3 Best Baitcasting Rods for Bass Fishing

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best baitcasting rods for bass fishing this year. When it comes to fishing, a good rod can definitely make a difference especially when it comes to sensitivity and control. For Bass fishing, a baitcasting rod’s main function is to give accuracy when casting and to deliver resistance against the aggressive fight when a fish is landed.

There are plenty of types to choose from but today, we’ll focus on the top 3 baitcasting rods that are perfect for bass fishing. So relax and scroll down, no need to search for hours because these baitcaster rods will definitely help you in your Bass fishing endeavours…

I will review these in more detail below but if you just want to get moving without all the carry on, my 3 are listed here for your convenience:

	Baitcasting Rod	Price	Get it
	Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod	$	CURRENT PRICE
	KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod	$$	CURRENT PRICE
	St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod	$$$	CURRENT PRICE

Many Bass anglers prefer baitcasting rods because they have the ability to give and maintain control while casting and fighting a fish. They are however generally accepted as being more suitable for experienced fisherman due to their tendency to tangle (bird’s nest) on casting. However, as I mentioned above, there are some definite advantages to them as well including:

1. More accurate when casting.
2. Longer casting capabilities.
3. Can handle heavier line and lure/sinker weight.
4. Can handle much bigger fish for their size than spinners.

So, if these are requirements that you have when Bass fishing (or you have an interest in them), I will give you a quick run through below on what to think about when looking for a good rod option to match your baitcaster reel. Some of this will determine your purchase and the rest is just an outline in case you have some personal preferences. Let’s check it all out…

Note: Fishing rods that are used with baitcaster reels are not interchangeable with those used with spinning reels. This post is being written based on the assumption that you have a baitcaster reel at the ready. If not, then maybe check out my post covering baitcaster rod and reel combos for Bass fishing.

Composition

In general, the only real difference between casting and spinning rods is that the reel is seated on the top instead of underneath. In terms of composition however, there is not a lot of difference. Both types these days are made from one of three main materials, Fiberglass, Graphite and Carbon Fibre with qualities as follows:

• Fiberglass – Very strong and durable with very little maintenance required (rinse off after fishing is generally all that is needed).
• Graphite – Graphite rods are generally more rigid with higher power ratings (see below) however tend to have greater sensitivity than their fiberglass cousins.
• Glass Tip – Glass Tips or ‘Hybrid’ rods are made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass. These are designed to give the best of both worlds with extra strength of the graphite rod added to the sensitivity of the glass tip.
• Carbon Fibre – This is a newer compound in fishing rods being more rigid than the fiberglass/ composite rods but also lighter. These types are becoming more and more popular for all levels of experience due to their toughness and versatility.

In the past, most tended to go for a fiberglass rod due to their durability, low maintenance requirements and favourable prices however the cost of a good carbon fibre rod has definitely reduced in recent times as well. Casting rods are also generally designed to be lighter in weight than their spinning cousins.

Length

When it comes to a Bass fishing rod, it is definitely not a case of the longer the better. Long rods can be used for sure – in fact some prefer them if they want to ‘jig’ a lure or cast a longer distance. On the other hand, shorter rods also provide for greater accuracy which can be helpful if you are fishing amongst trees, mangroves or other hazards- which is where Bass like to hide.

So, depending on your location and casting requirements, I recommend that you can choose from the following lengths:

• 5 – 6 foot – Use if dropping directly below a vessel such as a kayak or precision of casting is needed. Not great for longer casting but can generally handle heavier sinker weights etc.
• 6 – 7 foot – These are a good middle of the road rod – especially if you only take the one or want to use it on a river bank as well. These allow for longer casting whilst maintaining accuracy. This is a great length for an all round Bass fishing rod.
• 7 – 8 foot – You are getting to the absolute end of length suitability here but these can work well if you are going to be drifting or trolling with a lure or need that extra casting distance.

Power

There are plenty of technical terms for the power settings of a fishing rod but in simple language, I have always known the power rating as a measure of how ‘bendy’ it is. Light power rods bend with little force and heavy need a lot of pressure to bend. So, in short:

• Light – very bendy – even whippy – will bend a lot with even the smallest fish. These can be really fun to fish with however for beginners it is easy to get the bottom confused with bites.
• Medium – needs a bit more pressure to bend – In general, this is a good measure for a Bass fishing rod and my suggestion for all round use.
• Heavy – takes a lot to make it bend – I would recommend these in areas where the current is quite strong or you want to use particularly heavy sinkers etc.

There is also a measurement that some rods have in regards to what they call Action or Speed. This is determined by where the rod bends. Fast action bends from the top third whereas slow rods bend down towards the reel. For general use, I would go moderate or medium, unless to have a need to cast a long way or are chasing larger fish, then maybe edge towards a faster rod as they allow for heavier lures/rigs.

Handle/grip

This has nothing to do with the art of catching fish rather than the comfort of it. Some common options include:

• Hard foam – sort of like a very hard version of a pool noodle.
• EVA – Soft Rubbery stuff.
• Cork.
• Rubber Shrink Tube – soft and extremely durable.

I like the Rubber shrink tube or EVA handles myself as they are comfortable and will last well in all conditions. Cork is great if you want a light rod and a common choice for casting rods. I have also seen a few with golf club type grips made of superpolymer rubber in my recent research too.

Split/one piece

When it comes to fishing rods, whether you have a full piece or a split piece (where the rod pulls apart into two or more pieces) is, in my opinion, a matter of circumstance… I have used both and if I am being brutally honest, I really don’t see enough of a difference when it comes to catching fish.

Ask yourself how you are going to transport the rod to your preferred fishing spot? If you are dragging it on your kayak and trolley or have a rod holder on your SUV etc., then a full piece will be fine. If you need to put it in the boot or back seat of the car, then go the two piece. And for those traveling, you may even want to look at a telescopic or 4 piece setups as an alternative option.

I have a Baitcaster rod and Shimano Caius reel setup that I use on my kayak for both saltwater and Bass fishing. I did choose it as I do most of my Bass fishing from a kayak and to be honest, it is a little shorter than I should have purchased as it doesn’t cast as well from the bank.

Here are its specs:

Rod

• Length: 6ft
• Power: Medium/fast
• Composition: Carbon Fiber
• Handle: EVA
• Pieces: 1

The Rod is easy to use on a kayak and has handled both Bass (Australian version that is most like a Smallmouth) and Mangrove Jack which like Largemouth, hits like a freight train. I have 17lb braid line on mine base on reel specs. If I was to purchase again (or for my next one) I would go to a 7ft option to give me a little better casting power from the water’s edge.

So based on the information above, and my own experience, I recommend the following for Bass fishing.

1. Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod

The Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod is known for its advanced structure and features a stainless steel guide that provides excellent durability and can eliminate insert pop-outs. It is made from graphite and fiberglass to create a strong yet sensitive rod and it’s clear tip is designed to give strength and sensitivity when fishing. Specs as follows

• Made from: Graphite and fiberglass
• Length: 5’6” – 6” – 6’6” – 7’ (stick to the longer lengths here)
• Power: Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy
• Action: Not stated
• Composition: 2 piece
• Handle: EVA

Other advantages include:

• Great sensitivity
• Enhanced cosmetics for a more modern look.

Why have I chosen it?

This rod is very different compared to other rods as its body is made from graphite and fiberglass giving great sensitivity without losing strength. This is perfect for Bass fishing at all levels, live bait fishing and casting and for a very decent price.

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2. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods

The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods are made from premium quality components featuring Fuji O-ring line guides, Saf-T Keeper hooker holder, high-density EVA grips and a Power Transition System that produces a smooth transition throughout your fishing rod blank. This baitcaster rod is also good for Trout Walleye fishing as well as obviously for Bass. Specifications include:

• Made from: Carbon Fiber
• Length: 4’6” to 7’6” (keep to the 6.7 – 7ft options for Bass)
• Power: Medium to Heavy dependent on length
• Action: Moderate, Moderate Fast to Fast
• Composition: 1-2 pieces
• Handle: EVA

Other advantages include:

• High carbon blanks that offer a powerful yet light weight rod.
• Ergonomic graphite high-strength reel seats.
• Super sensitive “bare and beautiful” Toray carbon fiber KastFlex rod blanks.

Why have I chosen it?

I’ve chosen the KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods because of its durability, balance, strength and sensitivity. It is a great rod for a good price with the ability to handle Bass of all sizes in all conditions. Suitable for beginners and experienced fisherman alike.

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3. St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod

St. Croix is a well-known brand for its world-class rods with Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) that adds improves hoop strength to prevent the blank from deforming. This rod also has different powers that are engineered to efficiently handle all ranges of line sizes and lure weights. It’s specifications are as follows:

• Made from: Premium SCIII Carbon
• Length: 7’1”
• Power: Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy, Extra Heavy
• Action: Moderate, Moderate Fast, Fast, X-fast
• Composition: 1-2 pieces
• Handle: Split-grip/Premium-grade cork

Other advantages include:

• Fuji ECS reel seat with black hood.
• Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
• Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames.

Why have I chosen it?

I chose this baitcaster rod as it is a perfectly weighted fishing rod for topwater and deep lures alike. It is super lightweight but still very responsive and has plenty of backbone. With the ability to handle line weights of up to 30lb, this is a great option for Bass fishing and again would handle all fish and conditions with ease.

And there it is – my 3 best baitcasting rods for bass fishing this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul