BEST JIGGING RODS 2023

Being made of a spiral-X construction, this jigging rod consists of 3 layers of carbon fiber, with each layer adding extra oomph to the overall quality and endurance of the rod.
Suitable for catching all kinds of fish, from panfish to bluefin tuna, Shimano’s Grappler boasts a moderate to fast action, leaving time for you to adjust your grip and cast. Also, there’s just enough backbone on the Grappler to withstand a duel between you and a larger game. The Grappler is constructed using Spiral-X and Hi-Power construction, delivering power, lightness of feel, and sensitivity. Its Fuji alconite guides ensure the line stays in place and tangle-free, plus, a SiC tip, along with comfortable EVA handles deliver a comfortable grip.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 6’8”
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
ACTION: Moderate Fast
POWER: Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

Made of high-quality carbon construction, using high-modulus SCVI carbon fiber, this super-powerful piece of equipment will deliver superb quality. It boasts medium to heavy power and fast action, with line weight from 12-20 lbs, and lure weight from 3/8-1 oz. The split-grip handle made of superior-grade cork provides a firm yet comfortable grip, letting you enjoy your fishing session without the worry of losing your rod to the water.
Featuring a hooded stainless steel reel seat, a titanium hook keeper, and nicely crafted line guides ensures your line stays in place, and tangle-free. Plus, the fact that it is a USA-made fishing rod makes it appealing to many anglers, both professional and recreational.
complete with a sheath, lanyard, and of course, your set of pliers.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 6’8”
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon Blend
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

The Saltist line of jigging rods by Daiwa offers 6 different combinations of length, action power, and either casting or spinning setups. Whether you select the Extra Extra Heavy Fast Action 5’9″ version or Medium Fast Action 6’6″ version you will receive a rod specifically designed for jigging, with features needed for all-day comfort and powerful fishing fighting. The composite graphite & E-Glass blank provides a solid backbone necessary for handling heavy jigs, setting hooks quickly and moving big fish quickly. The surprisingly sensitive tip detects even the lightest bite while still withstanding the sudden shock of hard hits. Because you will be working the rod for long periods, a comfortable handle is a must. The EVA foam fore and aft grips on the Saltist series will provide that all-day comfort and withstand season after season of hard use.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 5’9″,6′,6’6″,7′
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Composite
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium to XX Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

Vertical jigging is one of the most demanding techniques available to anglers. The constant up and down off heavy lead, interrupted by swift strikes from heavy game fish can be punishing, to say the least. While St. Croix is well known and highly regarded for its wide range of quality bass rods, they have never offered a rod designed for jigging. But all that changed with the MOJO Jig Rod. First introduced in 2016 this rod has taken the industry, and anglers, by storm and remained a top choice since. St. Croix combines their patented SCII mid-modulus graphite fiber and Fortified Resin System (FRS) to reduce micro-breaks & produce rod up to 33% stronger. Each rod is finished with Sea Guide line guides with aluminum-oxide rings, Fuji gimbals, either Fuji PSS-SD (casting) or DPS reel seats with an aluminum hood and built-in locking ring, and premium EVA split handle.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 5’8″, 6’6″
PRIMARY MATERIAL: SCII Graphite
ACTION: Moderate Fast
POWER: Medium to X Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 9.5 to 10.1 oz

Okuma designed this rod for all-day jigging, designing it to be light-weight and comfortable despite its size. Surprisingly, designers choose fiberglass construction for the blank when most others are using graphite or composites. But fiberglass has its advantages. Besides being almost indestructible it is perfect for absorbing the shock when coupled with a braided line. ALPS high-rise stainless-steel guides with zirconium inserts reduce line wear and provide smooth action. ALPS pyramid-shaped anodized aluminum reel seats offer a secure hold on your favorite reel and comfort during extended use. The Cedros is available in both spinning and casting models and a variety of lengths & actions so you are sure to find one that fits your fishing style.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 5’6″,6′,6’6″,7′
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Fiberglass
ACTION: Medium Fast, Fast
POWER: Medium to XX Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 12.2 to 18.9 oz

Thanks to its carbon-made blank, the Nexus will offer nothing short of amazing lifting power, while keeping its lightness intact. With a line weight of 15-40 lb, and lure weight of 1-4 oz, strength is guaranteed. The highly-efficient EVA handle promises a comfortable grip that won’t burden your wrist, no matter how long you choose to hold it. Boasting a dual locking mechanism and a trigger reel seat, the Nexus will make sure the line is neatly placed and knot-free, even in more rigid water conditions. Light and powerful, the Nexus can reel you in some fish like a fluke, striped bass, blackfish, bluefish, and many more.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 7′
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Carbon fiber
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 7.1 oz

This rod is proof that a quality heavy duty jigging rod does not need to come with an equally heavy-duty price tag. But do not worry, you will not be sacrificing quality to stay within budget. The first thing anglers look for in a jigging rod is strength, it has to have the backbone needed to handle big fish and the tackle that catches them. Fear not. This rod is constructed utilizing a Japanese TORAY carbon fiber blank, capable of handling up to 80 LB line and jigs as big as 7 oz. Each rod is finished with stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts, a graphite reel seat with tapered hoods and an aluminum gimbal with a rubber butt cap. Thanks to a butt joint design this 2 piece rod is as sensitive and reliable as a single piece but far easier to transport and travel with. This rod is not only our pick for best value but also one of the best 2-piece jigging rods available.

