The 6 Top Best Bass Fishing Rods | Catching The Most Sought After Fish Effortlessly!

Are you stuck on what to do in order to catch the most sought after black bass species in the US? Or maybe wondering about what needs to be improved to make things stress-free? Worry no more as we are here to guide you. What makes the whole difference is the best bass fishing rod. This gear must be picked wisely, depending on the desired fishing style. Bass fishing can be done by use of bait caster, spinning or fly rods which all perform well depending on your skill level

It is such a thrilling experience to reel in bass without much struggle. These species are known to fight off, and without proper tools, you might go home without a catch. But this will never happen if you READ THIS article to the end. Here we provide all the information you need, whether you are experienced angler or a beginner.  Additionally, we review the poles that have high sensitivity, flexible, sturdy, and comfortable to hold and have been proven to work best in catching the bass.   

Top 6 Bass Fishing Rods In 2021 (Best Picks)

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Best Bass Fishing Rods

Continue reading and make a decision that will transform the way you fish!

Types of Bass Fishing Rods

There are three main types of rods that can be used to fish the bass. You need to be aware of them in order to pick one that will be easy to use. Understand each one of them below:

  • Baitcasters

The reels and the guides are typically placed at the top side of a baitcasters rod.  This design is intentional to make the pole more powerful in reeling in the catch. Most anglers prefer them as they offer accurate cast even in tightest places. They are also comfortable, and it can be cast over long distances without straining the wrist. 

The lures used in bass fishing are commonly heavy. Due to the versatility of baitcasters in terms of lure sizes and types, it is best for experienced anglers who need to explore more. It also has a fast retrieving capability, which will enable an angler to cover more area with much easy. The beginners may struggle out as they start, but once the skill is masters, it becomes smooth and more comfortable.

  • Spinning rods

The reels and the guides are generally placed on the underside of the spinning poles.  This makes it possible for the lines to come off the spool from various directions, unlike in the baitcaster, where they come straight off. They are best used to catch smaller bass as they work best with lighter lines and lures, which might not be suitable for bigger fish. 

The spinning rods are also known to have a smooth learning curve, and therefore, they are suitable for starters. If you want to reach a location that could be challenging when using baitcaster, then the spinning rod will be the best option.

  • Fly rods

Fly rods, though not widespread, are great in catching the bass.  They can even help you hook up the fussiest bass, which may not be trapped using other techniques.  Fly rods take up much space, and therefore you should check your fishing conditions before purchasing one. Fly rods are suitable for those anglers who have the experience, as some may find it hard to use it. 

Detailed Review of 6 Top-Rated Bass Fishing Rods

We review each of the six rods in detail below so that you can understand their unique feature before deciding.Go through them, and you will find one that suits your needs.

01- Entsport E Series – Camo Legend Baitcaster Bass Fishing Rod

The Camo Legend rod is made of carbon fiber construction for strength, sensitivity, and lightweight needed for fishing the bass all day long.  The design is unique and professional, featuring 2-tips that offer medium and medium-heavy powers for versatility.  Their reel seats provide full contact as they are extremely exposed and have aluminum hoods that are corrosion-resistant.  No more friction on the lines as the guides are perfectly spaced and made of rust-free materials. With Camo Legend rod, you can contentedly fish all day long since the EVA handles are comfortable with high sensitivity.

Key Features

  • Lightweight, strong and structurally improved carbon fiber built
  • Perfectly spaced guides for friction-free line
  • 2-tips for medium and heavy powers
  • Full-contact reel seats with rust-free aluminum hoods
  • EVA handles for comfort, strength, and durability

Specifications

  • Brand: Entsport
  • Material: Carbon
  • Length: 7ft.
  • Pieces: 2
  • Power: Medium/ Medium heavy
  • Guides: 6+1
  • Line weight: 10-26lbs
  • Lure weight: 0.1-1.1oz.

For more information and current prices, click to know the latest price on Amazon.

02- KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rods

Speed Demon prod rod  is designed for bass fishing using technique-specific lengths and action. You get a rod that will not match any other in terms of performance and design.  The carbon blank and Nano resin technology ensure the rod is sturdy, lightweight, and offer unmatched sensitivity. 

