buying the most suitable tool. Therefore, ask yourself a question about what kind of water body you will be fishing in most frequently, and match the features of the rod with your purpose.
Durability
Another use you can make from customer reviews is to assess the durability of the rod. Learning from other people’s experience can help you understand how long the rod will last. Moreover, the construction material can also be a good indicator of durability.
Warranty Information
Inquire the seller of the product about the warranty that comes with your chosen product. Make sure you make yourself aware of all the technical information so you can make good use of the warranty.
Conclusion
Overall, the best jigging rods available will vary from one another in terms of unique features and functions. The final choice will depend on the purpose you need the rod for, and the level of expertise you have. The benefit of investing in a good quality jigging rod is that it lets you conveniently jig without any physical exhaustion due to its lightweight construction.
People Also Ask
The following section has reviewed and answered some common questions people have regarding jigging rods. Take a look, so you don’t have any confusion left behind.
What is Light Jigging?
Light jigging is a sub-category or variant of the regular kind of jigging. It originates from Japan and mainly involves slower, lighter vertical movements and action, with a lighter weighted metal jig compared to the regular size one.
Can You Jig Fish From Shore?
As a matter of fact, shore jigging is a hugely popular variant of jigging practiced by many professionals. Shore jigging involves the use of large-sized lures and jigs, enabling fishers to catch big fish. This type of jigging is particularly practiced on the Mediterranean coast.
When Should You Throw a Jig?
Throwing jigs at a shallower side can do better than throwing them at greater depth at the very first movement. If you are jigging from the shore, throwing the jig at shallow depth can be really useful too. It’s also important to remember to keep the jig in one spot, pause for a few seconds and then twitch it every now and then.
What Size Jigging Rap For Walleye
Jigging rap sizes vary from one situation to another. A Rapala rap is best known for its use during the winter season. Jigging raps help a jig swim aggressively in the water when the flow is extensive. For walleye, when they are frequently found in spring or summer, a number 7 or number 9 rap should work well, even in deep water.
