Anglers throughout the United States spend hundreds of dollars each year on the best available fishing gear, boats, lures, and gadgets in order to increase their chances of catching this type of fish. However, as any keen bass angler will tell you, the fishing rod is the most important part of your fishing gear. With the best bass fishing rods, you can do much more than simply reel in the fish.
Casting accuracy, lure play, bit detection, and hook set are all influenced by your rod. Good bass rods also affect how you play your lure.
Bass fishing is all about getting the appropriate rod, and getting the right one is more important than any other piece of fishing equipment. There are, of course, numerous businesses and brands that have built a name for themselves as rod manufacturers. Rod prices also vary greatly, but so does quality as well.
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Best Fishing Rods for Bass
To help you make an informed decision when hunting for a fishing rod, we have reviewed some of the rods on the market today and provided you with a guide on what to look for when shopping for the best bass rods.
So, what is the best rod for bass fishing? Here are our top picks for the best bass rods:
1. Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
This is a superior-quality fishing rod when you want to get the best value for money. With this Plussinno’s fishing gear, you’ll have a lot of fun on the water. It saves you time by providing you with everything you need on your bass fishing outing.
This rod has a premium feel to it right out of the box. It’s sturdy, thanks to the ceramic inlays, and it also looks good. An anti-slip coating on the grip and an ergonomic shape help ensure that the fish will never escape.
With IM6 Carbon matrix blank technology, all of Plusinno’s fishing rods, spinning or casting, are built. A one-piece bass rod with improved overall performance is now available. The rod gives you smooth, friction-free performance, making it ideal for both experts and novices.
The reel seat on this model is also quite popular with anglers. The fact that it’s constructed of plastic means that it’s not very long-lasting, but it’s still incredibly robust. The revolutionary double-locking mechanism on this bass fishing rod makes assembling it a breeze.
2. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
A versatile fishing rod like the KastKing Perigee II is hard to come by. It’s great for beginners and pros alike because it’s made with premium materials and meticulous attention to detail. With its versatility, this rod may be used in freshwater and saltwater to catch anything from bass to walleye, catfish and tiger trout.
The length, weight, and power of this 2-piece spinning rod can be customized. If you want to go bass or trout or walleye or catfish or steelhead fishing, this is a wonderful choice. It also works well for saltwater fishing. The carbon fiber used in this two-piece spinning rod allows it to be both light and strong while yet being affordable.
While in use, the two-piece rod is still delicate enough to effortlessly shift power along your rod. It’s even available with two tips, one for a specific motion and one for general use. A lifetime warranty is included with the dual tips as an added measure of security.
The rod’s handle is a drawback. EVA foam is excellent, but a cork grip handle will last much longer. Overall, it is one of the best bass fishing rods for both beginners and experienced anglers.
3. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Here’s a good option for those of you on a tight budget but still need to get one of the best bass fishing rods. The Ugly Stik Elite is one of the better options available for under $50. With 35% more graphite than the Ugly Stik GX2, this pen is more flexible and responsive than the previous generation.
This isn’t the end of it, however. The clear-tip design of the Ugly Stik is well retained and reinforced with fiberglass. The composite material used in this design makes it less probable for the tip to shatter when loaded. The stainless-steel line guides on this rod don’t have the optimum casting and friction-reduction properties, but at the very least, they are long-lasting.
There are five different lengths to pick from, ranging from 4’6″ to 7′. In order to make it easier to transport, it’s offered in 1- and 2-piece configurations. There are four power options for the Ugly Stik Elite: ultralight, medium-light, medium, and heavy. They’re all similar in that they all have quick responses. The extra-large cork grip is perfect for extended fishing trips. It prevents the rod from slipping while still keeping it comfy.
As you can see, the Ugly Stik’s build quality isn’t all that great. However, it’s functional – which is all that matters in the end. Anglers who are used to high-end features such as smoother line guides, hook keepers, and nicer reel seats may find that they are missing out on some of these features. However, at this price point, you won’t find anything better.
4. Entsport E Series Casting Rod
Excellent performance doesn’t have to be pricey all the time. The Camo legend 2-piece casting rod from the Entsport E series confirms that theory more accurately. This 2-piece rod is made entirely of carbon fiber, with a 24-ton rating.
It’s easy to transport because of the 7-feet split construction. It also includes two tips. They’re all medium to medium-heavy in power. When fishing in waters with or without cover, start with the first tip. It’s better to use the other tip on waters with greater cover and heavier lures. It’s like having two fishing poles rather than one.
