Finding The Best Spinning Rod For Skipping...
photo @jeremy_williams_fishing
If you’re looking into spinning rod specifically for skipping, or just want to get a sense of the different rods for skipping on the market today, then this detailed report is for you…
We’re going to assist you with choosing the best spinning rod specifically excels at skipping baits for every budget and skill level. Because there is a lot of selection to go through, this report helps you narrow it down, this is your guide for the best rod available in each category.
In the early days anglers like us forced to use a standard off the shelf spinning rods if we even wanted to considered skipping a lure under a dock or an overhanging tree.
But as bass fishing has been steadily gaining popularity for the last 15 years, more and more people are becoming interested in skipping soft plastic lures such as Senko stick worms to everything else…
As more and more anglers started catching bass from skipping lures, it increased pressure on rod companies to make different styles of spinning fishing rods to help anglers catch more fish by skipping…
Soon the market was flooded with dozens hundreds, if not hundreds of choices…
This put the anglers at a disadvantage. Some were fooled into believing that all spinning rods are created the same and could skip any bait. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth…
While there some companies who only sold their rods to make a quick buck, however, other companies put their hearts and souls into it and produced a amazing spinning rods that accel at skipping baits.
Luckily for you, recent advances in technology has allowed the best fishing rod manufacturers to produce some of the most sensitive rods on the market.
This post was written to specifically help you choose which spinning rod is best suited for you and your needs.
WARNING: There’s a lot of information about this subject you’ll probably want to come back to. No one expects you to remember all these tips. We know your time is precious, so we really tried to over-deliver in value for you. Additionally, we frequently update reports like this, so you’ll want to stay up to date with any changes or additional tips we include for you.
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At A Glance...
And the Winner is...
G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Spinning Rod
Sparing no expense, G. Loomis debuts their top-of-the-line spinning rod within their GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Spinning Rod.
The GLX Jig & Worm Rod blends technology and functionality into one seamless product…
In A Hurry?
If you don’t have much time to read the detailed reviews, simply use the links below to quickly find the best spinning rod for skipping on Amazon. You can be assured we only choose the best products…
Best Overall Features – G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Spinning Rod
Best Under $150 – St. Croix Mojo Bass Rod
Best Budget – Cadence Spinning Rods
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Best Over All Features
Runner Up
Best Under $150
Best Spinning Rod For Skipping When Kayak Fishing
Best Rod/Reel Set
Best Budget Rod
Best Under $200
Best Under $100
Best Telescoping Travel Rod
Why You Should Trust Us
Selecting the best spinning rod for skipping is like choosing a replacement for your arm. Okay, maybe that’s a bit over the top, but having a quality 0fishing rod will allow you to feel the smallest of nibbles while also having enough strength to fight in the largest of lunkers.
Before you commit to just any spinning rod, you need to get to know what options are out there. This article will provide you with the information you need to know in order to make a decision that you will be satisfied with for years to come.
We used our experiences with the products and looked over hundreds of customer reviews, watched tons of video reviews, and analyzed what the professionals and experts had to say from popular sources like BassMaster Magazine.
We scrutinized the data from the product catalog pages of nearly a dozen manufacturers, and we even tried to interview some of the company representatives to talk shop and get their take.
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What Makes The Best Spinning Rod For Skipping Baits?
There are many factors that go into determining what a spinning rod used specifically for skipping baits should look and feel like. Some of those factors include practical uses as style, length, material, and sensitivity, which we will explore individually.
Style: Spinning Rod
Spinning rods coupled with a spinning reel are the most common setups used by bass fisherman. The spinning rod excels because of it’s ability to cast a very light bait without getting any unwanted backlash. And with advances in technology, top of the line spinning rods are been tested to be just as strong as casting rods.
Typically, spinning rods length will vary depending on the technique and angler preference, however the handle will be longer for better leverage in casting lighter lures. When skip casting, you are typically fishing under long handing structure like docks and tree branches, so you need a rod that skip a lightweight lure and be strong enough to pull out a monster bass that is pinned deep in cover.
Length: 6’8″-7’2”
It may be awkward if you are not used to using longer fishing rods, but that extra length can be extremely valuable in both casting and landing fish.
Equally as important, you do not want to get a rod that is too long. If you are a shorter angler buy a rod long enough where the tip just skims the water as you make your skip cast. if your rod tip constantly hits the water as you make your cast you are probably using too long of a rod.
