Baitcasting Rods Compared

Everything You Need to Know About Baitcasting Rods

Baitcasting rods differ from other rods on the market as the reel sits on the top rather than perpendicular (like on a spinning rod, for example).  As the reel and guides on a baitcasting rod face upwards, the line is held against the rod when taught, protecting the guides from breaking. In return, you'll experience less friction when casting, and it can give an angler a smoother cast with greater distance.

Baitcasting rods are used in a number of fishing experiences, usually from a boat or a yacht. This doesn’t mean you can’t sit by some freshwater on a fold-out chair. It just means you’ll need to make sure you’ve space to cast your line so that it’s effective. If you plan to use your new baitcasting rod in saltwater or for surf fishing, make sure the reel is equipped with corrosion-resistant or shielded bearings. If you don’t, your rod and reel will become rough and will be useless to you in no time.

Baitcasters can be extremely lightweight, but don't let this fool you in terms of power. Baitcasting rods are known for catching heavier fish species. You could catch anything from northern pike, fresh trout, or the most common fish associated with baitcasting is the largemouth bass fish. It's also perfect for when the weather is tough, or if there are harsh conditions as it's incredibly durable and can go against heavy tides with ease.

How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Rod

Rod Material Composition

Baitcasting rods can differ in many ways, but one area where they can be very similar is in the material that’s used to make them. Typically, a baitcasting rod is made from either graphite or fiberglass. A graphite baitcasting rod is also known as carbon fiber.

They are lighter than fiberglass and have excellent sensitivity. When you're baitcasting, this is essential, so the angler won't miss any opportunity on a bite. It is the main reason it's used for fishing today. Graphite is immensely strong under a steady load, but it can also be brittle. If an angler is pulling in a large-sized fish, it could cause fractures to the line and are slightly more prone to snap than fiberglass rods.

Fiberglass rods are a cheaper alternative, but as they're the least expensive from the two, it makes them less sensitive and less powerful than graphite. It can make it harder for anglers to know when to pull in the line. Yet, they are durable enough to take the pounding that novice anglers typically dish out. If you're not worried too much about the sensitivity and you know you'll be fishing roughly, consider a fiberglass rod over graphite.

Rod Length & Weight

With each brand and model, come different sizes and weights of baitcasting rods. The price will vary depending on the length of the rods, too. Typically, they differ in length from five to approximately eight feet, but they can occasionally get as long as nine feet.

Shorter rods are best suited for quick, short casts into a confined area such as in a dock or around stumps of water while longer rods are great for open spaces, like from a boat or yacht. If you're going to be casting from a confined area, then a long baitcasting rod isn't necessary.

The rod weight will often indicate its strength and goes hand-in-hand with the preferred lure weight. If you’ll be casting heavier lures, then a heavier rod weight is needed. There are seven basic categories of rod weights, but baitcasting rods typically fall under the following weights:

Anglers typically use this weight in rods for catching bigger fish, so it's important to get a rod that's capable of this without breaking.

Rod Action & Power

The “action” of a rod refers to how much it can flex when there’s pressure put on the rod. Faster action rods flex mostly near the tip, whereas moderate action rods tend to flex more in the middle of the blank. Slower action rods flex down into the bottom section.

Baitcasting rods are fast in terms of action and will bend in the upper area of the rod. This can be as much as 25 to 30 percent compared to spinning rods. They provide more strength in power when fishing for larger species. The Rod action is so essential that most baitcasting rods list their action style right on the handle of the rod.

The power of baitcasting rods refers back to the weight category listed above. Power is relative to the fight the angler experiences during a catch, and rods are generally classified into groups. Medium-Heavy and Heavyweight rods will attract larger fish whereas, smaller fish will attract lesser weights in power rods.

Braking System

The braking system on a baitcasting reel is designed to regulate the spool's rotation during your cast. Most baitcasting reels use some sort of braking system to assist anglers in battling their prey. A sound braking system will stop the line from backlashing and for stops the spool from overrunning. If you feather the spool at the correct time, it can prevent the spool from building up and getting tangled. This is also known as the "dreaded bird's nest."

