Best Bass Fishing Rod and Reel – Top Picks

Length

When you are bass fishing, the rod length and reel are very important. Having a longer rod is very helpful for long casts and better control of the lure. An extended rod length is also very useful if you are trying to catch finicky bass that is easily spooked. 

When going after the finicky bass, do your research on the best worms for bass. Once that’s determined, choose a rod 6 to 8 feet. If you want to rig the worm weedless, look for the best shaky head rod.

Finally, using a larger reel is very helpful because it can hold more line and power if you are going after a largemouth. 

Handle

Because it is the part of the rod that you hold on to, having a comfortable handle should be one of your top priorities, especially if you are going on a long bass fishing trip.

An uncomfortable handle causes hand fatigue and a weak grip that can lead to a lack of control of the rod and reel. The two most popular materials used in creating handles are EVA foam and cork.

EVA handles are more lightweight, resistant to water and sun damage, and require little maintenance. Like EVA, cork handles are also comfortable. However, they are used in more luxurious fishing rods and can also mold to your hand shape with time, offering the utmost comfort.

Rod Material

Bass fishing rods are usually made out of two materials: fiberglass and graphite.

Fiberglass is a heavier and more flexible material, making it an ideal option for monster bass fishing. And because fiberglass rods tend to be slow-action rods, they aren’t really suitable for windy weather. Instead, they work best when fishing in heavy cover.

Unlike fiberglass, graphite makes for a lightweight and sensitive bass rod, making it a perfect choice for beginners. Graphite rods are usually fast-action rods that help bass anglers to make more accurate casts.

Portability

If you want to fish bass in different locations, portability is one of the most important factors you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best bass fishing rod and reel combo.

Having a good portable rod and reel is useful because portability is: convenient for traveling, versatile for fishing in different conditions, and provides you with accessibility to reach more difficult fishing spots.

Many rods come in 2 pieces, but a lot of them can also be broken down into more. The more pieces a rod is made out of, the more easily it can be stored in confined spaces.

Action

The action of the rod determines where a rod can bend. Fast-action rods bend on the rod tip, while slow-action rods bend on the entire length of the rod.

The action of the rod determines the sensitivity and hook setting options. Slow-casting rods are better if you are after a largemouth bass and if you are using heavier lures.

Power

The power of the rod determines how much the rod can actually bend. It is a deciding factor of the weight of the lure and the mass of the catch.

If you are targeting smallmouth bass, a light-power rod is best. But if you are after a largemouth, you should use a heavy-power rod.

Usually, power and action go hand in hand when choosing a rod, and in order to make the right decision, you need to consider the type and size of the fish you are going after. Fast-action rods with light power are used for fishing with light lures and finesse fishing. A slow-action rod with heavy power is used to target large and heavy fish.

Guides

The size and quality of the guides affect the casting distance. If the guides are small, they’ll create more friction and minimize the casting distance. Good quality guides also make sure that the line doesn’t get tangled while it moves through the rod.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings reduce the friction between moving parts in a reel and provide a longer casting distance. High-quality ball bearings help the reel to operate more smoothly. When making your purchase, go for combos with at least four ball bearings.

Gear Ratio

Gear ratio is important because it determines the retrieve speed of the lure – the higher the ratio, the faster the speed. The gear ratio should always match the size of the lure. If you are using quick-moving lures like crankbaits or spinnerbaits, a higher gear ratio is required.

Drag System

To adjust the resistance on the fishing line, you need a good drag system. The drag system is essential when fighting off a bass without risking a break-off on the line. When choosing your combo, look for a reel that has an easy-set drag system.

Size

The size of the rod affects the casting distance, line capacity, power, action, control, and comfort. So, before determining the size and affecting the way your fishing session will go, think about the fish you want to catch. If you are after a largemouth, you should look for a combo with a long rod and a big reel. 

Weight

The weight of the rod and reel affect the sensitivity. For example, light rods and reels are more sensitive. As such, they should be used for smallmouth bass fishing so that you can detect the bite easily.

Retrieval Rate

The retrieval rate is crucial because it determines how quickly anglers can retrieve the lure. A fast retrieve gives anglers a chance to cover more water in a small amount of time, giving them plenty of opportunity to find the bass.

Line Capacity

Having a big line capacity on the reel allows you to spool more line on the reel. It also lets you fish for bass in deeper waters, leading to better coverage.

Real Seat

A well-placed real seat determines the balance and feel of the rod, providing anglers with the needed comfort and control. When choosing a rod and reel combo, you should always try and hold it first to see if the balance feels right.