The Best Bass Fishing Rods – Bass Spinning Rods Reviews

You have enough to worry about trying to catch fish. The last thing you want is a fishing rod that fails on you. It’s important to always go out with top-notch equipment that will do the job every time. So, we’re going to take a look at the best bass fishing rods for different anglers. We’ll look at what to look for, which type is best for you, and finally, what the best fishing rods of each type are.

Best Bass Rods

For brevity purpose and in no particular order, here are the top bass fishing rods we reviewed;

1. St. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod
2. St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod
3. Enigma Phenom Titanium Gen2
4. Cadence CR6B Casting Rod
5. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
6. Shimano FXC Casting Rod
7. KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod Combo
8. Ugly Stik Elite Baitcast Combo
9. St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod
10. KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Rod

What Are The Different Types Of Bass Fishing Rods?

Before you decide which rod you are going to buy, you need to first decide which type of rod fits your needs. Thankfully, there aren’t too many different choices. The two options you have to choose from are a casting rod and a spinning rod. Each of these has pros and cons for different anglers. Let’s take a look at the top three pros and cons for a better idea of which one is better for your needs.

Bass Casting Rods Review

A casting rod means that the reel is positioned on the top of the rod. The eyelets, the metal rings the line runs through, are also positioned at the top of the reel. From the reel to the end of the pole, the fishing line rests completely on the top of the rod.

What this means is that when you hook a fish on your line, it pulls the rod down. This is because the tension is being evenly distributed from the reel to the end of the pole. This has a few major advantages including:

• Better for catching larger species of fish as the tension is distributed more evenly throughout the pole.
• Less likely to have the eyelets break as the tension is being put on top of the rod as opposed to the eyelets themselves.
• Better for use with a thicker and heavier line such as that used when trying to catch larger bass.

There are quite a few pros when it comes to casting rods. But, these are the most important. As with everything though, there are a few drawbacks which include:

• As a beginner, it can be more difficult for you to master the precision casting with this type of rod.
• Casting rods tend to tangle more easily. This is especially true for beginners who may be using improper casting techniques. You may find yourself spending more time untangling or changing lines than fishing.

Bass Spinning Rods Review

A spinning rod has the reel sitting at the bottom. Also, the eyelets are facing downwards so that when you catch a fish the tension of the line is placed on the eyelets. This can make it easier for a larger fish to actually pull the eyelets from the pole.

Spinning rods, like casting rods, come in different strengths and different types of materials. We’ll get into the specifics a bit later. But, for now, know that like casting rods, spinning rods have a few upsides including:

• Spinning rods are easier for beginners to cast as they are less prone to becoming tangled than casting rods.
• These rods are better in situations where you need to consistently reel in and cast out.
• Another plus for beginners is that spinning rods are often lighter and easier to control.

As with casting rods, there are a few cons that must be weighed against the pros. These cons can significantly affect your fishing experience depending on what you are looking to catch and your skill level. The main downsides of a spinning rod are:

• The eyelets of a spinning rod are on the underside. When a fish hooks on your line it pulls down causing tension to pull the eyelets away from the pole. If you hook a fish too large or powerful it can rip the eyelets from the rod.
• Spinning reels aren’t as accurate as casting reels. For a beginner trying to get the basics down, this isn’t as much of an issue. But, the more advanced you become, and the more precise you want to be with your casting, it can be an issue. Casting reels offer more accuracy when trying to get your line into a very specific spot in the water.

How To Pick A Good Bass Fishing Rod?

You now know what the main types of rods are and the pros and cons of each. Let’s go over the different factors you must consider when choosing the right bass fishing rod for you. This will help you further down when we look at what the best rods overall are in each category.

Your Skill Level

As we mentioned in the pros and cons section, spinning reels and rods tend to be used by beginners. They are easier to handle and maintain and are less prone to becoming tangled if miscast. This doesn’t mean that only beginners should use them, however.

