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 2024 based on our research.
Our Top 17 Picks
Best Lightweight: Kastking Blackhawk II Telescopic Bass Fishing Rod
Best Ultra Portable: Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rod
Best for Fast Action: CAPACI Portable Travel Casting Spinning Bass Fishing Rod
Best Under $40: Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber Bass Fishing Rod
Best Premium: St Croix Mojo Baitcasting Rods
Best Performance: Shimano Zodias Bass Fishing rods
Best Highly Durable: Quantum Embark Bass Fishing Rod
Best Overall: Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Bass Trout Rods
Best Bass: Bluefire Fishing Rod
Best for Beginners: Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod
Best Medium-Heavy: Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Fishing Rods
Best for Travel: Goture 3pcs Bass Fishing Rod
Best Under $50: Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Bass Fishing Rod
Best Heavy: KastKing Perigee II Bass Fishing Rods
Best Ultra-Light: St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod
Best for Saltwater: Daiwa Bass Fishing Spinning Rod
Best Under $100: TEMPO Sphera Swivel Rod
Review of the Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2024
When it comes to bass Fishing, getting the right bass fishing rod is very important. Some of the best bass fishing rods available in the market are :
1. Kastking Blackhawk II Telescopic Bass Fishing Rod
Kastking Blackhawk II Telescopic Bass Fishing Rod
It consists of One-piece performance in a six-piece telescopic rod design. It’s Multiple floating line guides help to improve casting performance, deliver a consistent and smooth taper and eliminate flat or dead spots in the blank.
Kastking Blackhawk II has a Snug-Fit ferrule which provides full length power transition and allows these rods to perform and feel like a 1pc rod.
Blackhawk Telescopic rods are portable, convenient, and easy-to-carry. It’s very easy and convenient to travel anywhere with your Blackhawk II travel rod.
This rod is made up of high-quality components including stainless steel line guides, graphite reel seats, and comfortable EVA handles are used in the construction of the new and improved, KastKing BlackHawk II telescopic rods.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Superior Quality
Cons
- Some rods break during usage
2. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rod
Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rod
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.
Pros
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Comfortable handle
- Higher sensitivity
- Stainless guide ring
Cons
- May break easily
- Nondurable
3. CAPACI Portable Travel Casting Spinning Bass Fishing Rod
CAPACI Portable Travel Casting Spinning Bass Fishing Rod
This bass fishing rod has smooth guides and durable reel seats which are constructed from carbon which helps in the incredible sensitivity and power of the rod while fishing.
Laser focused manufacturing techniques are used in the construction of this portable bass fishing rod which helps in the incredible performance and quality of the rod. Like most of the rods available in the market, it also has an EVA grip handle to provide comfort while holding the fishing rod.
This bass rod is portable and can be transported easily and is perfect for fishing. It is light in weight and ensures consistency and also has a micro guide system to provide accurate casting.
Pros
- Comfortable EVA handle
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Incredible performance
- Accurate casting
- Custom reel seats
Cons
- May break easily
4. Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber Bass Fishing Rod
Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber Bass Fishing Rod
This bass rod from sougayilang is available in the market at different sizes and it’s very affordable.
It is ultra light in weight which helps in fishing a lot. Since it causes less fatigue it is an ideal bass fishing rod for anglers. This rod is portable and can be carried easily and it also comes with a metal buckle and an EVA grip handle to provide comfort while fishing.
This rod is suitable for fishing in both seawater and freshwater.
Pros
- Ultra light in weight
- High density EVA handles
- Corrosion resistant
- Portable
- Stainless steel guides
Cons
- Weak eyelets
5. St Croix Mojo Baitcasting Rods
St Croix Mojo Baitcasting Rods
For a serious angler who demands high-performance and value, High-modulus, high-strain graphite fiber; Produces sensitive and lightweight rods with great durability St Croix mojo baitcasting rods are the best choice. St croix is made of high-quality SCII graphite, which can meet its strength requirements. It is also a very sensitive rod with excellent hook setting capabilities.
The rod has a fine-tuned taper to ensure an excellent performance.
Pros
- 5 Year warranty
- Light weight
- Advanced SCIII Graphite construction
- Increased strength and sensitivit
Cons
- Can be stiff sometimes
6. Shimano Zodias Bass Fishing Rods
Shimano Zodias Bass Fishing rods
The model is equipped with high-quality Fuji Alconite guides a new ultra-light proprietary CI4 + reel seat, and a Monocoque carbon handle. It is made in an effective design solution. This bass fishing rod helps in accurate and long casting. Shimano Zodias fishing rods take science and engineering technology to a whole new level. Designed to provide anglers with a better overall fishing experience, this series of fishing rods can provide incredible throwing distance and accuracy.
It is designed to ensure higher power efficiency and higher sensitivity while reducing the distortion of the blank.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Has great sensitivity
- Very powerful
- Accurate
Cons
- Very Expensive
7. Quantum Embark Bass Fishing Rod
Quantum Embark Bass Fishing Rod
Quantum Embark Telescopic rods are strong enough for catching large fish, while being compact enough for easy travel and storage.
It is portable and can be carried easily from one place to another. It has a graphite rod and an EVA grip handle and this rod from quantum are designed to last for a long period. The D rings of this bass rod are made from good quality materials. This bass rod is also durable.
Constructed with a solid glass tip and reinforced graphite rod for unbelievable strength and extended rod life.
Pros
- Ultra durable
- Comfortable EVA handle
- Built in Hook keeper
- 5 year warranty
- Compact and convenient
Cons
- Very Expensive
8. Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Bass Trout Rods
Okuma Celilo Graphite Lightweight Ultra Bass Trout Rods
The Okuma Celilo is one of the most affordable casting rods that now exist on the market.
They are designed to be able to throw heavy baits and catch big bass. It consists of a sensitive graphite construction and stainless steel hooded real seats. They are marine-rated, making use of stainless steel and ceramic composites so you can use them whether you’re standing on the surf or fishing at the lake. It’s a medium heavy baitcasting rod.
Okuma Celilo baitcasting rods are available in a range of sizes and styles so any angler can find the perfect one for their needs.
Pros
- Higher sensitivity
- Durability
- Sensitive construction
- Stainless steel hooded reel seats
- Rear cork grips
Cons
- Some people have complained that it broke very soon
9. Bluefire Fishing Rod
Bluefire Fishing Rod
Bluefire telescopic fishing rod is made of high-density carbon fiber, which is lightweight, sturdy and durable. The telescopic design of the fishing rod makes it easy to carry and store, and closed length design is convenient carrying around.
This telescopic fishing rod is Perfect for freshwater bass trout fishing, saltwater fishing or inshore fishing.
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Portable
Cons
- Rod may break easily
10. Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod
Bluefire Fishing Rod
Magreel telescopic fishing rod is suitable for both seawater and freshwater fishing.
This fishing rod is made of a mixed material made of 24T carbon fiber and glass fiber and is equipped with a stainless steel hooded reel seat, making your fishing rod sensitive, durable, and corrosion-resistant. The stainless steel wire guide ring composed of ceramic rings makes the heat dissipation effect better.
The fishing rod is ultra-light and retractable and can be easily loaded into the trunk of a car, the hatch of a boat, or a backpack.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Comfortable to handle
- Great quality
- Affordable price
- Durable
Cons
- No major cons
11. Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Fishing Rods
Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Fishing Rods
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.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to handle
- Versatile medium powers
- Attractive and comfortable cork handle
Cons
- wooden poor grip
12. Goture 3pcs Bass Fishing Rod
Goture 3pcs Bass Fishing Rod
This bass fishing rod is suitable for both seawater and freshwater fishing and suitable for catching a variety of fish.
The handle of this bass fishing rod is made up of quality materials to provide comfort. It also comes with a chameleon paint which gives a changing color effect and a carbon joint which helps in the smooth powerful action.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Rubber paint reel seat
- Tangle free and tough
- Higher sensitivity
- SIC guide
Cons
- Not durable
13. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Bass Fishing Rod
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Bass 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.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Durable EVA grips
- Stainless steel guides
Cons
- Not fast enough
14. KastKing Perigee II Bass Fishing Rods
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.
Pros
- Quality Components
- Smooth Power
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not fast enough
15. St. Croix Premier 2-Part Graphite Spinning Fishing Rod
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.
Pros
- Strong Grip
- Lightweight
- Fast Action
- 5 Year Warranty
Cons
- Not fast enough
16. Daiwa Bass Fishing Spinning Rod
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.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Great for trout
- Stainless steel guides
Cons
- Not fast enough
17. TEMPO Sphera Swivel Rod
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.
Pros
- Comfortable Handle
- Budget Price
- Smooth
Cons
- Not fast enough
The increasing popularity for fishing in recent years has made many companies produce more fishing equipment including pole, rods, reels and all.
Buying a best bass fishing rods can be a difficult task if you have no idea about the technical terms used to describe the rods. Handle, action, power, guides, length, etc are some of the things which need to be considered or kept in mind while buying a fishing rod. There is a plethora of information to consider when culling the best bass rod for the type of fishing you plan to utilize. Bass rods have multiple ratings to make them different from each other, such as rod length, power rating, and operating rating.
All of these and other ratings play a consequential role in bar performance. But the most crucial thing to consider is the lure you plan to utilize with the rod. It is so paramount that most of the bars manufactured by the bar company can print the allurement for its intended use it. When utilized with the correct rod, each bass lure performs best, and when paired with the correct fishing gear, each rod performs best.
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.
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.
FAQs
What rod is best for bass fishing?
The best rods for bass fishing are the ones that are easy to use, good in performance and durable. Fishing rods made of graphite are good for bass fishing. Medium heavy rods are good for bass fishing. Rods who’s Handles are made of EVA foam are good during bass fishing as they ensure good grip and comfortability.
How much does a good bass fishing rods cost?
Price of bass fishing rods varies for different brands. You can get a good bass fishing rod for anywhere starting from 40$. It is only the starting price and for best and higher quality fishing rods, it’s gonna cost a couple of thousand dollars. If you’re a beginner you can get decent fishing rods for under 50$. More quality fishing rods that professional angler uses can cost you more than $500.
What size reel is best for bass fishing?
Size of reels matters a lot in bass fishing. Reels between 2500 to 3000 range are considered ideal for bass fishing. These reels can even hold a lot. 1500 size is considered the lower limit for bass fishing and 4000 is considered the upper limit for bass fishing. 2500 is considered the perfect size by many anglers.
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.
