The 7 Best Bass Fishing Rods: Reviews and Buying Guide

If you’re looking for the best bass fishing rods, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will review seven of the best rods on the market and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a rod out there that’s perfect for your needs. I’ll talk about what to look for when choosing a bass fishing rod and give you some tips on how to get the most out of your gear. So read the article slowly and grasp it fully so that you can make smart decisions about buying bass fishing rods.

In-Depth Reviews Of Our Favorite Bass Rods

 

St Croix Triumph Spinning Rod (Rating-9.6)

BEST OVERALL

Pros

• The performance and strength of unidirectional carbon graphite are better than multidirectional.
• The handle is made of premium cork to reduce shock and ensure grip.
• For beginning bass anglers, this is a very inexpensive price tag.

Cons

• The knurled reel seat could possibly be loose.
• Broken materials have been used during transport.
• The Lightweight Super Rod is extremely light (maybe a benefit or a disadvantage).

 

Why We Select It

You shouldn’t have to pass up the St. Croix Triumph if you enjoy spinning rods and bass fishing. It’s available as a one or two-piece rod, and it comes in a number of plenty of different actions and sizes, all with top-of-the-line graphite construction.

The graphite in this rod is the key difference that sets it apart from the rest. It’s SCII mid-modulus graphite, which basically just means a rod that is sensitive to nibbling but durable and powerful enough to handle big fish.

I love the cork handle, and I think more rod manufacturers should use it again. The handle is big enough to allow you to cast with two hands while providing more control and a longer casting distance.

 

UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod (Rating-9)

BEST BASS FISHING ROD FOR THE MONEY

Specs

• Length: 6-7 ft
• Power: M/ML
• Action: Fast
• Type: Spinning

Pros

• For sensitivity and durability, this kayak features a Graphite and Fiberglass Hybrid Design.
• The unique shape and smooth surface of the Iceberg Glass tip bring a whole new level of sensitivity.
• It is a reliable option with a seven-year warranty

Cons

• Concerns about the long-term viability of the entire UglyStik brand
• It’s a little hefty for a bass fishing rod.

Why We Chose It

This is one of those rods that you really can’t get rid of. Few people can say negative things about the ugly stick GX2 because they know what you’re getting. Every day, you get an affordable rod to get the job done. But with the introduction of the new GX2 design, Shakespeare took it a step further.

Now you get a hybrid blank made of graphite and fiberglass. This combination makes this rod wonderfully sensitive and can catch small fishes that you like to grab. They also have their characteristic glass tip, which further improves their sensitivity. I also love one-piece guides, these help catch everything, and they improve the overall life of the rod.

The only reason I didn’t choose the ugly stick as the winner is because I don’t think it’s as durable as the St. Croix rod. These Shakespeare spinning rods are designed to be budget-friendly, and while  St. Croix isn’t too expensive, it’s packed with more value at a lower price than Shakespeare.

 

Entsport E Series (Rating- 8.8)

BEST BASS CASTING ROD

Specs

• Length: 7 ft
• Power: M/MH
• Action: Fast
• Type: Casting

Pros

• Comes with a replaceable tip to adjust the rod power
• Friction-reducing guides increase casting distance and control
• Made of lightweight and durable 24-ton carbon fiber

Cons

• Many issues with reliability and strength
• Heavy and cumbersome for plenty of bass fishing applications

Why We Chose It

Entsport may not be the more common name than some of the others here, but it makes some of the best casting rods on the market. This rod combines sensitivity with a solid carbon fiber construction to reduce overall weight while maintaining a rod with everything needed to catch bass.

The rod is a bit big for bass fishing, but I think it’s useful for targeting hidden pockets in the water where big bass hang. You don’t need something as light as an ugly stick when you go out into the water to catch the bass that deserves a photo. You need something with a backbone. There are many problems with breakage, but I think entsport can still hold itself. Want to see more of the best baitcasting rods for bass? Many other options are available to you!

 

Lew’s Custom Lite Baitcasting Rod (Rating-9.4)

BEST ALL-AROUND BASS ROD

Specs

• Length: 7.4 – 7.11 ft
• Power: MH/H
• Action: Moderate/Mod-Fast/Fast
• Type: Casting

Pros

• The cream of the crop is a tournament-grade rod that’s been designed to be superior.
• The 85-million modulus graphite blows most rods out of the water because it is a stiffer material.
• The line has no friction against the stainless steel guides, which is good.

Cons

• You may be intimidated by the price.

 

Why We Chose It

Not all of us are on a budget. What if you are really looking for the best all-around bass rod and don’t mind the price? Well, I have a treat for you. If you know anything about fishing, you know that the crown is at the top of the line and everyone else is an impersonator.

This bar is made of graphite with a modulus of 85 million. This means that tons of very thin graphite layers are layered on top of this bar, resulting in less material and lighter weight. The goal is to have a lightweight rod that doesn’t work that way. That’s all.

It comes with everything you want. Stainless steel guide for gentle throwing and optimal distance, polymer handle for cranking, and optimal sensitivity for nibbler. Liu’s custom light rod is the best.

 

Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Rod Combo (Rating- 8.6)

BEST BASS ROD AND REEL COMBO

Specs

• Length: 5.6 ft
• Power: M/MH
• Action: Ultralight
• Type: Spinning

Pros

• One of the most famous spinning reels on the market
• IM8 graphite is used to create the ROD. It’s ideal for strength and longevity.
• A ceramic fusion-bonded and the fully encapsulated bearing system creates a wonderfully smooth cast and retrieval.

Cons

• The rod itself isn’t particularly special.
• Only rods less than 7 feet (2.13 m) long (or shorter) will work well with this setup.

Why We Chose It

Throughout its history, Pflueger has earned a reputation as a careful and accurate rod and reel manufacturer. They really proved it in the production of many of their reels and rods. Pflueger President is one of their flagship products.

The reel has a graphite body and a rotor with 10 corrosion-resistant bearings, so cast it to the bad boy and wind the reel as if you were running your hands on a silky smooth blanket.  The rod leaves you wanting more, but when it comes to combos, it’s a sure choice.

In the worst case, it is advisable to combine this with one of the other options on this list, as long as you can find an option that is short enough. Click here for more recommendations on the best bass rod and reel combos.

 

St. Croix Premier Series (Rating-8.5)

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT BASS FISHING ROD

Specs

• Length: 4.6 – 8.6 ft
• Power: UL/L/M/MH/H
• Action: Fast/Moderate
• Type: Spinning

Advantage

• Friction-free aluminum oxide guide for smooth casting
• Manufactured from high-quality St. Croix SCII graphite
• Very light and perfect for beginners

Disadvantages

• problems with broken tips
• Not inexpensive

Why We Chose It

Lightweight means a lot in the world of bass fishing. This means that the rod is actually lighter (of course), but it also means that the rod is generally beginner-friendly.

Lightweight finesse rods are designed for beginners using simple methods such as jigging or hanging live baits on the float.

St. Croix Premiers come in a variety of sizes and specifications, from 12-year-old rods to those used by semi-professionals on boats. Above all, St. In addition to the Croix name, it comes with an incredible 5-year warranty to back it up. The rod is sensitive and light and easy to handle for anglers of all ages and skill levels.

 

Penn Battalion II Surf Spinning Rod (Rating- 8.4)

BEST ROD FOR STRIPED BASS

Specs

• Length: 8 – 12 ft
• Power: ML/M/MH/H
• Action: Moderate
• Type: Spinning

Advantage

• Lightweight and inexpensive for a surf rod
• Ideal for beginners exploring rock fishing
• Rubber shrink tube handle for optimal grip

Disadvantages

• Light for a surf rod
• Two-piece blanks affect the durability

You can find bass in both murky and mucky ponds as well as salty ponds. One of the most popular ways to fish striped bass is surfing, which requires a lot of practice to learn, but it is one of the most fun ways to fish. This Penbatarion II is a two-piece graphite composite rod made from 30% fiberglass, so you can basically use a hybrid.