In the past, you would rarely see a pro angler on a sports show using a spinning reel and rod. Casting rods and reels were the sole tools of the professional. Nowadays, with the advent and more common use of braided fishing line, this isn’t always the case.

Braided fishing line is more durable and much smaller. This means it is now possible to use a higher strength line on a spinning reel because the line itself is smaller. You will still run into the issue of the eyelets breaking if you hook a fish that is too big. But, you can go after larger varieties of bass as long as the rod can withstand the force.

If you are just getting into fishing, it is still a wise idea to stick to a spinning rod and reel. This will allow you a wider margin of error if you incorrectly cast. You will also spend significantly less time untangling the line when you make mistakes. If you are a more experienced angler, you have the option of choosing between a spinning rod and reel or a casting rod and reel.

Fishing Location

Are you planning on fishing in a wide-open lake? Then it really doesn’t matter if you choose a casting rod or a spinning rod. But, if you will be by the shoreline trying to cast into very specific areas, a casting rod will be the way to go.

Casting rods are more accurate than spinning rods when used correctly. If you are trying to get in between trees or brush, for example, you can do so with a casting rod. Trying to do this with a spinning rod will mean you may get tangled up going to the left or the right of where you are trying to hit.

If you need to hit a spot that is far away from the boat, the casting rod will also be better for this. Casting rods typically allow for a further cast than a spinning rod. So, further casting ability and a higher level of accuracy make casting rods better for areas where you need more precision.

Type Of Bass

We touched on this above but spinning rods aren’t the best when it comes to larger fish species. If you are fishing for smallmouth bass and know they aren’t going to be too big, you will be fine with either type of rod and reel. Should you be going for larger striped bass or largemouth bass though, you may want to go with a casting rod.

As we mentioned before, the spinning rod has eyelets that are facing downwards. When you hook a fish, the line is pulling away from the rod and the tension focused on the eyelets. Hook a fish too large and you stand a chance of it stripping the eyelets form the pole and losing the fish. So, if you know you are in an area where there is a possibility of hooking larger bass species, or any species of fish, then stick to a casting rod.

The Best Bass Fishing Rods Review

By now, you should have a good idea of which rod is right for you. Maybe you are a beginner and are going with a spinning rod. Or, you might be a more experienced angler looking for better accuracy with a casting rod. Either way, we have you covered.

Best Spinning Rod for Bass Fishing

St. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod

St. Croix has been a trusted manufacturer since the mid-1900s. They are known for high-quality rods that can stand the test of time. Their rods do come in at a higher price point than some other manufacturers. But, this is for good reason.

Each St. Croix rod is manufactured using high-quality parts. Their rods are made to be corrosion resistant in the places that matter such as the eyelets. The St. Croix Mojo is specifically made to be a high-end and durable rod that will last for many years regardless of how many fish it reels in. This is a great option if you are looking for a long term rod.

Pros:

• Eyelet guides are made from hard and durable aluminum oxide. They are resistant to corrosion which will keep them from rusting over the years and weakening the structural integrity of the rod.
• St Croix rods come with a 5-year warranty. Not only are you getting the comfort of a high-quality rod, but also a solid warranty to back it. This can help to justify the higher cost.
• The rod is both lightweight and durable. Many users have noted that it is extra sensitive so you should have no trouble feeling even the slightest of nibbles on your line.

Biggest Con:

• As mentioned previously this isn’t a cheap throw away type of rod. St. Croix is known for making higher-end rods that come with a higher-end price. This certainly isn’t the most expensive rod you will find but if you know you are tough on rods or if you are on a tight budget, this may not be the best option.

St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod

As with the other St. Croix rods on this list, the Premier carries on the tradition of high-end rods. Their Premier line of rods is one of their cheaper lines, which still comes in much higher than other brands. It is made of durable components and comes with the same 5-year warranty that all of their other rods have.

The reason the Premier doesn’t take the top spot for spinning rods is that it lacks the same level of durability as the Mojo but is similar in price. If you would like a St. Croix rod but want to save money, this is a great option. But, if you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to spinning rods, we recommend the Mojo listed above.