Furthermore, using a that is appropriate for your height will also give you better casting accuracy, especially when skipping your baits into tight cover. In addition, the right length rod will also help you cover more water quickly because you won’t be making many bad casts.
Another benefit of a longer rod is sensitivity and leverage. The added length on a jig fishing rod provides many variations of actions and power. The tip can be ultra sensitive to help detect bites while the rest of the rod can have the “backbone” necessary to bring in large fish.
"Having an appropriate skipping rod length for your height gives you better casting accuracy and will allow you to cover water quickly"
Material: Graphite
The most sensitive as well as most common material used for making modern day fishing rods is graphite. However, graphite covers a large span of fishing rod qualities so digging into the details is extremely important.
Just because a manufacturer lists a rod as being made from graphite does not mean it’s a high end fishing rod. Graphite fishing rods must go through precise processes refining the material with extreme heat to develop the proper power and action.
The quality of the graphite fibers, the combination of layers, and the temperature of the furnace during the manufacturing process all determine the quality of the rod. Higher furnace temps can produce the best spinning rod for skipping which are lighter and more resilient rods, but the cost and time involved drive up the cost of the rod.
Different manufacturer’s also use special designations for graphite quality, but keep in mind that these designations may not be comparable across multiple brands.
For instance, IM6, IM7, and IM8 are designators of graphite raw materials made by one manufacturer. The higher the number, the better quality of graphite.
Sensitivity: It’s Complicated
Much like that on again, off again relationship in your wife’s favorite romantic comedy, sensitivity in a fishing rod cannot be one-sided.
Buying the “most” strongest rod available is likely going to sacrifice other factors you will need when bait skippping.
Most manufacturers are making this compromise for you and target their rod technology to fall in the sweet spot that provides as much sensitivity as possible, but also making the rod durable enough for service.
As many fishing rods have fallen victim over the years to a truck tailgate, we’re not talking durable enough to withstand this cringeworthy fate. Standard fishing abuse is the goal… throwing the rod into the bottom of the boat, maybe accidentally stepping on it a time or two, and of course, it needs to withstand the occasional whipping that we all believe will unhang our favorite lure before finally cutting the line.
Understanding that most of the technology is already built into the rod, the sensitivity question really comes down to a matter of feel and opinion.
Feel and preference is a difficult aspect to document, but we will break down the differences between action and power that should at least provide a better basis for evaluation across multiple rod options.
Best All Around - G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Spinning Rod
But, why is the G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm rod the best spinning rod for skipping?
It’s not just any fishing rod. It’s engineered down to the molecular level to provide performance where you need it.
G.Loomis GLX rods are not only designed to target a specific species of fish, they are specialized for individual fishing techniques.
The GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod is now produced with proprietary graphite blank combinations that provide a 20% lighter rod with enhanced balance and ergonomics.
G.Loomis GLX graphite blanks are well known for their strength and sensitivity, that boils down to the two important factors that make the best spinning rod for skipping.
GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod flat out catches you fish!
With lengths ranging from 6’8”-7’5”, it’s no trouble at all to find a rod that will fit your height.
The tip actions for this series rod are also extra-fast to provide accurate casts and amazing sensitivity for feeling everything on the end of your line, but the rod powers are on the medium to heavy end of the spectrum providing plenty of horsepower for fish of any size.
Topped off with Fuji K-Frame SiC guides to reduce line friction and a proprietary reel seat give you a superior feel over most any other jig fishing rod on the market.
Finally, G.Loomis’ lifetime warranty on rod blanks is one of the best guarantees in the industry and their customer service is widely known as going above and beyond.
Click here to claim the best spinning rod for skipping. Own a G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Spinning Rod before they’re gone!
“It’s good for just about everything...You don’t want a rod that’s too stiff with that light line, this has to have enough backbone to set the hook”.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’1”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Extra Fast
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/8- 3/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - 852S JWR
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Best Budget - Cadence Spinning Rod
About Cadence Spinning Rod...
We had tested the 7-foot medium spinning rod from Cadence against a Ugly Stick Elite few times before writing this article to help decide who is the better budget friendly rod. A relative new comer to the rod scene, this rod held up pretty well. For the price, this is actually a darn good rod with decent sensitivity.
When you use this rod it’s much stronger than it looks like it would be. I like the SiC guides and stainless steel frames, much better than the Ugly Stick.
Despite the marketing, the rod itself is very tip heavy and feels slightly unbalanced (again better than the Elite), but overall the cork handles make it comfortable for all day use.
