Both us and our readers have a long history with the Fenwick Eagle. We often come across this rod while testing out various rods in different categories and oh boy it always performs well. This Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod Review has just strengthened our belief in this rod.
So, what’s the deal with Fenwick, why are they so important? The Fenwick HMG was the original graphite rod. They were the pioneers of graphite rods when manufacturers were using boron or composite fiberglass. Their popular spinning rods the Fenwick GT has an upgraded design and are now rebranded as the Fenwick Eagle.
Fenwick understands your passion for fishing.
Our Verdict On The Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod
The Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod is a damn good rod overall. You definitely cannot go wrong with these and they certainly won’t fail you. Fenwick has an experience of 18 years of manufacturing with this fishing tackle, and these Eagles testify to that.
And if you are somewhat experienced, you have the option of a casting rod too in the Fenwick Eagle series. Being an upgraded and rebranded version of the Fenwick GT rods, these classical looking treats are here to stay. However, if you still want something better, we have provided you with some amazing alternatives in the comparison table.
Competitors Of The Fenwick Eagle Rods
| PRODUCT | OVERALL SCORE | BOTTOM LINE | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Fenwick Eagle | 90 | Royal looks, impressive performance within your budget. | Check On Amazon |
| COMPETING OPTIONS | |||
Cadence CR5 | n/a | How about immense value at unbelievable price? | Check On Amazon |
KastKing Perigee II | n/a | Stunning features with a twin-tip technology. | Check On Amazon |
Ugly Stik Elite | n/a | Increased percentage of graphite to the extent of 35%. | Check On Amazon |
Ugly Stik GX2 | n/a | A sensitive and an extremely durable buy at a low cost. | Check On Amazon |
Before We Begin
Their popular spinning rods the Fenwick GT has an upgraded design and are now rebranded as the Fenwick Eagle. Fenwick understands your passion for fishing. Fenwick rods have been tested time and again by the market and they have always proven their worth.
With over 60 years of experience, knowledge, and testing, they have produced lightweight and comfortable designs. Our blank is the primary piece of equipment that we use for fishing. With its time-tested features, there are numerous reasons why these rods are the preferred choice of a lot of anglers.
Detailed Analysis Of The Fenwick Eagle Range
With all the formal introductions out of the way, it’s now time to dive into the juicy and meaty part of the article that you have been waiting for. Through this Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod Review, we have tried to explain to you in the best possible way what are its key features and how does it perform according to parameters.
Also, we wanted to explain to you how a spinning rod differs from a casting rod. Why did we want to do it? Because Fenwick has another popular rod out there, i.e. the Fenwick Eagle Casting Rod! We just wanted you to be sure of what you are buying and why you are buying it.
Ok, time to roll!
1. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod Key Features
Comfort
Handle
The Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rods have a burled cork handle. Not only, it looks and feels like traditional cork but it ends up being more chip-resistant and durable than the majority of the spinning rods we know about. Cork handles sustain a lingering warmth in cold weather when we compare them to their EVA counterparts.
In simple words, you would find them more comfortable to hold and warm even on freezing days. With reduced damping capability, the cork handles, in comparison to the foam ones, spread vibrations better, and are much more sensitive. Certain fishing techniques and situations demand sensitivity and here cork options are our best bet.
They not only enhance the feel but also respond better. Furthermore, the butt-end of the rod has a nice taper to it and we have a nice logo at the butt-section. One drawback with the cork grip is that it’s less durable compared to the EVA foam. Also, it can be a pain to keep them clean. However, Fenwick Eagle has a high quality cork grip.
Interchangeability
Irrespective of whether you are left-handed or right-handed, you would find the Fenwick Eagle easy to use just like most spinning rods. These rods have no problems pairing up with reels having interchangeable handles and thus accommodate every angler.
Rod Weight
The rods are fairly lightweight and thus allow you to fish for long hours without tiring your arms, wrist, fingers. A lot of rods having similar durability as the Fenwick Eagle, use heavy materials for strength and thus leave you feeling fatigued after a few casts.
