Finest Bass Fishing Rods, Examined and Reviewed

Figuring out the most effective bass fishing rod for a specific goal is a personalised endeavor. An angler’s bodily stature, line selection, and fishing surroundings are all components to contemplate when selecting a rod. Price range additionally comes into play, and the easy indisputable fact that one rod prices extra doesn’t imply it’s higher suited to the duty. Nonetheless, rods have a number of failure factors, from guides to handles to the way in which they’re wrapped, and simply because one thing seems good on the shelf doesn’t imply it’ll carry out when the fish of a lifetime strikes.

Moreover, even essentially the most bespoke sticks gained’t perform as supposed should you use them for the improper methods. A flipping stick should be light-weight however highly effective, whereas a deep cranking rod should flex when a fish inhales the lure or when it surges on the boatside. Neither of these rods excel at presenting a finesse lure on gentle line. Anglers don’t essentially want dozens of rods to be efficient, however they want an inexpensive assortment.

I examined a variety of the most effective bass fishing rods over the previous 12 months from my dwelling in Virginia to the tackle-busters of Mexico and as much as smallmouth nation within the higher Midwest. Listed below are some standouts from somebody who takes sort out significantly however is usually unreasonably tough on it.

Testing the Finest Rods for Bass Fishing

Whereas I fish laborious and I’m tough on my tools, I’m not essentially the pickiest angler from the beginning. For instance, I won’t be capable to discern the distinction between a 7-foot 2-inch rod and a 7-foot 3-inch rod in the identical fundamental motion on the retailer. I have to get out on the water, and generally I be taught extra by dropping fish than I do by catching them. I begin to break issues down after I notice that the rod failed me or that it didn’t pair up correctly with my chosen reel or line. 

For instance, a flipping stick won’t have the heft to get a bass out of a thick clump of hydrilla, and a cranking stick won’t give at precisely the proper second. Or maybe you may have skipped a Senko a number of toes deeper into a ship slip if the rod deal with had been a number of inches longer. As soon as I begin eliminating rods from the queue, my failures appear to drop. The “final man standing” turns into a trusted accomplice.

Finest Rods for Bass Fishing: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest General: G. Loomis IMX Professional 844C

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Execs

• Tremendous light-weight
• Ergonomic, snug cork grips
• Time-tested design

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes

• 
  ¼ to 1-ounce lures

• 
  Full-grip cork handles

• 
  11 guides plus tip

G.Loomis was one of many first premium, mission-driven manufacturers within the rod world, and the IMX Collection has lengthy been their workhorse. They haven’t made main modifications through the years as a result of they haven’t needed to, however the refined iterations maintain it on the forefront of high quality and flexibility. Whereas this rod is rated as “heavy,” I’ve no bother flicking a weightless Senko with it. It additionally excels with Carolina Rigs and lightweight jigs, however what actually makes it versatile is that it’s a strong performer with transferring baits like Chatterbaits and squarebills, too. Is it good for these lures in all circumstances and for all anglers? Presumably not, however should you’re prepared in your first premium stick and also you need it to cowl plenty of bases, this needs to be your selection.

Finest Finesse: Dobyns Xtasy 723

Finest Finesse Bass Rod

Dobyns Xtasy 723

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Execs

• Tremendous-crisp motion
• Premium elements all through
• Kevlar wrapping makes them extra-strong

Cons

• Attainable to get two or three high quality rods for this value

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 2 inches

• 
  3/16 to five/8-ounce lures

• 
  Full-grip cork handles

• 
  9 guides plus tip

Many totally “Bubbafied” anglers skimp on their spinning rods, saving the massive bucks for instruments devoted to energy methods. That’s a mistake as a result of more and more pressured fish necessitate rising reliance on finesse methods. Moreover, due to the rise of higher braids and fluorocarbons, you are able to do extra with a spinning rod than ever earlier than. Nonetheless, there’s much less room for error as a result of they contain gentle line and stealth. Get a merely “good” finesse rod, and also you’ll be lined—till you hook the fish of a lifetime in a precarious place. This rod will not be solely a pleasure to fish with, but it surely covers up in your errors and permits for elevated sensitivity. That’s why legendary professional Larry Nixon depends on it after a number of surgical procedures—it provides him extra really feel and energy. He satisfied me to strive it, and from flicking a Senko underneath docks to dropshotting timber to hover strolling for smallmouths, it has made me a greater angler.

