Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2023
Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod
by Chris Riley Updated on January 12, 2023. In Fishing
It is said that any rod can catch fish, but not all fishermen catch these fish. Honestly speaking, it is usually an intricate combination of skill, preparation, endurance, experience, and luck. Bass fish are some of the most elusive creatures of the water, which I guess is why we are most intrigued by them. To beat them at their game, you need to tilt the scale in your favor whenever you can.
A good rod will help you reel in the best bass fish with minimal effort. We handpicked a few based on a number of considerations not limited to functionality, availability, affordability, durability, expert opinion, and feedback from previous users. We have shortlisted what we feel are some of the best bass fishing rods based on our research.
1. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods
Their beautifully finished carbon fiber blanks are made using patented KastFlex technology with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix, guaranteeing power, strength, durability, and accuracy. They have ergonomically designed high strength reel seats made of graphite leading to Fuji O-ring line guides for the smoothest reeling experience.
KastKing Power Transition System (PTS) is computer engineered to ensure the power flows smoothly throughout the rod’s blank via controlled wrapping of their spigot joints. It leaves you feeling like it is one continuous rod without joints.
For handling, they have high-density EVA grips that are durable, non-slip, and comfortable on the hand.
As if it wasn’t already the best value bass fishing rod, KastKing Perigee II has the Two-Piece Twin Tip option for both spinning and baitcasting rods, where each rod comes with two-rod tips for you to select your preferred combination. All this for the price of one. This makes it ideal to be your first bass fishing rod as you discover your strengths and preferences.
2. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
It comes with one of the most ergonomic designs for a handle, which is slightly oval and easy to grip, even in wet circumstances, as it has golf material. Your hands are comfortable however long you stay on the water.
Its power rating is medium and speeds fast; this is attributed to the pan carbon fiber construction of the blank with over 95% carbon concentration. This combination makes it lightweight, shock, corrosion, and moisture damage resistant and insulates it from heat.
Due to the light weight, it has enhanced sensitivity, and you will be able to feel the lightest tugs instantly. Their high grade chromed stainless steel guiding rings ensure your line is not damaged as you cast and reel smoothly.
It can be disassembled into four pieces for ease of transportation as it then occupies less volume of space and can be packaged and stored conveniently.
The light weight, increased sensitivity, and smooth casting boosts your cast’s length and accuracy, which is why this relatively new tool makes the list of the best bass fishing rods.
3. SAN LIKE Baitcasting Spinning Fishing Rod
At only 5.6oz, this is a lightweight but strong rod that comes in a 2-piece combination for ease of storage and transportation in smaller vessels. The high strength to weight ratio is due to its X-cross construction with a high carbon concentration, which also explains its heightened sensitivity.
It has an enhanced nylon and glass fiber reel seat that has been subjected to oxidation treatment making it resistant to abrasion and corrosion. It, therefore, lasts longer and can be used in both fresh and saltwater. The reel seat can be screwed down to keep the reel steadfast.
They have adapted high-quality K-shelf ceramic O-ring guides that efficiently dissipate heat and allow your line to glide through without grinding against it, preventing damage and ensuring superior casting distance and accuracy. The top ring has an inclined design to make casting smoother
They come with high-density anti-sweat EVA handles that are tough to facilitate a comfortable yet stable grip.
4. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
This rod is eye-catching with a modern feel yet strong and durable in line with the Ugly Stik tradition. The rod’s strength and sensitivity can be attributed to the combination of graphite and fiberglass in its manufacture.
The Ugly Tuff guides made of one-piece stainless steel are durable and can be relied on to eliminate line pop-outs. The tip has Ugly Stik’s Clear Tip design, which makes it extra sensitive and strong.
It comes with EVA grips, which are non-slip, lightweight, durable, and comfortable to handle. They have a 7-year warranty, which gives extra peace of mind.
The series ranges from 5’6” to 7” in length with medium rod power capable of hauling between 8 to 25lbs. These are excellent figures for a bass fishing rod.
5. Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod
It is a hybrid rod, having the blank made from composite material resulting in a lightweight rod with fast action.