PIECES: 2
LENGTH: 6”
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Toray Carbon Fiber
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy , Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 13.6 oz

Designed with a tubular glass blank, a heavy-duty graphite reel seat, and stainless steel guide, the Rampage model won’t have you untangling the line all the time and worrying if the line is in place. The EVA handle delivers a solid yet comfortable hold, without grip fatigue.
As a medium-heavy casting rod, it can withstand from 20-50 lb of line weight. Suitable for both bottom fishing as well as casting, this casting rod features a sensitive tip that yields responsiveness so you’ll be able to feel the tugs and nibbles from tip to handle. Offering a nice backbone and strength, you can cast quite the distance.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 6’6”
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Rubber
ACTION: Fast
POWER: Medium Heavy
ROD WEIGHT: 16 oz

Featuring quality, IM8 graphite blanks, along with Lew’s exclusive skeletal reel seat, the Speed Stick will ensure a smooth but powerful fishing experience. Thanks to its full-cork handle, grip, and foregrip, with Duracork filling, this jigging rod will provide for a comfortable yet firm grip. Detailed with Fuji O-style guides, the line will surely stay in place, nice and neat, boosted by deep-pressed aluminum oxide inserts. Good for fast action, line weight from 15-65 lbs, and lure rating of 3/8 – 1 ½ oz.
Besides jigging, this rod can also be used with other fishing techniques, since it’s pretty versatile. Lew’s Speed Stick is a fine choice for newbies in the jigging waters.

PIECES: 1
LENGTH: 6’7”
PRIMARY MATERIAL: Graphite
ACTION: Extra Fast
POWER: Medium
ROD WEIGHT: N/A

How to choose a jigging rod?

When choosing a jigging rod you need a rod that provides the correct action to the lure, can handle the weight of large lures in deep water and withstand the fight that will be forthcoming when big fish are on the other end. But not just any broomstick with a reel taped to it will do. Let’s examine what you should be looking for.

Similar to crankbait rods, Action is the first feature that needs to be considered as it is what will allow you to transfer movement of the rod into desired lure action. A Moderate Fast to Fast action with a tip of moderate stiffness is the standard.

Next, you will need to ensure the rod has the power necessary to handle big fish. There was a time when this was achieved by making the rod heavy & thick but those are a thing of the past. Today’s rods are much thinner, often appearing too light for the heavy activity they will face, and much thinner due to the use of graphite composites, carbon fiber, and similar construction materials. Of course, it is also important that the rod is rated to handle the heavy jigs and high strength lines needed.

Most jigging rods are short, in the 5′ to 6′ range, which makes them easier to handle and increases the overall strength of the rod. However, do not discredit a rod simply because it may be longer than 6′. Modern construction materials do allow for rod greater than 6′ to still make excellent jigging rod. Plus, if you are intent on trying your hand at slow pitch jigging you will find those rods tend to be 7′ or longer.

1. What is jigging?

Jigging is a fishing technique that involves a weighted lure, the jig, suspended nearly vertical and worked with an action that makes it resemble a fleeing baitfish. If practicing slow pitch jigging, a relatively new version of the technique, involves the lighter gear that imparts a slightly different action that resembles a wounded baitfish.

2. What is a jigging rod and how is it different from a normal rod?

Jigging rods are typically shorter rods that combine Moderate Fast or Fast action with Heavy power and a tip that recovers quickly. Although modern jigging rods rarely resemble the thick, broom handle like versions of the past they are still specifically designed for jigging. Although you can try to jig with a normal multi-purpose rod the action of the lure will not be as precise as then rods are designed with other applications, such as casting, in mind.

3. Why do I need a special jigging rod?

No matter what sport you are involved in it is important to have the correct equipment. Although you can jig with any rod, you will not be as successful. The lure action will be different, they will not have the ability to handle heavy jigs and are likely to break under the strain of larger fish.

As always, we create our content with you, fellow adventurers, in mind. So, how’d we do? Did you find this informative? Did it help you make a decision? Did we miss anything? We’d love to hear from you below. Thanks for reading and we hope your next adventure is a great one!