Pros:

• The Premier offers a wide variety of options for length, weight, and action type. This is good if you want a very specific type of rod.
• You can get the Premier for less than other St. Croix brands. If you want a top of the line rod but are on a tighter budget, this could be a good option.
• The Premier is made from high-quality graphite and is resistant to corrosion and rust. This makes maintenance much easier and will ensure you can use it for many years to come.

Biggest Con:

• As we mentioned above, the biggest con is the price. The Premier is one of the cheapest St. Croix models on the market. But, it still comes in much higher than many other brands. For the money, we recommend the Mojo over the Premier if you want a St. Croix rod.

Best Casting Rod for Bass Fishing

Enigma Phenom Titanium Gen2

Enigma isn’t one of the best-known manufacturers of fishing rods. But, talk to the people who use their products and many will swear by them. They are known for manufacturing high-quality rods that come in the middle of the road price range.

Their Phenom Titanium Gen2 is exactly this. It is made from high-quality materials that give it the strength and durability needed for a variety of bass species. The price for this typically comes in well below some of the higher-end brands such as Shimano and St. Croix. The Phenom Titanium Gen 2 is an overall solid casting rod at the right price.

Pros:

• The Phenom Titanium Gen2 has eyelets that are titanium coated with rings made from zirconium. This means that it is both incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust.
• The rod comes with a lifetime warranty. You can feel confident that your money is backed up by both superior craftsmanship and a superior warranty.
• Many users have noted that the rod is both light and sensitive. The extra sensitivity can come in handy so that no matter how small the nibble on your line you can feel it and hook whatever is on the other end.

Biggest Con:

• The Phenom Titanium Gen2 is an overall excellent casting rod. But, one thing we will note is that it doesn’t provide a lot in terms of options. They have a 7’ medium heavy fast action rod and a 7’10” medium-heavy moderate action rod. If you are looking for anything outside of this it may not be the best rod choice for you.

Cadence CR6B Casting Rod

Cadence is a less known brand than others on this list. They don’t have the same history as brands such as St. Croix or Shimano. But, this doesn’t mean they are any less in terms of quality. The CR6B is a great all-around casting rod for beginners and more advanced anglers.

It’s coming in as a runner up only because we feel the Enigma to be a better overall rod for the price. Both are sturdy casting rods and both are good options for beginners and advanced anglers alike.

Pros:

• The CR6B comes in a variety of sizes so you have options when selecting the right rod for you.
• This is a mid-range rod in terms of pricing. It isn’t the cheapest rod on the market but the price to quality ratio is high. If you want a quality rod that won’t break the bank this is a good option.
• The CR6B is made from 30-ton graphite which is both lightweight and durable. The eyelets are stainless steel which will keep them from rusting and corroding with the proper maintenance.

Biggest Con:

• As we mentioned above, we feel the Enigma is a better overall casting rod. Both of these are good options and priced almost the same. But, pound for pound we feel the Enigma is a better buy for the price.

Best Spinning Rod for Bass Fishing Under $100

Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod

The Ugly Stik has been a popular rod for both beginners and advanced anglers for over 40 years. The company is a subsidiary of Shakespear, a trusted manufacturer of fishing equipment since the mid-1900s. Ugly Stik is one of the best-known rods on the market and has a reputation for durability at a hard to beat price.

Their Elite spinning rod is one of the best-reviewed rods on the market. Users consistently rank this as an excellent balance of durability, quality, and price. We love it because it can easily snag small to medium-sized bass with little difficulty. We’ve run it through a variety of underwater terrain for everything from small-mouthed to stri[ped bass and had no problems.

Pros:

• One of the main pros of the Ugly Stik Elite is that it comes in well under a hundred dollars. The quality of the rod, however, puts it more in line with rods you would expect to pay well over a hundred dollars for.
• The guides are one piece and made from stainless steel which makes them resistant to rust and corrosion. This will keep your Ugly Stik Elite sturdy for many years.
• The line rating for the Ugly Stik Elite is between 8lbs and 17lbs. This is enough for you to go after small to medium-sized fish on the upper end of the scale. You can have confidence in the fact that most of the fish you catch you will have no trouble reeling in.