This rod would excel for someone who is on a budget and is getting into skip casting, this is a great rod to buy.
On note about the company: I really that Cadence took the extra step and prepackaged their rods in hard tubes and added extra internal padding to avoid being delivered a broken rod.
Overall great rod for the price.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’
- Power - Medium Light
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/4-3/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - CR5-701S-MLF
- Warranty - 90-days
Best Runner Up - St. Croix Legend® Xtreme rod
About St. Croix Legend® Xtreme rods...
High quality materials and excruciating attention to detail in both design and production make St. Croix one of the top high-end fishing rod manufacturers.
Using proprietary high-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite and reinforced with super-high modulus SCVI graphite in the back end, this is the rod will you an insane amount of sensitivity, improved strength, and perfect reel seat balance that will allow you to catch fish for hours without getting the slightest bit fatigued.
Another high end feature for this rod is the Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) of the blank that provides variable curve patterns for improved action and sensitivity.
St. Croix added Daiwa’s exclusive AGS carbon fiber guide system and Fuji’s KG tip with Torznite ring for the tip guide.
This rod will last you years and is well worth the investment.
Feature 1: Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) – Breakthrough advances in technology allowed St. Croix to overhaul the rod manufacturing capability to remake the “mandrel”.
The mandrel is a cone-like unit which the rod is made around. St Croix uses a smooth continuous tapering mandrel.
All others in the industry use a “stair step” mandrel. By eliminating the “stair step” approach to rod building it creates a uniform thickness of the rod blank which eliminates extra weight and gives the rod unparalleled action.
Feature 2: Insanely lightweight and strong – Each rod uses an exotic carbon fiber material that give the angler a magnitude (10X) of strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight.
Feature 3: Advanced Construction Resins – Fortified super resin used in every blank consistently creates rods to be 33% stronger when compared to other manufacturers who build their rods with standard resins and curing methods.
Accolades: St Croix sas won over 20+ ICAST awards. Most recently in 2018 St Croix was awarded three Best of Show awards. St. Croix Rods claimed this prestigious honor for three of its rods in the freshwater, saltwater, and fly categories. Not an easy feat!
St. Croix also offers an industry-leading 15yr transferable warranty and superior customer service.
Made in the USA.
Are you looking for that competitive edge? Owning a St. Croix Legend Xtreme Spinning Rod will give you that extra advantage.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 14-25-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16- 5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - XFS70MF
- Warranty - Backed by a 15-year warranty, through the St Croix Gold Star Excellerator Service Program
Best Under $200 - Dobyns Rods Sierra Series 703C
About Dobyns Rods Sierra Series Rods...
Simply stated, anglers cannot say enough good things about this rod. It’s incredibly lightweight and sensitive for the price.
This rod so much lighter than you would expect for a rod in this price range. You can feel it has enough backbone for setting hooks on a monster bass pinned way back under a dock.
Dobyns Rods utilizes Kevlar wrapping and Portuguese AA Cork handles to make the rod crazy light, incredibly strong, very well balanced and comfortable for all day use.
Furthermore, Dobyns strategically scaled back on cosmetics and other non-performance areas to keep the price of the Sierra Series down, while not affecting performance.
“Hands down this rod could easily be sold for over $350. But getting rid of some other frilly cosmetics allows me to afford this beauty. Thanks Dobyns”
When you pick up this Dobyns Sierra spinning rod you’ll notice how light it feels. It’s noticeably much lighter than the Fury and much easier to detect bites
The Alconite guides will not chip, even if you are using a blood knot for leaders.
The final thing I want to say is more about Dobyns rod company as a whole than the rod… My friend who also owns several of these rods had the unfortunate experience of breaking one of them. He called Dobyns and explained what happened. He said the rep was very polite and actually could tell that person was American and could speak fluent English. And within a couple of weeks, another rod was delivered. No questions asked.
Dobyns is an amazing rod manufacturer and Grade A business operation!
If you can shell out a little more, the Dobyns Sierra spinning rod is also great gift for yourself, Christmas, or Father’s Day that won’t break the bank!
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 8-17-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - SA 703C
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warrany
Best Rod Under $150 – St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods
About St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods...
For the serious angler who demands high-performance and value the St Croix Mojo Bass spinning rod gives it to you all in a single package.
In addition, anglers love St. Croix’s Bass Mojo rods because of the high-modulus, high-strain graphite fiber blanks, meaning it produces a rod that sensitive, lightweight, and has outstanding durability.