The rod lengths range from 4’6” to 6’6”, meaning they are easily applicable for close fishing and can fit in small vessels like canoes and kayaks. The rod power levels range from ultra-light to medium, making them highly responsive and easy to control.
They have 4 to 6 lightweight stainless steel guides and inserts running along the blank to smoothly pass the line when casting and reeling.
The base has a cork handle for added comfort and stable grip.
6. St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod
The SCII graphite construction with mid modulus graphite fiber makes it strong, sensitive, yet light for easy casting. Graphite is also durable, so it will give you extended service. It comes with a premium grade cork handle to ensure you retain that strong grip regardless of how stubborn the bass fish are.
The Kigan Master Hand 3D guides feature strong and slim aluminum oxide rings that allow fishing lines to flow smoothly for perfect reeling and longer casts. It has a Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hoods that fits the reel perfectly.
The blank has two coats of flex coat slow-cure finish, which besides giving it an aesthetically appealing look, the blank protects it and keeps it in top condition. It has fast action, medium power, and a length of 6”, making it a formidable bass hunter. The added casting distance makes it the best rod for bass fishing with crankbait.
It has a 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix superstar service.
7. Daiwa Tatula Bass Rods
Daiwa’s latest line of bass rods is finely crafted with input from their pros that has 7 rod categories and 28 different actions to comprehensively cater to bass fishing needs.
These rods come with beautiful deep blue Fuji guides with fazelite rings with excellent conductivity, bend strength, and hardness. They are also braid resistant and smooth for the best reeling experience.
The blank has been constructed using Nano resin control technology HPV Nanoplus, increasing its graphite density, making it more sensitive and durable. The rods’ strength and sensitivity are enhanced by a left to right 45˚ carbon weave bias wrap called X45 whose purpose is to eliminate twists and prevent the blank from losing its round form. The result is a powerful yet light rod tuned for bass fishing.
The handle features a split grip, which is an exposed blank section between the reel seat and the end of the rod to provide extra sensitivity for the handler, unobscured by the handle’s smoothness.
8. TEMPO Sphera Spinning Rod
The folks at TEMPO inspire confidence in their products’ performance by offering a 90-day risk-free trial period and a 3-year warranty.
Their blanks come in a variety of action and power ratings and lengths to accommodate diverse fishing needs. They have employed Xtreme Rod Building technology to develop a multi-layered 30-ton carbon fiber body that is strong, lightweight, and highly sensitive.
The rods have between 5 to 7 guides, plus the tip made of stainless steel with SIC inserts, which minimize friction and prevent lines from getting stuck for durability and smooth casting. They also transfer vibrations from the line to the rod through the guides, enhancing sensitivity.
The rods come with two types of handles; a full grip and a split grip, which have both EVA and cork for convenience. They have a smooth, comfortable, and easy to hold EVA handle than guarantees the firm handhold needed to overcome hard fighting fish.
Parts of a Fishing Rod
This section addresses components that have been described throughout this article that may seem strange to readers with less fishing experience. It is worth noting that some fishing rods come as a full unit, but others can be disassembled for ease of transportation.
The Butt
This is the bottom of the rod, which gives you leverage when handling big fish, so the rod isn’t thrust away from your hand.
Blank
It is the longest bit of the rod, from the reel to the tip. Usually made of fiberglass, graphite, or a combination of the two.
Guides or Eyes
The round loops your bass fishing line runs through when casting and retrieving, located on the blank of the rod. They guide the line.
Reel Seat
They look like two corkscrews that you crank back and forth to secure the reel in place. They make it possible to remove the reel without involuntarily scrapping the rod.
Tip
This is the lead guide. It is usually molded onto the blank or welded in place. A lot of rods have removable tips, so they can be easily replaced when they break.
How Different Types of Fishing Rods Are Applied
To determine your best bass fishing rod, you need to understand what makes them ideal for your intended purposes. Rods are made different due to unique circumstances that come up in the course of an angler’s life. We shall look at their strengths and weaknesses.
Spinning Rods
Their key identifier is their spinning reel, which hangs at the bottom of the rod, aligning the spool with the rod.