Biggest Con:

• The biggest downside of the Ugly Stik Elite is the eyelet at the tip of the pole. It has grooves in it which many users have noted can tear through braided line quite quickly. If you are planning on using braided line with your reel this may not be the best option.

Best Casting Rod for Bass Fishing Under $100

Shimano FXC Casting Rod

Shimano, like St. Croix, is another well-known manufacturer known of high-end blanks. Their rods usually come in at the upper end of the price spectrum with the quality and durability to match. They are a Japanese company that has been manufacturing sporting goods since 1921. With almost 100-years in business, you can feel confident that you are getting a solid rod that will stand the test of time.

The Shimano FXC is one of their lower-end models in terms of price. This does not mean that quality has been sacrificed. You are still getting the same quality of their higher price blanks. But, different materials allow them to produce the FXC at a lower cost without sacrificing the quality of their other rods.

Pros:

• The biggest plus of the FXC casting rod is that you are getting a high-quality rod for well under a hundred dollars. As stated above, other Shimano rods typically go for well over a hundred dollars.
• Many users of the FXC have noted that they have no trouble with medium and larger sized fish on this. Even though it is a cheaper rod, as we’ve stated, it does not sacrifice quality. Regardless of how large the bass you are going for you should have no troubles.
• The Shimano FXC is quite sensitive so you can feel even the slightest touch to your line.

Biggest Con:

• The main thing we see as a con is that this is a 2 piece rod. Many anglers believe that 2 piece rods are not as durable as single piece rods. While we have not had any issues using the FXC, and have not heard of other anglers having major issues, the 2 piece design may put some fishermen off.

Best Spinning Rod and Reel Combo for Bass Fishing

KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod Combo

KastKing is a lesser-known but still top of the line brand when it comes to rods. They also have a solid reputation for well-constructed reels that are both easy to use and maintain. This can be helpful if you are a beginner looking for something both economical, durable, and long-lasting.

The Crixus is known for being one of their middle of the road models in terms of pricing. Despite the lower price, you aren’t trading in quality or durability. The Crixus is well constructed to handle anything you can throw at it.

Pros:

• The Crixus Spinning Rod uses stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide rings to prevent corrosion and rust. This helps to ensure that your rod will last for many years to come.
• The Crixus Spinning Reel has an anti-twist line roller. While this isn’t the only reel to have this feature, it is extremely important. Especially, as a beginner, having this anti-twist feature can keep you focused on fishing instead of untangling your line.
• The rod itself is made from durable IM6 graphite which makes it both lightweight and sensitive. This won’t be the best rod for extremely large fish, but you will be fine for small to medium-sized bass.

Biggest Con:

• The biggest downside that we’ve found with the KastKing Crixus is that it isn’t rated for a super heavy test line. You can get around this by using a braided line. But, keep in mind that bigger fish may snap the pole. If you are in an area where you know the bass grow large, you might opt for a casting rod and reel combo instead.

Best Casting Rod and Reel Combo for Bass Fishing

Ugly Stik Elite Baitcast Combo

We’ve talked a bit about Ugly Stik above. They are one of the better-known brands of fishing rods for both beginners and more advanced anglers. Their rods are consistently ranked as some of the best around by magazines and gear reviewers every year. Also, since they are a subsidiary of Shakespear, you know you are getting top-notch equipment.

The Ugly Stik Elite Baticast is the casting rod version of the Elite Spinning Rod. If you will remember we ranked that as one of the best spinning rods for under a hundred dollars. While the Elite Baitcast combo isn’t as cheap, it still is an excellent option if you are looking for an extremely durable casting rod and reel combo.

