3 Best Spinning Rods for Bass Fishing

Hey there my fellow fishing enthusiasts and welcome to my post covering my 3 best spinning rods for bass fishing this year. Bass fishing is a fun activity that, due to the aggressiveness of the fish, gives excitement and thrill to all fishers. And of course, before heading to your fishing destination, it’s better to prepare your fishing gear first. This article will serve as your buying guide when it comes to picking the best spinning rods for bass fishing.

So, let’s see if the below can get you started on the right track in terms of a good spinning rod for bass fishing…

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:

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Whether you are new to Bass fishing or not, when picking a new fishing rod you should keep in mind that there are plenty of factors to consider before purchasing. Ensure to do some research to know their quality and to see if they’re worth the price. 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.

Reel

Many Bass fisherman will look at purchasing a combo set but if you already have a reel that you are planning to attach to your rod, then you will just need to make sure that the one you purchase will attach to it properly (most do but still worth checking) and is not too big or heavy for the rod.

Considering we are discussing spinning rods here then you will need to ensure you have a spinning reel to attach.

Note: you cannot use a baitcaster reel on a spinning rod.

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.
• Medium – needs a bit more pressure to bend – this is a good measure for those who only use one rod and want the best of both worlds.
• Heavy – takes a lot to make it bend – these are a bit harder to cast but I like a heavier power setting in my really short rods – especially if I have not need to try and cast in mangroves, 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 which increases their sensitivity whereas slow rods bend down towards the reel.

To be honest, I had never really taken much notice of this until I purchased a rod with fast action. It is the best as you can really feel everything! For a generalist rod, I would go moderate or medium, unless to have a need to cast a long way from your location, then maybe edge towards a fast rod as they allow for heavier 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…

Ok, so I have to admit to not doing a lot of bass fishing myself as there are not a lot of places around where I live to go hunting for them. In the instances I have ventured out to chase them however I have taken the following as it is a good length to use from the river bank with the ability to cast and retrieve a lure with ease. It’s specifications are as follows:

• Made from: Carbon
• Length: 7ft 1in
• Power: Medium
• Action: Medium
• Composition: Two piece
• Handle: EVA

I picked this one up as a general estuary rod as I wanted to cast a little further and use both lures and baits. When it comes to Bass fishing this worked perfectly for me here too due to the similarities in fishing modes that I was using (i.e. cast and retrieve with lures). It is a little lighter than most rods I own and I have matched it with a lightweight 4000 size reel as well.

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

1. KastKing Resolute Bass Spinning Rod

I have chosen this first rod based on its tournament performance at a value price. Since it features ultra-sensitive KastFlex IM7 carbon blanks and a number of power options. And if you ant to use it elsewhere, they also have different models for different fishing conditions such as freshwater fishing for bass, trout, crappie, and saltwater fishing. It is a good, solid, and durable product that is light to hold with specifications as follows:

• Made from: Carbon Fibre
• Length: 4’6” to 7’6” (I would recommend the 6’6″ to 7’6″ options)
• Power: Ultra-light to heavy (go medium if you can
• Action: Moderate – fast
• Composition: 2 piece
• Handle: SuperPolymer

Other advantages include:

• Stainless frames and a Duralite top.
• Drop-shot style hook keeper.
• Patented fishing line guides that improve casting distance and accuracy.

Why have I chosen it?

This is a recommended rod for beginners since they’re light and portable. The rubber-style grips are very comfortable even when your hands are wet. It features a 2-pieces rod that makes it easier to store all while maintaining strength when fishing.

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2. St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Spinning Rod

The St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Spinning Rod is a very popular model that will give you a comfortable fishing experience across a range of conditions and environments. Its cork handles are split-grip/premium-grade, helping you maintain a strong grip on your rod with lightweight linear S-glass blanks that feature IPC mandrel technology. It’s specifications are as follows:

• Made from:High-modulus SCIII carbo
• Length: 6’8” to 9’6” (stick to 6 – 8′ models for bass fishing)
• Power: Medium
• Action: X-Fast
• Composition: 1-2 pcs
• Handle Material: Split-grip/premium-grade cork handle

Other advantages include:

• Kigan hook-keeper.
• Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish.
• Slim-profile ferrules.

Why have I chosen it?

I chose this rod because due to it super strong and sensitive design. It is cost-effective, durable and efficient and made from quality materials. It will work in all conditions and a great option for beginners and experienced fisherman alike.

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3. Phenix Feather Bass Spinning Rod

The Phenix Feather Bass Fishing Series Spinning Rod is a light and sensitive rod that features a unique taper designed using a cross weave of 36 and 40 ton carbon fiber. It also has a FrameLok technology that provides a smooth and extended casting.

• Made from: Carbon Fiber
• Length: 6’9” to 7’7”
• Power: Heavy
• Action: x-fast
• Composition: 1 or 2 pcs (depending on option chosen)
• Handle Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Other advantages include:

• Cross weave of 36 and 40-ton carbon fiber.
• Custom-designed carbon fiber reel with EVA handles.
• Proprietary Nanolite resins

Why have I chosen it?

This is one of my recommendations due its lightweight design and strength allowing it to be used across a number of conditions and target species. Its EVA handles helps you enhance your grip that makes it easier to fish and its sensitivity will work well especially when it comes to bass fishing.

12/11/2023 02:55 am GMT

And there it is – my 3 best spinning 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