Seven ceramic inlet line guides on the rod ensure friction-free casting. There’s also better heat dissipation with the rod under heavy load. You also get a comfortable and easy hold thanks to the split handle’s high-density EVA foam grip.
With a solid overall build, this casting rod is perfect for bass fishing. Beginner anglers will find it an excellent choice, especially if they are seeking a bass fishing rod that costs less than $50.
5. St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Spinning Rod
The St. Croix brand is well-known to most anglers. The fishing rods made by St. Croix are among the best in the world, which is why our list wouldn’t be complete without a St. Croix rod included. There are both casting and spinning variations of the Mojo series. They’re both built similarly in general. That way, you can go with whatever suits your needs the most.
This St. Croix fishing rod is made of high-modulus carbon fiber. The graphite in the rod ensures that it’s both strong and light at the same time. From 6’8″ to 9’6″, you have a choice of six lengths. The St. Croix Mojo is available in three different strengths, starting from medium to heavy.
In addition, you have the option of selecting one of three actions: Slow, medium, and quick. It also features guides that are resistant to corrosion. They do an excellent job of decreasing friction, which results in longer casting times. The rod also features a Fuji reel seat and durable cork grips.
Overall, this is a top-notch bass fishing tool. There’s, however, one significant downside to this product: the price. The rod might cost up to $150, depending on the individual model. As a result, novice anglers and those with limited budgets may want to look elsewhere.
6. Abu Garcia Veritas Spinning Rod
The Abu Garcia Veritas casting rod is a great option if you want the best and can afford it. It’s a versatile all-arounder that’s tough as nails while still being incredibly responsive. It will last you for years because of the incredible strength of the 3M Powerlux 300 blank.
The blank of the Veritas rod is made entirely of graphite. Instead of black, the standard color for rods made of carbon fiber, this one is white. It’s available in five lengths, ranging from 6’3” all the way to 10’3”, so there should be something for everyone.
Abu Garcia was able to reduce the Veracity’s weight while preserving its ultimate strength and responsiveness by coating the 40-ton carbon fiber blank with 3M resin that’s baked into the rod. When using this rod, you’ll feel like you’re one with it thanks to the EVA split grips and Fuji soft-touch reel seat. The black EVA foam handles, while stylish, are a bit on the diminutive side. Even so, they’re cozy and secure a good hold. The ergonomic graphite reel seat allows you to hold the rod firmly. A hook keeper made of stainless steel is located a few inches above the eyelet.
There are titanium alloy line guides on the Veritas LTD Abu Garcia. Its remarkable ability to reduce friction makes it an excellent choice for making long throws. For those searching for a bass fishing rod around $100, however, this model may be a bit pricier. We believe it’s actually the best bass rod money can buy if you can afford it.
7. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Bass Fishing Rod
Quality fishing gear at a good price is available from only a few vendors. One of these firms is KastKing. They’re always coming up with new and improved models of the greatest fishing equipment on the market. The Speed Demon Pro rod, of course, is a fine example of KastKing’s superior products.
The bass fishing rod has a robust blank made of carbon fiber in several layers. The flexibility and responsiveness of the pole are improved, but the weight is kept low thanks to the nano resin technology. This incredible fishing rod is available from KastKing in both spinning and casting versions.
There are eight distinct lengths of the KastKing Speed Demon bass fishing rod, ranging from 6’10” to 8’0″. Additionally, you have the option of selecting between three different action speeds: moderate, fast, or moderate fast. Aside from that, there are five different power settings ranging from medium to extra-light. However, if you want to catch more bass, you shouldn’t use a heavier rod.
The WINN grips are standard on all KastKing fishing rods, including the Speed Demon. They’re comfy and give you great control, so you can get better results with your hooks. When used with Alconite rigs, Fuji line guides provide a longer casting range. They lessen wear and tear by decreasing friction. The rod’s Fuji hooded reel seat matches the line guides. For bass fisherman on a budget, the KastKing Speed Demon is an excellent option to consider.
8. Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod
Cadence’s line of bass rods is known as the CR series. The Cadence CR7B is one of the company’s newest products. It’s one of the best bass fishing rods to consider.
To make the rod as light and powerful as possible, it’s made with a 3-layer carbon fiber structure that weighs 40 tons. The rod can transmit even the tiniest nibbles thanks to the stainless steel and SiC rings. This rod’s characteristic makes it ideal for both new and experienced fishers.