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a dropshot-specific rod, try our take a look at of the greatest drop shot rods for extra choices. 

Finest Price range Finesse: Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Spinning Rod 7′ Medium

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Execs

• Good all-around size for a number of shows
• 24-ton graphite blanks are remarkably delicate
• Information prepare system permits for lengthy casts

Cons

• Some anglers don’t like Winn Grips

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes

• 
  3/16 to five/8-ounce lures

• 
  Winn Grip break up grip deal with

• 
  Eight guides plus tip

Not solely did Jordan Lee win two Bassmaster Classics earlier than his thirtieth birthday, however he did so utilizing a full vary of methods. He’s emblematic of the younger professionals who could also be budget-strapped however aren’t afraid to tug out all of the tips. This rod displays that versatility, and should you’re unsure whether or not you’ll be dropshotting, Neko Rigging, or throwing a lightweight crankbait like a Shad Rap, it needs to be your first name. I discovered that it performs like way more costly rods, and I attain for it way more typically than anticipated. Anglers who wish to go even lighter on the finesse scale can go for the same 6’10” medium-light “Tremendous Finesse.” At this sub-$100 value level, it’s not unreasonable to purchase each.

Finest Flipping Stick: Fitzgerald Titan HD

Finest Flipping Stick

Fitzgerald Titan HD

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Execs

• Light-weight for such beefy rods
• Balanced design additional diminishes fatigue
• Guides made to excel with braid

Cons

• Not made for flipping gentle weights

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Key Options

• 
  Lengths:

  
  7 toes 6 inches, 8 inches, or 10 inches

• 
  Made to flip weights as much as 3 ounces

• 
  Cut up-grip EVA handles

• 
  10 guides plus tip

Fitzgerald Rods hails from Florida, the place the vegetation grows thick, and the bass are massive. Anglers who wish to flip matts need to be ready to battle each. What many novice flippers don’t notice, nevertheless, is that should you select the improper rod you’ll battle that, too. An imbalanced flipping stick can result in fatigue on the finish of a day of slinging massive weights. Worse but, it might end in harm. In different phrases, not any broomstick will suffice. 

The explanation why the Titan HD is likely one of the greatest bass fishing rods is that these rods gained’t put on you out, however they’ll additionally stand as much as close-quarters abuse. They’ve locking wraps to make sure that the guides gained’t pull out. Certainly, the guides themselves are designed to forestall wind loops. I really like probing the deepest attainable cowl with creature baits, feeding them to unpressured fish, and this rod made me search out that possibility much more.

Want some jigs to go together with your new flipping stick? Try our evaluation of the greatest jigs, which incorporates a number of nice choices for flipping. 

Finest Deep Cranking: iRod Genesis III Crank Launcher

Finest Deep Cranking Rod

iRod Genesis III Crank Launcher

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Execs

• Good motion for hookups at a distance and surging fish at boatside
• Detachable deal with for straightforward transport
• 7-foot, 11-inch size permits for extra-long casts

Cons

• Size not superb for tight areas

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 11 inches

• 
  3/8 to 1 ½-ounce lures

• 
  Cut up-grip EVA deal with

• 
  9 guides plus tip

My frequent journeys to Lake El Salto, Mexico, led me to this rod—really, it led my spouse to it. She wanted a rod that might throw massive cranks like Strike King 6XDs and 10XDs all day with out sporting her out, and we didn’t wish to spend $300 or extra. Fortunately we have been in a position to purchase this superior rod for half that max price range. With all else being equal, I felt that she was casting longer distances and dropping fewer fish than I used to be with my costlier rod. Finally, that satisfied me to get one among my very own, and now I discover myself at all times reaching for it. Actually, I like them a lot that I bought two of them. The deal with is precisely the proper size and girth for consolation, and in some way the clean flexes at precisely the proper level for max effectiveness from forged to touchdown. This could be a cut price at a considerably greater value.