The braking system on most reels can be adjusted externally by a simple dial that controls the forward movement of the spool. It’s usually found at the palm side of the reel. If used correctly, it can seriously help your fishing techniques improve in no time.

Handle/Grip

Baitcasting rods have advanced a lot of their original 'pistol grip' handles that were once the most common handle type. Nowadays, there's a range of handles that differ depending on its price. Higher priced handles are made of cork or EVA foam.

These types of materials help with grip, and they protect the angler's hands from slipping when going against larger species of fish.  Cork and EVA foam are also better known for transmitting sensation from to rod to the handler so you'll feel every bite that comes your way.

Reel Seats

The reel seat is usually placed on the blank within the last quarter section of the rod. They secure the baitcasting reel to the blank. Some of the more modern reel seat designs have a portion of the blank exposed, which increases sensitivity, allowing the angler to feel any kind of bite or activity taking place on the other end of the line. Many higher-priced baitcasting rods will have a quality reel seat that will work well in many fishing environments, but if you're unhappy with your reel seat, you can easily replace it.

Frame Quality

The frame of a fishing rod is very important when it comes to fishing with a baitcaster. When choosing your baitcasting rod, you’ll have a choice of graphite or high-grade aluminum. These two are the most common and are the best.

Graphite frames can withstand very harsh conditions and are lightweight. Aluminum frames are heavier, more durable, and more resistant to bending than graphite frames. Some anglers prefer one over the other as aluminum frames tend to feel sturdier in hand. If you're new to fishing, we'd recommend a graphite frame as its sensitivity can be a crucial element when getting that perfect first catch.

Price & Warranty

Depending on where you’ve bought your baitcasting rod, you could have it under warranty for a certain period of time or for life. If you’re purchasing from online sites, be sure to read through the terms and conditions and see what you’re actually covered for.

Some have manufacturer's warranties, where the manufacturer is ensuring replacement or refunds (only if there is an evident defect created during the construction of the product). Other warranties will cover any issues that arise when you've ownership of the rod for the period of the warranty.

You may have a problem with your new baitcasting rod with an out of date warranty. If this happens, don’t worry,  you could still send it to the manufacturer for it to be repaired at a nominal fee.

1. KastKing Speed Demon Pro

We start our list with our top pick for bass fishing, the Kastking Speed Demon Pro. If you're looking for a rod that's ready for the water, then this one's for you. KastKing has produced some top of the line rods at affordable prices in the past, and the speed demon pro one is no different. 

This research, alongside new technology, gives the speed demon pro an outstanding result when it comes to bass fishing. The new KastKing Speed Demon Pro has a lightweight body, weighing only 0.406 pounds.

Although the frame is light, it's made of elite carbon fiber blanks, which give a durable and sturdy feel. Not only does it feel strong, but it also has incredible sensitivity so you won't miss a bite. The handle and side panels were also designed to lower the weight of the frame, and KastKing kept in mind the comfortability so anglers can use it for hours on the water.

What makes this baitcasting rod stand out from its competitors is its gear ratio. The KastKing Speed Demon Pro has an impressive gear ratio of 9.3:1. The gears are made of Manganese Brass for a quicker line pick up and recovery. It allows anglers to cast at an incredible rate. And we know the more you cast, the better chance to catch that trophy bass fish for your supper. 

This design of this baitcasting rod helps it to perform well for both saltwater and freshwater fishing with an anti-corrosion film, so there's no need to worry about wear and tear if you decide to take it to the beach or the river. So, set yourself up for a successful bass fishing experience with a Kastking speed demon rod and reel combo set. For the price and quality, you won’t regret it.

2. Entsport E Series - Camo Legend

You may be looking for something a little bit lower in price but still filled with perks and benefits. Well, the Entsport E Series - Camo Legend is perfect as its price point falls under the $50 mark but is still loved by anglers alike.

It has a unique and professional design without being too "in your face." One of the best features this rod has is it comes with two different power tips (medium and medium-heavy), so it's like having two different rods in one. The two separate tips make it easy to adjust to your casting weight when you're on the water, making it very versatile. Another plus of having two tips is that you can carry one rod instead of two.

The Camo Legend is known for being reliable and performs well under harsh conditions. Its 24-ton carbon fiber construction maximizes strength while still maintaining sensitivity. As it's made of carbon fiber, it has a lightweight feel. It’s also great for traveling as it only comes in a 2-piece design.

Another plus for the Camo Legend is its 6+1 Stainless Steel guides with ceramic inserts. These allow for smooth casts and give anglers a durable performance when baitcasting. It also features an exposed reel seat for increased blank contact and ensures that there's a solid connection between the casting rod and reel.

Finished with high-quality EVA handles that reduce its weight even further and provides greater control when casting over long periods. It may not look as snazzy as some of the other rods on our list, but it sure keeps up in terms of performance!

3. SHIMANO TREVALA

If you've got a higher budget and you're looking for a rod that's a great all-rounder, then the Shimano Trevala Jigging Casting Rod is what you’re looking for. This highly innovative Trevala Jigging rod has a high-speed performance with high power reels. The Fuji reel seat locks keep the reel securely planted right where you want it. Couple this with its high carbon butt section fused together with a TC4 tip, and you’ll get less line resistance with a smooth performance.

The rod features a proprietary C4S construction that allows it to have a smaller diameter. The tiny diameter lowers the overall weight of the rod, and it also maintains incredible hoop strength in return. This will give you good sensitivity without being bulky and heavy. Anglers also get a customized EVA split-grip handle to maximize comfort and strength at the end of the rod.

From grip to tip, these rods feature high-quality material that's hard to compete with and for all under $200. Not to mention, it's not bad to look at. Its guides are finished in a polished fuji aluminum oxide for long-lasting durability and decreased line wear for better corrosion resistance and heat dissipation. While it is composed of graphite, it really looks the part and is sure to impress other anglers on your fishing adventures.

4. KastKing Perigee II

Another rod featured on our list from KastKing is the Perigee II. This highly versatile rod is composed of 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank. This new technology produces remarkably strong rods that will stay with you for many years with the right maintenance.

Moreover, Perigee II gives an immense amount of power. This gives anglers more of a fighting chance, so larger fish can't get away so quickly, especially in rough conditions. The Fuji O-Ring Line Guides sets the Perigee II apart from a lot of other competitors as these guides not only help anglers put the line accurately into the water, but they also make way for better accuracy. 

Just like our top pick, KastKing has thought of various possible needs an angler might have and has also provided two-piece twin-tips. This allows anglers to fish with medium and medium-heavy action, ultimately giving you two options on the water instead of one.

The KastKing Perigee II is one of the few rods that many anglers blindly trust and rightly so. This two-piece rod will serve a wide variety of fishing environments, including saltwater,  freshwater, or kayak fishing. You can use it for bass fishing, trout fishing, and many other species. And while it has all this and more, this two-piece is of great quality, without burning a hole in your pocket.

5. Berkley Cherrywood HD

We've chosen the Berkley Cherrywood HD rod as our top of the range pick and for a good reason. This Berkley rod is capable of casting with a high level of accuracy. It's sturdy enough to catch bass fishes without being heavy.

This high-quality rod features a hybrid design that gives the highest level of versatility at the lightest weight. It's constructed of carbon-graphite fibers, which means that anglers have a ton of strength even under heavy loads. Its construction also gives un-matched sensitivity so you'll feel every bite.

The Cherrywood HD rod has a full cork handle that allows anglers to have a level of balance and security that other rods just can't compete against. Cork handles tend to be lighter than foam and also maintain residual heat in cooler temperatures. So even on the coldest days, you'll be able to keep some feeling in your fingers. Cork handles also have a significantly lower damping capacity than EVA foam handles, which means that they transmit vibrations better, again, great for sensitivity.

These rods also feature SS304 Guides. It’s been factory tested and is proven to be 20 times tougher and 55% lighter than traditional aluminum oxide guides. It gives this baitcasting rod a level of dependability that is often missing in its competitors.