You can get this Cadence rod in five distinct lengths, all the way up to a whopping 8 feet! There are three levels of power: light, medium, and heavy. In addition, you have the option of three different action speeds: slow, medium, and fast. The EVA foam handle continues down to the lower region. It resembles the grips found on higher-priced KastKing rods. However, the rubber and texturing are absent. Despite this, it’s comfortable and offers a good grip.
The CR7B quality Fuji seat holds the reel in place. All vibration is transmitted to your palm thanks to the perfect-fir design, which is quite useful when fishing for bass. It’s slightly pricier than other models discussed above such as the Ugly Stick but features additional features such as EVA foam handles, the SiC inlets, and Fuji reel seats.
How to Find the Best Bass Fishing Rods
Rarely do anglers choose a rod based on its specific characteristics. This is a huge mistake that can lead to broken lines and rods.
It’s especially true when examining the rods’ motion and power. Before purchasing a new fishing rod, it’s critical to grasp the various rod qualities.
Rod Action
A rod’s action refers to how much it will flex when pressed. If you want to catch bass, you need a rod with quick or very rapid action. Other rod motions aren’t recommended for bass fishing.
Extra fast rods only bend at the top of the rod, while fast rods bend about the top 25%. The slower your rod’s action, the more it will bend. This will affect the rod’s power, sensitivity, and firmness of the hook set. A sensitive rod is also required.
Bass are known to spit out baits that aren’t to their liking. Detecting a bite early can offer you a better chance of catching more bass. A rod with a little extra movement towards the tip can assist you in getting a good hook set. This is a great feature for larger lures.
Rod Strength
In terms of how the action works, the rod’s power has little to do with it. The power is the amount of pressure required to bend the rod. This could range from ultra-light all the way to extra-heavy. When fishing for bass, you can use anything but super light.
Remember that the rod’s power is directly related to its ultimate goal. A heavy saltwater rod isn’t the same as a heavy bass rod. Before considering power, make sure the rod will work for your intended purpose.
If you’re unsure about the intended application, use the line’s weight as a guide. If you’re unsure about the rod power, a medium-heavy or heavy rod is definitely the best choice.
Spinning and Casting
The option is theoretically simple, but it’s important to note that they are both distinct and will work in different ways. Putting a bait caster on a spinning rod or vice versa is a horrible idea.
A bait caster can cast bigger baits and farther than most other rods. They have more power and use thicker lines. Spinning rods have less power but the same action. These rods are quick and precise for close-quarter fishing. They’ll also employ lighter lures and lines.
Line Weight
Many will overcompensate by using a heavy line. Bass fishing doesn’t necessitate a hefty line, and you’ll often receive more hits on a lighter, less visible line. When choosing the correct line weight, consider the rod’s power and the recommended line weights.
A spinning rod will need a lighter line, ranging from 4 to 10 pounds. Some of them will even go up to 14-16 pounds, which is a bit heavier than what you need from a line.
Some big bass have been caught with 4-pound lines, but you’re better off with 6 to 8-pound lines. If you plan to fish around obstacles, you may want to go heavier.
Casting rods utilize considerably heavier lines. The lower end may be around 8-10 pounds, while the higher end may be in the mid-20s and 20s. You won’t need 20-pound line to catch bass, although certain baitcasting reels do better with a thicker line. A good beginning point is in the mid-teens.
Take-Down Rods
The ability to remove a rod is carefully considered. Many experienced fishermen believe that a one-piece rod is superior to a two-piece rod. True, a one-piece rod performs better, but they aren’t the ultimate rods, so don’t even consider a takedown rod.
Transporting your rod is one of the most crucial factors. A 7-foot bass rod is difficult to transport in a small car, and you can’t catch fish from your garden unless you have a river.
If you live a more active lifestyle, a takedown rod is a smart option. Remember that the most significant element of a fast or exceptionally fast rod is less than 25% of it.
Conclusion
If you don’t already have a great bass rod, now is the time to purchase one. Fishing with cheap rods vs. superb rods can make a huge difference. Getting more bites or casting easier doesn’t help, but the rod’s sensitivity does.
The products discussed above perform exceptionally well but we highly recommend the Plusinno Fishing Rod and Reel Combo as our top choice.
It comes with most of the key features and functions you need in the best bass fishing rods at a reasonable price.
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