One of the biggest differences between freshwater and saltwater rods is that saltwater rods are built to stand up the longer battles you tend to have with ocean fish. When catching a large bass you get to spend a minute, two, maybe three, playing it and getting it to the boat. Even a large northern will give up in less than 10 minutes. But hook a Cobia, or Tuna and you could be in for a battle where the rod stays at, or near, full flex for 10 minutes or more.
Saltwater gear also tends to have heavier line guides, corrosion resistant reel seats and possibly a butt plate with a gimble for use with a fighting belt. Over the last few years I've had the opportunity to use a lot of different gear and I've been able to put together a list of the top 5 saltwater spinning rods.
Why it's best: The best saltwater spinning rod that you may have never heard of is the Penn Fishing Tackle Power Stick. My go to saltwater spinning rod is now the 7' medium action spinning rod in the 15 pound to 30 pound range (mfg. #0009-0317). This rod has the length you need for long distance casting but the durability needed for fighting a 25 pound Cobia to the boat. Penn has added a solid tip to their Power Stick rods to increase the rod's durability when fighting strong saltwater fish. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Coming in a close second is the Shakespeare Tiger Lite Ugly Stik. I have always been a huge fan of Ugly Stiks and the Tiger Lite is no exception. There are times when it is simply more fun to go with a light rod. You get a better feel for the lure and the fish and the entire fishing process switches from a grind to finesse. The Tiger Lite is the perfect rod for going after those easily spooked shallow water fish. You can't throw a heavy lure and line at a Bonefish and expect much success, but use a light right with light line and lures and now you are really fishing.
I would stick with the 6' 9" 10 to 25 pound rod and keep your lures under 2 ounces for the best results. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Staying with the shallow water theme, the number three rod is the Star Stellar SG90IS Medium Action rod. The Star rod is a great surf rod. I like the 9' light action rod in the 10 to 25 pound range. (Mfg #99W 1272-0238). I've used this rod fishing off of Marco Island while standing in hip deep water. The long length gives you the leverage you need to make a solid cast even when being pounded by the surf and the medium action helps land those slightly larger fish. If you are going to be surf fishing, this is the rod that you want. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Coming in at number four on the list is the Cobalt Fire from Berkley. At first I was worried that a lure manufacturer getting in to rod making was going to be a problem. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this rod reacted to strikes and hook sets. Berkley claims that their CF-81 material increases the power in a lightweight rod, and I have to agree. The hook sets are very solid and the lightness of tip lets you feel every bump. This rod is available in several lengths, from 6' 6" to 8'. This is the one rod that I liked every size I tried. However, if I had to choose just one Cobalt Fire I would go with the 7' 6" Medium Heavy rod design for 14 to 30 pound line and up to 1 1/2oz lures. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Rounding out the top five saltwater spinning rods is the G. Loomis Green Series. This rod is simply outstanding and the only reason it doesn't place higher in the list is the price. I've been known to Bill Dance more than one rod and doing something stupid to a $250 rod breaks my heart. This rod is a great top water rod. The 7' 4" length extends your casting range and the heavy action will let you pull in everything from redfish, bonefish and snook up to small tarpon. The heavy action of this rod will help you set the hook hard and land fish that lighter gear will lose. If you have the budget for a more expensive rod this is the rod to get. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