The rod balances the guide combination, action, overall, and handles length and sensitivity for a rod that allows you to catch more fish consistently and effortlessly. Additionally, the components are made of the best that the market can offer. The Fuji reel seats and guides are used for smooth casting and reels that stays firmly in place. Finally, the handle features WINN-golf styles that help you catch the bass with much comfort all day long.

Key Features

  • Carbon blank construction and Nano resin technology for lightweight, sensitive and robust rod
  • WINN golf-style handle for comfort
  • Fuji guides for smooth casting
  • Fuji reel seats that keep reels firmly in place

Specifications

  • Brand: KastKing
  • Model: KRDCSTSDP-68CB1
  • Weight: 4.45oz.
  • Length: 6′8″
  • Technique: Sq Bill Crankin′
  • Power: Medium
  • Action: Moderate
  • Guides: 10+1
  • Line Weight: 10-20lbs
  • Lure Weight: 0.5-1oz.

For more information and current prices, click on this link.

03- Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod

Akataka Mega wave is a 2-piece rod designed to make bass fishing stress-free.  It has 24T pure carbon blank construction that enhances sensitivity, strength, and durability. The handle is made of EVA that is comfortable to hold for long hours. The rod also has stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts that are corrosion-resistant, provide better heat dissipation, and reduce the friction on the line. Akataka lets you detect every bite with its sensitive tip making bass fishing successful.

Key Features

  • 24T pure carbon fiber blank construction for strength, sensitivity, and durability
  • EVA handles for comfortable holding
  • Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts for better heat dissipation and reduced line friction
  • Two-piece design for portability 

Specifications

  • Brand: Akataka
  • Material: Carbon
  • Length: 7′1″
  • Lure weight: 3/8-1/2oz.
  • Line weight: 8-17lbs
  • Power: Medium-heavy
  • Piece: 2

For more information and current prices, click and check on Amazon.

04- Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod 

Ugly Stik rod offers you lightweight and durable poles that are suitable for catching the bass. They have sturdy composite blanks constructions that make it versatile. They offer much-needed sensitivity and make the rod sturdy and long-lasting. The strength and responsiveness are further enhanced by the clear tip design. The advantage of the EVA handle that comes with an Ugly Stik rod is the ability to fish for long hours comfortably without getting fatigued. Get this type of rod and use it with all kinds of the line without insert pop-out as a result of Ugly Tuff guides.

Key Features

  • Composite construction for strength, sensitivity, and durability
  • Comfortable EVA handles
  • Stainless Ugly Tuff guides that prevent insert pop-out
  • Clear tip design that adds the strength and responsiveness of the rod

Specifications

  • Brand: Ugly Stik
  • Model: USCA662MH
  • Length: 6′6″
  • Material: A mixture of graphite & fiberglass
  • Pieces: 2 
  • Power: Medium-heavy 

For more information and current prices, click on Amazon.

05- Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods

Sougayilang Speed rod features Pan carbon fiber blank construction that has excellent shock resistance, cushioning, moisture resistance, heat insulation, and chemical corrosion resistance. The golf-style handle makes it comfortable to fish all day long, even in wet conditions. You won’t feel much weight when holding the rod as it is ultra-light with high-sensitivity. This enables you to detect the subtle bites bass.  Guides are made of first-class chromed stainless steel, which is good to the angling lines and decreases friction while keeping the heat at bay.  Get this 4-piece rod and take it anywhere anytime!

Key Features

  • 4-piece design for portability and stress-free storage
  • First-class chromed stainless steel guides that decrease friction and keeps the heat at bay
  • Carbon fiber blank construction for a lightweight, sensitive and robust rod
  • Comfortable golf-style handle

Specifications

  • Brand: Sougayilang
  • Length: 6′8″
  • Material: Carbon
  • Pieces: 4
  • Power: medium
  • Action: Fast

For more information and current prices, click on Amazon.  

06- JOHNCOO 7′ Carbon Baitcasting Bass Fishing Rod 

JOHNCOO feature carbon fiber blank construction that gives it strength with superior sensitivity. You will also be able to use the rod for an extended period before it is worn out.  The EVA handles further enhances durability while ensuring your fish comfortably all day long. 