Finest Ahead-Going through Sonar Rod: Shimano Intenza A Spinning Rods

Finest Ahead-Going through Sonar Rod

Shimano Intenza A Spinning Rods

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Execs

• Good motion for lengthy and correct casts with gentle lures
• Additional quick tip lets you add refined motion to your FFS lures
• Delicate but additionally has a powerful spine for sweeping hooksets

Cons

• Some anglers could need a lighter motion for tremendous gentle hover strolling techniques

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 0 inches

• 
  3/16 to five/8 ounce lures

• 
  Titanium oxide guides

• 
  Eight guides plus tip

The rise of forward-facing sonar has introduced for lots of recent rods for anglers to strive. Whereas I’ve been placing a lot by the paces, the Shimano Intenza A has shortly develop into my favourite FFS rod. The medium motion with additional quick tip is ideal for strolling and hover strolling methods with light-weight jig heads. Whereas some anglers could go for a lighter motion when throwing tremendous light-weight jig heads, I usually gained’t fish something lighter than 3/16 ounces, so this rod suits my wants completely. As for the size of the rod, at 7 toes, you possibly can actually launch your light-weight lure on the market to 80 or 90 toes whereas sustaining accuracy to hit your mark. Whether or not you’re studying learn how to fish with FFS, or just seeking to improve your FFS rod, you gained’t be disenchanted with the Intenza A.

Finest Lipless Crankbait Rod: Shimano Curado Glass Crankbait Casting Rods

Finest Lipless Crankbait Rod

Shimano Curado Glass Crankbait Casting Rods

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Execs

• Good motion for ripping lipless crankbaits out of emergent grass
• 7’4″ size lets you make lengthy casts whereas protecting water
• Glass rod gives loads of sensitivity to really feel the distinction between grass and a chunk

Cons

• Size not superb for tight spacing

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 4 inches

• 
  3/8 to 1 ounce lures

• 
  Fuji tangle-free Okay guides

• 
  Eight guides plus tip

Lipless crankbaits are some of the efficient methods to cowl water through the pre-spawn when fishing round emergent grass. As bass hunker down within the grass ready for baitfish to swim by, a lipless crankbait ripping by the grass triggers some wonderful response strikes. The Shimano Curado Glass Crankbait rod gives an excellent size for lengthy casts and with a medium-heavy average taper, retains the grass off of your crankbait as your rip it by and bass in your line after the hookset. The sensitivity of the glass rod additionally helps when to set the hook or to easily rip the bait out of the grass. I’ve spent plenty of time fishing a lipless crankbait, and this rod is by far the most suitable choice I’ve discovered.

Finest Jerkbait Rod: 13 Fishing Envy Black III Casting Rods

Finest Jerkbait Rod

13 Fishing Envy Black III Casting Rods

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Execs

• Good motion for getting jerkbaits to dart forwards and backwards subtly
• 7’4″ size lets you forged jerkbaits extremely far
• Delicate with out being “too quick”

Cons

• Pretty costly
• Some anglers could choose a shorter rod

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 4 inches

• 
  1/4 to three/4 ounce lures

• 
  Hand chosen Portuguese 5A break up grip deal with

• 
  Eleven guides plus tip

Whether or not you’re fishing a jerkbait through the pre-spawn or all through the autumn, having the proper rod for the job could make an enormous distinction. You need to have the ability to subtly add motion to your jerkbait with refined twitches, with out yanking the bait too far with every jerk. Perfecting this refined motion takes plenty of observe, however having the proper rod will make issues a lot simpler and get you extra bites all through the day. At 7 toes 4 inches, the 13 Fishing Envy Black III lets you make lengthy casts throughout factors or alongside bluff partitions, retaining your bait within the strike zone longer every forged. The average motion has sufficient give so as to add motion to your jerkbait with out pulling it away from bass, and with a sweeping hookset, you’ll drive the treble hooks dwelling and be capable to maintain extra fish attached all through the period of the struggle again to the boat.

