How to choose a spinning rod for pike: TOP rating of the best budget fishing rods

The most common method of catching pike in bodies of water, both with current and in still water, is spinning. They use a wide variety of baits for this, which differ not only in appearance. Depending on the season, baits of different weights are used, for casting which it is not possible to use the same form, so beginners often have problems in this regard. The choice of spinning rod for pike is carried out only after consultation with a specialist, otherwise you may buy a not entirely successful option.

Subtleties of choosing a spinning rod

Choosing a spinning rod for pike is not as easy as it seems at first glance; fishing stores now offer a very large selection and variety of models. They will differ in several characteristics, but the main ones worth highlighting are the seasonality of fishing and the bait used.

The following table will help you choose the right spinning rod for catching predators:

season	fishing from the shore	fishing from a boat
spring	light and ultralight forms with a length of no more than 2.4 m	form with a small light type test and up to 2 m long
summer	Use rods with test indicators up to 20 g and a length of 2.4 m	test from 5-7 g, the length will change little, maximum 2.1 m
autumn	casting indicators increase to 10-40 g or 15-50 g, length 2.7 m or more	length up to 2.2 m, but the maximum casting weight rises to at least 25 g
winter	length up to 2.4 m, but casting indicators can reach a maximum of 80 g	−

It is worth understanding that choosing a spinning rod for pike in winter is possible if there are ice-free reservoirs. For ice fishing, much shorter and softer fishing rods are used.

Choosing a spinning rod for pike

I’ll try not to bother my head too much with pounds, libras, tests and their intersections for each method of catching pike with lures. Let's go the other way, from the opposite - based on the characteristics of the reservoir, the conditions, and the type of bait preferred by the fisherman.

Simple spinning rod for spinners and jigs for pike

For a beginner, a Chinese telescope for 500 rubles is suitable, and a Kaido coil for the same money. This is enough for you to cast a cast after a few fishing trips, catch a couple of lines and want a more convenient tackle. With a certain skill, an experienced angler will catch a large pike using such gear. If you hold the rod at an angle of 90 degrees to the descending line and do not wind it behind you, you will actively work with the friction, which on a cheap reel will only be enough for a few such fights.

You can also use crocodiles, known to milkers, as well as similar heavy but indestructible fiberglass spinning rods. At the same time, your hands will be pumped up if you work with them all day. However, such gear will allow you to fish normally only with large spoons and jigs, when the voles are not weak pecks, but real grips during the feeding season.

Now you can easily choose more elegant carbon gear for little money. To do this, you just need to choose the right caliber and test, the rest is up to personal preference. The usual folk spinning rod for pike is a two-part joint, 2.1-2.7 meters, with a dough of 10-30 grams - for ordinary spinner spoons weighing 15-25 grams.

It will most likely be a Chinese type of Doyu or Jin Tai - quite reliable tackle, with normal rings and an anti-overwhelm tulip. And if your hand is comfortable and the tackle works, this will be the best spinning rod for pike for this particular angler. Or a counterfeit of a well-known brand. I have already stepped on such a rake, when a spinning rod for 1000 rubles shatters into several parts on a 1.5 kilogram pike. However, for this money you can also buy a good spinning rod for catching pike - they really exist, more on that below, in the block on universal spinning rods.

An ordinary amateur fisherman is looking for the best option, so to speak, the least expensive of normal spinning rods. And this is now quite possible. You just need to search the Internet, read, and dig a little into the information. We simply select a spinning rod for pike by caliber, depending on the weight of the bait and fishing conditions.

Classification of spinning rods by test, weight range of baits and thickness of fishing line used:

Ultra-light (UL, ultralight), for baits up to 5 grams
Light (L, light), 5-10 grams
Medium-light (ML, medium light), 7-25 g.
Medium (M, medium), 10-30 grams
Medium-heavy (MH, medium hard), 20-50 grams
Heavy (H, hard) – tens of grams, sometimes up to 200-300, for jerk fishing and huge silicone.

Most pike anglers use a range from light to heavy, depending on conditions. More often we are looking for a rod not for fishing specifically, but simply for spinning in certain bodies of water - for pike, perch, pike perch, whoever comes across it.