 

It comes with an aluminum oxide guide to help you cast beyond surfing, and the rubber shrink tube handle is ideal for fighting big fish on the beach. Also, you don’t have to worry about your hands slipping when handling the salt spray. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to catch striped bass while surfing.

 

The Basics of Bass Fishing Rods

If you’ve never fished in your life, this can be a little overwhelming, but don’t worry. Understanding the purpose of a fishing rod is very easy. Rods are not limited to bats, blanks, reel seats, and tips, but are made up of several parts. Some rods are integrated, while others are split for ease of transportation.

The end of the rod is lowered, giving it the leverage needed to handle large fish. When you’re hooking a 6-pound bass, you need to grab something to keep the rod out of your hands, where the butt works.

Next is the reel seat. The seat usually consists of two cork-opener-like sections that can be cranked back and forth to lock the reel in place. This part of the rod allows you to remove the reel without scrapping the rod.

The blank is the largest part of the rod, everything from the reel seat to the tip. These are fiberglass, graphite, or a hybrid mix of both. Blanks are also where you can find guides and eyes. These are circular loops through which the line passes when casting and retrieving. The heavier the fish, the thicker the required lines.

Finally, the insert is a separate guide, usually molded or welded to a blank. Many rods have a removable tip that is fragile and easy to replace.

How to choose the Best Bass Fishing Rods

Now that you understand the components of a bass fishing rod, let’s talk about some special features or unique specifications to look for before settling into one.

Durable structure

Let’s focus on the two main rod blank materials. It would be graphite and fiberglass. Fiberglass is very flexible and heavier than graphite, but it has some drawbacks.

Using fiberglass comes at some cost of durability and sensitivity. These rods tend to be cheap and many consider them to be “bottom shelf” rods. That said, if you’re just getting started, fiber optics are a great starting point.

Graphite is where most anglers want to be. This material is more durable and delicate, so you can feel all the little nibbles. Graphite also comes with a so-called “modulus rating” that indicates the stiffness of the rod based on the grade of graphite.

Rod Action vs. Power

Do you know what it means by seeing the rod move fast or strong? Some anglers who have been fishing for years do not yet understand what that means. It’s not easy to understand.

The action on the spinning rod is the point on the blank where the rod bends. For example, a high-speed action rod bends about 15% down from the tip. This makes the rod more delicate for smaller fish, but more likely to break the rod for larger fish.

Force refers to the amount of pressure that must be applied to bend the rod. For example, a heavy power rod requires a lot of pressure from a heavy fish to bend the rod.

With that knowledge in mind. In my opinion, fast action, medium power rods are ideal for bass. You don’t have to be absorbed in the power of the rod, but fast action is always a good way to go.

Brand Reputation

I firmly believe in saving money and using generics in my life. If buying a well-known brand of detergent is $5 cheaper, you know I’ll do it.

But I don’t do that with my fishing tackle. You need to stick to a brand you can trust. We know names like St. Croix, Ugly Stik, Penn, Entsport, etc. because they are known for making high-quality fishing gear. As a result, we continue to do business with them. I tie the reviews you read to the brand’s reputation and use them as the basis for your decisions.

Which rods do you need for bass fishing?

There are three types of rods you need to consider: bait casting rods, spinning rods, and combination rods.

However, the key here is that for maximum success, experienced anglers are advised to have at least one of each.

Combination Rod

Combination rods are a great option for new anglers and anyone who doesn’t want to mess with reel switching between rods.

The combo rods come with matching reels, so you can catch the bass properly without having to worry about which rod and reel will be together.

If you’re not sure if this is a sport or a pastime that you’ll enjoy, combination rods are also an excellent choice.

Spinning Rod

The main difference between combination rods and spinning rods is that spinning rods can only be used on one spinning reel. On spinning rods, the reel seat is at the bottom and the eyelets are at the bottom. This allows the line to flow smoothly from the reel through the grommet for a smooth cast.

For most anglers, spinning rods are considered the best lightweight rods for bass fishing, trout, panfish, walleye, and other lake and coastal fishing. These are used in offshore saltwater fishing such as the Pen Battalion recommended above, but are less common.

For those who are learning how to catch bass, we always recommend a spinning rod and reel setup as it is easy to use and does not get tangled. When fishing with a baitcasting setup, nesting becomes a real problem, and spinning rigs make it much easier to manage.

Casting Rod

Finally, there is the casting rod. Some of these are recommended above and are a good choice as they are often a bit more durable than rotating ones, but they often come at the expense of weight as they become stronger.

The main difference between spinning rods and casting rods is the position of the reels. Casting rods have a reel at the top of the rod and a line guide at the top. This is because the line flows from the reel through the guide and from the rod to the top of the rod instead of the bottom. Casting rods are more commonly used in bass fishing tournaments and be recommended by professional anglers for increased sensitivity and primarily usable reels.

Professionals have discovered that baitcasting reels are more sensitive, allowing you to manipulate the bait better and create the ultimate presentation. It’s difficult for beginners to use, so we recommend using spinning gear to get started.

Why is negotiation important when bass fishing?

Before understanding why action types are important when choosing a bass fishing rod, it helps to understand what “action” refers to in the rod description.

For fishing rods, the action is an explanation of how much the rod bends when pressure is applied.

A rod that bends significantly is considered a parabola or bends evenly over the entire length of the rod. Parabolic bend rods are generally slow-action rods.

For bass fishing, the slow action rod may not be able to pull the hook back fast enough to prevent the fish from swallowing the entire hook. Slow bass rods can also cause some types of lures to pop out of the mouth of a strong fish and hurt the fish.

In general, slow-action rods are not suitable for bass fishing, but the hook and lure types can be used with careful consideration.

It is important to choose a rod with at least moderate action, as even a small fish can be very strong and comparable to an experienced angler.

These bass rods still bend well, and if you’re fishing from a bank rather than a boat, medium-speed action will increase the cast distance.

Medium-speed bass rods are ideal for crankbaits and spinner baits. However, in most cases, the best bass rod action is from fast to very fast. This action-level rod only bends near the tip of the rod. This makes it easy to set up hooks without having to do a lot of work.

High-speed bait casting rods are suitable for fishing at short casting distances. Also when using single hook baits such as live baits and bait jigs.

What size fishing rod should I use?

Fishing rods come in a variety of lengths, and the length you usually choose depends on the type of fishing you are doing.

As a rule of thumb, short rods are good for short casts, while long rods are good for long casts.

At the smaller end, a small 4-foot rod is suitable for short-range fishing. Short rods have much less bending, so it is advisable to consider using shorter rods when fishing large trophy-sized fish. Transportation on the lake also influences the choice of length. You can comfortably use the long rods of your motorboat, but if you are fishing from a kayak or canoe, the shorter rods are easier to carry.

The long rod is ideal for open water fishing, which covers a lot of water quickly. The long rod is also ideal for deep sea fishing.

Keep this in mind when choosing long rods to accommodate rod movements. For better catch protection and maximum control, choose faster action if the rod is longer.

Conclusion

The best bass anglers always know how to choose the right rod for their job!

Bass fishing is a very diverse sport, so most anglers will benefit from several different rod options.

Do your research before shopping and make sure you choose the right rod for the conditions you are most likely to encounter.

The goal of this buying guide was to facilitate the survey and make the bass fishing rod shopping experience more enjoyable.