Key Features

  • Carbon blank construction for superior sensitivity and strength
  • Comfortable EVA handles
  • 7 feet long for increased casting distance
  • Available in a medium, medium-heavy and medium-light power

Specifications

  • Brand: JOHNCOO
  • Length: 7′
  • Material: Carbon
  • Power: Medium, Medium-heavy, and Medium-light

For more information and current prices, click to this Link.

Factors to consider when buying the bass fishing rod

Before settling on a specific pole, there are some important considerations to be made. Remember, every rod is intended for a particular style and/or fishing conditions. What functioned for your friend might not necessarily work for you. This is the reason why you should read through the buyer’s guide in order to pick a rod that suits your individual needs. The deliberations that will help you make an informed decision are discussed below:

  • Power

Power represents the overall strength of the rod. It is indicated by the pressure needed to load or bend the rod. Bass fishing requires a rod that doesn’t flex quite quickly so as to avoid breakage. The ratings range from ultra-light to heavy power rods. Those that do not bend flexibly are the heavy powered rods and are ideal for a large and weighty catch. if you are targeting the smaller bass, then you can use the light power poles.

The weight of the lure and the lines to be used also depend on the power rating of the pole. If you are using heavy power poles, then you will need weightier baits and lines. But, for the light power rods, you will require lighter lines and lures. 

  • Action

The extent of stiffness or flexibility of the rod when pressure is applied to it is what is known as the action.  It ranges from slow to extra fast, and the shape that is seen when the weight is hanging on the rod indicates the kind of action. Every type of rod can be used to catch the bass under different circumstances.

For those anglers who are targeting big bass and are fishing in heavy covers, they should pick extra-fast action poles. They are the least flexible and bend hostilely at the upper tip with minimum flexing through the entire rod.  Additionally, they sense every bit of vibrations thus can detect any subtle strike from the bass.

The fast action rods can be used with top-water baits, jerk baits, soft sticks, and spinnerbaits. This is because they are more flexible then extra-fast rods and flex towards the center of the pole. They provide the require bend action and the power and are preferred by freshwater fishermen. 

Those using finesse technique and light fishing lines can opt for moderate action rods. This is because they tend to bend all the way to the center when pressure is applied to it. They also make the casting of baits seamlessly easy. If you are targeting small bass and using lighter lures and lines, then slow action rods will work better. They are the most flexible and bend more slightly throughout the rod’s length. Do not use the slow action for a bigger catch as it can break easily, and bass can fight off even after being hooked up.

  • Length

The ideal length of the rod for bass fishing should be between 6-8 feet.  The longer the rod usually 7.5-9 feet, the larger the casting distances. However, for more control and accuracy, the shorter rods tend to work best though you will not be able to cast further. 

In order to get a rod with a suitable length, you need to consider the type of bait, where you will be casting from, and the desired casting distance.  If you are casting from a kayak, dock, or higher vintage point and is done short miles, then a short rod will be perfect. In this case, you will need lighter lures, which will mean catching small to medium bass. This is because the big bass will require heavy baits, which can only be used with longer rods.

The longer rods are also best for fishing in broad areas and if you are tall as well.  You will be able to cast further using heavy lures and line, and this will land you in bigger bass. Also, if you are fishing from the shorelines, longer rods will be ideal.

  • Construction

When choosing a rod, the materials used in its construction are very crucial. Ideally, you will need robust, highly-sensitive, and durable poles. There are three materials that are common in bass angling rods. These are the fiberglass, graphite, or a mixture of the two to form a composite material. 

Fiberglass comes less priced compared to graphite poles. They are sturdy, durable, but not very sensitive, although expert anglers can still detect subtle bites.  Though slightly heavy, experienced anglers prefer them as they are suitable for catching weightier and large fish. they tend to bend from the tip to the butt when reeling in the catch. 

Graphite, though expensive, provides the much needed excellent sensitivity and is lightweight, sturdy, and more comfortable to use. You will be able to detect the slightest strike from finicky fish. They are ideal when fishing in adverse conditions as you can still have a better feel of every bite. 

Lastly, the composite provides a more versatile rod that offers perfect sensitivity, strength, durability, and is lightweight.  They are ideal though caution should be taken as they are not so stiff, and you might end up pulling the hook too soon, providing an escape loophole for the fish. 

