Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Leave a comment

Figuring out the very best bass fishing rod for a selected goal is a personalised endeavor. An angler’s bodily stature, line selection, and fishing atmosphere are all components to think about when selecting a rod. Finances additionally comes into play, and the straightforward undeniable fact that one rod prices extra doesn’t imply it’s higher suited to the duty. However, rods have a number of failure factors, from guides to handles to the way in which they’re wrapped, and simply because one thing seems good on the shelf doesn’t imply it’ll carry out when the fish of a lifetime strikes.

Moreover, even probably the most bespoke sticks received’t perform as supposed when you use them for the flawed methods. A flipping stick have to be light-weight however highly effective, whereas a deep cranking rod should flex when a fish inhales the lure or when it surges on the boatside. Neither of these rods excel at presenting a finesse lure on gentle line. Anglers don’t essentially want dozens of rods to be efficient, however they want an inexpensive assortment.

I examined a variety of the very best bass fishing rods over the previous 12 months from my dwelling in Virginia to the tackle-busters of Mexico and as much as smallmouth nation within the higher Midwest. Listed here are some standouts from somebody who takes deal with significantly however is commonly unreasonably tough on it.

Testing the Greatest Rods for Bass Fishing

Whereas I fish arduous and I’m tough on my gear, I’m not essentially the pickiest angler from the beginning. For instance, I won’t be capable of discern the distinction between a 7-foot 2-inch rod and a 7-foot 3-inch rod in the identical fundamental motion on the retailer. I have to get out on the water, and typically I study extra by dropping fish than I do by catching them. I begin to break issues down once I understand that the rod failed me or that it didn’t pair up correctly with my chosen reel or line. 

For instance, a flipping stick won’t have the heft to get a bass out of a thick clump of hydrilla, and a cranking stick won’t give at precisely the proper second. Or maybe you would have skipped a Senko a couple of ft deeper into a ship slip if the rod deal with had been a couple of inches longer. As soon as I begin eliminating rods from the queue, my failures appear to drop. The “final man standing” turns into a trusted accomplice.

Greatest Rods for Bass Fishing: Opinions & Suggestions

Greatest Total: G. Loomis IMX Professional 844C

Key Options

7 ft

¼ to 1-ounce lures

Full-grip cork handles

11 guides plus tip

Professionals

Tremendous light-weight

Ergonomic, comfy cork grips

Time-tested design

Cons

G.Loomis was one of many first premium, mission-driven manufacturers within the rod world, and the IMX Collection has lengthy been their workhorse. They haven’t made main modifications through the years as a result of they haven’t needed to, however the refined iterations preserve it on the forefront of high quality and flexibility. Whereas this rod is rated as “heavy,” I’ve no bother flicking a weightless Senko with it. It additionally excels with Carolina Rigs and light-weight jigs, however what actually makes it versatile is that it’s a strong performer with transferring baits like Chatterbaits and squarebills, too. Is it excellent for these lures in all circumstances and for all anglers? Probably not, however when you’re prepared to your first premium stick and also you need it to cowl loads of bases, this ought to be your selection.

Greatest Finesse: Dobyns Xtasy 723

Key Options

7 ft 2 inches

3/16 to five/8-ounce lures

Full-grip cork handles

9 guides plus tip

Professionals

Tremendous-crisp motion

Premium parts all through

Kevlar wrapping makes them extra-strong

Cons

Attainable to get two or three high quality rods for this value

Many totally “Bubbafied” anglers skimp on their spinning rods, saving the massive bucks for instruments devoted to energy methods. That’s a mistake as a result of more and more pressured fish necessitate rising reliance on finesse methods. Moreover, due to the rise of higher braids and fluorocarbons, you are able to do extra with a spinning rod than ever earlier than. Nonetheless, there’s much less room for error as a result of they contain gentle line and stealth. Get a merely “good” finesse rod, and also you’ll be lined—till you hook the fish of a lifetime in a precarious place. This rod just isn’t solely a pleasure to fish with, nevertheless it covers up to your errors and permits for elevated sensitivity. That’s why legendary professional Larry Nixon depends on it after a number of surgical procedures—it offers him extra really feel and energy. He satisfied me to attempt it, and from flicking a Senko beneath docks to dropshotting timber to hover strolling for smallmouths, it has made me a greater angler.

If you happen to’re searching for a dropshot-specific rod, take a look at our check of the very best drop shot rods for extra choices. 

Greatest Finances Finesse: Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Spinning Rod 7′ Medium

Key Options

7 ft

3/16 to five/8-ounce lures

Winn Grip cut up grip deal with

Eight guides plus tip

Professionals

Good all-around size for a number of shows

24-ton graphite blanks are remarkably delicate

Information prepare system permits for lengthy casts

Cons

Some anglers don’t like Winn Grips

Not solely did Jordan Lee win two Bassmaster Classics earlier than his thirtieth birthday, however he did so utilizing a full vary of methods. He’s emblematic of the younger professionals who could also be budget-strapped however aren’t afraid to drag out all of the tips. This rod displays that versatility, and when you’re unsure whether or not you’ll be dropshotting, Neko Rigging, or throwing a lightweight crankbait like a Shad Rap, it ought to be your first name. I discovered that it performs like way more costly rods, and I attain for it way more typically than anticipated. Anglers who need to go even lighter on the finesse scale can go for the same 6’10” medium-light “Tremendous Finesse.” At this sub-$100 value level, it’s not unreasonable to purchase each.

