3 Best Spinning Rod And Reel Combos For Bass Fishing

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best spinning rod and reel combos for bass fishing this year. Spinning reels are often used by Bass fishers who like to use light lures and bait, or are simply after something that is easy to use and highly versatile.

So here we’re going to feature the top 3 spinning rod and reel combos that you can use for Bass fishing. We’ll discuss their differences and their advantages to further understand how they work. And with that, here’s my list of recommended rod and reels combos for Bass fishing…

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

02/18/2024 04:56 pm GMT

Whilst I have found in my research and experience that Baitcasters are very effective for Bass fishing due to their casting accuracy and ability to handle heaver lines, many anglers use spinning rods and reels because they’re very easy to use and can manage most conditions without too many problems.

Besides these, there are also important factors that you need to consider before purchasing your Bass fishing rod and reel combo.

So far in this post we have been discussing the use of spinning reels for ease of use when if comes to Bass fishing. And whilst they tend to not have as bigger influence, fishing rods can definitely affect such areas as casting, rig weight and the ability to handle different conditions and currents as well.

Below are some factors and information to consider:

Composition

Generally, fishing rods are made from one of three main materials: Fiberglass, Graphite, and Carbon Fibre. These three have different features and qualities that can help you with your fishing. These are outlined as follows:

• Fiberglass – Very strong and durable with very little maintenance required (rinse off after fishing is generally all that is needed). Also, very cost-effective with many good options available that don’t cost the earth – although these types of rods appear to be less available these days due to the introduction of carbon fiber technology.
• Graphite – Graphite rods are generally more rigid with higher power ratings (see below) however tend to have greater sensitivity than their fiberglass cousins. Their composition also means that a little more cleaning is required over time to avoid them becoming brittle and snapping. These are good for shorter rods too as they can handle bigger fish without the ‘give’ that longer rods have.
• Carbon Fibre – This is a newer compound in fishing rods being more rigid than the fiberglass/ composite rods but also lighter – which is great for bass fishing. These types are becoming more and more popular for all levels of experience due to their toughness and versatility.
• 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. Great if you are using the rod in a number of locations and water types.

Good carbon fiber rods have severely come down in price in recent times as well making them, in my opinion, a great choice for Bass fishing.

Length

When it comes to Bass fishing, size can definitely matter. If you are on the bank of the river or lake, then a longer option can be used. However if you are on a kayak or small boat, then a lack of space can mean that something like a surf rod is just not going to work. And if you really want to have some fun, try and get a fish off the hook on a kayak with a longer rod…

Shorter rods also provide for greater accuracy which can be helpful if you are fishing amongst trees, mangroves, or other hazards. However, slightly longer rods are better if you are looking to cast a little further away or want to ‘jig’ a lure. So, depending on your location and casting requirements, you can choose from the following lengths:

• 5 – 6 foot – Use when dropping directly below 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. These allow for longer casting whilst maintaining some accuracy. I would recommend something around this length for Bass fishing.
• 7 – 8 foot – 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 ones need a lot of pressure to bend. So, in short:

• Light – very bendy – even whippy – will bend a lot with even the smallest fish. I like these, 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-around 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 I 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 weight and 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 – often very light and commonly used in these types of rods.
• Rubber Shrink Tube – soft and extremely durable and also can be quite light.

I like the cork handles myself as they are comfortable and very light. One of mine however does have a rubber shrink tube handle and it is very comfortable to hold as well.

Split/one piece

When it comes to Bass 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. After all, on the days I have not caught anything or worse, lost a big one that I had managed to hook, I guarantee that the fact that my rod comes in two pieces had nothing to do with it…

Also known as ‘open face’ reels or ‘eggbeaters’, spinning reels wind the line onto a front spool which is held on by a ‘bail’. Line is wound in via a handle on the side which is ratio’d to bring the line in faster than the handle is turned. These are fantastic reels for beginners as they rarely tangle and as the inner workings are generally housed within a waterproof case, they are easy to maintain.

In general, functionality doesn’t really change from model to model rather the higher end options contain a higher degree of precision in their componentry and ability to release the line on casting. Some of these variations are as follows:

Composition

In general, spinning reels are made from a corrosion-resistant metal, carbon fiber, and/or aluminum body with variations of the following:

• Bearings – As with a car wheel, the spinning mechanisms inside a spinning fishing reel generally incorporate ball bearings for smoother operation. From my experience, most come with between 3 and 10 and I was always told that the more you can get for the price, the better. If the specifications are listed as 10 + 1 for example, this means that there are 10 ball bearings in the main housing and also a roller bearing incorporated into the bail to make line retrieval easier.
• Rotation – One advantage of a spinning fishing reel is the winding ratio. This is usually set anywhere for 3:1 up to 6 or 7:1 (often listed as 6.0:1 etc.) This simply means that for every time the user turns the handle a full rotation, the spool holding the line has actually turned 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 times meaningless winding for faster line retrieval. Higher ratios are good for fast retrieval fishing such as with a lure or if there are a lot of snags etc. Lower rations assist with the big fish catches. For a beginner, I like a ratio anywhere in the 5 – 6 range myself.
• Drag – The drag of a fishing reel is its ability to release a little bit of line when a fish strikes or is being pulled in. This is in place to reduce the chances of a bigger fish snapping the line as it fights. As with anything, the more you pay for a reel, the better the drag system should be with the more expensive models containing precision setting capabilities. Most reels have a drag capability to match the line capabilities so regardless, even for a beginner, if the reel you are looking at doesn’t have a drag system on it – put it down.
• Casing – This is the part of the reel that contains the springs, levers, gear cogs, etc. that make much of the stuff above work. For a beginner, avoid any reel that doesn’t have this all housed in a sealed, waterproof casing. These are low maintenance and the components will not rust.

Line capacity

In this section, we will actually discuss two elements: spool size and line capacity. This is because the size of the spool generally determines the strength of the line that you can load into it. The problem we face here is that manufacturers don’t use a common specification when it comes to their reel capacities.

There is however a simple way to work this all out via the first number. You see a fishing reel may be rated as a ’20’ or a ‘2000’. If this is the case, the ‘2’ is the common denominator and what you match the line to (this is not an exact science but it works for me). So, then all you need to do is match the line kilogram/pound strength to the spool. To make this easier, I have whipped up a little table below:

Reel Size	Suggested Mono	Suggested Braid	Suggested Rod Length*
10 or 1000	1- 2 kg/2 – 4 lb	4 – 8 lb	6-7 ft (line rating 1-4kg)
20 or 2000	2- 3 kg/4 – 6 lb	5 – 10 lb	6-7 ft (line rating 2-5kg)
25 or 2500	2.5- 4 kg/5 – 8 lb	5 – 12 lb	6-7 ft (line rating 2-5kg)
40 or 4000	4- 6 kg/8 – 12 lb	8 – 12 lb	8-10 ft (line rating 3-10kg)
60 or 6000	6- 8 kg/12 – 16 lb	12 – 30 lb	8-10 ft (line rating 4-10kg)

The main thing to keep in mind here is that regardless of the size, you really do need to make sure you are matching the correct line size to the reel. If the line is too big, you will generally enter the painful world of birds nest city (when too many spools off at once and tangles) and too small and you will be lamenting a snapped line every time you try and cast with a bigger sinker – or worse – if you catch a bigger fish.

At the end of the day, unless there is the possibility of a really big fish, or the need to add a heavier sinker if the current is strong, I would recommend anything that starts with a 2 or 3 as this simply means everything is a little lighter.

Other Influences

There are some other areas to consider as well when looking at a Bass fishing reel. These don’t affect the outcomes as much as the above however they are worth considering:

• Handle – Most are plastic but make sure it fits comfortably in your hand (more expensive models are EVA or rubber).
• Weight – The lighter the reel, the better.
• Anti-reverse switch – These are usually found in the underbelly of the reel and simply put, will stop the reel from going backward. Some like to reel in reverse to let the line out slowly but don’t want this to happen with the rod in a holder.
• Line holder – This is the little tab on the side of the reel housing that holds the end of the fishing line if it is not rigged up. These are not often thought of when a reel is purchased but something that is really missed if it is not there.
• Interchangeable winder – there are not many that don’t do this these days however this is the ability to swap the winder handle around to allow for left or right-handed use.

My very first Bass fishing rig as a beginner was a reel that I actually used for kayak fishing. It is a 3000 size spooled with 9lb braided line and works really well for the hard hitting Bass that live in the rivers and creeks around here. Its specs were as follows:

• Size: 3000
• Bearings: 5 + 1
• Ratio: 5.1:1
• Composition: Stainless Steel, Aluminium and plastic handle
• Drag: front of spool – 8kg (I think)
• Anti-reverse switch – yes

I admit that I use a baitcaster for Bass fishing a little more than spinners however I do often use this one with a 7ft estuary rod as it really is a lot of fun and again, simple to use.

So, based on the information above, and my own experience, I recommend the following:

1. KastKing Centron Spinning Rod And Reel Combo

The KastKing Centron Spinning Rod and Reel Combo features lightweight and sensitive Toray IM7 graphite blanks that provide exceptional performance for all anglers. It also has contoured EVA handles and a fighting butt that provides comfort and a sure grip. Its specifications include:

Rod

• Made from: IM6 Graphite
• Length: 6’ to 8’ (stick to the high 6’s and 7′ models for Bass fishing)
• Power: Fast, Moderate Fast
• Composition: 2 pcs
• Handle: EVA

Reel

• Spool Size: 2000 – 5000
• Bearings: 9+1
• Ratio: 5.2:1 & 4.5:1
• Composition: Graphite frame – aluminium spool
• Drag: 11-17.5 lbs

Other advantages include:

• CNC Machined Aluminum Spool.
• Saf-T Hook Holder.
• Stainless Steel Guides w/O-Rings.

Why have I chosen it?

I have chosen this options due to its excellent specs and reviews for the price. I recommend these spinning combos for beginners who are looking for affordable yet quality rods and reels although it would not be out of place in the hands of an experienced user as well. It also has an excellent drag and performs smoothly making it perfect for Bass fishing!

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2. Ugly Stik Shakespeare Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo

Ugly Stik is a great brand known for its quality construction that offers sensitivity and durability. It also features a lightweight EVA grip that provides anglers comfort during hours of fishing and a one-way clutch (instant anti-reverse bearings) on the reel for smooth operation. Specifications include:

Rod

• Made from: Signature graphite with fiberglass tip
• Length: 6’6″
• Power: Medium
• Composition: 2 pcs
• Handle: EVA

Reel

• Spool Size: 4000 – 5000
• Bearings: 3+1
• Ratio: 5.2:1
• Composition: Frame not stated – double anodized aluminium spool
• Drag: On front

Other advantages include:

• Anodized aluminum spool with oversized bail wire.
• Strong and sensitive clear tip design.
• Soft touch handle knobs.
• One-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing.

Why have I chosen it?

I’ve chosen this option as it is synonymous with Bass fishing and popular in all manner of conditions and waters. It is super light yet strong with comfortable grips great for fighting hard hitting Bass. A great option for beginners and experienced fishers alike.

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3. Abu Garcia Virtual Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

This combo features a rod and reel that delivers power, durability, and exceptional sensitivity. It is super light weight with an ‘Everlast’ bail system that ensures durability, a smooth drag performance and superior responsiveness that is great for Bass fishing. Specifications as follows:

Rod

• Made from: Graphite
• Length: 6’6″ – 7′
• Power: Medium
• Composition: 2 pcs
• Handle: EVA

Reel

• Spool Size: 4000 – 5000
• Bearings: 3+1
• Ratio: 5.2:1
• Composition: Graphite frame – Machined aluminum spool
• Drag: On front

Other advantages include:

• Slow Oscillation provides even line lay
• Super light weight
• Includes ‘Anglr’ app – see below

Why have I chosen it?

Don’t get me wrong, this is a more than solid rod and reel combo for Bass fishing but its true advantage comes from its connection to the Abu Garcia Anglr app. This connects your rod to the app whilst fishing allowing you to digitally log your catches with such information as catch details, location, weather and water data etc. This is a definite advantage for Bass fisherman where weather patterns can directly affect fish movement and feeding.

02/18/2024 04:56 pm GMT

And there it is – my 3 best spinning rod and reel combos 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