Bass Fishing Rods Compared

Why You Need a Specific Rod for Bass Fishing

Fishing for bass requires a lot of strength and accuracy, and that’s just from the angler. The rod will need to meet specific requirements that aren't necessary when fishing for smaller species. The three main characteristics are material, power, and action.

When it comes to power, there is a range of rods available, but only some are suited for bass fishing. Manufacturers rate their fishing rods with a power number and others classify the rod power as Ultra Light, Light, Medium-Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy or Extra Heavy. Bass fishing rods typically stay between medium and medium-heavy. Using a rod with the wrong power will lead to malfunction.

Buying Considerations: Bass Fishing Rod Selection Guide

Bait Fishing Technique

There are several techniques anglers use when bait fishing for bass. Some of which are tight line fishing and slackline fishing. The tight line fishing technique is when you drop your line into the water. The line is straight down, and the rod isn't moving.

The line is so tight that you can easily notice when a fish takes the bait because the rod will start bending. This is a more common technique in fishing. Slackline fishing is when you lose the windsock effect as there's hardly any tension on the line. This interferes with the fish's ability to inhale the lure. The fish gets the whole thing every time.

Fishing Environment

You can find bass fish in both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Some breeds are in both, like the striper sea bass. Others are specifically in a type of water. In seawater, you'll only find sea bass in saltier waters of the seas and oceans.

These fishing environments are important to note for when you're deciding your perfect sea bass fishing rod. If you're interested in a rod for both salt and fresh water, you'll need to look out for some anti-corrosion features.

Rod Type

When it comes to sea bass fishing rods, there’s a lot to choose from. One thing is a reputable brand, but the main decision you’ll have to make is choosing which type of rod you’d prefer. A baitcasting rod is usually associated most with sea bass fishing, especially with experienced anglers.

A spinner (or also known as spin casting) rod may be a better choice for novice anglers as they’re a lot easier to set up and understand. And for hardcore bass anglers, fly fishing can be a fun and sporting new way to pursue their favorite species. Once you decide on your rod type, you can focus on reputable brands with good warranties.

Rod Size

Material Composition

As mentioned above, big brands have developed new and improved materials that are lightweight yet strong when you’re tackling a fight with sea bass. Now rods are most commonly composed of either fiberglass or graphite. Graphite rods also have faster action.

This is better for sea bass fishing as the rod only bends on the first third of the rod. It's important to remember that both materials are incredibly durable, so depending on your budget and your fishing style, it could be beneficial to purchase a fiberglass rod over a graphite one.

Handle Quality

These days rod handles come with mainly cork, foam, or the Winn polymer material. Some rods have split grips while others have full-length grips. On some baitcasting rods, you could see a full-grip handle as they're the best for casting heavy baits over long periods.

This can increase the weight of the rod, so if you're hoping to have it as light as possible, consider customizing your split-grip handle instead. Cork handles are a great all-round handle when it comes to sea bass fishing. They’re lightweight, sweat-resistant, and great to keep your hands cool in warm weather, too.

Extra Rod Features

There are some other features you’ll want to know before you pick your perfect rod. Some of these may be:

Price & Warranty

Prices and warranties all vary on the type of rod you want and need. Some added features will increase the cost quite a bit, so it's important to remember, don't buy what you won't need. Warranties, on the other hand, are very typical of many brands.

We've listed each warranty on every review, so be sure to check how long your warranty is on your new bass fishing rod before you buy.

1. KastKing Speed Demon Pro

Release your inner demon on the water with the best baitcasting rod, the Kastking Speed Demon Pro. This tournament series will have you ready for a got tug of war fight with any bass fish. KastKing has produced some top of the line rods at affordable prices in the past, and the speed demon pro one is no different.

The company has said they've used a "new level of technology with years of experience in creating rods with technique-specific actions and lengths." This research, alongside new technology, gives the speed demon pro an outstanding result when it comes to bass fishing.

Its lightweight body weighs a mere 0.406 pounds, yet this baitcasting rod is exceptionally durable, made of elite carbon fiber blanks. These blanks utilize Carbon Nano Tube resin technology to reduce the weight but increase breaking and lifting strength by over 30% compared to standard graphite blanks. Not only does it feel light, but it also has incredible sensitivity so you won't miss a bite.