Even if you have arthritis you can feel soft bites.
So those that choose not to go for top of the line rods, as this price range you can get 3 amazing quality Mojo rods for the price of one. It’s not surprising that many anglers go on to buy multiple Mojo rods!
The weight is evenly distributed and feels comfortable in your hands so you can cast all day long and not have a tired arm.
As serious weekend angler, the St. Croix Mojo Bass spinning rod is a fantastic choice for you.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7'1'
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - MJS71MF
- Warranty - Backed by a 5-year warranty, through the St Croix Superstar Service Program
Best Under $100 - KastKing Resolute Spinning Rod
About KastKing Royal Select Spinning Rods...
A lot of engineering for a minimal price tag makes the KastKing Royal Select a great option.
Built with similar specs to Speed Demon Pro, KastKing Royal Select uses Toray 24-ton carbon matrix graphite blanks to minimize weight while maintaining strength and responsiveness.
Stainless Fuji guides give this rod a sleek look for years of corrosion-resistant performance.
Several proprietary features on this rod give it a unique feel in both the handle and reel seat.
Despite the meager price tag, this rod packs a ton of features as well as excellent quality control into a unique and specialized piece of equipment.
One other feature that is not available on any of the other rods discussed here is a parabolic taper option. This is extremely helpful for jig fishing as you want to set the hook swiftly and then maintain pressure through the fight.
Parabolic taper means the rod bends the same throughout the entire blank instead of more at the tip and progressively becoming stiffer closer to the handle. Definitely a difference you will be able to feel in both sensitivity and action.
Angler Summary:
- High-end graphite blanks
- Custom handle and reel seat designs
- Parabolic Taper
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16- 5/8-ounce
- Peices - 2
- Model Number - KRDSPNRT-70M2
- Warranty - 1-year limited warranty
Best Spinning Rod For Skipping Baits While Kayak Fishing - St. Croix Mojo Yak Spinning Rod
About St. Croix Mojo Yak Spinning Rods...
As Kayak fishing becomes more popular, the fishing rod industry continues to create more specialized options.
Fishing from a kayak means space is premium and anytime you can buy a piece of gear that can pull double duty, it’s going to be a good investment.
This rod can do just that. A high-end fishing rod backed by St. Croix quality and technology that’s capable of fishing multiple types of presentations and species.
In addition, the St. Croix Mojo Yak rod features a shorter handle and specialized Winn grips to make it easier to maneuver with a sure grip while operating at water level.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7’
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Fast
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16- 5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - MYS70MF
- Warranty - Backed by a 5-year warranty, through the St Croix Superstar Service Program
Is It Worth It? Skipping Rod And Reel Combos?
Best skipping rod and reel setup
It makes sense to buy a rod and reel set especially if you are a beginner and really don’t know the small details that come along with pairing a specific style of rod with a specific style of reel.
Many times manufacturers will help out these new anglers by paring their products together that can help with the learning curve.
It really comes down to a handful of questions to help you determine whether or not you are going to purchase a rod and reel set or purchase it separately…
- You need to ask yourself how much fishing experience do you have?
- Do you have confidence that you can pair up the right rod to the right real?
- Are you going to use that combo for any other style of fishing.
Only you can answer those questions. If you are incredibly new, this rod and reel combo by Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod Combo is a great starter set.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7'0
- Line Weight - 6-12-pound test
- Lure Weight -1/8-1/2-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - FR 702SF
- Warranty - Limited lifetime warranty
Best Telescoping Rod - KastKing Blackhawk II
About KastKing Blackhawk II
The best telescoping rod has to go the KastKing Blackhawk II fishing rod.
Being a relatively new player KastKing has pushed the boundaries for delivering innovative and interesting products.
This rod is ideal if you want to pack this under your car seat if you want to go fishing on your lunch break, or you can pack this into a small suitcase bag when traveling.
One of the best features that the Blackhawk II has to offer is it comes in a variety of lengths and strengths. So you can choose the rod that best suits the style of fishing you’re doing.
I recommend the KastKing Blackhawk II, 7-foot medium power with a fast tip rod caught our eye for its excellent drop shot features.
Tech Specs:
- Length - 7'0
- Collapsed Length - 22.4"
- Line Weight - 8-15-pound test
- Lure Weight - 3/16-5/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - KRDSPNBK2-7M9-C
- Warranty - 1 year warranty
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DIY - BUILD YOUR OWN ROD
If you don’t want to buy a premium spinning rod built for jig fishing, but rather think it’s the best idea to build your own rod, then check out this YouTube video.