Light - spinners, spinners up to 15 grams, jigs, small and medium wobblers on a regular pattern and Stop and Go. This is more of an option for urban areas, where large pike are extremely rare. The main trophy is perch and grass pike, up to 1.5 kg. The tackle will do the job quite well, and that one trophy pike that is caught only once can be obtained with some experience.
The average medium is 10-30 grams - the standard for pike - a little further from the center to the north, south and east, where pike under three rubles or more are common. Here, large spoons rule more, again jigs and shad wobblers.
Heavy and long rods, 2.7-3 meters - on large rivers with currents, like the Don, Volga, Ob. The main emphasis here is a jig of 30 grams or more, so that you can feel the step in the depth and current. But there’s nothing stopping you from hanging a twenty-gram atom, a spoon, another spinner, or a rattlin and checking it.

Jig and Heavy jig

Most amateurs catch pike with light and medium spinning rods, up to 30 grams, with spinners and jigs up to 20 grams. This is on a parking lot or small rivers and ponds. More often from the shore, if you have a boat - even better.

On large rivers a boat is needed - otherwise large pike can only be reached in some rare places. If an angler is more inclined to jig and does not use other baits, and is not looking for a universal one, it is better to choose a spinning rod for pike purely for jigging. Jig has its own problems with testing and rod construction. On the one hand, the rod must have good throwing qualities, and on the other, sensitivity.

In addition to silicone, this type of gear is convenient for fishing with dead fish rigs and heavy Devonian propellers. Some spinning rods specifically for jigging are equipped with a thin glued Solid fiberglass tip. The usual one is Tubular, carbon, like the entire blank, less sensitive. However, the solid will not go at all under large wobblers for pike or large spinners, as it will fall through.

More information about jigging for pike: link coming soon

Wobblers

The wobblers that came from over the hill for pike have not yet been recognized by all our fishermen - due to incorrect attempts to use them. Pike can be caught on a large crank or a thick shad on a regular bait. However, the main advantage of wobblers for pike is their large twitching minnows. Toothy takes them when she is not feeding - out of aggression. When jerking, the right large wobbler creates powerful vibrations, and when it fades, it swings on its sides, this is the so-called rolling. However, large pike wobblers are very persistent - these are the famous rudra, balisong, kanata and the like, as well as their Chinese copies.

Such a wobbler cannot be pulled correctly with a conventional spinning rod - you need a spring tackle, a fast or extra-fast stake, Fast, Extra-Fast, in which only the upper quarter of the blank bends. Preferably short - for ease of wiring. Fast spinning rods for wobblers for pike must have a sufficiently powerful restraining resource to withstand the jerks of the fish when fishing. But it’s not all so sad - if you want to try out 130 wobblers, you don’t have to buy a separate spinning rod for them. You just need to use less persistent baits on soft twitching.

If you get confused, you can find a truly universal spinning rod for catching pike, which can be used to fish not only with jigs and spinners, but also with wobblers correctly - twitching. Even more powerful sticks are for jerking, which is essentially the same as twitch. Only the baits are heavier and the jerks are strong.

Modern station wagon

Now a spinning rod for pike, which can be used to catch anything, including 130 wobblers, can be found on sale. This will be a 2.1-2.4 meter fast action rod, one-handed, yet light and elastic, with a weight of up to 35 grams. Half action is moderate, when half of the whip bends, too lame for wobblers. The higher the spread between the minimum and maximum test, for example, 5-25 grams, or 7-35, the more universal the spinning rod is considered.

However, in practice, the blank test does not always pay off - either the jig is not felt, or the wobblers fail. The correct structure is very important here. A specific model of a universal spinning rod can only be suggested by the process of studying the experience of other fishermen - on YouTube, for example. Almost any rod can handle spinners.

Spinning for pike for beginners - from the beginning of the article, for spinners and jig basics. It’s better to go into wobblers already having some practical experience behind you, and even more so when choosing the right station wagon. It's easier to classify it like this:

Spinning rod for pike and pike perch – powerful, 2.4-3 meters, casting up to 20-50, moderate or fast, with a jig bias, for large bodies of water.
Spinning for perch and pike - medium medium, fast, for spinners, jigs up to 20 grams (usually 10-16) and wobblers, small rivers and ponds.

A large pike can be caught on a spinning rod in ultralight, but at the same time the angler’s tackle and experience will be put to the test. For targeted fishing for trophy pike, it is better to use obviously more powerful tackle.

Form material

The strength and lightness of the selected form depends on the material. In stores, fishermen will be offered several options for spinning forms:

fiberglass belongs to the lower class blanks, a cheap spinning rod will have a decent weight, will not be able to cast light baits and will not clearly repel bites. However, it will be almost impossible to “kill” him; he is very strong and, when caught, can easily withstand even a large predator.
A spinning rod for pike fishing made from a composite is lighter than fiberglass, but still, when working with a blank all day long, you will feel tired in the evening. It works out bites better, allows you to use the bait more successfully, and its strength is average.
The best blank for pike today is carbon. It is this material that is almost not felt in the hand, and with a correctly selected reel, even after a day of active spinning, fatigue will be minimal. They produce such forms in both plugs and telescopes; the first option is better suited.

Carbon spinning rods can also differ from each other, it’s all about the quality of the carbon. Usually this indicator is written on the form itself; the higher the number, the better.

Universal

Maximus Winner MSW24M

pros

Good design
Relative lightness
Comfortable handle
Reliable material

Minuses

Short casting range from shore or boat

From 1,800 ₽

A universal budget spinning rod for catching any fish, be it pike perch, trout or pike. It has a plug design of 2 segments. The blank is made of carbon and carbon fiber. Thanks to such materials, the design is durable and quite lightweight. Weight does not exceed 192 g. The set includes 7 reliable rings. The handle is made of neoprene, which prevents the rod from slipping.

MIKADO TSUBAME MH SPIN 210 (WAA207-210)

pros

Relatively low cost
High quality
Nice appearance
Lightweight design
Reliability

Minuses

Not very durable handle

From 1,900 ₽

The model will appeal to both beginners and experienced fishermen. The design is lightweight, reliable and compact. When folded, the length is 1.11 m. The weight does not exceed 140 g. The mid-class ultralight spinning rod has a fast action and is excellent for long casts. The handle is made of cork. It feels very secure in your hands, but is not very durable. Very susceptible to external factors.

Salmo AGGRESSOR JERK 70 (5724-180)

pros

The model is not heavy
Compact dimensions
Reliable build
Combination handle

Minuses

Not the most comfortable reel seat

From 1,900 ₽

The heavy class model is 1.8 m long. When folded, the size is 0.95 m. It consists of two sections. The blank is made of carbon and carbon fiber. The weight of the device was only 135 g. The kit includes convenient rings. The handle is made of cork with neoprene. Holds easily and securely. Screw type reel seat with trigger.

Length and action

For a predator, or rather for placing various baits to catch it, choose forms from the fast (fast) or extrafast (very fast) series. These terms will mean nothing to a beginner, but an experienced angler knows something about it. These names indicate the structure of the spinning rod, that is, an indicator of how much the tip will bend when biting.

With extrafast, the blank whip will bend by ¼, and with fast, by 2/4. This means that a bite can be noticed almost immediately.

It’s important not to miscalculate the length; this parameter is chosen based on the size of the reservoir and the fishing location:

fishing from the coastline will require the use of longer rods, and if the reservoir is large, then it is better not to use a form less than 2.7 m at all;
Fishing from a boat takes place with shorter spinning rods, because on it you can get as close as possible to the chosen place, so a length of up to 2 m will be quite enough even for a large reservoir.

It is worth understanding that there is no universal length, even with a size of 2.4 m, which is considered the golden mean, it will not be possible to fish equally successfully both from a boat and from the shore.

The best budget spinning rods: ranking with top inexpensive models

A significant part of modern spinning rods are aimed at jig fishing, which is very popular today, which requires increased sensitivity of the gear. In addition to good sensors, the rod should have an ergonomic handle and be light enough, which will allow you to make a large number of casts without getting tired at all.

This fishing method has 3 main directions:

Microjig - involves the use of miniature baits with a total weight of no more than 3 g. This method is excellent for fishing for small fish. With its help, it is often possible to provoke not only predatory representatives of the ichthyofauna, but also various white fish to bite. The upper test range is usually limited to 3 g.
Classic jig is one of the most common, as it can be used on most reservoirs. For this method, “sticks” of fast or ultra-fast action with a dough from 10 to 50 g are ideal. The method is more often practiced on lakes, reservoirs or rivers with moderate currents.
Heavy - used on deep rivers with strong currents. Using heavy jig heads allows the bait to quickly reach the bottom and follow a given trajectory. This method is ideal for quickly studying the bottom topography of a reservoir. The main fishing targets are catfish, pike perch and large pike. The test range of the rods used ranges from 50 to 100 g.

