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Are you a fan of bass fishing? Or perhaps you want to join the growing army of enthusiasts currently enjoying the sport?
As a rule of thumb, the longer a fishing rod is, the bigger the distance you can cast. Shorter rods tend to give you more accuracy and control, but you lose out on the distance.
So, if you’re fishing off a dock or from a kayak, you might be better off with a shorter rod (maybe 6.5 ft to 7.5 ft). If you plan on fishing off a wide open area, you might want to opt for a longer rod in order to cast out further. You want to be looking at 7.5 to 12 ft rods, especially if you are a tall angler!
You can get rods much longer than this.
Well, we’re here to help you choose the right bass rod…
Most rods are usually between 6 & 8 ft in length.
Top Bass Rods At A Glance:
- Dobyns Fury FR 702Sf Spinning Rod
- G. Loomis E6X 782C Casting Rod
- Falcon Rods Coastal Spinning Rod
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
- Entsport 2-Piece 7-Feet Casting Rod
- Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod
- Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod
Types of Rod for Bass Fishing
Baitcasting Rods
The reel and guides (or ‘eyes’) are located at the top of the rod. As such, you have more pulling power because the weight is pulling moreso against the rod rather than the guides. So when lifting bigger fish, the baitcasters tend to have the advantage.
Baitcasting rods are generally longer than spinning rods.
The guides are larger at the reel end of the fishing pole, gradually becoming smaller the further away you go from the reel.
They are arguably better to control with heavier lures.
Baitcasting reels generally have 2 handles at either side and it’s more difficult to get knots in the line when reeling.
Spinning Rods
The reel (spinning) and guides are on the underside of the rod. The guides are larger than any of the guides on a baitcasting rod. The reason for this is because the line comes off the reel from different directions, as opposed to straight off, with a baitcasting reel. Because of this, baitcasting rods tend to be longer than their spinning rod cousins.
> Best spinning reels for bass
Spinning rods are good for lighter lures.
Beginners tend to find spinning rods (and reels) easier to use and hence easier to learn with.
Video: Spinning Vs. Baitcasting
Common Rod Handle Types
Although there are others, the 3 main rod materials are:
Cork Handles
Tend to have plenty of grip and are generally lighter than wooden handles. They are more sensitive, making it easier to feel any ‘bite’.
EVA Foam Handles
Are usually very comfortable to grip. If added to a blank rod well, they can last a long time.
Wood Handles
Are arguably more pleasing to the eye. Unfortunately they tend to have less grip (especially if they get wet) and can feel cold in cooler times of the year. They are also more prone to damage, but if they are well produced and seasoned can outlast cork rod handles.
What Are The Rods Made From?
Graphite Rods
Graphite rods (also known as carbon fiber rods) are generally more sensitive than fiberglass rods. So when a fish bites, you’re more likely to feel it and can react. Because of the high sensitivity, a particular drawback is that it’s easier to perform a hookset too soon. This gives the fish the chance to get away before it properly bites the bait.
They are also particularly light and not quite as strong as their fiberglass counterparts.
Although they can be used by anyone, graphite rods are often favored more by beginners or less experienced anglers.
Fiberglass Rods
If you’re looking for a larger catch, you’re probably better off using a fiberglass rod. They are generally a little heavier than the graphite rods, but the weight gap is lessening all the time.
They aren’t as sensitive as the carbon fiber, but if you’ve been bass fishing for a while, you’ll have the experience to know what’s a bite and what’s a false alarm.
One for the more experienced angler, especially if they prefer bigger and heavier game.
One Piece or Two Piece (or more) Rod?
2 or 3 piece rods are good for portability. They can be dismantled and fit into a smaller space, making it much easier to put into your car or just to carry around.
If portability isn’t an issue for you, or you can easily fit a single piece rod into your set of wheels, then it’s best to stick to a 1 piece rod.
They are generally more sensitive and give more control.
What About Rod Power And Action?
These are two characteristics of a rod that need to be considered.
Power
Can be categorized as heavy, medium, or light (or a combination of two medium/heavy for example).
Basically, heavy power rods are less flexible to bend than medium or light power. So the bigger the fish you intend to catch, ideally the heavier the power needs to be.
We won’t be covering light power rods here as they are more for small bait fish.
Action
Rod action relates to how far down (from the tip) the rod starts bending under pressure. In other word, the shape of the rod when a weight is hanging from it.
This video below explains in detail:
Action is categorized as extra fast, fast, moderate or slow (although some manufacturers refer to action like they do to power – medium, heavy etc, which can be confusing).
Fast action rods (where the rod bends more aggressively close to the tip) are suited for heavy baits, and the slower action rods (where the rod bends more slightly across more of the rod) for light baits.
9 Best Rods For Bass Fishing Reviewed
1: Dobyns Rods Fury Series FR 702SF
- Length: 7 foot
- Power: Medium light
- Action: Fast
The Dobyns Rods Fury Series rod is a 7 foot medium light power fast action spinning rod. It’s recommended to be used with 6 to 12 pound test line and with lures from ⅛ to ½ an ounce.
It’s constructed with a graphite blank and features a cork grip handle which helps to keep the rod feeling lightweight and comfortable to hold. It also benefits from having a Fuji reel seat for added sensitivity and durability.
It can be an ideal bass rod for drop shot rigs, as well as for shakey heads and a range of finesse techniques.
> More on the Dobyns Fury rod range
2: G. Loomis E6X 782C Casting Rod
- Length: 6 foot 6 inches
- Power: Medium
- Action: Fast
This G. Loomis casting rod is a 6 foot 6 inch casting rod designed primarily for bass fishing. It is ideal for using with light lures weighing from ¼ to ⅝ ounces and line of around 8 to 14 pounds.
It’s a lightweight rod with a cork handle for a comfortable grip and it is designed to be easy to cast. It’s a one-piece rod with high sensitivity, which means it can be ideal for for finesse presentations and when you need to be able to feel the slightest of bites.
The rod also features Fuji guides and a Fuji reel seat for added performance.
3: Entsport 2-Piece 7-Feet Casting Rod Graphite Portable Baitcasting Fishing Rod
- Length: 6 foot 6 inches
- Power: Medium
- Action: Fast
This 7 ft baitcasting pole is lightweight is made from carbon and comes in 2 pieces, which can make it easier to store, and could be a good option if you’re looking to travel with it. The handle is made from EVA for added comfort.
The 7 guides (6 on piece, 1 on main rod) are resistant against corrosion and are separated to eliminate line-flow friction as much as possible.
The rod is designed to be sensitive to smaller bites and can be ideal for freshwater bass fishing and inshore fishing.
It is designed to be easy to cast and is recommended for line of around 8 to 20 pounds.
Comes with a protective bag.
4: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod (8-20-Pound Test)
- Length: 6 foot
- Power: Heavy
This lightweight spinning rod has been designed to handle up to 20lbs line. It’s 6 ft 6 inches long and is made from both graphite and fiberglass. This helps to improve strength whilst not impeding sensitivity too much.
The handle is made from EVA for a comfortable, lightweight grip. The GX2 is a heavy power rod that can be ideal for targeting big bass or fishing in areas of cover when you may need the extra power to bring the fish in.
The rod is also a one piece rod, which can improve strength and can be preferable if you don’t need to travel too far with it.
> Check out our full GX2 review
5: Okuma’s Citrix Lightweight Travel Rod
- Length: 6 foot 6 inches
- Power: Medium light
This baitcasting rod (6’ 6” or 7’ 2”) is made from graphite, and includes split handle EVA grips for comfort and to keep the weight down. The slip grip handle can also help improve the sensitivity of the rod as well as improving the rod’s balance.
The guides (6 + tip) are made from stainless steel and have zirconium inserts to be used with braid or mono lines. . Ideal line to use with this rod would be 6 to 12 pound line and lures of around ⅛ to ⅜ ounces.
It comes in 4 pieces that store away in a sturdy case. As such, it is great for taking away on a day fishing trip or longer vacation.
> Read more about the Citrix range
6: Shimano Stimula 2-Piece Spin Rod
- Length: 5 foot 6 inches
- Power: Ultra light
- Action: Fast
This 2 piece composite spinning rod comes in a variety of different lengths (5’ 6” through 7 ft).
It has a cork handle with an EVA plug at the butt to rest against your body should you be wrestling bigger fish.
It is made from strong, lightweight graphite and features low profile aluminum oxide guides for durability. It also benefits from a hook keeper to protect against abrasion.
The cork handle helps to keep the rod feeling lightweight as well as enhancing sensitivity.
Created with multiple actions, this rod is suitable for catching bass, trout or even smaller catfish.
The Stimula is a good all-rounder, and as with most Shimano products will hopefully last a long time.
> Read our full Stimula review
7: St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod
- Length: From 6 foot 8 inches to 9 foot 6 inches
- Power: From medium light to medium heavy
The Mojo Bass Spinning rod comes in either one or two pieces, depending on the size and power options you choose.
The variety of lengths and weights can give you the opportunity to opt for a more technique specific bass rod to better suit your fishing style or conditions.
The handle is made from cork and the guides from aluminum oxide, providing a lightweight but tough rod. The graphite blank adds to the lightweight feel while maintaining durability.
The Mojo is designed with a Fuji DPS reel seat to offer a high level of sensitivity, with a split grip handle which can also deliver improved balance.
8: Tica SMHA Series Trout, Bass, and Walleye Spinning Fishing Rod
- Length: From 6 foot 8 inches to 9 foot 6 inches
- Power: From medium light to medium heavy
This spinner is suitable for a variety of different fishing. Made from graphite, there is the option for a 1 or 2 piece pole.