Aesthetics
These rods have a pleasing, classic olive-bronzed and timeless look. This trait makes them look like some of those high-end expensive rods in the market.
Durability
Modern Engineering
Fenwicks Eagle spinning rod stay true to their classical-heritage looks. But, this doesn’t mean that they are all about appearance and other important attributes have not been taken care of. Due to modern engineering techniques being incorporated, they will remain with you for a long time while serving you well.
Rod Guides
The Fenwick Eagle comes with stainless steel guides that have chromium-plated SS304 inserts. Now, these weigh half of what the aluminum-oxide guides weigh. A question might pop-up in your mind that doesn’t it affect the rod strength? Let us get this straight, no! But it does increase the rod efficiency manifold.
Now it all depends on your choice but still, some anglers still have doubts due to the above reason.
Rod Blank
Stainless steel components have certainly made this rod durable and long-lasting, especially in comparison to the previous version i.e. the GT rods. Still, the breaking of rod tips in earlier models had been embarrassing to the glorious Eagle series from Fenwick. However, we are yet to encounter a problem in the updated models.
Functioning
Ergonomic Design
The Fenwick Eagle rod seems to be pretty useful when we try to go after current breaks. Here we often need the bait to be dropped into the water directly. We are presented with a nice and balanced reel seat. It features a stubbier kind of a twist lock. Also, the longer handle actually increase the balance point.
We can fit a lot of different sized reels from different manufacturers.These spinning rods are so well balanced and do not fail to offer some great casting too. From the largest to smallest model, we are looking at some decent fish catching here.
Superb Casting & Rod Action
How often do we see an ultralight model of considerable length? Almost never! But with the Fenwick Eagle, you can cast very light lures. Oh, we forgot to mention that those lures can be cast at long distances! It’s a win-win situation. These rods are thoroughly suited for trouts, basses, walleyes, and salmons.
The best thing we liked about the Fenwick Eagle was that even the medium action rods, performed like fast-action ones of other companies. In general, the eagle rods are pretty fast adhering to the tradition of a versatile Fenwick tip rod.
Line Handling & Sensitivity
The chromium-plated (SS304) guides that we mentioned about earlier are perfectly capable of handling tough braided lines. Such a phenomenon is a rare occurrence even in other popular choices. Your fishing experience would be enhanced exponentially because Fenwick Eagle rod’s tip is very soft and sensitive.
It can identify even the slightest movement.
Rod Guides Paradox
A lot of people will tell you that stainless steel guides are not good because of bad heat dispersion. The thicker the guide, the more heat dispersion we are going to get. But these are thin. So what does it mean? It means that they are going to cast well overall. Stainless steel guides hold up to braid.
Maintenance & Repair Cost
Warranty
Fenwick is committed to the angler. Their “get your Fenwick fishing” program aims to get you back on the water faster. They want you to get back to fishing as soon as possible. Not only they have a fast-track return process but they are offering a 5-year warranty on the Eagle series.
Corrosion-resistance
Stainless-steel inserts and guide frames attribute to corrosion resistance and durability of the rod. Not to mention they still manage to keep the rod lightweight. So what’s the good news? You can use it in saltwater too!
Longevity
Both the rod and its guides show longevity, in fact, more than those average aluminum guides. The earlier models had a lot of problems related to guides and snapping of tips, etc. which did feel annoying when our prized catch swam away never to return back. But all those problems were addressed pretty quickly by Fenwick after we followed their process.
They are a customer friendly team.
Price
Affordable
Fenwick gives us a good rod for the money. They have been an innovator in making a lot of good stuff for not a lot of money. Though Fenwick is not as preferred in front of its more luxurious competitors G.Loomis or St. Croix, still they give us some of the best mid-budget fishing rods.
The Fenwick Eagle Spinning rod has a high-build quality and that too at prices which fit comfortably in our budget. There is a reason this company is still going strong and exists among other giants. The Fenwick Eagle or Fenwick rods, in general, are a great buy for both new and skilled anglers.
2. Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod
Overall Score: 90
+ Burled cork handle with chip resistance
+ Corrosion-resistance
+ Rod blank sensitivity
– A few eye and rod snapping issues
Spinning vs Casting Rod
You might be knowing that just like the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod there is a Fenwick Eagle Casting Rod too. If you didn’t already know that, well, we just told you. While this review deals with the spinning version, it wouldn’t hurt to know a bit about the casting rods too, right?
If you already know the difference, feel free to skip ahead. However, we do recommend giving it a read. Who knows, what you might find? And if you are new to these terms then let’s not waste any time and increase our knowledge base.
In this section, we will discuss the rod-reel setup as a whole rather than just the rod because both the rod and the reel complement each other.
1. Ease Of Use
Spinning rods are the biggest friends of new anglers because they are so easy to use. Line tangles are not an issue and you can even reel in those fishes pretty fast. Since spinning rods are meant to be paired with spinning reels, (not doing so can compromise both the rod and the reel) it makes the whole setup easy to use.
Now the casting rods or the whole setup might be harder to learn and master. Initially, you can expect difficulties in handling the rod, a lot of backlash from the reel but in the long run, they are actually easier to use once you get the hang of it.
2. Addiction Level
Once you get familiar with the baitcasters, it would be difficult to revert back to spinning setups. You would find your fishing frenzy increased and will feel a kind of addiction kicking in as you see yourself eager to go fishing every day. If you haven’t used a baitcaster yet, it would be difficult for you to understand what exactly do we mean by this point.
3. Guides
With a well-tested guide spacing, casting rods are easier to recognize. These guides prevent the line from rubbing off the rod blank. Moreover, they have guides which are smaller in comparison to spinning rods. Since the line comes off the spool in spinning setups, therefore they require larger guides.
Spinning reels also don’t require a lot of guides because the line is pulled below the rod when we fish.
4. Eyelets & Reel
In the spinning rods, the eyelets point downwards due to the force of a line pull from a fish bite. The reel rests underneath the rod and the handle would be towards our weaker side. We operate the rod with our dominant hand. Casting setups are completely opposite and may even seem unnatural to those new to them.
When they encounter a line pull from a fish bite, the eyelets face upwards. This highly increases the longevity of eyelets and they are less likely to fall off.
5. Casting Technique
Casting Setups
Hold the rod in your hand like a tennis racket. The reel should face towards you. While your thumb should be free to play with the line, your index finger should be supporting the bulk of the rod. Though difficult to master, the more adept you become, your casts will become better and better with your line traveling the desired distance.
Spinning Setups
It is a simple process. You should hold the line with your index finger against the rod. Flip the bail, free the line and you are ready for casting.
6. Application
In case you plan to fish on a boat, take a casting rod with you. You will require a rod that can be trolled, anchored with, down-rigger fished or used otherwise. Casting reels are rod holder friendly and you can get the lure out by releasing your line in a controlled way.
Precision casting is facilitated by casting reels and enable effective cast placement with the backhand, ‘flipping’ and skipping baits. In case you require multiple casts with a consistent, straightforward approach, then spinning rod and reel setups are your best approach.
Which Rod Should You Choose?
We seriously gave you a whole lot of information regarding that above so we will be pretty brief here. The answer is, don’t ask us! Now before you get mad at us for being rude, try and understand that we do not know where you stand in terms of fishing skills and what your likes and dislikes are.
It all boils down to your choices and what exactly do you want out of your setup. Where do you stand? What are you willing to sacrifice, ease of use or performance level? Before buying your rod you should know the answer to these questions. So, re-read the above section if you want.
By the way, here is the Fenwick Eagle Casting Rod that we talked about earlier. Go on, have a look.
Conclusion
As we had mentioned earlier too, it is difficult to go wrong with these rods. When you need a trusted partner for your fishing trips, the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Rod wouldn’t fail you. Several readers whom we contacted during the research phase of this review had nothing except pleasurable experiences with this rod.
We just laid out the accurate details regarding these beauties in front of you and now you know a lot more about them than most anglers ever will. If you have any questions or comments, do tell us through the contact us page. And if you think we did an amazing job with this article, please share it with your friends through the links below.
Till then, lamtumirë!