Finest Chatterbait Rod: Daiwa Tatula XT Glass Casting Rods

Finest Chatterbait Rod

Daiwa Tatula XT Glass Crankbait Casting Rods

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Execs

• Good motion to really feel the thump of a chatterbait and even essentially the most refined bites
• 7-foot size covers every thing from shut quarters to lengthy distance casting
• Light-weight but robust guides and reel seats

Cons

• Perceive the distinction between composite and graphite blanks earlier than shopping for

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 0 inches

• 
  1/4 to 1 ounce lures

• 
  JDM EVA Type Cut up Grips

• 
  Eight guides plus tip

When choosing a chatterbait rod, I usually lean for one thing with way more give than an ordinary jig rod. Nonetheless, I don’t usually attain for a medium-action rod to seek out this give, as a result of I need the rod to retain it’s robust spine for the hookset to drive these thicker hooks dwelling. For me, the glass rod, or graphite rod relying on who you discuss to, permits me to nonetheless fish a medium-heavy rod whereas sustaining the power to really feel the refined thump of a chatterbait coming by the water. The extra average really feel of a medium-heavy glass rod comes by completely with the Daiwa Tatula XT Glass rod. In a pinch, you too can use it for medium-diving crankbaits, making this a no brainer so as to add to your arsensal.

Finest Spinnerbait: Douglas LRS C715F

Finest Spinnerbait Rod

Douglas LRS C715F

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Execs

• Sufficient size for lengthy casts, but snug in tight quarters
• Delicate with out being “too quick”
• Corrosion-proof Fuji Fazlite guides

Cons

• Some anglers could choose an extended rod

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes 1 inch

• 
  Lure Weight:

  
  3/16 to three/4 ounce lures

• 
  Energy:

  
  Medium heavy

• 
  Motion:

  
  Quick

• 
  Line Weight:

  
  12 to twenty pound

• 
  Cut up grip EVA deal with

The blue clean of the Douglas spinnerbait rod stands out amongst a discipline of cookie cutters, but it surely’s the motion and flexibility that basically units it aside. Lure scores on a deal with are sometimes beneficiant, however this rod excelled in any respect ranges of the spectrum—from the smallest finesse spinnerbaits as much as hard-thumping giants that’ll rattle your fillings out. It’s a beautiful mix of sensitivity and provides with a perfectly-sized deal with and premium elements from tip to butt. 

Whereas testing this rod I flicked a 3/16 ounce finesse mannequin round boat slips within the morning, after which used it within the afternoon to gradual roll a spinnerbait that weighed 3/4 ounce, and in each instances I felt like I had the proper rod. Everybody that I’ve let fish the Douglas LRS preferred the rod’s completely sized deal with, and appreciated the premium elements. The Douglas LRS is my decide for the most effective bass fishing rod for spinnerbaits due to its potential to throw every thing from finesse to deep working spinnerbaits and it doesn’t sacrifice really feel for versatility—it’s a uncommon rod that fishes every thing properly.

In search of extra spinnerbait rod choices? Learn our full evaluation of the greatest spinnerbait rods. 

Finest Price range for Worms and Jigs: Falcon Lowrider LFC 7-MH

Finest Price range Rod for Worms and Jigs

Falcon Lowrider LFC 7-MH

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Execs

• Very affordable value
• Fuji Tangle-Free Okay Body Guides
• Tremendous-sensitive 

Cons

• Anglers preferring EVA handles won’t like this rod

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Key Options

• 
  7 toes

• 
  Energy:

  
  Medium heavy

• 
  Motion:

  
  Average Quick

• 
  Lure Weight:

  
  ¼ to three/4 ounce

• 
  Cut up grip cork deal with with no foregrip

Falcon began making the Lowrider collection of rods almost three many years in the past, and whereas they’ve engineered constant refinements, they’ve by no means given up on the purpose-driven ethos that guides their merchandise. This rod is super-sensitive, and even should you usually don’t like cork handles, this premium cork could change your thoughts. I discovered myself reaching for it whether or not I used to be casting a jig, pitching a creature bait into laydowns, or skipping a weightless Senko underneath docks. It’s extraordinarily delicate and completely balanced, so that you gained’t get carpal tunnel from the repetitive movement, and also you’ll be prepared, keen, and in a position to fish a few additional hours every day. The Lowriders are additionally out there in fashions with strong grip handles.

The Three Rods Each Bass Angler Wants

Irrespective of how lengthy you may have been a bass angler or your expertise stage, it may be formidable to know which rods are greatest for catching largemouth and smallies. The aisles at your native bait store are seemingly affected by all types of choices. And only a few rod-makers really element what their rods are supposed for.

Many professional anglers carry 20 to 25 rods on the decks of their boats, however most of these guys and gals are sponsored, to allow them to decide from a wide range of choices that don’t price them a factor. You don’t have that luxurious.