Pros:

• The Ugly Stik Elite Baitcast can hold test line up to 20lbs. We recommend that you stick to a line between 12 and 14 lbs maximum. But, if you are looking to catch larger species of bass then this rod and reel combo will do the job.
• For the level of quality, you are getting the Ugly Stik Elite Baticast is priced very well. Other rod and reel combos at this level of quality often run well over a hundred dollars. The Ugly Stik Baitcast combo runs much less than other high-end brands.
• You can buy this as either a 1 piece medium heavy rod or a 2 piece medium heavy. This is great if you know you will need to save some space. Buying the 2 piece will allow you to break the rod down for easier transportation. But, if portability isn’t a huge concern for you, the 1 piece rod is a good option.

Con:

• Some users have complained that the reel is not the easiest to operate for beginners. We have not had any issues using it. But, it should be noted that this may not be the best option if you are just getting into using a casting rod and reel.

Best Travel Spinning Rod for Bass Fishing

St. Croix Triumph Travel Spinning Rod

We recognize that you probably aren’t going to be doing all your fishing at the nearest lake. Sometimes, you will be doing some traveling. Single piece rods can oftentimes be an inconvenience to transport and get from point A to B. This is where it can be nice to have a travel rod.

The St. Croix Triumph is a great option if you want a high-quality rod that can easily be broken down for transportation. As we mentioned above, St. Croix is known for manufacturing durable and high-quality rods. As with the Mojo, we reviewed above, the Triumph isn’t the cheapest on the market. But, if you are looking for a durable and top of the line travel rod, this is one of the best on the market.

Pros:

• The St. Croix Triumph breaks down into four easy to pack away pieces. You can pack in a suitcase or a backpack to easily transport it wherever you need.
• As with other St. Croix rods, the Triumph comes with a 5-year warranty. Even though this is a high-end rod in terms of pricing, you can have confidence knowing that it will be under warranty.
• The rod is made from durable materials that won’t corrode or rust. The eyelets are made from hard aluminum oxide and the rod body from graphite fiber. It also comes with a padded nylon carrying case to more easily transport the rod.

Biggest Con:

• The price is going to be the biggest drawback here. The St. Croix Triumph is priced similarly to the Mojo we discussed above. This is a higher-end rod and is priced accordingly. If you are looking for a solid travel rod on a budget, this may not be the best option.

Best Travel Casting Rod for Bass Fishing

KastKing Blackhawk II Telescopic Rod

As we discussed with the Crixus, KastKing is known for manufacturing top-quality rods and reels at a medium-range price. These are great rods for budget-minded anglers who don’t want to sacrifice quality for the price. Their rods are durable and easy to maintain making them a great option for beginners and advanced anglers.

If you want a rod that is easy to travel with, the Blackhawk II is a great choice. Unlike the St. Croix Triumph, the Blackhawk II is telescopic. So, instead of breaking down the rod for transportation, you simply push the rod in to pack it away and stretch it out to use it again.

Pros:

• Because the Blackhawk II is telescopic, you aren’t sacrificing durability the same as with a multi-piece rod. It also makes packing easier as you aren’t having to deal with the excess fishing line. Simply reel it in till the entire rod is compact.
• The Blackhawk II comes it at a much cheaper price than many high-end rods. This doesn’t mean it is less quality, though. You are getting good quality and design for a medium-range price.
• Many of the anglers who use this rod note that it is extremely sensitive. This is great for feeling out those slight nibbles on your line that you might miss with a less sensitive pole.

Biggest Con:

• The only downside we’ve found with the Blackhawk II is that even collapsed, it still runs around 2’ in length. This isn’t a major issue if you are packing it away in a car or suitcase. But, if you are trying to put this in a smaller backpack, part of it may still stick out.

What Is The Best Bass Fishing Rod?

As you can see there are numerous options for you to choose from when selecting a bass fishing rod. After you’ve decided between a spinning rod or a casting rod, you’ve to got decide which brand you want.