There are many different sizes to choose from. Ranging from 6 ft through to 10 ft, with the 6 foot medium power one piece rod being a good option for bass fishing.
This rod is designed to be sensitive and features lightweight stainless steel guides and a graphite reel seat.
The split grip cork handle can also help with sensitivity and is designed to be comfortable to hold in cold weather. It also features a folding hook keeper.
Designed more for the freshwater catchers out there, this can also perform in saltwater too.
There’s also the Libra rods and reels from TICA to consider.
9: Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod
- Length: 6 foot 6 inches
- Power: Medium
This baitcasting rod ranges in length between 6’ 6” (medium) right through to 7’ 6” (heavy).
The 6 foot 6 inch medium rod could be a good choice for a range of bass presentations where you might want longer casting distances. It’s designed to be used with line rated between 10 and 15 pounds.
It’s a single rod with 24 ton graphite construction. It is relatively stiff and suitable for different fishing, including bass.
The guides are stainless steel with titanium oxide inserts and the handle is made from EVA and features split grips for reduced weight and added sensitivity.
> Full review of the Vengeance rods
10: Noeby Baitcasting/Spinning Fishing Rod
- Length: From 6 foot 5 inches & 7 foot
- Power: Medium
Ok, for this one, we have BOTH a spinning and a baitcasting rod. Well, of course, they are two separate rods rather than one rod that does both jobs!
These graphite made rods are especially suitable for freshwater bass, and have been designed to be both strong and sensitive at the same time. They come in two sizes (6’ 5” & 7’). It’s a 2 piece rod with a flexible tip, with medium power, which could be a good all-round option for a range of techniques.
The deep press SiC guides are good for braided or mono lines. Includes a cork handle.
11: Falcon Rods Coastal Spinning Rod
- Length: From 6 foot 6 inches & 7 foot 6 inches
- Power: Medium to medium heavy
The F120X graphite rod (made in the US), that comes in three different lengths (6’ 6” to 7’ 6″) and offers varying action between medium and medium heavy. The rod features a Fuji exposed blank reel seat, which can help to enhance the sensitivity of the rod, helping you to notice lighter bites.
This natural cork handle pole is at the higher end of the quality spectrum and the Fuji guides are designed to minimize abrasion. The rod is designed to be used in saltwater conditions but can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
Are you into bass fishing? Let us know about it below…
Yikes. I’d disagree on almost every choice. For the money; Dobyns, Powell, Fashion to name a few offer much better value, sensitivity but more importantly: warranties. Just sayin
Hi Zac,
Thanks for the comment. We value everyone’s opinion!
We’re going to be looking at more brands over the short to medium term.
St Croix, Bass pro brand has many to choose from, Varieties of Abu Garcia are better than the one you suggested, Berkley. These are just a few brands that are superior to what you have suggested.
No avid Bass fisherman would Ever consider a 2 piece rod – period.
Bass anglers are looking for light, stiff and sensitive rods – none of which you suggested.
Barkley Power rods used to be my brand of choice for warranties, bit now I’m using Abu Garcias.
I agree!!!
This article has to be for the average Joe. Because you don’t know much about rods. There are so so many rods that are much much better.
Hi Scott. Thanks for dropping by. Can you clarify which ones you prefer, and why?
I can get with the Okuma and St. Croix Mojo rods, but no G Loomis on this list?
No Dobyns?
Hell even a Lews Speed Stick would’ve sufficed, instead of an Ugly Stick as a top end bass rod. That stick weighs a ton and is extremely top heavy, not to mention that it doesn’t even come close to top end rods in regards to sensitivity.
Up until last month I’ve been a ugly stick and Abu Garcia man when it came to bass and catfishing esp bass but I went to a fish and hunt this a lil a month ago which kinda sucked big time only good thing was Willy Robertson was there as a guest speaker but anyways I had laid my eyes on the Lews rods and reels and also their combos now I ain’t about to buy one from them but it did get me very interested in their rods and reels and combos even though they are very pricey… So this list must b for poor people cause there alot of more rods that are way better than the ones u have listed I think the best one out of that bunch was the Abu Garcia vengeance rod which actually is a very very damn good rod I have a couple of them but now its starting to buy these Lews rods and reels and combos cause after I bought two of them from bass pro and went to the pond I have now been in the presence of greatness so anyways hey good lil read u have and some what decent rods if your poor but when it comes to fishing and hunting I don’t half ass something u need to do it the right way if u can’t afford it find a used one which can still do the job or save up for it anyways sorry for so long of a comment
My lews custom black combo snapped in half
And I only had it for 2 months
I think pocket water, for all the reasons you describe, shortens the learning curve and makes novices feel connected to the water and the fish much more quickly. Thanks Kent!