Blog Home
Tackle & Gear
Buying Guides
Fly Fishing
Bass
Crappie & Panfish
Salmon & Steelhead
Trout
Ice Fishing
All Categories
Authors

Best Jigging Rods: Expert Picks for Walleye, Panfish, and Bass

By: FishUSA Staff

March 24, 2025

Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching fish, whether you’re targeting walleye, panfish, or bass. The right jigging rod needs to be lightweight, sensitive, and powerful enough to set the hook quickly. This guide reviews the best jigging rods for different species and fishing styles to help you make the best choice.

Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching fish, whether you’re targeting walleye, panfish, or bass. The right jigging rod needs to be lightweight, sensitive, and powerful enough to set the hook quickly. This guide reviews the best jigging rods for different species and fishing styles to help you make the best choice.

Table of Contents

  • Best Jigging Rods for Walleye
  • Best Jigging Rods for Panfish
  • Best Jigging Rods for Bass
  • How to Choose the Best Jigging Rod
  • Conclusion

Best Jigging Rods for Walleye

FishUSA Flagship Walleye Spinning Rod

The FishUSA Flagship Walleye Spinning Rod is a high-performance rod designed specifically for jigging walleye. Despite having excellent features and professional design, it maintains a great price point. Actions and powers are tailored for specific baits or jigging techniques. 

  • Length: Available in 5'9" to 7'8". Best jigging models are 5’9” to 6’8”.
  • Power: Medium-light to medium.
  • Best Use: Vertical jigging with everything from light jigheads and plastics or live bait to heavy jigheads and jigging raps.
Shop FishUSA Flagship Walleye Spinning rod

Lamiglas Detroiter Walleye Series Spinning Rod

Designed for serious walleye anglers, the Lamiglas Detroiter Walleye Series Spinning Rod offers a lightweight and highly responsive blank for all-day jigging.

  • Length: 5’6” to 7’0” for better jigging control.
  • Power: Medium-heavy.
  • Best Use: Using heavy jigs in deep water or strong current.
Shop Lamiglas Detroiter Walleye Series Spinning Rod

St. Croix Avid Series Walleye Spinning Rod

For anglers who want premium performance, the St. Croix Avid Series Walleye Spinning Rod is an excellent choice. This rod is built with high-modulus graphite for superior sensitivity. It’s available in a massive variety of lengths and actions for a variety of techniques, with several jigging-specific models in the mix.

  • Length: 5'8" to 8'0", with any model under 7’0” being tailored to jigging.
  • Power: Light - heavy to cover all potential jigging situations.
  • Best Use: For anglers who desire a wide assortment of rods for a variety of jigs and situations.
Shop St. Croix Avid Series Walleye Spinning Rod

Best Jigging Rods for Panfish

St. Croix Avid Series Panfish Spinning Rod

The St. Croix Avid Series Panfish Spinning Rod is one of the most sensitive panfish rods available. It delivers unmatched finesse and responsiveness for light jigs.

  • Length: 6'0" to 9'0", with models under 7’ being the most appropriate for jigging. 
  • Power: Ultralight- medium-light to be suitable with a variety of jig weights.
  • Best Use: Jigging small soft plastics and live bait.
Shop St. Croix Avid Series Panfish Spinning Rod

FishUSA Ultralight Spinning Rod

The FishUSA Ultralight Spinning Rod is a budget-friendly option that still provides great action and responsiveness for panfish jigging.

  • Length: 6'0" to 9'0", with the 6’0” option being the best for jigging.
  • Power: Ultralight for use with the lightest of jigs and line.
  • Best Use: Jigging for bluegill, crappie, and perch with small jigs and light line.
Shop FishUSA Ultralight Spinning Rod

ACC Crappie Stix Green Series Spinning Rod

For dedicated crappie anglers, the ACC Crappie Stix Green Series Spinning Rod is a top-tier jigging rod. It’s designed for precise presentations and works well with small jigs.

  • Length: 5'0" to 16'0".
  • Power: Medium
  • Best Use: Jigging for crappie either vertically, or by reaching a target far in front of the boat with a long rod, eliminating the need to make a cast.
Shop ACC Crappie Stix Green Series Spinning Rod

Best Jigging Rods for Bass

FishUSA Flagship Bass Spinning Rod

For serious bass anglers, the FishUSA Flagship Bass Spinning Rod offers powerful hooksets and excellent sensitivity for jigging bass lures.

  • Length: 6’10” to 7’8”, with the 6’10” option being the best for jigging.
  • Power: Medium light to medium-heavy.
  • Best Use: Jigging with soft plastics and finesse jigs, as well as targeting bass seen on forward facing sonar.
Shop FishUSA Flagship Bass Spinning Rod

St. Croix Victory Spinning Rod

The St. Croix Victory Spinning Rod provides excellent control and sensitivity, making it perfect for jigging techniques in both deep and shallow waters.

  • Length: 6'8" to 7'10", with the 6’8” option being the best for jigging.
  • Power: Medium-light to medium-heavy.
  • Best Use: Vertical jigging or casting at bass using forward facing sonar with heavy jigs if necessary.
Shop St. Croix Victory Spinning Rod

Douglas XMatrix DXS Spinning Rod

For high-end performance, the Douglas XMatrix DXS Spinning Rod is built with cutting-edge graphite to maximize both sensitivity and strength.

  • Length: 6'6" to 7'10" with 6’6” being the best for jigging..
  • Power: Medium-light to medium-heavy.
  • Best Use: Vertical jigging for bass.
Shop Douglas XMatrix DXS Spinning Rod

How to Choose the Best Jigging Rod

Rod Power

  • Ultralight to Light: Best for panfish and finesse jigging.
  • Medium-Light to Medium: Ideal for most jigging situations, line sizes, and jig sizes. Most versatile.
  • Medium to Medium-Heavy: Required for heavy jigs, hard rod snaps, or fishing in heavy current.

Rod Action

Fast action rods provide quick hooksets, while moderate action rods allow more flex for finesse techniques.

Sensitivity

A graphite rod will offer the highest sensitivity, allowing you to feel subtle bites.

Conclusion

Choosing the best jigging rod depends on the species you target and your fishing style. Whether you're jigging for walleye, panfish, or bass, selecting a rod with the right power, length, and sensitivity will greatly improve your success on the water.

Shop Fishing Gear & Tackle

  • Walleye Spinning Rods
  • Crappie & Panfishing Spinning Rods
  • Bass Spinning Rods
  • Spinning Reels