We stand by the St. Croix Mojo Inshore as the best overall spinning rod for bass fishing. For casting rods, our vote is the Enigma Titanium Gen2. Both of these are quality rods perfect for beginners and advanced anglers alike. The St. Croix represents the top of the line in terms of quality and durability. The Enigma is excellent for its precise casting abilities. Regardless of which rod you choose, you can be confident that it will be durable and precise.

Bass Fishing Rod/Poles Advanced Guide

Before you actually start perusing through rods, there are some terms and definitions that you need to understand. This will make it easier for you to narrow down what you are looking for in a particular rod.

Rod Action

When anglers refer to the action of a rod, they are talking about stiff or flexible it is. There are four types that you can choose from:

• Extra-fast Action : there is very little bend to this type of fishing rod and you will usually only find it flexing at the tip. They are also quite sensitive to any kind of vibrations, including bites. These rods perform well when fishing heavy cover and your goal is to lure the bass away. The rods offer good control over bigger fish.
• Fast Action: these rods have greater flexibility than extra-fast rods and tend to bend towards the middle of the rod. They provide both power and flex and tend to be popular among freshwater anglers.
• Moderate Action : you can expect these rods to bend all the way to the middle which is why they work best with light fishing line. They generally are also easier to cast lures with than the previous categories.
• Slow Action: these rods have the greatest flexibility as they are able to bend through the entire length of the rod. They work best when fishing for small bass and when you want to use smaller lures.

Rod Power

Then, there is the matter of the rod’s power. This can be defined as the power required to bend or load the rod.

They fall into five separate categories – heavy, medium-heavy, medium, light, and ultralight. The power of a rod is also sometimes referred to as backbone.

The table below is a guide for what kind of test fishing line and lure weights you can use with specific rod powers.

Rod Power	Test Fishing Line (Pounds)	Lure (Ounces)
Heavy	15 – 25	0.5 – 1.5
Medium-Heavy	8 – 14	0.5 – 1.5
Medium	4 – 12	Medium sized lures
Light	4 – 8	Small sized lures
Ultra-light	1 – 4	Tiny lures

With bass fishing, you will be able to work with a medium to heavy power, with the lower power being ideal for smallmouth bass. As you can imagine, the heavier bass is going to require greater backbone.

How to Choose the Right Bass Fishing Rod for You

Now, let’s move onto how you can choose the best bass fishing rod for you. Here are some of the factors that you need to take into consideration:

Casting Rod vs. Spinning Rod

One of the first decisions that you will need to make is whether to go with a casting rod or spinning rod for bass fishing.

Most anglers will point you in the direction of a casting rod and to be fair, I would as well – This is because I do most of my bass fishing with a casting rod.

What I like most about casting rods is that they are able to handle heavier lines and lures. In turn, they are also better equipped to handle larger and more aggressive bass.

This doesn’t mean that spinning rods don’t have their place, however.

While you may not use them as much, they do help you to get to those fishing spots that are a little harder to reach.

When you take into account that they also offer up better accuracy, you can see that spinning rods definitely have their use.

If you do end up choosing a spinning rod, you should keep in mind that you will need to use a lighter line and lure and aim for smaller bass.

Bass Fishing Rod Materials

The next thing to take into consideration is the materials that the rods are made from. You typically have three options to choose from – fiberglass, graphite, and composite.

Fiberglass rods tend to be the cheapest type and there is a reason for this – they don’t have a lot of sensitivity or power behind them. They also have a tendency to flex from the tip to the butt of the rod when you are attempting to lift fish up. They aren’t all that popular with bass anglers.

On the opposing side, you have graphite rods that are often quite pricey. What they do offer for a higher price, though, is a lightweight composition. This, in turn, makes it easier to sense nibbles at the end of your rod. Most anglers turn to these rods when fishing in bad weather.

Then, there are composite rods – they consist of a combination of fiberglass and graphite fibers. Here you get to experience the sensitivity and low weight of a graphite rod without having to compromise the durability of a fiberglass rod. Composite rods are often used by anglers who are interested in cranking.

Also Read : Trout Fishing Tips

Choosing Rod Length

The shorter bass fishing rods are usually between 6 and 7 feet long. The longer rods are about 7 to 9 feet long.