However you will get away with having fewer rods and nonetheless have the power to fish a wide range of methods. Listed below are the three rods to maintain in your arsenal. They may permit you be extra versatile and catch fish in additional places.

The 70 MHF Rod is Your Bread and Butter

Arguably essentially the most versatile rod in existence is the 70 MHF spinning rod. The 7-foot medium-heavy, quick rod is manageable, and its motion permits anglers to forged a wide range of baits precisely in each shut quarters and at longer distances. 

It’s mostly used as an ordinary jig and worm rod however can be used for transferring baits such because the spinner bait and chatter bait.  Weightless plastics, shaky, and wobble head jigs can be added to the checklist, in addition to topwaters akin to buzz baits or bigger prop baits.

Lastly, although not superb in all conditions, anglers can even use this rod as a frog rod.  If an angler is persistently fishing for giant fish round heavy cowl or slop, it will be suggested to contemplate an extended, heavier rod like a 7-foot 6-inch heavy or extra-heavy rod.

Throw Greater Baits with a 70 MMF Rod

The 70 MMF (7-foot medium motion, average quick) has a lighter energy and slower motion so it’ll allow anglers to throw treble hook baits like crankbaits and jerk baits, together with different transferring baits, as a result of the rod will take up the shock higher to assist maintain these fish pinned.

This rod additionally shines with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits round wood construction or open water while you don’t essentially want the ability to get them out of heavy cowl.

It’ll deal with small single-hook swimbaits, small spoons, blade baits, and topwater baits with treble hooks, akin to poppers or strolling baits.

Finesse Fish with the 70 MXF Rod

Lastly, having a 70 MXF (7-foot medium, additional quick) spinning rod goes to spherical out your arsenal.  The additional quick motion goes to provide you unparalleled sensitivity, which is very necessary with finesse fishing. You’re additionally going to have the ability to throw lighter baits additional, particularly into the wind. 

Anglers can experiment with weightless plastics, gentle Texas rigs and shaky heads, finesse jigs, Ned rigs, drop pictures, small tubes, and small topwaters.

Bear in mind, not all rod manufactures powers and actions are the identical, however these rod fashions will function a fundamental guideline that will help you buy the proper one. When you’ve got these three rods, you’ll be lined for a majority of the places and the methods you must catch bass.

-Kristine Fischer

The best way to Select The Finest Rod for Bass Fishing 

General Size 

A technology or two in the past, most bass rods have been underneath 6 toes 6 inches. That’s modified considerably, and now solely a fraction of the rods in my arsenal are underneath 7 toes lengthy, and a few are so long as 8. Understand that you’re selecting the best rod for you, and your mileage could differ relying in your top, power, and the place you fish, so whereas longer could also be higher for casting distance and hook setting, there’s often a contented medium. 

Motion

With single hooked lures, you’ll usually need a quick rod for driving the hook dwelling. With treble hooked lures search for one thing extra average with a deeper bend that may assist maintain fish hooked. However there’s a variety of gradation in between, and the selection of mono, fluorocarbon, or braid makes an enormous distinction in how a lot forgiveness you’ll need or want.

Energy

You’ll wish to match your rod energy to all the following variables: 

• Measurement of the fish
• Heavy cowl or open water
• Lure weight

A much bigger fish, heavier cowl, and heavier lure all require a rod with a heavier energy. Additionally you should definitely word that not all “mediums” or “medium heavies” take a look at out the identical. It pays to deal with the rod and if attainable make a number of casts earlier than committing your hard-earned {dollars}.

Value

There are a exceptional variety of high quality rods that retail beneath 100 bucks at present, however in some instances you do get what you pay for. Inside a given producer’s lineup, you could discover variations within the high quality of elements—every thing from blanks to reel seats to guides—based mostly in your willingness to pay. Typically it’s value the additional {dollars}, different occasions it’s only a matter of window dressing.

FAQs

Closing Ideas on Finest Rods for Bass Fishing

Once more, selecting a rod—whether or not you may have two or two dozen—is a really private resolution. Finally, nevertheless, it boils down to 2 fundamental questions: How can I get extra bites? And the way can I lose fewer fish? Make sure you study each part to make sure that beauty within the retailer don’t disguise an absence of sturdiness or sensitivity. I’ve typically been shocked that rods I didn’t choose at first ended up being my greatest bass fishing rods.