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Daddy by day, fisherman at night.
If you are at the point when you start getting serious about bass fishing, you have probably realized that your old rod isn’t going to cut it. A good all-arounder should have certain characteristics.
What’s more, there are hundreds of different ways to catch bass, so it’s no surprise there are many fishing rods designed for specific lures and tactics.
In this article, we’ll go through the best fishing rods that every angler should consider as part of their equipment to get the best possibility of leaving with some bass. Read on to find the best 8 options.
Top 3 Best Bass Fishing Rod
Editor's choice
Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
- Affordable
- High-quality material
- Excellent performance
- Reliable and powerful
Best Rated
St Croix Triumph Spinning
- Durable rods
- Exceptional lightness
- Reasonably priced
- Amazingly sensitive and robust
Best Value
KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod
- Great sensitivity
- Budget-friendly option
- Made of high-quality components
- High performance
Table of Contents
Top 8 Best Rods for Bass Fishing
1. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod – Editor’s Choice for Bass Fishing Rod
2. St Croix Triumph Spinning – Best Rated Bass Fishing Rod
3. KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod – Best Value Bass Fishing Rod
4. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning – Best Sensitivity Bass Fishing Rod
5. 13 Fishing Omen Black – Best Lightweight Bass Fishing Rod
6. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod – Best for Big Bass Fishing Rod
7. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting – Best Casting Bass Fishing Rod
8. Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Combo – Best Combo Bass Fishing Rod
Our Recommendations of the Best Bass Fishing Rod
#1 Editor's Choice - Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Dobyns Casting rod wins this round thanks to its sturdy design made to handle even the mightiest bass! It’s an all-around reliable rod that ensures your comfort while you’re out on the water.
- Material: Graphite
- Style: Medium/heavy, crankbait, flip, swimbait, heavy, mag heavy
- Size: Available in 9 sizes ranging from 6’6”-8’0”
- Color: Black/green
Pros
- Affordable
- High-quality material
- Excellent performance
- Reliable and powerful
Cons
- Too stiff for casting frogs
- Not the best option for fishing in heavy vegetation
- Some bass anglers find it heavier than other fishing rods
BUYING ADVICE: We can say without holding back that the Fury Series casting rod is well-balanced, light, yet powerful. If you want a high-performance fishing bass with solid construction but still offers maximum sensitivity and exceptional accuracy, this is the match for you.
We took it for a spin, and even though it is for heavy lures and lines, we were able to throw ¼ ounce jigs. Its power and sensitivity make this rod fantastic with topwater lures, jigs, worms, and spinnerbaits. In the end, we got more bass than we expected.
FEATURES: Made of high-quality materials, reinforced with kevlar wrapping, and a high AA-grade cork handle, this rod is durable and an amazing all-rounder. Its sensitivity and the combination of lightness with strength set it apart from the competition.
#2 Best Rated - St Croix Triumph Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: This fishing rod is a work of art in terms of sensitivity, strength, and hook-setting power. It features numerous actions, powers, and length combinations to elevate your spinning game and catch you a meaty bass!
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 1 pound
- Size: Available in 6 sizes ranging from 5’0”-7’6”
- Color: Deep Run Blue
Pros
- Durable rods
- Exceptional lightness
- Reasonably priced
- Amazingly sensitive and robust
Cons
- Not specialized
- Some anglers think that it doesn’t offer the quality needed for bass
- The tip can easily break
BUYING ADVICE: If you want a rod that allows for responsive performance, whether you cast from the shore, lake, or river, then this should be your choice! When we used it, we found that this rod works great below every surface.
We managed to catch several large fish with St Croix Triumph Spinning reels – it has amazing action! While here, we suggest you check out the best flipping rods if you are more into flipping fishing.
FEATURES: The lightness is due to SCII carbon, a special graphite fiber with a higher strain rate than standard carbon fiber. So, this spinning reel and rod is extremely light while remaining strong. SCII carbon also has exceptional sensitivity – it is sensitive enough to be classified as an ultralight rod. This makes it perfect for detecting even the timidest panfish bites.
#3 Best Value - KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you want a budget-friendly option, the KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod is one of your best options. It is slightly less powerful but far more sensitive if we compare it with the Ugly Stik. However, this bass rod offers all the needed characteristics – sensitivity, lightness, and enough power.