If you're hoping to get this rod in a two-piece, then you'll need to look at one of Cherrywood’s other sizes. The seven-foot medium-light rod only comes in a one-piece option whereas the 6'6" is available in two-pieces.

6. St. Croix Premier FreshWater

When it comes to freshwater fishing, casting rods are great choices for catching large species and also work well for trolling and still fishing methods. The St. Croix premier freshwater fishing rod does this and more with incredible payoff. 

It's composed of premium SCII graphite construction, so it feels incredibly durable with a higher strain rate than other common fibers. This range of casting rods has top-grade components. It has a fuji PSS reel seat, which was technically designed for the "butterfly technique."

This technique, in short, is when an angler sits the reel with the palming facing upwards. The process leaves anglers jerking the rod up and down (hence the name). The 'trigger' is beefier and more rearward than standard trigger seats, which some anglers love when freshwater fishing.

Another key component on this rod is the premium-grade cork handle. This ensures you’ll maintain a strong grip on your casting fishing rod even in harsh conditions. It also features top quality 3D guides with strong aluminum-oxide rings. It’s finished with beautiful black frames and two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish. Anglers will be proud to show off their new piece of equipment as it’s truly stunning to look at.

These ever-popular rods aren’t in the habit of letting anything slip by. But just in case there’s a problem, you’ll be happy to know that the company offers a 5-year warranty. This will put your mind at ease in case of any damages.

7. Cadence CR7B

The Cadence CR7 series are some of the lightest rods that are available for under $100. The blanks are constructed from 40-ton graphite. This gives anglers an extremely lightweight rod while still offering the strength to land that fish of a lifetime.

The stainless-steel guides with SIC inserts provide exceptional casting performance and durability. At the same time, the Fuji reel seat's ergonomic design makes for a comfortable grip even over long periods of time.

The Cadence CR7 is also considered multi-purposeful. These poles are perfect for almost any saltwater or freshwater fishing condition. They are ideal for game fish, including bass, walleye, and trout, as well as some popular inshore species, too.

Don't be fooled by the appearance of the guide rings. They may appear to be slightly bent, but this is meant to reduce the line from slapping during longer casts. These guides are also great to throw more accurate casts.

The CR7 series of rods come in a wide selection, so if the 6'6" isn't for you, then you can choose from a range of ten sizes. They also range in action from medium-heavy to heavy-fast. Pair on of these rods the CR7B baitcasting reel, and you'll be ready for the water. It will be hard to beat the performance and quality of these baitcasting rods under $100.

8. Fenwicks 7' MH Fast C17

A great all-round baitcasting rod needs to focus on specific details to make it stand out above the rest. Fenwicks have done this, and more with the 7’ medium-heavy C17 rod. Fenwick were always pioneers of graphite rods when other manufacturers were using boron or composite fiberglass, so their attention to detail in their blanks is truly impressive. 

The blank is constructed of smooth intermediate modulus carbon fiber giving it a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The guides are made with Ss316 stainless steel that is sloped with zirconium inserts. This gives the rod a better interaction with the line and has more control when casting.

And, the handle is composed of burled cork. Not only does it look and feel like traditional cork, but it ends up being more chip-resistant and durable than the majority of its competitors. It’s soft to the touch without losing any of its grip, too.

Fenwick rods have been tested time and again by the market, and they have consistently proven their worth. With over 60 years of experience, knowledge, and testing, they have produced lightweight and comfortable designs, and the C17 fast action rod is no different. These features, along with a 5-year warranty, make this baitcasting rod a great all-rounder for all fishing environments.

9. Abu Garcia Vengeance

When you're out by the water looking to snag a bass fish, choosing a casting rod that has a powerful performance of medium-heavy is your best bet! These types of casting rods can range in price and functionality. We've picked the Abu Garcia Vengeance as the perfect partner for you as it has all of the best features that a rod in the range should have.

