Choosing the best bass fishing rods is a lot like going on a blind date. You can read reviews, listen to his friends, and even get your hands on it at the store, but you never know what to expect until you show up and taste it in the water.
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, stamina, experience, and luck. Bass fish are some of the most elusive creatures in the water, and I suppose that is why we are most intrigued by them. To beat them at their game, you must tip the scales in your favor whenever you can.
A good rod will help you catch the best bass with minimal effort. We selected some based on a number of considerations that are not limited to functionality, availability, affordability, durability, expert opinion, and previous user feedback. We have shortlisted what we think are some of the best bass fishing rods in 2021-2022 based on our research.
Review of the Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2021-2022
1. KastKing Perigee II Bass Fishing Rods
Its beautifully finished carbon fiber blanks are manufactured using patented KastFlex technology with a 24-ton Toray carbon matrix, ensuring power, strength, durability, and precision. They have ergonomically designed heavy-duty reel seats made of graphite leading to Fuji O-ring line guides for the smoothest winding experience.
KastKing’s Power Transition System (PTS) is computer-designed to ensure that power flows smoothly through the blank bar through the controlled wrapping of its spigot joints. Makes you feel like a continuous rod with no joints.
For handling, they have high-density EVA grips that are durable, non-slip, and comfortable in the hand.
As if it’s not the best value bass fishing rod yet, the KastKing Perigee II has the two-piece dual-tip option for spinning and baitcasting rods, where each rod comes with dual-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 conditions, as it has golf material. Your hands are comfortable no matter how long you stay in the water.
Its nominal power is medium and its speed is fast; This is attributed to the carbon fiber construction of the blank with a carbon concentration greater than 95%. This combination makes it lightweight, resistant to shock, corrosion, and moisture, and insulates it from heat.
Due to its lightweight, it has improved sensitivity and you will be able to feel the lightest jerks instantly. Its high-quality chrome-plated stainless steel guide rings ensure your line is not damaged while gently casting and winding.
It can be disassembled into four pieces for easy transport, as it takes up less space and can be conveniently packed and stored.
The lightness, higher sensitivity, and smooth cast increase the length and precision of your cast, which is why this relatively new tool is on the list of the best bass fishing rods.
3. SAN LIKE Baitcasting Spinning Fishing Rod
At just 5.6 oz, this is a lightweight yet strong rod that comes in a 2-piece combination for easy storage and transport in smaller containers. The high strength-to-weight ratio is due to its X-cross construction with a high concentration of carbon, which also explains its higher sensitivity.
It has an improved nylon and fiberglass reel seat that has undergone an oxidation treatment that makes it resistant to abrasion and corrosion. Therefore, it lasts longer and can be used in both fresh and saltwater. The spool pin can be screwed in to keep the spool steady.
They have adapted high-quality K-shelf ceramic O-ring guides that dissipate heat efficiently and allow your line to slide without grinding against it, preventing damage and ensuring superior casting distance and accuracy. The top ring has a slanted design for smoother casting.
They come with high-density anti-sweat EVA handles that are sturdy to facilitate a comfortable yet stable grip.
4. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod
This reed is eye-catching with a modern yet strong and durable feel in line with the Ugly Stik tradition. The strength and sensitivity of the rod can be attributed to the combination of graphite and fiberglass in its manufacture.
One-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides are durable and can be relied on to eliminate line breaks. The tip features Ugly Stik’s Clear Tip design, making it more responsive and strong.
It comes with EVA grips, which are non-slip, lightweight, durable, and comfortable to handle. They come with a 7-year warranty, giving you extra peace of mind.
The series ranges from 5’6 “to 7” in length with a medium rod stem capable of carrying between 8 and 25 pounds. These are excellent figures for a bass fishing rod.
5. Berkley Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod
It is a hybrid rod, as the blank is made of composite material, resulting in a lightweight reed with fast action.
The lengths of the rods range from 4’6 “to 6’6”, which means that they are easily applicable for close fishing and can fit in small boats such as canoes and kayaks. The rod’s power levels range from ultralight to medium, making them highly responsive and easy to control.
They have 4-6 lightweight stainless steel guides and inserts that run the length of the blank to smoothly pass the line when casting and rolling.
The base has a cork handle for comfort and a stable grip.
6. St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod
SCII graphite construction with medium modulus graphite fiber makes it strong, responsive, yet lightweight for easy casting. Graphite is durable too, so it will give you long service. It comes with a premium quality cork handle to ensure you retain that strong grip regardless of how stubborn the bass fish are.
Kigan Master Hand 3D guides feature strong and thin aluminum oxide rings that allow fishing lines to flow smoothly for perfect winding and longer casts. It has a Fuji DPS reel seat with matte silver hoods that fit perfectly on the reel.
The blank has two layers of slow curing flex coat finish, which in addition to giving it an aesthetically attractive appearance, the blank protects it and keeps it in optimal condition. It has fast action, medium power, and a 6 ”length, making it a formidable bass hunter. The extra casting distance makes it the best fishing rod for bass with crankbait.
It has a 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix superstar service.
7. Daiwa Bass Fishing Spinning Rod
Daiwa’s latest line of bass rods is finely crafted with the input of its professionals, which has categories of 7 rods and 28 different actions to comprehensively meet bass fishing needs.
These rods come with beautiful deep blue Fuji guides with fazelite rings with excellent conductivity, flexural strength, and toughness. They are also resistant to braids and soft for a better winding experience.
The blank has been built using Nano HPV Nanoplus resin control technology, increasing its graphite density, making it more sensitive and durable. Rod strength and sensitivity are enhanced with a left-to-right 45˚ carbon weave bias wrap called X45, the purpose of which is to eliminate twisting and prevent the blank from losing its round shape. The result is a powerful yet lightweight 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 additional sensitivity for the manipulator, without obstructing the smoothness of the handle.
8. TEMPO Sphera swivel rod
The folks at TEMPO inspire confidence in the performance of their products 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 suit various fishing needs. They have employed Xtreme Rod Building technology to develop a 30-ton multilayer carbon fiber body that is strong, lightweight, and highly responsive.
The rods have between 5 and 7 guides, plus the stainless steel tip with SIC inserts, which minimize friction and prevent lines from getting stuck for durability and a smooth melt. They also transfer vibrations from the line to the reed through the guides, improving sensitivity.
The rods come with two types of handles; a full grip and a split grip, which have EVA and cork for comfort. They have a soft, comfortable, and easy-to-hold EVA handle that ensures the firm grip needed to beat hard-fighting fish.
Parts of a bass fishing rods
This section covers components that have been described throughout this article that may seem strange to readers with less fishing experience. It’s worth noting that some fishing rods come as a complete unit, but others can be disassembled for easy portability.
The Butt
This is the bottom of the rod, which gives you leverage when handling large fish, so the rod does not move away from your hand.
Blank
It is the longest piece of the rod, from the reel to the tip. It is usually made of fiberglass, graphite, or a combination of the two.
Guides or eyes
The round loops that the bass fishing line goes through when casting and retrieving, located on the target of the rod. They lead the line.
Reel seat
They look like two corkscrews moving back and forth to secure the reel in place. They allow the reel to be removed without inadvertently scrapping the rod.
Tip
This is the main guide. It is usually cast onto the blank or welded in place. Many rods have removable tips, so they can be easily replaced when broken.
Fishing rod in action
How the different types of fishing rods are applied
To determine your best fishing rod for bass, you need to understand what makes them ideal for their intended purposes. Rods are made different due to unique circumstances that arise in the course of a fisherman’s life. We will examine your strengths and weaknesses.
Spinning Rods
Your key identifier is your spinning reel, which hangs at the bottom of the rod, aligning the reel with the rod.
They are popular for sport fishing, especially bass, trout, pike, and walleye. They are ideal for live bait fishing as the reel has a slow return action. Anglers prefer them for nearby fishing as they are shorter. Due to their lightweight, 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, such as when the target is a long way 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 on motorboats and larger vessels with storage space. Due to their long casting distance, they are good for fishing in open water, cover a lot of water quickly, and make it easy to fish in water deep.
Short rods
They can be as small as 4 ‘or close. They are ideal for kayaks, fishing canoes, and small boats in general, as they fit comfortably and are easy to transport. And they are also good for close-up fishing in tight fishing spots. They have less curvature, which means that they are sometimes ideal for trophy fishing.
Rods Action
This is a measure of the speed with which the rod returns to its neutral position. It is usually influenced by the taper of the rod combined with its length and the type of material used.
Fast Action Rods (25% bend and less)
You will only see them bend near the tip of the reed with a quick return. They make it easy to land a hook without struggling. It is advisable to make sure your longer rods are fast to protect the catch, as well as giving you better control.
They work well when your casting distance is shorter and when you are using a single hook lure as live bait or bait jig. They are also more sensitive, making them the best types of rods for bass fishing in most situations.
Mid-level action rods (approximately 30% bend)
These have a significant amount of curvature and are ideal for shore fishing due to their greater casting distance. They are good for crankbait and spinnerbaits.
Slow Action Rods (50% bend and more)
They are also known as parabolic bars. They bend a lot or are constantly bending along the rod. And they are not recommended for bass fishing as they do not back off fast enough to prevent the fish from completely swallowing the hook.
This can also harm the fish by ripping it out of the mouth. They can be used for bass fishing only by professional anglers with a special hook and lure combination if the situation requires it.
Power value
This is also known as the bar weight, it relates to the stiffness of the bar. The amount of pressure you need to apply on the bar to make it bend. It measures flexural strength and is classified from ultralight, light, medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy to ultra-heavy.
Guide on the type of fishing, the species, and the size of the fish for which the rod is ideal:
- An ultra-heavy power rod will require a lot of pressure from the fish to bend. It is ideal for large lures; Its lure value is between half an ounce and 2 ounces. They are suitable for catching heavy fish, deep-sea fishing, and surf fishing.
- A medium power rod is suitable for bass fishing as its lure index ranges from 1 / 4oz to 3 / 4oz, which is suitable for various rods.
- An ultralight power rod has a lure rating of between 1/32 oz and 3/8 oz, suitable for subtle presentations for small fish such as bait, bread fish, crappie, and small trout. They are also ideal when the reed is required to be very sensitive.
Light rods are responsible for exciting fishing experiences due to their increased 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 in the size and material of the rod.
Rod Material
This determines how long the rod will last, how flexible and strong it is.
Basically, the most common materials for fishing rods are fiberglass and graphite, fiberglass being more flexible but cheaper than graphite. Graphite is durable and more sensitive, allowing you to feel the slightest bit.
Beginners who have yet to decide on their ideal rod naturally lean towards fiberglass, the most pocket-friendly bet.
Pro-Tip
The action and power of a rod can change if it is subjected to weights greater than the prescribed rod weight. This is likely to happen as you are never sure of the size of the bass that will take the hook and of their ferocity. You must always be ready to respond.
Conclusion
Clearly, there is no single best universal bass fishing rod that will satisfy all bass fishing needs. It is the prevailing circumstances that determine the best fishing rod. These are different interactions between bass type and size, fishing style, terrain, type of boat being used (if applicable), experience levels, available resources, and personal preferences.
The ideal situation is to have a fishing rod for all circumstances, but that is not always possible as the resources and capacity of the boat limit it. The ability to prioritize based on functionality can never be underestimated. We hope this article brings you one step closer to this level.
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