- Material: Graphite, Carbon Fiber
- Size: Available in 11 sizes ranging from 4’6”-7’6”
- Style: 41 available, including ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy-power
- Color: Black
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
Pros
- Great sensitivity
- Budget-friendly option
- Made of high-quality components
- High performance
Cons
- Not so powerful
- Hard to find it
- Not the most durable rod
BUYING ADVICE: The KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod is one of the most reasonably priced fishing rods on the market. We did not notice a big difference between it and the most expensive rods, quality-wise.
It is available in a variety of models, allowing bass fishermen to choose the best one for their preferred technique. We used it as a bass fishing rod and trout fishing rod, but you can also use it as a saltwater rod, catfish rod, and salmon rod. And if you are a fan of salmon, check out the best salmon fishing rods.
FEATURES: The brand constructed these fishing rods with excellent quality 24-ton carbon fiber blank for accuracy and strength. This model has a fast action and versatile light, medium, or medium heavy power rating.
The blanks also have an EVA grip, Fuji O-ring line guides, and a safe hook keeper. Coupled with the reel seat made of high-strength graphite, this rod is one of the most budget-friendly yet quality options on the market.
#4 Best Sensitivity - Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning
WHY WE LIKE IT: This bass rod is a perfect choice for beginners because it is simple to use. However, that does not mean that it lacks in quality! A fiberglass and graphite rod like this one offers the ideal balance of lightweight performance, strength, and power.
- Material: Graphite and Fiberglass
- Item dimensions: 6.63 x 1.25 x 83.13 inches
- Size: 7’0”, 7’6”
- Color: Black/Gold
Pros
- Exceptional sensitivity
- Quality construction
- Perfect for heavier bait
- Amazing inshore fishing
Cons
- The rod tip can snap off
- Not-so-good packaging
- Some anglers find it stiffer than expected
BUYING ADVICE: We found the bass rod handling to be intuitive and simpler to use than baitcasting rods, making it ideal for novices. In addition, high-quality materials, like rubber shrink tubing, provide a secure grip.
Furthermore, this is the only rod with extremely fast action. During the testing period, we caught a lot of striped bass, redfish, bluefish, and speckled trout as well. This lightweight bass rod is perfect for saltwater, especially for inshore fishing.
FEATURES: Being designed by a trustworthy brand, the Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning is made of carbon shield and two-piece graphite composite blanks with Fuji Aluminum Oxide guides and Fuji reel seats. The quality of the materials makes it incredibly strong.
#5 Best Lightweight Bass Fishing Rods - 13 Fishing Omen Black
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Omen Black’s price tag doesn’t seem so hefty once you test out its powers for yourself. The graphite fibers are strategically interlaced, resulting in a firmer and more sensitive bass rod – just the kind you need to lure bass and defeat them in a strike!
- Material: Other
- Weight: 10 oz
- Size: Available in 10 sizes ranging from 6’7”-8’0”
- Color: Black
Pros
- It has a cork full grip
- Budget-friendly option
- Lightweight
- Several sizes to choose from
Cons
- It can be a little flimsy, especially when dock fishing
- Rust can appear around the hook keeper if you use it for saltwater fishing
- The rods may bend
BUYING ADVICE: We have tested a lot of bass rods, so we can guarantee that this is one of the best baitcasting rods. When we used it, we saw that it was lighter, but not at the expense of durability.
This 13 Fishing Omen Black rod features Japanese 36-Ton Toray blanks with Poly Vector Graphite technology. It is balanced, sensitive, and tough, making it an excellent rod for kayak anglers looking for the kayak fishing rods.
FEATURES: When you combine full-cork Portuguese handles, diamond-coated guides, and an Evolve custom ported reel seat, you won’t get a better value in its class. In fact, this rod has the best features for the price, separating it from the rest of the competition.
#6 Best for Big Bass - Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod
WHY WE LIKE IT: As easy as seem anglers claim that casting is, it’s still important to invest in a quality rod. The Ugly Stik, besides being a renowned fishing brand, delivers comfort and a powerful build on a budget. Consider it the perfect starter rod!
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Size: 5’6”, 6′, 6’6”, 7′, 7’6”
- Color: Black
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Excellent for big bass
- Quality rod
Cons
- Heavier than other bass rods
- Slow action
- Not great for small bass
BUYING ADVICE: Ugly Stik rods are the most durable rods on the market. The brand says that the bass rod works on the heaviest fish as well, which includes the largest bass. After trying it, we can say that it worked like a charm, as we did manage to catch some big bass.
Of course, because of the weight, we were able to make fewer casts before tiring out. Sadly, slow-action rods do not allow you to feel the tug of smaller bass.
FEATURES: The brand has made unnoticeable compromises to keep the price low, but the rod remains of high quality. The stainless steel guides and EVA handle demonstrate this. These EVA handles provide maximum comfort and secure grips.
#7 Best Casting Rod - St Croix Mojo Bass Casting
WHY WE LIKE IT: Mojo Bass was created by fusing the company’s best technologies to deliver a successful bass fishing sesh’ every time. If you’re into sturdy yet sleek casting rods, the Mojo Bass won’t disappoint you in terms of reliability and appearance.
- Material: Blend
- Item Dimensions: 80 x 3 x 3 inches
- Size: Available in 7 sizes ranging from 6’8”-7’11’
- Color: Black Cherry Metallic
Pros
- Excellent handle with a secure grip
- Amazing, all-around blank
- Great for a variety of techniques
- Premium cork split
Cons
- It comes in a poorly packaged box
- Not as sensitive and light as other fishing rods
- Difficult to find
BUYING ADVICE: If you are in the market for an exceptional casting rod that can take on monster fish, the St Croix Mojo Bass Casting should be your first choice. We were amazed by its advanced technology that can remove transitional points in rod blanks.
The Mojo has a well-designed cork split grip, so if you enjoy that feature, this could be the best option for you. This medium-weight rod works with topwater, soft plastics, and throw jigs. Speaking of jigs, you might be interested in our jigging rods selection guide.
FEATURES: The nine guides are very small, which helps with casting. Despite the focus on the rod blank, St Croix did not overlook other aspects. Mojo Bass features a Fuji reel seat with an integrated hood, aluminum oxide guides, which are exceptionally smooth, and a handle made of high-quality cork.
#8 Best Combo - Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Combo
WHY WE LIKE IT: The best thing about the Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Combo is that you can use it with any type of line, and it’ll always lie evenly. The rod and reel go hand in hand when chasing pesky bass.
- Material: Graphite
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Size: 7′
- Color: Grey
Pros
- Amazing sensitivity and smoothness
- Great comfort
- Versatile rod
- A lightweight rod
Cons
- Does not wind backward
- Some anglers think that the drag is too sensitive
- Rod can break easily
BUYING ADVICE: The rod and reel combo allows bass anglers to cast longer and with greater control, no matter the fishing environment or the line type. The line management system slows down the cast near the end, which improves accuracy. It also reduces the possibility of nesting in the line, which can occur on windy days.
Although the reels are lightweight, they still have 14 pounds of drag and a retrieval rate of 27 inches. We were not only highly satisfied with the rod but managed to catch smallmouth bass and a slew of rock bass.
If you are interested in more versatile options, check out our article on shaky head rods.
FEATURES: The integrated reel seat with polymer comfort grip and graphite body and rotor make Abu Garcia one of the best rod and reel combos on the market. Basically, this rod is a combo of all top-quality features, outwinning other competitors.
Bass Fishing Rods:
1. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod – Editor’s Choice for Best Bass Fishing Rods
2. St Croix Triumph Spinning – Bass Casting Rod
3. KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod – Bass Casting Rod
4. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning – Bass Fishing Rod
5. 13 Fishing Omen Black – Bass Fishing Rod
6. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod – Casting Rod for Big Bass
7. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting – Casting Bass Fishing Rod
8. Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Combo – Bass Fishing Casting Rod Combo
Bass Fishing Rod Buying Guide
Power
Rod manufacturers classify bass fishing rods by power, such as ultra-light, light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra-heavy. Choosing one would depend on your preference and fishing style.
Action
The action of bass fishing rods describes where it begins to bend under load along their length. It refers to how much movement the road’s tip has.
The most used actions are medium, fast, and extra fast. A fast-action rod is stiff for the majority of its length before bending. A slow action rod begins to curve over a much larger length percentage.
Length
The longer the rod, the further a bass angler can cast it, but the less precise the casts will be. A shorter rod is more accurate, but the casting distance suffers. The best rod length for a general-purpose rod is about 7 feet to get the needed length for casting while maintaining accuracy.
Material
The best bass fishing rods are made of graphite, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or composites, which combine multiple materials in the blank. Graphite is extremely strong, stiff, and light. It is a sensitive and long-lasting material.
Fiberglass is heavier and cheaper than graphite. It is not as stiff or sensitive, but it can be extremely powerful. Carbon fiber is the lightest, stiffest, most powerful, and most pricey rod blank material. Its performance is unrivaled, but so is its cost!