The entire rod is made of 30-ton graphite for a lightweight design. It’s also well-balanced thanks to its Titanium alloy guides with SiC inserts. These allow the guide to be corrosion-free and braid line friendly. The Spiral Carbon Core Construction enhances the break strength of the rod in a big way, too. Its construction doesn't just allow this rod to be extremely durable, but it's a looker, too. Many anglers love the appearance of this rod, and we do as well. 

This casting rod comes with a Texas-rigged hook keeper that makes it ideal for all kinds of bait applications. It loads excellently, both on the backcast and when a fish bites. A too-stiff crankbait rod will often prematurely rip the hooks away from the bass, but this particular rod has a soft and sensitive feel to it.

Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod comes with a limited three-year warranty. So if a problem occurs and it’s a manufacturer’s fault, you’ll be covered for a replacement or full refund.

10. Okuma Longitude Surf

Finally, we’ve got the Okuma Longitude Surf baitcasting rod that is particularly good for saltwater fishing. And here’s why. This rod has a graphite composite blank construction with double footed stainless steel guide frames. It also has hooded reel seats made of the same material. The construction makes the weight of the unit increase slightly, which usually causes the rod to slip.

Fortunately, the manufacturers were ahead of any concerns as they made the handles wrapped in custom non-slip cork. And in terms of comfort, there are soft-touch EVA cushions both above and below the handle so that it is entirely comfortable to grip for an extended period of time.

Another great feature is the stainless steel double-foot guides with aluminum oxide inserts. This gives anglers the durability they need with all types of line choices. You can use monofilament, fluorocarbon, copolymer, and even braid with this rod, so it's great for focusing on larger species and greater casting into the ocean. These inserts ensure that your line comes off the spool smoothly, and doesn't get damaged by any rough surfaces on the guides.

With a selection of sizes ranging from 9 to 12 feet in length and a choice of spinning or casting, you're sure to find a fishing rod in this lineup to suit your needs. They also come in a two-piece design for secure storage and transport. So you can pack it up easily for your next trip to the beach.

Comparing Baitcasting vs. Spin Casting Rods

The most significant difference between baitcasting rods and spin casting rods are the reels they use. The reel gives the rod its name, so for example, a baitcasting rod uses a baitcaster reel, and the same goes for spinning rods. They both have benefits in different ways, here are a few to keep in mind

Baitcasting Rod Sizing Guide

When it comes to baitcasting rods and their size, it really does matter. You'll need to identify what type of fishing you'll be using it for to get the benefits of the rod. A few inches longer or shorter in the wrong fishing environment can impact your fishing capabilities a lot.

The most common sizes of baitcasting rods being used are between 6’1” to 7’0” in length. These sizes allow for a lot more flexibility and is a good middle of the road sized rod in the market. They have plenty of power with the development of newer and better composites and can be great even for beginners.

Baitcasting Guide for Beginners

Baitcasting is great for anglers that have been in the fishing game for years, ut also for beginners, too! If you're a beginner, make sure you have the desired size and weight of rod for your ability. Go with a baitcasting rod that's in your budget and within your needs, too.

These rods and reels are very durable and can cast accurately, which can give you an impressive level of control even as a beginner. They require tougher lines and lures, so make sure you do your research before you buy these! Once you've your equipment set up, you'll be catching large fish in no time.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What is a 7-foot baitcasting rod good for?

A 7-foot baitcasting rod is an ideal choice if you want a longer casting distance. They also have the ability to pick up line quickly so you can cast more frequently.

Can a baitcaster go on any rod?

Technically, yes. But it's not usually done because a spinning rod typically uses a spinning reel, which is the exact opposite of a baitcaster. It's not recommended, but it is achievable.

Does a longer rod cast further?

If the power and action are the same, but one rod is longer than the other, then yes, longer rods can cast further out. Overall, there are a lot of elements that come into play when casting and some rod sizes with specific action with cast better than others.

Are there any special care and maintenance steps for baitcasting rods?

Where is the best place to buy baitcaster rods for sale?

The best place to buy your new baitcasting rod is through Amazon or directly off the manufacturer. Amazon can be a great tool for you to see reviews from other anglers and will give you 'recommended products' like baits and lines that also suit your preferred baitcasting rod.

Conclusion