How to Build Your Own Custom Fishing Rod
So before you even think of making your own rod you have to understand how they are made up and what qualities they should carry. You have to ensure you are getting the best quality components to get you the best result, otherwise you’re just wasting your time.
Here is a company that can get you started in the right direction, Jann’s NetCraft.
-- Featured Article Of The Month --
Other Skipping Related Articles
- How To Skip A Jig And Other Baits [Our Top 10 Tips]
- How to Practice Skipping Docks At Home (In 5 Super Easy Steps)
- 12 Best Skipping Baits You Need To Try ASAP
- Everything You Need to Know on How to Skip A Senko [The Easy Way]
- Best Spinning Rods For Skipping Senkos (Buyer's Guide)
- Best Casting Rod For Skipping Baits Reviewed & Revealed (Buyer’s Guide)
FAQ
How do you skip a jig and other baits?
Skipping a dock is the art of casting a lure (preferably flat) across the water (normally underhand/sidearm) that it skips and bounces off the surface, preferably many times! Think about skipping a rock.
Anglers like to skip lures under docks and other structures because often larger bass will setup deep in the shadows to ambush prey.
To get the secrets on how to skip a jig in less time than it would take you to eat your lunch then click here.
Read more: How To Skip A Bass Jig – Tips for Skipping Docks And Other Structures
Can I skip baits under docks all year long?
Yes, fish will hold under docks all year long (except if the lake is frozen of course). Keep in mind that the size and action of the bait you skip should vary depending on water temp, season, and the stage of spawning the fish may be in.
Read more: Best Skipping Baits You Need Keep Secret [Insiders Only]
What is the best way to set the hook when skipping a bait?
A hard upward hookset. You need to set the hook hard with jigs because the weedguard can present an obstacle for driving the hook into the fish’s mouth.
Depending on how heavily weeded the area is, you should fine-tune the weed guard to increase your hook-up chances.
You can do this by cutting or spreading out the bristles, and/or trimming them down a little shorter.
If new to jig fishing, strongly recommend you read the article Beginners Blueprint To Jig Fishing, where I give you 50 different tips that actually work. Find out what skills you are missing and much, much more!
Read More: What is Jig Fishing For Bass? [A Complete Beginners Guide]
What type of line is best for skipping baits?
Jigs can be fished with braided, monofilament, or fluorocarbon line. However, it’s recommended to use fluorocarbon line in clear water and braided line in murky water. Fortunately, I wrote a thorough article that goes in to much more detail of what are the best lines for bass fishing and more importantly what lines to avoid!
Read more: 21 Tips To Choose The Best Bass Fishing Line
Can I swim a skipping jig?
Yes, you can. It’s really all about presentation. In a pinch and don’t have a dedicated swim jig available any type of jig can be retrieved on a “swim” action.
Read more: How to Fish a Bass Jig [Top 12 Retrieval Tips That WORK]
Should I only use Senkos To Skip?
Not, really. Even though skipping a Senko is incredibly effective, there are some benefits to using different styles of stick baits.
This excerpt was taken from our report, Top 10 Drop Shot Fishing Baits You Don’t Know About…
“The Strike King Ocho fills in all the gaps where Senko falls short.
For instance, the fall is a little slower than a Senko. So when the bass are in a very finicky mood, they will outperform the Senko.
It’s been said that if you rig this with a light-wire gauge hook it can make it look like the Ocho is completely suspended even on slack line… That’s something a Senko can’t do.
The octagonal shape allows it to skip effortlessly across the water and will reflect light off the flat side adding to attention getting features.
They are about as soft as a Senko, but priced better.”
Can baits be skipped while saltwater fishing?
Absolutely! Just make your your rod, reel, and gear are all made saltwater fishing.
When I order a rod how big is the shipping package?
Every manufacturer will ship their rods differently. However, most of the time, your rod will be most likely shipped in reinforced rod tube with internal padding
Warranty? What happens if I brake my rod after a few trips to the lake?
I strongly recommend contacting the manufacturer as soon as possible. They are normally pretty good with warranties.
Explain to them what happened, provide pictures of the rod, purchase information and any other documentation they ask about. I cannot speak for them, but typically they replace the rod at a massive discount, but be aware you may have to pay a small shipping fee.
Title picture credit:
*Source [1], **Source [2]