Any fishing enthusiast must venture into the world of jigging. Jigging adds a whole new layer to the good old fishing rod we all know and love.
However, because jigging is quite a unique technique, finding the perfect rod can be a little challenging.
You’ll find yourself asking questions about the materials used to make the rod, its power, length, and action. Well, I’ve gathered all that and more.
Over the course of this article, I’ll be talking about my top picks for the best jigging rods on the market with their pros, cons, and everything in between.
Without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into the world of jigging rods.
List of the Best Jigging Rods:
- Shimano Trevala – Best Overall
- Okuma Cedros – Runner-Up
- Fiblink Saltwater – Budget Pick
- Ugly Stik Tiger Elite – Best Value
- Penn Rampage – Most Versatile
- Penn Carnage II – Premium Pick
Our Top Picks:
|
Jigging Rod |
Material | Styles |
| Shimano Trevala | TC4 |
Casting and spinning |
|
Okuma Cedros |
E-glass | Casting and spinning |
| Fiblink Saltwater | Graphite and glass composite |
Casting and spinning |
|
Ugly Stik Tiger Elite |
Graphite and fiberglass composite | Casting and spinning |
| Penn Rampage | Graphite |
Spinning |
|
Penn Carnage II |
SLS3 |
Spinning |
The 6 Best Jigging Rods in 2024
1. Shimano Trevala – Best Overall
My top pick for the best jigging rod is, without a doubt, the Shimano Trevala. The Trevala rod is one of the most popular jigging rods on the market, and I can’t help but agree.
The Trevala is made from T-glass that’s wrapped with high modulus graphite in a unique spiral pattern. The unique construction provides the rod with the lightness and sensitivity of graphite and the durability and strength of T-glass.
Moreover, the rod comes with fuji alconite or fuji O guides(depending on the model) that provide the rod with accuracy when casting.
The rod also comes with an EVA handle that provides the angler with comfort when fishing for extended periods. In addition, the fuji reel seat also adds up to the rod’s comfort.
All the materials used in the manufacturing of this rod are of high-quality and will guarantee lightness and durability like no other.
Furthermore, this rod should be your best bet if you’re looking for variety. It comes in lengths starting at 5’8” to 7’ in both casting and spinning styles.
Besides, it comes in power ratings ranging from medium-light to extra-heavy with moderate and moderate-fast actions.
I recommend the 6’6” casting models in medium-heavy power as those measurements are optimum for jigging, but you should always go for the measurements that fit your fishing needs.
Sadly, though, the rod is quite pricey. However, it is worth your investment as its durability and strength guarantee that it’ll serve you for years upon years.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Sensitive
- Durable
- Comfortable to hold
Cons:
- Pricey
Final Verdict
The Shimano Trevala is a massive name in the world of jigging rods. The rod’s construction provides durability, portability, and sensitivity, which is the perfect combination for jigging. It also features high-quality materials that ensure the rod’s longevity throughout the years.
2. Okuma Cedros – Runner-Up
Coming in second place is the Okuma Cedros, and it was a close run, to be fair.
The Cedros is made from E-glass that can absorb shocks while providing durability and strength to the rod. Strength is a critical factor when it comes to jigging because you need the rod to handle the fish’s pulling and fighting without snapping under pressure.
Not all rods come with guides that can withstand braided lines, but the Cedros can handle them without suffering a scratch. It comes with zirconium guides for reduced friction on lines, especially braided ones.
It also comes with an EVA grip and a pyramid-shaped aluminum reel seat. The grip and the reel seat work together to provide the angler with maximum comfort and control over the rod.
The rod comes in both casting and spinning styles with lengths ranging from 5’6” to 6’6” for casting models and 6’ to 7’ for spinning models. Finding a 7’ jigging rod is not too easy, but the Cedros is here for you.
Furthermore, it comes in power ratings from medium to extra-extra-heavy for casting models and medium to heavy for spinning models.
Usually, I would recommend a medium-heavy power rating or a 6’6” length, but honestly, the unique selection of models this rod offers cannot be ignored.
The extra-extra-heavy power rating is hard to come by in a jigging rod, and I wouldn’t let that go if I were you.