  • Handle

Keep in mind that you might end up fishing for longer hours, and therefore a comfortable and robust handle is needed.  The bass rods usually have EVA, cork, or wood handles. The EVA handles are sturdy, relaxed, and durable as long as you attach it well to the blank. The cork handles offer more leverage in terms of grip and is more sensitive and stylish. The wood handles are also excellent choices but not in the cold season. They tend to get cold and can be damaged easily. However, if you find a well-made wooden grip, it can be more durable compared to cork handles. 

  • Guides

The bass rod should have excellent guides as they will enable you to cast further without friction on the line. The rods that offer superb performance are made of either titanium or ceramic guides. You should ensure that the guides are placed well.

FAQs

Q: How do I set up the bass fishing rod and the reel for proper functioning?

It is quite easy even for beginners to set up the bass angling rod and reel. You only need to follow keenly the steps highlighted below:

Choose the best rod and reel- the buying guide above will help you get the rod that suits your fishing styles and skill level. Beginners should buy spinning rods as they are easy to set-up and use. Experienced anglers should go for either baitcasters or fly rods. Baitcasters use heavy lures and lines and is somehow challenging to learn how to set it up. The reel chosen should match with the rod ratings so as to work effectively.

Select a line- once you have the right rod and the reel, then you need to select the streak accordingly. If you have picked the spinning rod, then the monofilament line will be the best choice. They are easy to use and are less-priced. This makes it a perfect choice for novice anglers. 

Those who had chosen the baitcaster rods should buy either braided or fluorocarbon lines. They are robust compared to monofilament lines. Experienced anglers commonly use the braided lines as they are hard to cast and can be challenging to the beginners.

Spool the line- after getting the rod, reel, and the streak, it is now the right time to spool in the line into the reel. Ensure you spool enough streak in the spool so as to be able to cast for long-distance. But, to avoid making the line to jump off, make sure you do not overfill the spool of the reel. Overfilled baitcasting reel will produce a weird sound when casting, therefore, should be avoided. 

Add hooks and lures- the last step is to add hooks and baits to the end of the line.  Lures are an important accessorily when looking forward to catching bass.  Continue to attach the line to the hook before adding the bait. Worms are commonly used for bass fishing though other types of baits can also work. 

Once you follow the above process, the rod and the reel will be well set up, and you will be ready for the next bass fishing expedition.

Q: Which ones are the most ideal between the one-piece and the two (or n=more)-piece rods?

The choice will all depend on how portable you want the rod to be. The two-piece or more poles can be collapsed down and therefore are easy to carry and store.  However, they tend to have compromised sensitivity and control.

Conversely, if you want a more sensitive rod and that will offer more control, then go for one-piece design. This is on condition that you have a way to transport it to your fishgi9ng location. If not, then go for the two-piece or more rods.

Features of the best bass fishing rod

# Product Name  Features More Info
1. Entsport E Series – Camo Legend Baitcaster  2-tips that offer two different powers
24T carbon fiber construction
Extremely exposed reel seats
6+1 finesse and K-R guide series
High-density EVA handles
Check Price
2. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series rods Nano resin technology
High-quality carbon blanks
Fuji guides and reel seats
Alconite rings
WINN golf-style grip
Check Price
3. Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod 24T carbon blank construction
Sensitive tip
Comfortable EVA handle
Efficient heat dissipation guide
Check Price
4. Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod Composite blank construction
Clear tip design
EVA handle
Stainless steel guides
Check Price
5. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods
Carbon blank construction
4-pieces for portability
Comfortable golf-style handle
Stainless steel guides
Check Price
6. JOHNCOO 7′ Carbon Baitcasting Rod Carbon fiber blank construction
High-density EVA handle
3-piece design
Strong and sensitive
Check Price

Final Word

We are almost sure that you can confidently order for a bass fishing pole that will not disappoint. The ones which have been reviewed in this article are the best and will ensure you catch the bass that you have been yearning for. Follow the buyer’s guide keenly in order to pick the best bass fishing rod that matches your fishing needs. To do this, check the power, action, length, construction, guides, and the type of handle and you will be good to go.

Take your time to read this article, make a decision, and enjoy your next fishing expedition!

Reference Links

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API