There are three things to consider when deciding on your rod length. These are casting distance, type of bait, and where you are casting from.

The length of the rod is directly linked to the casting distance. This means that if you plan on casting for a short or medium distance, you will require a short rod.

Long rods work better for long distances. Typically, if you will casting at a distance greater than 30 feet, you should opt for a long rod.

Now, if you are working with small to medium lures and are hoping to catch bass within a similar size range, a short one will be ideal. Since you are going to require heavier lures and line for bigger bass, you will need a long rod.

If you are casting off from a dock or a higher vantage point, then a small rod is preferable. If you don’t have this height advantage, though, you are going to need a longer rod.

Fishing Rod Guides

The last thing to keep in mind is the importance of the rod guides.

A good quality guide will ensure that you are able to cast longer and can also help to cut down on line friction. It is best to look for either ceramic or titanium guides as they offer the best performance.

The guides should be placed properly, with each feature properly rounded.

Some Bass Rods FAQ

Should I use a spinning rod or a casting rod for bass fishing?

Spinning rods are better if you are new to fishing. Casting rods are better if you have experience and want precision when casting. Casting rods are also better for larger fish as it better disperses the tension along the rod. Spinning rods disperse the tension along the eyelets which can more easily be pulled out by larger fish.

Do I want a longer or shorter rod?

This is going to depend on the size of the bass you are fishing for. In general, shorter rods are better for smaller fish. They provide more sensitivity as they flex less so you can feel smaller bites. Longer rods give you more casting distance and flex for reeling in larger fish.

What is the best size rod for bass fishing?

A good choice would be a 7 1/2-foot rod because it is a little easier to pitch the baits. The shorter bass fishing rods are usually between 6 and 7 feet long. The longer rods are about 7 to 9 feet long.

Is it better to get a blank and add the reel or to get a combo rod and reel?

You want both the rod and reel to be of high quality. You will often find rod and reel combos where one is of better quality than the other. Usually, the rod will be better than the reel. Make sure if you are getting a combo that both are equal in quality. Otherwise, buy a separate rod and reel that are of high quality.

What is rod sensitivity?

Sensitivity is how easy it is to feel when a fish bites your line. You may often find yourself in a situation where a fish bumps your line but doesn’t sink down. A sensitive rod means you can feel and hook the fish. Shorter rods are more sensitive than longer ones in general. 

How strong of line should I use with the rod?

Line strength depends on the size of the fish. If you are going after larger fish, you will need a higher strength line. When using high strength line, it is better to use a casting rod and reel than a spinning one. Casting reels are better able to handle the heavier and thicker line.

Which type of rod is better for boats?

Generally speaking, casting rods are better for use on a boat. They allow you to cast further and more precisely which can come in handy when getting into tighter spaces. You can also use a casting rod for trolling. But, either rod can be used on a boat so it is up to personal preference.

Which type of rod is better for dock and shore fishing?

For dock fishing, a spinning rod can be a great option as it allows you to more easily cast and reel in. You can use either type of rod when dock fishing so again it comes to personal preference. For shore fishing, casting reels can be better as they allow you to cast further out.

Which type of rod is best for trolling?

For trolling, there are actually specialized rods called trolling rods. If you are choosing between a casting rod and a spinning rod though, casting rods are generally better. There is constant tension placed on a rod when trolling. This can over time weaken the eyelets on a spinning rod.

Which rod type is best for catching sea bass?

Casting rods are generally regarded as better for saltwater fishing. In general, saltwater fish, including giant sea bass, are bigger than their freshwater counterparts. These larger varieties of fish require a stronger line that spinning rods can’t handle. They can also strip the eyelets from a spinning rod.

What is the best baitcasting rod for bass?

The best best baitcasting rod for bass is the Enigma Phenom Titanium Gen2 Fishing Rod. This fishing rod is also a good choice for anyone who wants a rod that is easy to handle and that is comfortable to hold.

This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI