Bass fishing is one of the most exciting events in the sport of fishing. Even though rods generally aren’t classified according to species, bass puts up quite a fight, so you need a rod that will be able to handle it.
An avid bass angler would know what features to look for in a rod. If you need some guidance, you’ll learn everything you need to know in this article. Here are our top five picks for the best bass fishing rod. Also, check out the best fishing rods.
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Bass Fishing Rod Reviews
#1. KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods
KastKing fishing rods are among the most sought-after on the market. The Royale Legend series shows why this is the case. Designed with bass anglers in mind, the series offers everything you need to take the fight to your feisty catch.
Review
The Royale Legend series is famous for its uncompromised quality. The blank is made of Toray 24-ton carbon matrix and features KastKing’s KastFlex technology that provides a great balance between strength and sensitivity. It’s better suited for experienced anglers mostly due to the higher price point. Some people might find it a bit too expensive, so unless you want a long-lasting rod packed with premium features, this one might be a bit of an overkill.
As far as the guides go, they fall in line with the overall high quality. The FUJI O-rings are well-known for their durability, and they ensure great accuracy and casting distance. Whether you’re using fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided lines, the guides should be able to survive heavy use without issues.
If you go for the two-piece version, KastKing’s Power Transition System will make it feel like you’re using a one-piece. This is because the power transition is so smooth and balanced that you’re not going to believe you’re using a two-piece blank.
Each rod is covered by a limited lifetime warranty, so unless it’s been abused, KastKing will make sure to replace any faulty parts.
Aside from the price, the main complaint that users have had is regarding the shipping. Some users received damaged parts and some received parts that didn’t fit the rod well. If this happens, KastKing’s customer service will help you out. Learn more about the best fishing rod and reel combo.
PROS
- High quality
- Strong enough for bass fishing
- Durable FUJI O-rings
- Many configurations
CONS
- A bit expensive
#2. UglyStik GX2 Spinning Rod
The GX2 is a more affordable option that’s suitable for occasional bass anglers that don’t need the highest-quality rods. It comes with a few handy features, as well as a few shortcomings that might be an issue for some.
Review
As far as the blank goes, it’s constructed out of a combination of graphite and fiberglass. It’s strong enough to make sure you can tackle your catch, but this adds quite a bit to the overall weight. At 10.6 ounces, it’s far from lightweight. If you prefer sturdiness over low weight, it can be a good option. However, using it for a long time might be a bit uncomfortable and tiring.
The Ugly Tuff one-piece guides are stainless steel, and UglyStik promises they’ll be durable and long-lasting. However, experience shows that a braided wire might destroy them after some time.
The EVA grips are durable and comfortable, which makes up a bit for the rod’s heaviness. Their design provides a good grip and makes sure the rod won’t slip away when in use.
The 6-ft. rod features a 2-piece construction. This makes it great for close combat, and the size is suitable for beginners that are still getting used to working with spinning rods.
Overall, it’s a good option for those that aren’t looking for a premium-grade fishing rod. It’s a good starter rod that you can use until you become more serious and start seeking more capable gear.
PROS
- Affordable
- Well-made grips
- Good for beginners
CONS
- A bit too heavy
#3. Tailored Tackle Bass Fishing Rod
This is another fishing rod primarily made for beginners, but it comes with a set of features that might satisfy the needs of many serious anglers.
Review
This baitcasting rod and reel combo rod offers great performance and is specifically designed with bass fishing in mind. It’s well-built, durable, and sturdy, so you should have no issues tackling large bass species. The fast-action tip adds a lot to the overall close combat abilities since it provides great sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
The reel features seven ball bearings at a 6.3:1 gear ratio, which means it’s agile and smooth enough to let you lure your bass in. The main issue here is that the rod doesn’t allow for ambidextrous use, as it’s right-hand specific.
It’s 7-ft. long and medium-heavy, which makes it suitable for both beginners and more experienced anglers. A handy feature is a Pop-Off-Spoil ability that lets you deal with rat’s nests and tangles if you make a mistake.
There are no other features that stand out, nothing over-the-top about this rod. It’s a simple, reliable solution that should be able to handle larger bass. Having said that, some anglers might expect a more feature-rich solution at this price. Even though it’s a good overall option, you might be able to find a better deal.
PROS
- High quality
- Well-built reel
- Pop-Off-Spoil feature
CONS
- Right-hand specific
#4. Pflueger Trion Fishing Reel and Rod Combo
If you’re looking for a decent solution for casual bass fishing, this rod can be a good option. It offers good performance, as long as you don’t expect too much from it. Still, considering the low price point, it offers a good bang for your buck.
Review
The first thing that you’ll notice about this rod is how well-designed it is. It offers a great blend of form and function that should satisfy the needs of casual anglers.
The blank and rotor under it are graphite, making this rod pretty lightweight. It also features an aircraft-grade aluminum spool and corked handle. Unfortunately, this isn’t enough to ensure durability in many cases. Users have complained about the tip breaking off pretty soon after they started using it. To be fair, you can’t expect premium quality at this price, and professional anglers might need something a bit stronger.
On the flip side, the graphite construction does offer great responsiveness and sensitivity. You can rest easy knowing that you’ll be able to pick up on subtle pulls.
Like the Tailored Tackle rod, this one comes with a 7-ball bearing system. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel balls will have no durability issues here. However, some users reported that the tag on their new fishing rod showed a 5-ball system instead of the 7-ball as advertised.
Similarly, the handle doesn’t look as described. Instead of the split grip, some users received rods that have a continuous corked handle.
PROS
- Affordable
- Durable ball-bearing system
- Attractive design
CONS
- Low blank quality
#5. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod
Perhaps saving the best for last, the St Croix Mojo could very well get professional anglers excited. It has various premium features to make bass fishing enjoyable and successful, while at the same time being quite easy to use. If you’re willing to tap into your credit card, this can be a great choice.
Review
This rod is made of high-modulus SCIII graphite, one of the sturdiest materials out there for fishing rods. Get one of these if you want to be sure of your ability to handle the most demanding of fishing adventures. The entire Mojo series has been designed to provide bass anglers with an exhilarating experience.
The Kigan Master Hand guides feature a 3D design. The high-quality aluminum oxide material can withstand all kinds of fishing lines without breaking.
The rod is suitable for fly fishing as well as fresh and saltwater. It can let you catch massive aggressive bass without snapping.
Of course, all these features come at a price. The St. Croix Mojo isn’t intended for those that are just starting their bass fishing journey, though there’s nothing to prevent from getting your mojo on and grabbing one of these rods.
Another issue is that the rod isn’t very well packed. Users have received damaged and broken parts. If that were to happen, the company would send you a new rod and arrange to have the damaged rod picked up.
PROS
- Premium build quality
- Well-designed guides
- High performance
CONS
- Expensive
FINAL VERDICT
Now that you’ve seen some of the best bass fishing rods on the market, it’s safe to say that the KastKing Royale Legend fishing rod is your safest bet based on versatility, quality, and value for money.
It’s good enough to satisfy the needs of most anglers, and even though it’s a bit pricy, all those features on offer justify it. It’s suitable for anglers of pretty much all skill levels, so it likely won’t disappoint.
Still, if you’re on a budget, or if you’re still a beginner, you might benefit the most from the UglyStik GX2 spinning rod. It’s a nifty affordable fishing rod for bass that offers good performance, a good stepping stone for those planning to get more serious.
KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods Review