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The Ultimate Spinning Rods for Inshore Fishing Success

Inshore fishing offers arguably the best “bang for your buck” for anglers. When fishing the coastal waters, you have a shot at bagging a trophy fish while still making it back to the dock before lunch.

people fishing inshore on a boat

With the possibility of landing big fish on the table, most anglers place some pretty hefty demands on their inshore rods.

These rods need to be lightweight and agile but with enough backbone to tame a big fish when you have one on the line. 

These days, there’s no shortage of excellent inshore spinning rods on the market. So as an angler, you must know what you’re looking at to select a rod that offers the right features and construction to meet your needs and preferences.

redfish swimming through inshore grass flats

To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best inshore spinning rods from top manufacturers like G. Loomis, Penn, St. Croix, and many more.

Top 10 Inshore Spinning Rods

  1. G. Loomis E6X Inshore Fishing Rod
  2. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
  3. St Croix Avid Inshore
  4. St Croix Mojo Inshore
  5. Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod
  6. KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod
  7. Okuma Nomad Xpress Inshore Rod
  8. Penn Squadron II & III Inshore Spinning Rod
  9. Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Fishing Rod
  10. Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod

G. Loomis E6X Inshore Fishing Rod

G. Loomis is renowned for making some of the best fishing rods on the market. Loomis rods are also among the priciest, which makes the E6X rods so unique.

G. Loomis E6X Inshore Fishing Rod

These rods allow the average angler to tap into the excellent features and bulletproof reliability that G. Loomis is known for without completely breaking the bank. 

The E6X utilizes a high-modulus graphite blank that employs Multi-Taper technology, eliminating unnecessary material in some areas while adding reinforcement in critical stress points.

This technology makes for unbelievably light and more sensitive rods than virtually anything you’ll find on the market.

The E6X is built by and in Wisconsin. It is available in sizes from 6’6” to 7’6”. G Loomis also offers several actions and powers, so there’s a rod for every angler regardless of where you fish.

So if you are looking for a rod that will become a staple on your fishing trips for years to come, E6X imposes itself as a superb choice. The E6X is proof that G Loomis knows their way around much more than just fly fishing rods!

Critical Specs

Construction: High-modulus multi-taper graphite

Size: 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”

Action: Moderate-fast, fast, extra-fast

Power: Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy


Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

Penn is one of the most legendary fishing equipment manufacturers, and their new Battalion inshore spinning rods offer the perfect blend of features and value.

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

The Battalion II series is around half the price of most top-end inshore rods, but it’s packed with industry-leading features. 

These blanks utilize Penn’s patented SLC2 construction, which uses spiral wraps of carbon for the interior of the blank with longitudinal carbon overlaid on the outside of the rod.

The result is a lightweight rod that offers excellent balance and sensitivity while also being as strong as an ox. 

The Battalion II rods are outfitted with a deluxe Fuji reel seat and Fuji Alconite guides, ideal for use with braided lines.

Penn offers these rods in several different configurations ranging from 7’ to 8’, so there’s a rod that’s ideal for the inshore fish you’ll be targeting.

Critical Specs

Construction: SLC2 carbon graphite

Size: 7, 7’6”, 8’

Action: Moderate-fast, fast, extra-fast

Power: Light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, extra-heavy


St Croix Avid Inshore

St. Croix is one of the best-known names in the fishing world, and its Avid inshore rods are one of their top-of-the-line offerings geared toward competitive anglers. 

St Croix Avid Inshore

These rods utilize SCIII high-modulus carbon and St. Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve tooling technology to produce a solid and durable rod while maintaining incredible sensitivity.

The blank is outfitted with Kigan Master Hand Zero Tangle guides, a Fuji DPS reel seat, a Kigan hook keeper, and a premium cork handle. 

The Avid rods are backed by St. Croix’s legendary 15-year transferable warranty, so you can rest assured that your rod will stand up to anything you throw at it.

Critical Specs

Construction: SCIII carbon graphite

Size: 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”, 8’

Action: Moderate, fast, extra fast

Power: Light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy


St Croix Mojo Inshore

The Mojo series of rods from St. Croix is arguably the most popular rod among serious anglers.

St Croix Mojo Inshore

This rod offers premium features and St. Croix’s legendary reputation at a price that’s squarely in the middle of the pack for the best inshore spinning rods. 

The Mojo Inshore offers the same SCIII high-modulus construction and IPC tooling that you’ll find on St. Croix’s pricier rods.

The blank is outfitted with Sea Guide Hero guides, a Fuji DPS deluxe reel seat, and a Kigan hook keeper. 

The only true difference between the Mojo Inshore and St. Croix’s pricier rods is that the warranty is only 5-years instead of 15, and it’s made in St. Croix’s Mexico production facility instead of their facility in Park Falls, Wisconsin.

Critical Specs

Construction: SCIII carbon graphite

Size: 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”, 7’9”, 7’11”

Action: Moderate, moderate-fast, fast

Power: Light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, extra-heavy


Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod

For anglers who demand the best but don’t have a ton of money to spend on a new rod, the CR5 from Cadence could be the answer to all your prayers.

Cadence CR5 Spinning Rod

These rods offer top-of-the-line features, and because of their direct-to-consumer model, they’re able to offer their rods much cheaper than comparable models from bigger brands.

These rods start with a 30-ton carbon blank outfitted with stainless steel guides with SIC inserts for superior casting distances whether you use mono or braid.

An ergonomic Fuji reel seat offers a comfortable grip, and they’re available with either split or full grips. 

The CR5 comes in tons of different configurations, so whether you’re looking to use the lightest tackle possible or something beefier for large inshore species, there’s a CR5 rod that will make an excellent fit for the way you like to fish.

Critical Specs

Construction: 30-ton graphite

Size: 4’8”, 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’

Action: Moderate, moderate-fast, fast

Power: Ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, 


KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod

The Crixus from KastKing is another excellent option for anglers hunting for the best inshore spinning rod on a budget.

KastKing Crixus Fishing Rod

These rods deliver impressive features at a bargain price, and their two-piece construction makes them an excellent choice for traveling anglers who need the most compact rod possible. 

KastKing makes the Crixus from top-quality IM6 graphite blanks with stainless steel guides and zirconium oxide guides for casting ease.

The Crixus has a unique golf-style SuperPolymer grip which provides exceptional grip while being much easier to clean than cork or EVA. 

There are twelve different spinning models available in various sizes, powers, and actions. Each rod is two pieces but utilizes KastKing’s PTS technology to deliver the solid feel you’d expect from a one-piece rod. 

Critical Specs

Construction: IM6 graphite

Size: 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’, 7’6”

Action: Moderate-fast, fast

Power: Light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy


Okuma Nomad Xpress Inshore Rod

Advances in technology have allowed brands like Okuma to craft incredible travel rods that offer the performance of a one-piece rod.

Okuma Nomad Xpress Inshore Rod

The 7’ model is three pieces, while the 7’11” model has four. These rods offer a European-style spigot ferrule connection, which delivers a significantly more solid feel than most other travel rods.

The Nomad Xpress features a graphite blank with carbon overlay, aluminum oxide guides, and a graphite reel seat.

A premium cork split grip handle further complements the rod, and it includes a waterproof carrying bag.

While the original Nomad offers an additional tip section, the Xpress series forgoes the extra tip and ALPS components to offer a high-quality rod at a bargain price. 

Critical Specs

Construction: Graphite

Size: 7’, 7’11”

Action: Moderate, moderate-fast, fast

Power: Medium-light, medium-heavy, heavy, extra-heavy


Penn Squadron II & III Inshore Spinning Rod

Penn’s Squadron series delivers legendary Penn quality at an attainable price for all anglers.

Penn Squadron II & III Inshore Spinning Rod

The Squadron III is the latest rod in the series and brings along a few new bells and whistles compared to the Squadron II. 

Unsurprisingly, the two variants share some key traits you’d come to expect from a high-quality rod.

Both rods start with a graphite composite blank available in 7’ and 7’6” sizes and both models are available in various power and action for different fishing scenarios.

However, the Squadron III upgrades the aluminum oxide guides of the Squadron II for Penn’s new Dura Guides.

This change eliminates the need for guide inserts, thus improving durability and casting distance. 

Critical Specs

Construction: Graphite composite

Size: 7’, 7’6”

Action: Moderate-fast, fast

Power: Extra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, extra-heavy


Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik is well known for producing some of the most affordable and durable rods on the market, and the Inshore Select series adds premium appointments to their rock-solid blanks to suit discerning anglers on a budget.

Ugly Stik Inshore Select Spinning Fishing Rod

The Inshore Select rods have 30% more graphite than the GX2 rods, making them even lighter and more sensitive than ever before.

Other premium appointments include cork handles with etched logo and graphite reel seats with cushioned steel hoods for additional durability. 

These rods are tailor-made for diverse inshore applications, as they are available in several action and power configurations and sizes from 7’ to 7’6”.

In addition, if something should go wrong, Ugly Stik stands behind these rods with a class-leading 7-year warranty. 

Critical Specs

Construction: UglyTech graphite and fiberglass

Size: 7’, 7’6”

Action: Moderate

Power: Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy


Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod

An excellent rod that supports an even better cause, the Redbone inshore rods by Hurricane offer premium performance and features, and each rod sold benefits cystic fibrosis research. 

Hurricane Redbone Inshore Spinning Rod

These rods utilize premium IM7 hand-rolled graphite blanks with Fuji aluminum oxide guides and a cushioned Fuji reel seat.

Each rod offers a cork handle with blank-through construction for unparalleled feel and durability. It’s easily one of our favorite choices when it comes to a graphite rod.

The Redbone rods come in various action and power ratings and sizes from 7’ to 8’.

Whether you’re targeting shorts along the shoreline or hook into a monster redfish or tarpon, there’s a Redbone rod built to handle any inshore species.

Critical Specs

Construction: IM7 graphite

Size: 7’. 7’6”, 8’

Action: Fast

Power: Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, extra-heavy


Final Thoughts

Inshore fishing presents some unique angling demands that require the right gear for the job.

Fortunately, as you can see, there are plenty of excellent rods available that can stand up to a rigorous fishing season and feature cutting-edge technology available.

Each of the rods on our list represents the best in the business, but a few rods stand out as the best inshore spinning rods. Now, all you need is a decent spinning reel to go with your new rod!

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