Handles
The type of handle to use is a personal preference. EVA foam and cork are the two most common handle materials. Cork is more appealing and warmer, but it is not the best option for rough treatment.
EVA Foam
EVA foam is cooler and softer, as well as extremely durable. It is best if you plan on going on long fishing trips where you’ll be sure to battle a stubborn fish.
Rubber Shrink Tubing
Rubber shrink tubing allows a bass angler to angle the hook from the hook link. This is mainly used if you want to make aggressive rigs.
Fishing Environment
When selecting fishing rods, think about whether you will fish off a boat, from land, or from the beach. It is also important to consider whether the water will flow quickly or slowly. Spinning rods are the most versatile and suitable for most fishing environments.
Price
Cheap rods and medium-priced rods are completely different. However, there is less difference between medium-priced rods and high-priced rods. Extremely experienced anglers require high-priced rods, but most fishermen can get the best value from the medium price range.
Lure Weight
The weight rating of the fishing rods will be listed on them, which tells how heavy a lure package they should use with that rod. It’s best to use a rod that is neither too light nor too powerful for the lures you’re fishing with.
Guides
A nice rod’s guide quality is crucial because merely adequate guides will cost you bass fish. If the guides are not made of high-quality materials and perform, they can easily wear the line, compromising the strongest braids.
Modulus
Modulus is referred to as a material’s stiffness. For instance, in graphite fishing rods, modulus refers to the degree of resistance to bending or stiffness. You should know that when the same load is applied to different modulus materials, the low-modulus materials stretch further.
Best Rods for Bass Fishing: Final Thoughts
Selecting a bass fishing rod process is undeniably subjective and deeply personal. Nonetheless, it ultimately revolves around two fundamental inquiries: How can I maximize my bite rate? And how can I minimize the loss of hooked fish? It is crucial to meticulously scrutinize each element to ascertain that attractive aesthetics on display do not obscure deficiencies in durability or sensitivity. I have frequently encountered pleasant surprises where rods initially overlooked emerged as my foremost choices for optimal bass fishing performance.
Bass Casting Rods:Quick Overview
1. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod – Editor’s Choice for Bass Fishing Rod
2. St Croix Triumph Spinning – Best Rated Bass Fishing Rod
3. KastKing Perigee II Spinning Rod – Best Value Bass Fishing Rod
4. Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning – Best Sensitivity Bass Fishing Rod
5. 13 Fishing Omen Black – Best Lightweight Bass Fishing Rod
6. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Rod – Best for Big Bass Fishing Rod
7. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting – Best Casting Bass Fishing Rod
8. Abu Garcia Pro Max Spinning Combo – Best Combo Bass Fishing Rod
Frequently asked questions about bass fishing rods
What size rod is best for bass?
The best rod to use is determined by the fishing technique you intend to use.
Around 80 inches spinning rod is an excellent all-around bass rod because it will give you a perfect balance of the benefits of both short and long rod lengths. For shorter anglers, a 6’6″ to 7′ rod should suffice. A 7’6″ or 8′ rod can really work in favor of taller bass anglers.
What weight rod do I need for bass?
A 9-foot-8-weight rod works best if you need a dedicated bass rod for largemouth or smallmouth bass. A medium-heavy rod works best with lines weighing 4 to 12 pounds and lures weighing 1/8 to 3/8 ounce, making them ideal for catching bass.
How many rods does a bass fisherman need?
Maybe having a dozen bass fishing rods is nice, but for most bass anglers, three will suffice for any bass fishing scenario. When going bass fishing, anglers should always bring two rod and reel setups.
What power should a bass rod be?
A bass rod should typically have a medium-heavy or heavy power for optimal performance in bass fishing.
What bass rod weight is best?
The best bass rod weight depends on the specific fishing technique and conditions, but a line rating between 10-20 pounds is commonly used.
How big is a bass rod?
Bass rods typically range from 6 to 8 feet in length, with the most common lengths being between 6’6″ to 7’6″.
While a medium rod can work in certain situations, a medium-heavy or heavy power rod is generally preferred for bass fishing due to the fish’s aggressive strikes and fighting power.
Is a medium rod good for bass fishing?
While a medium rod can work in certain situations, a medium-heavy or heavy power rod is generally preferred for bass fishing due to the fish’s aggressive strikes and fighting power.
What are short bass rods good for?
Short bass rods excel in tight spaces, making them ideal for accurate casts, precision fishing, and navigating around obstacles.