They are popular for sport fishing, especially bass, trout, pike, and walleye. They are great for fishing with live bait as the reel has a slow return action. Anglers prefer them for close fishing since they are shorter. Due to their light weight, they are preferred for lighter bass lures.
Baitcasting Rods
The reel sits on top of the rod and is perpendicular to the rod on these. They are long and good for longer casts, like when the target is a long distance from the boat or shore. They are good for trophy fishing as their weight allows them to cast larger lures
Long Rods
These are above 6’5.” They fit in powerboats and larger vessels with storage space. Because of their long casting distance, they are good for fishing in open water fishing; they cover a lot of water quickly and facilitate deepwater fishing.
Short Rods
They can be as small as 4’ or close. They are ideal for kayaks, fishing canoes, and small vessels in general as they will fit snugly and are easy to transport. They are also good for close fishing in tight fishing spots. They have less bend, meaning they are occasionally ideal for trophy fishing.
Action
This is a measure of the speed with which the rod returns to its neutral position. It is usually influenced by the tapering of the rod combined with its length and the type of material used.
Fast Action Rods (25% bend and below)
You will only see them bend near the tip of the rod with a swift return. They make it easy to set a hook without a struggle. It is advisable to ensure your longer rods are fast to protect the catch, plus it gives you better control.
They work well when your casting distance is shorter and when you are using a single hook lure like live bait or a bait jig. They are also more sensitive, making them the Best rod types for bass fishing in most situations.
Mid-Level Action Rods (approximately 30% bend)
These have a significant amount of bend and are great for shore fishing because of their larger casting distance. They are good for crankbait and spinnerbaits
Slow Action Rods (50% bend and above)
They are also referred to as parabolic rods. They either bend a lot or bend consistently along the length of the rod. They are not recommended for bass fishing since they don’t pull back fast enough to keep the fish from fully swallowing the hook.
This can also damage the fish by tearing it from its mouth. They can be used for bass fishing only by professional anglers with a special combination of hook and lure if the situation demands.
Power Value
This is also referred to as rod weight, relates to the rod stiffness, the amount of pressure you need to apply on the rod for it to bend. It measures resistance to bending and is ranked from ultra-light, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, to ultra-heavy.
It guides to the fishing type, species, and size of fish the rod is ideal for:
- An ultra-heavy power rod will require a lot of pressure from the fish for it to bend. It is great for big lures; its lure rating is between half an ounce to 2 ounces. They are appropriate for catching heavy fish, deep-sea fishing, and surf fishing.
- A medium power rod is adequate for bass fishing as its lure rating ranges between 1/4oz and 3/4oz, which accommodates various rods.
- An ultra-light power rod has a lure rating of between 1/32oz and 3/8oz, suitable for subtle presentations to small fish like baitfish, panfish, crappie, and small trout. They are also ideal when you require the rod to be very responsive.
Light rods are responsible for exciting fishing experiences due to their greater sensitivity. A small fish will feel like a monster, offering a better challenge. On a heavier rod, the impact is less impressive. This is also a factor of the rod material and size.
Rod Material
This determines how long the rod will last, how flexible, and how strong it is.
The most common materials for fishing rods are fiberglass and graphite, with fiberglass being more flexible but cheaper than graphite. Graphite is durable and more sensitive, enabling you to feel the slightest bite.
Beginners who are yet to settle on their ideal rod naturally lean towards fiberglass, the more pocket-friendly gamble.
Pro-Tip
A rod’s action and power may change if subjected to weights greater than the prescribed rod weight. This is prone to happen since you are never certain of the size of bass that will bite the bait and their ferocity. You should always be prepared to respond.
Conclusion
It is evident that there is no universal best bass fishing rod that will cater to all bass fishing needs. It is the prevailing circumstances that determine the best fishing rod. These are different interplays between the type and size of bass fish, the fishing style, terrain, type of vessel being used (if any), levels of experience, available resources, and personal preferences.
The ideal situation is to have a fishing rod for all circumstances, but that is not always possible as resources and vessel capacity limit it. The ability to prioritize based on functionality can never be undervalued. We hope this article brings you a step closer to this level.
Categories: Fishing