The speed demon pro rod is pretty attractive to look at, too. Its black and orange exterior gives a very sporty yet professional look. It's finished with golf-style grips that provide comfort and a sure grip in all conditions. 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. Abu Garcia Veracity & Villain 2.0

If you’re looking for the best all around bass fishing rod, then the Veracity & Villain 2.0 is for you. The newly improved Abu Garcia Veracity rod offers the strength and durability needed by serious anglers while remaining lightweight and durable, so you'll feel every bite.

It has a 3M Powerlux resin that is baked into the blank to fill in evenly. It’s around the 40 Ton carbon fibers, reducing the weight and ultimately giving anglers a stronger and more sensitive rod.

The Abu Garcia custom-designed Fuji soft touch reel seat gives hypersensitivity around the exposed blank sections so you can be by the water all-day in ease and comfort. Couple the reel seat and blanks with titanium alloy guides with Zirconium inserts, and you'll find yourself with a unique and high-performance fishing rod.

Its cork and EVA split grips allow the angler to have a lot of control without reducing stability.  And if the medium-heavy 6'6" rod feels too big or small, then you can opt for one of their many sizes/strengths available. They range up to 8’ long with power as much as extra heavy. So you'll be sure to find one that fits your bass fishing needs efficiently and in style.

3. PLUSINNO

Finding the right rod and reel combo for bass fishing can feel like a daunting task, but many reputable fishing brands will have combos available for you. They are made to complement each other perfectly. This combo is no different, Plusinno’s rod and reel combo were designed for anglers who may be on a budget-constrained or for anglers who prefer the convenience of buying everything they need in a single package deal.

The rod has a range of impressive features that will suit both freshwater and saltwater. The reel and blanks are composed of stainless steel, so it's suitable for all water types, and it also extends the lifespan of the rod. The rod itself is collapsible and has a retractable handle. This makes it highly compact and easy to carry on weekend getaways or long hikes to riverbanks. Its strength is impressive, as it’s made of high-density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass.

These fishing rods are available in six sizes, from the smallest at 5.91 ft. to the longest of 8.86 ft. This should give any angler the versatility they need in choosing that perfect length. Keep in mind that even though the rods can be big and strong, they may not be the most ideal for catching big fish. The recommended line weight is a mere 12 lbs for even its biggest rod.

Overall, this well balanced, and easy to use combo will have any angler jumping with joy, and if you're a true beginner, you could buy PLUSINNO's full package set. It arrives with all you need to get straight on to the water—receiving the rod, the reel, a fishing line, lures, fishing hooks, and a travel case.

4. Ugly Stik Elite

The elite version of this spinning rod has been created by Ugly Stik and has been beloved by anglers all across the US. It’s known for its lightweight features and elegant design, as it's composed of added graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity. It's an extremely balanced rod, too. The cork handle with the new guides makes this possible.

Another reason why this rod is worth trying out is the ease of use. Many anglers believe that spinning rods are easier to use than baitcasting rods. While this is an argument that is purely based on opinion, this spinner proves to be easy for beginners to use and enjoy. Casting is simple, and the sensitive tip ensures you notice when there's a bite.

The spinning reels have blank seats, but the hoods are made of stainless steel and are cushioned, making sure they remain steady, which helps with the operation of the rod. The rod is also quite elastic, meaning that it endures heavier lures while it still recovers quite fast, and the bending does not last. The Ugly Stik elite rod is convenient and comfortable for anglers of all ages. The rod is known for catching big and small species, and bass fishes won't be a problem here, too.

5. KastKing Perigee II

Topwater fishing rods are designed to deal with topwater lures. Many great rods will work for topwater fishing, but the KastKing Perigee II is a perfect match. 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. So you could have a tip suitable for topwater fishing, and one for longer, deeper casts.

The composition will give an immense amount of power as its constructed with new technology and high-quality materials. This mighty and versatile rod is composed of a 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank. This new technology produces remarkably strong rods that will stay with you for years. 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 into the water easily and accurately.

As you hold your new Perigee, you will find it comfortable and reliable in your hands. That is because it has some high-density EVA grips which provide good traction. These grips are resistant to sweat and the possibilities of slip-offs. All of these benefits and features that are specifically made from KastKing have led them to be one of the most reputable brands in the industry, so their products should never disappoint!

6. Ugly Stik GX2

The Ugly Stick by Shakespeare was first introduced in 1976 and has been used by most if not all experienced anglers at some point. One of the first things that come to the minds of most novice anglers is buying a durable rod at a reasonable price. Ugly Stik has mastered the craft of producing high quality, inexpensive rods, and the GX2 is a great example of this.

This very eye-pleasing rod is the new generation Ugly Stik’s range. It’s strong, yet light so you can rely on it to deliver balance and sensitivity. The rod uses Ugly Tech's new graphite and fiberglass construction to also help its overall weight. Its "Ugly Tuff" guides allow maximum durability and reduce the rod's total weight, too. As for GX"'s strength, it has a clear tip design, which gives you the right strength when needed and can feel the lightest strike.

From ultra-light to heavy, you have four different models available. There are five ultra-light models- great for small species. For trout and panfish, you should choose the light models. They will have high sensitivity as well as some extra lifting power throughout the rod length. Medium and heavy models are great for freshwater species like salmon and pike.

You’ll need to know which type of fishing you’ll be focusing on to really get the benefits off each model. Or you may want to get more than one rod. At this budget-friendly price, buying two models could be a possibility!

7. St Croix Triumph

Next on our list is the St Croix Triumph spinning rod. Anglers with enough experience will notice the small but distinct differences when it comes to fishing with a spinning rod rather than a baitcasting rod.

The Triumph series is well-known for producing premium-quality spinning rods that meet the need of many anglers alike. The one we recommend for bass fishing is the 7 foot, medium-light power fishing rob by St Croix, but there are a ton of models available so you’ll be sure to get your perfect catch.

The St. Croix Triumph rod is extremely lightweight, weighing a mere 0.62 ounces. It is composed of SCII graphite, which helps with its lightweight feature, but graphite isn't as durable as most carbon fiber or fiberglass rods, so it's not very bendable. You'll have a good grip on your rod no matter what, as it's made of premium cork and is very comfortable in any anglers' hand. Some other unique features that a triumph has is its' Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods.

This spinning rod is an excellent addition for experienced anglers, but it's also a great buy for new anglers. Spinning rods are great for those new to the water and allows anglers to do long cast with ease. And this spinning rod is well suited for lakes, ponds, rivers, and saltwater so you won’t have to worry about erosion in any environment.

8. Entsport E Series - Camo Legend

It's hard to pinpoint one specific rod for baitcasting; there's so many to choose from. But the Entsport E series camo legend is one the best baitcasting rod for bass fishing. It fits all of the necessary criteria, and even at a killer price. It has a sleek, unique, and professional design that will turn any anglers' head.

Just like the KastKing Perigee II mentioned above, it comes with two different power tips (medium and medium-heavy), so it's like having two different rods in one. The 2 different tips make it easy to adjust to the weight of which you’re casting. Another plus of having two tips is that you can carry one rod instead of two and fish for different sized species at ease.

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. This is a feature many of its competitors just don’t have. 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.

Finished with high-quality EVA handles that reduce its weight even further and provides greater control when casting over long periods. This baitcasting rod may seem like it can do no wrong, but the blanks can become if it isn't well maintained.  Overall, it's a great rod for novice and mid-experienced anglers and for anglers who travel with their rods.

9. Abu Garcia Vengeance

Last but not least, is the Abu Garcia Vengeance casting rod. When you’re out by the water looking to snag a bass fish, choosing a casting rod with the best power is your best bet. This vengeance casting rod is 7 feet long with a power of medium-heavy. Many anglers find this a perfect match for any bass fish.

The entire rod is made of 30-ton graphite for a lightweight design. Its titanium alloy guides with SiC inserts helps it remain balanced. These also 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 gives a very professional and elegant design.

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. Crankbait rods that are too stiff often prematurely rip the hooks away from the bass.

Abu Garcia has thought of this and solved a problem that many anglers faced before. It makes this rod particularly useful for experienced anglers. If you're a new angler hoping to get this rod, then don't worry. A little bit of practice and you'll handle it like a pro in no time. And to put your mind at ease, this budget-friendly casting rod comes with a limited three-year warranty.

Recommended Rod Sizes for Bass Fishing

How to Set Up a Fishing Rod for Bass

When you’re setting up your fishing rod for the first time, there are a few steps you should follow before hitting the water. First, choose your line and spool it onto your reel. Remember, If you overfill the spool on a spinning reel with line, then the line will jump off the reel. If you overfill a baitcasting reel, then you will hear a weird sound when you cast.

Once you’ve completed this, you can then choose your line bait you’d like to use for your fishing excursion. For bass fishing, anglers tend to use plastic worms, spinnerbaits, crankbaits or live baits. Once you’ve your line and line bait ready to go, you’ll be able to fish away for hours.

Bass Fishing Tips for Beginners

Bass fishing may seem complicated for novice anglers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right bass fishing rod, you’ll be able to get on the water and try your hand at catching some sea bass in no time.

The most important thing to remember is if you’re new to bass fishing, you’ll determine your desired rod that suits your needs. Always go with a baitcasting or spinning rod that’s in your budget and within your needs.

Once you've chosen your perfect rod, it's time to focus on your casting. Some areas that you'll find bass fishes are in deeper waters. A long cast is essential, and if you practice casting accurately, you'll save a lot of time scaring the fish away.

Common Bass Fishing Questions

What is the best rod action for bass fishing?

When it comes to bass fishing, the faster the action, the more pressure an angler can put on a bass fish. A fast action rod will bend in the upper 25 to 30 percent. They provide both power and flex, which is essential when throwing spinnerbaits, soft sticks, and jerk baits. A rod that medium-heavy will give enough power while still feeling durable during a tackling match with a bass fish.

Does a longer rod cast further?

In theory, the answer is yes. Longer rods will typically give you a longer cast, but the weight of your bait and lure could set you back a couple of feet. If you stick to a light lure, then a longer cast is possible with a longer rod.

What are the main differences between expensive bass fishing rods and cheap ones?

Nowadays, brands are producing high-quality rods at lower prices. You can get a good quality rod now for 50 dollars. But reputable brands are producing state of the art materials using unique technologies these days. You could be missing out on higher quality and less durable rods if you always pay lower prices.

Are there any special care and maintenance steps for bass fishing rods?

Cleaning after use and storing are the two critical factors in maintenance. After you finish using your bass fishing rod, wash it down with fresh water. Wash grips carefully and use warm soapy water if needs be. Anglers also use light reel grease on the guides to prevent corrosion.

Check all guides for hair-line fractures and replace the guide immediately if any are found. Make sure you have a place to store your rod when it's not in use. A good rod stand or fishing rod rack will do the trick.

Baitcasting vs. spinning reels. Which is best for catching bass?

Baitcasting reels and spinning reels both have their pros and cons. For example, baitcasting reels handle heavier lines and actually allow for longer casts than spinning reels in the same size range. But they're a lot more challenging to use.

Bass anglers regularly use a line in the 14- to 17-pound-test range. So some small baitcasting and spinning reels may not support the diameter of the line. A small spinning reel has a smaller, more narrow spool, which has a hard time with any large-diameter lines.

What size hook to use for bass fishing?

When bass anglers are looking at hook size, they typically get between 1, 1/0 and 2/0. The smaller sizes are perfect for live baits that are about 6 inches. More significant is better for 8-inch baits of any kind. Using those baits, your bass fishing hook sizes will also hold a fish capable of eating the bait.

Where is the best place to find the best value bass fishing rod?

There are tons of places you can get your new bass fishing rod. You can check your local fish tackle shops and look at the models they have to offer. There’s also Amazon. They can deliver your number one choice directly to your door. When you shop on Amazon, you can also read other anglers’ opinions on the reviews. It could help with your decision.

Conclusion

So there you have it, all of the information you'll need before you buy your bass fishing rod. Our top pick, KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series, illustrates how a quality rod with an impeccable construction doesn't have to break the bank. Maybe there was another rod that met your needs more, go for it! All of the rods listed have unique qualities but provide excellent performance.