All jig “sticks” are distinguished by a fast action, which makes it possible to have good control of the bait during retrieving and allows you to feel the most uncertain bites. For fishing from a boat, models whose length does not exceed 2.4 m are optimal. This length is much easier to handle in cramped conditions.

During coastal fishing, the effectiveness of fishing largely depends on the casting distance, which requires the use of fairly long rods - 2.7–3 m. Twitching fishing is also very popular among many spinning anglers. It is a jerky presentation of the bait, which also requires a very hard and sensitive “stick”. Fishing, as a rule, is done with minnow-class wobblers.

Aiko Ranger

The Aiko Ranger series of spinning rods has gained immense popularity among wobbler fishing enthusiasts. This line is designed for fishing using the twitching method and is characterized by:

super-fast formation;
small length (up to 2.4 m);
spread handle;
anti-flooding rings.

A rigid blank makes it possible to perform any type of animation and allows you to clearly control the movements of the bait during jerking. The short length makes the models in this series very convenient for fishing from a boat. The spaced handle, made of EVA material, helps reduce the weight of the “stick”.

The original design of the rings eliminates cord tangles. The material used in production is distinguished by a minimal amount of binding resins, which makes Aiko Ranger very light.

Ryobi Zauber

The Zauber line from Ryobi includes lightweight models that are great for both twitching and classic jigging. Their test weight is 3–15 g, and their length ranges from 1.8 to 2.7 m. Such characteristics allow you to fish with these “sticks” not only from a boat, but also from the shore. Their features also include:

ergonomic handle;
KR-SiC guide rings;
increased strength.

The comfortable handle allows you to fish all day long without your hand getting tired at all. In combination with KR-SiC rings, you can use the thinnest braided cords without fear of cuts appearing on the inserts. The plug connection of the knees is reinforced with a layer of varnish - this provides the rod with high strength.

Zetrix Ardent

The Zetrix brand has launched a series of Ardent rods on the fishing market, in the development of which leading Russian spinning players took part. The result was products that best suit the fishing conditions in our country. This line embodies:

Newest technologies;
modern design;
optimal price-quality ratios.

Most models in the Ardent series are focused on twitch fishing, but there are several options that can be successfully used for jig fishing. For example, a rod “with 762”, which has a test weight of up to 60 g. Its ultra-fast action and sending blank provide good sensory performance and a high casting range.

Black Hole GF

The Black Hole company rightfully occupies a leading position in the Russian fishing market. The products produced by this brand have always been distinguished by reasonable prices and high quality workmanship. The GF line is no exception. Its main advantages include:

versatility;
excellent quality of fittings;
use of the latest materials.

The GF series has proven itself well not only when fishing with a classic jig, but in combination with wobblers and spinners. The internal inserts of the passage rings are made of silicon carbide, which has increased wear resistance. The blank is made of the most modern graphite of the HMC brand, which gives the spinning rod high strength characteristics and makes its weight minimal.

Maximus Winner

The Winner series, presented by Maximus, belongs to budget fishing rods, but has very good performance characteristics. It presents models with different test ranges, action and lengths, which makes it possible to fish with the following types of baits:

jig;
wobblers;
oscillating spoons;
topwaters.

The fast action ensures casting accuracy and good sensitivity of the tackle. The handle is made of modern EVA material, is easy to clean and has excellent thermal insulation properties. In addition, unlike cork, it is not subject to rotting.

Metsui Specter

Specter rods from the Metsui brand have recently appeared on the Russian market, but have already won the recognition of many anglers. The manufacturer managed to create a spinning rod that has good technical characteristics, has high-quality fittings, but is relatively inexpensive. The advantages of this line also include:

powerful butt part, which allows you to make power casts and confidently fight with a trophy predator;
excellent balance, which prevents your hand from getting tired during many hours of fishing;
lightweight Fuji rings that place minimal load on the blank.

The original foregrip design on the Specter line of spinning rods provides a comfortable grip while casting.

SV-Fishing Vaikal

Speaking about affordable spinning rods, one cannot fail to mention the Vaikal series of rods from the company SV-Fishing, which are characterized by a medium-fast action and are optimally suited for fishing on the following types of baits:

rotating spoons;
"oscillators";
crank wobblers;
Devons.