Pros:
- High sensitivity
- High durability
- Good value for the money
- High-quality materials
Cons:
- Poor packaging
Final Verdict
The Okuma Cedros is a powerful rod that has the perfect measurements for jigging. It is made from E-glass that adds unmatched durability to the rod. In addition, it comes with a comfortable EVA grip to eliminate wrist fatigue.
3. Fiblink Saltwater – Budget Pick
Fiblink is the most affordable of the best jigging rods in 2020, you cannot go wrong with it.
It is made from a graphite and glass fiber composite that is perfect for jigging. The graphite provides the rod with sensitivity and balance, while the glass offers durability and strength in order to withstand the fish’s pulling.
The rod comes with stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts that are perfect when using braided lines because they reduce the friction on your lines.
It also comes with a high-density EVA grip and a reel seat that is made from an aluminum alloy. Both the handle and the reel seat are comfortable to use without causing any fatigue.
The rod doesn’t offer the widest selection of models, which is a let-down. However, the few models it offers are quite optimum for jigging.
Also, it comes in both casting and spinning styles, which is always a bonus. The rod comes in 6’ with medium or medium-heavy power rating for each style.
My only complaint would be that the rod is a little on the heavier side despite the fact that it is made of graphite. The glass seems to overpower the graphite when it comes to weight.
Pros:
- Modern design
- Affordable price
- Well-balanced
Cons:
- A little on the heavier side
- Poor packaging
- A bit too stiff
Final Verdict
Being on a budget can be a little limiting. However, the Fiblink Saltwater jigging rod is here to save the day. The rod is made from a graphite and glass composite for sensitivity, durability, and balance. In addition, its price point is a lot lower than any other rod on this list without sacrificing the quality.
4. Ugly Stik Tiger Elite – Best Value
Ugly Stik products are known for offering high durability like no other due to their unique construction.
The Tiger Elite is made using Ugly Tech, which is a composite of graphite and fiberglass. Graphite provides the Tiger Elite with lightness and sensitivity. On the other hand, you don’t need to worry about strength because the fiberglass provides the rod with unmatched durability.
Furthermore, the rod’s guides are made using Ugly Tuff, which means that they are made from stainless steel. They’re also corrosion-resistant and eliminate insert pop-outs.
A unique feature of this rod is its grip. It is made from a diamond shrink tube over EVA that is comfortable and easy to hold for long periods.
It also comes with a conventional reel seat that’s made from graphite with stainless steel hoods, which provides the rod with even more lightness and comfort.
The rod comes in both casting and spinning models, but the options are quite limited. The spinning models come in 6’ and 6’6” with power ratings of extra-heavy and heavy, respectively.
Moreover, the casting models come in a range of 5’8” to 6’3” with power ratings of heavy and extra-heavy.
I strongly recommend one of the spinning models, and if I had to choose between them, I’d go with the 6’6” one.
Pros:
- Bulletproof
- Sensitive
- Lightweight
- Affordable price
Cons:
- A limited selection of models
Final Verdict
The Tiger Elite is quite a unique rod. Its Ugly Tech construction ensures its lightness, sensitivity, and durability. Moreover, it is quite comfortable to hold with its special reel seat and EVA grip. Lastly, the rod comes in both casting and spinning styles.
5. Penn Rampage – Most Versatile
I understand that having a specific rod for each fishing technique can be quite impractical. It’s not always easy or budget-friendly, especially if you’re a beginner in the jigging world.
The Penn Rampage is quite a versatile rod that you can use for other fishing techniques besides jigging.
The Rampage is made from graphite, which is a lightweight material that provides the rod with sensitivity. It also comes with exceptional fuji aluminum oxide guides that provide the angler with accuracy when casting.
Moreover, the rod comes with a torque grip and a heavy-duty graphite reel seat for maximum comfort when fishing for a long time.
The Rampage spinning rod comes in lengths varying from 6’ to 6’6” with medium to heavy power ratings. It also comes with a moderate-fast action that is optimum for jigging.
I strongly recommend one of the 6’6” models, either in medium-heavy or heavy power rating.
One of the downsides here is that the rod is a bit too heavy even though it’s made from graphite. In addition, the guides are not as durable as I’d wished.
Pros:
- High durability
- Reasonable price
- Versatile
Cons:
- A bit on the heavier side
- Guides are a little weak
Final Verdict
Penn Rampage is not only an impressive jigging rod, but it is also very versatile. The rod’s graphite construction provides it with lightness, sensitivity, and even durability. In addition, it is available in both spinning and casting styles.
6. Penn Carnage II – Premium Pick
Since I’ve mentioned my budget-pick, it’s only fair if I include my premium pick as well, which is the Penn Carnage II.
The rod is made from SLS3, which is a unique construction by Penn that provides the rod with lightness, comfort, and, most importantly, durability.
Speaking of comfort, the rod comes with a rubber shrink tube grip and a Pac Bay aluminum reel seat that add up to the rod’s lightness and ease of use.
The rod comes in a variety of lengths starting at 6’ up to 6’6” with medium to heavy power ratings. In addition, all models come in a moderate-fast action that is optimum for jigging.
I strongly recommend the 6’6” models because I believe that 6’6” is the optimum length for jigging. It’s not too long that it’s hard to control, and it’s not too short that you can’t cast properly.
Pros:
- High-quality materials
- Lightweight
- High durability
Cons:
- Poor packaging
Final Verdict
It can be quite challenging to find a rod that is both durable and light. However, the unique construction of the Penn Carnage II provides the rod with durability without sacrificing lightness. In addition, all the materials used to manufacture this rod are of high-quality.
How to Pick a Jigging Rod
Jigging requires a lot of patience, maneuverability, and good handling. This means that you have to pick your jigging rod very carefully, and here are the things that you should keep in mind when picking.
1. Material
As you’ve seen throughout the article, there’s no consistent material that all the manufacturers use.
However, there are two materials that are the most commonly used: graphite and glass. Each of these has its own derivatives; there are different types of glass and other variations of graphite.
Generally, most jigging rods use some sort of glass and graphite composite, and I believe that this is the best possible combination. Graphite adds sensitivity and lightness to the high durability provided by the glass.
2. Action
Your rod’s action can make or break your rod and how it performs. For jigging, I recommend staying in the moderate to moderate-fast range because that’s the most inclusive range possible.
However, that’s not to limit your options. Jigging depends more on the angler than on the rod itself. You know better than anyone the perfect action for you.
3. Power
Jigging is mostly used to catch bigger fish, which is why I recommend going with a medium-heavy action.
Again, I’m not limiting you to just that one rating. You could go for a rating as low medium or even medium-light or as high as extra-heavy.
It depends on how heavy your jig is, how much the fish in your area can fight, and how much they weigh.
4. Length
Jigging rods mostly fall on the shorter side of fishing rod lengths. Most of them range around 5’ to 6’6” in order to facilitate the whole experience.
However, you can find jigging rods as long as 7’ like the Shimano Trevala one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Best Power for Jigging?
Most jigging rods come in power ratings of medium-heavy to heavy, and I believe that this is the perfect range for anyone. However, some jigging rods come in a medium or a heavy power rating too!
Do I Need a Special Jigging Rod?
The answer is yes. Jigging is a unique technique whose rods are usually shorter in length and comfortable to hold because jigging could take a while.
It also requires specific actions to enable them to bend far down without snapping.
What to Look for in a Jigging Rod?
You need a durable rod that can withstand the fish’s pulling. You should also look for a rod that is comfortable and lightweight. In addition, look for a rod with power ratings around medium-heavy.
Another critical factor is the reel seat. That part will take a lot of beating to fight the fish back, and having a weak or loosened one is a huge setback.
Final Thoughts
Jigging rods add a whole new level of thrill to regular fishing. They’re a bit challenging to use, and they have special measurements that standard rods can’t offer.
Because jigging is quite a unique fishing technique, you’d need the best rod possible in order to keep up with any fish you catch. Jigging rods often face-pulling or fighting from the fish, and you need the best rod possible to fight right back.
If you’re missing anything, you’re in for a treat because you’re about to read a quick recap of my top three picks.
My top pick for the best jigging rod is the Shimano Trevala. It is made from TC4, which provides the rod with durability, portability, strength, and longevity. Besides, it comes in a wide selection of models that you can choose from.
My runner-up is the Okuma Cedros, which is one of the strongest jigging rods that you can possibly find. It is made from E-glass that can absorb the shocks caused by the fish’s pulling. Also, it’s perfect to use with braided lines.
For my budget pick, I strongly recommend the Fiblink Saltwater rod. In addition to being affordable, the rod is also well-balanced, which is a crucial factor when it comes to jigging.