The medium-hard blank has excellent throwing characteristics and allows you to throw miniature spinners and wobblers far. A rod of this type absorbs fish jerks well and minimizes the number of slips. The line includes rods of various lengths, which makes it possible to choose an option for both shore fishing and fishing from a boat. The cork handle gives the tackle a special aesthetics.

Aiko Lanzar ll

Aiko Lanzar ll is a series of universal medium-action spinning rods designed for fishing with baits that do not require additional animation during the leash. These “sticks” are often used in combination with crank wobblers and spinners. The rod's equipment includes:

high-quality fittings from Fuji;
spaced handle made of EVA material;
ergonomic reel seat.

Im6 graphite is used for production, which has proven itself well during fishing at subzero air temperatures.

Favorite Varita

Varita fishing rods, represented by the Favorite brand, are short in length and are aimed at fishing from a boat. They are more often used for catching pike and pike perch using classic jig baits. Features of the series include:

increased wall thickness in the butt part of the rod, which allows for forced landing of large fish;
multilayer composite material used, providing high strength characteristics;
skeletal design of the reel seat, which makes it possible to place your hand directly on the form, which significantly increases the tactile perception of the bite.

Varita have been tested many times under extreme conditions and have proven their excellent functionality and reliability, characteristic of American-made fishing rods.

Kosadaka Jet

Kosadaka Jet rods are the best option for fishermen who are just starting to master spin fishing. Their moderately fast stance ensures good contact with the bait, but at the same time allows for some mistakes when hooking and retrieving.

The wide test range makes them quite versatile. The ergonomic handle made of natural cork prevents the angler’s hand from coming into contact with metal parts, which is especially important when fishing in cold weather.

Test indicators

This characteristic directly depends on the baits used in the first place, and the season will make its own adjustments:

in the spring they catch mainly with small baits, so the spinning rod test for pike can reach a maximum of 15 g;
summer will require heavier baits, which means the form must be selected with higher test indicators, during this period the maximum should be at least 20 g;
In the fall, pike baits need to be heavy, spinning blanks should cast spinners perfectly and weigh 40 g, which is why they choose from options with test indicators up to 40-50 g.

If you are fishing an unfrozen reservoir in winter with bottom baits of decent weight, then choose a rod with the appropriate indicators, up to 80 g is enough.

Handle and reel seat

For convenience, the handle for the spinning blank is made of two materials:

natural crust is used in classic models, it is practical, but it will add weight to the rod;
modern EVA will be lighter, but wet hands can sometimes slip on it.

Here it is impossible to definitely advise something specific; each angler chooses the most suitable option for himself.

The serviceability of the reel seat is checked immediately upon purchase; preference is best given to models with a metal version, but most budget ones have fairly strong plastic. The fixing nut can be located either at the top or at the bottom; this will not have any particular effect on the operation of the form.

Now we know how to choose a spinning rod for pike; all the important characteristics are described. But that’s not all, the concept of the best spinning rod also depends on the fishing method.

Selection by type of fishing

Depending on what type of fishing is planned, the form itself is selected. Each type will require its own characteristics that will allow the form to work best.

Spoons, wobblers, jerks

Which spinning rod is best for such baits? Conventionally, these baits are divided into heavy and light, depending on this, the form is chosen:

for light baits, a rod of 1.8 -2.4 m is suitable, depending on where the fishing will be carried out, but the test indicators should be up to 15 g;
Heavier spinners and wobblers will require a test from the selected form of 10 g, but the maximum can be 60 g.

Otherwise, the characteristics of the rod are selected according to the individual preferences of the fisherman.

Jig

Trophy pike are often caught using a jig; this type of equipment works mainly at significant depths and often in strong currents. This was the reason for choosing forms with a significant test:

14-56 g is suitable for light jigging;
28-84 g is used for use on large bodies of water with current.

Victoria Leshchenko

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Often, casting indicators are written on jig forms not in grams, but in ounces. One union is equal to 28 g.

Trolling

Trolling sticks must withstand significant loads, so indicators on rods often reach up to 200 g. The minimum for this type of fishing should be no lower than 30 g; with such indicators, even with a small wobbler, the bite will be clearly visible.

The rod length chosen is small, 1.65-2 m will be quite enough.

Otherwise, each angler selects a form for spinning independently. The main thing is that the rod “fits” in the hand, the spinning angler must feel it as an extension of the hand, then all the subtleties of this type of fishing will be comprehended faster and easier.