Greatest Flipping Stick: Fitzgerald Titan HD

Key Options

Lengths: 7 ft 6 inches, 8 inches, or 10 inches

Made to flip weights as much as 3 ounces

Break up-grip EVA handles

10 guides plus tip

Professionals

Light-weight for such beefy rods

Balanced design additional diminishes fatigue

Guides made to excel with braid

Cons

Not made for flipping gentle weights

Fitzgerald Rods hails from Florida, the place the vegetation grows thick, and the bass are massive. Anglers who need to flip matts should be ready to battle each. What many novice flippers don’t understand, nevertheless, is that when you select the flawed rod you’ll battle that, too. An imbalanced flipping stick can result in fatigue on the finish of a day of slinging massive weights. Worse but, it may end in harm. In different phrases, not any broomstick will suffice. 

The rationale why the Titan HD is among the finest bass fishing rods is that these rods received’t put on you out, however they’ll additionally stand as much as close-quarters abuse. They’ve locking wraps to make sure that the guides received’t pull out. Certainly, the guides themselves are designed to forestall wind loops. I really like probing the deepest doable cowl with creature baits, feeding them to unpressured fish, and this rod made me hunt down that possibility much more.

Want some jigs to go together with your new flipping stick? Take a look at our evaluate of the very best jigs, which incorporates a number of nice choices for flipping. 

Greatest Deep Cranking: iRod Genesis III Crank Launcher

Key Options

7 ft 11 inches

3/8 to 1 ½-ounce lures

Break up-grip EVA deal with

9 guides plus tip

Professionals

Excellent motion for hookups at a distance and surging fish at boatside

Detachable deal with for straightforward transport

7-foot, 11-inch size permits for extra-long casts

Cons

Size not very best for tight areas

My frequent journeys to Lake El Salto, Mexico, led me to this rod—truly, it led my spouse to it. She wanted a rod that might throw massive cranks like Strike King 6XDs and 10XDs all day with out sporting her out, and we didn’t need to spend $300 or extra. Fortunately we had been in a position to purchase this superior rod for half that max finances. With all else being equal, I felt that she was casting longer distances and dropping fewer fish than I used to be with my dearer rod. Finally, that satisfied me to get one among my very own, and now I discover myself all the time reaching for it. In reality, I like them a lot that I acquired two of them. The deal with is precisely the proper size and girth for consolation, and one way or the other the clean flexes at precisely the proper level for max effectiveness from solid to touchdown. This is able to be a discount at a considerably increased value.

Greatest for Response Lures: Shimano Expride B 7’2” MH

Key Options

7 ft 2 inches 

Each graphite and composite fashions can be found

Break up grip cork and carbon monocoque deal with

9 guides plus tip

Professionals

Two related rods with barely totally different actions

7-foot 2-inch size covers every thing from shut quarters to lengthy distance

Light-weight but robust guides and reel seats

Cons

Perceive the distinction between composite and graphite blanks earlier than shopping for

I discovered this rod to be a beneficial “utility participant” on days once I head to the lake figuring out I’ll have to cowl water, however not sure whether or not it will likely be with a lipless crankbait, a vibrating jig, a buzzbait, or another transferring lure. I may preserve one or two of those rods on the deck of the boat and alter out lures because the temper struck me—or ideally because the fish instructed me what they needed. Whereas it’s not cheap, it covers loads of totally different bases. I could have caught extra bass on it this 12 months than with another single mannequin. Get the composite mannequin when you are typically too fast on the set off, otherwise you’re utilizing braid, and the graphite mannequin if in case you have some persistence or extra typically make the most of fluorocarbon or monofilament.

Greatest Spinnerbait: Douglas LRS C715F

Key Options

7 ft 1 inch

Lure Weight: 3/16 to three/4 ounce lures

Energy: Medium heavy

Motion: Quick

Line Weight: 12 to twenty pound

Break up grip EVA deal with

Professionals

Sufficient size for lengthy casts, but comfy in tight quarters

Delicate with out being “too quick”

Corrosion-proof Fuji Fazlite guides

Cons

Some anglers might favor an extended rod

The blue clean of the Douglas spinnerbait rod stands out amongst a area of cookie cutters, nevertheless it’s the motion and flexibility that basically units it aside. Lure rankings on a deal with are sometimes beneficiant, however this rod excelled in any respect ranges of the spectrum—from the smallest finesse spinnerbaits as much as hard-thumping giants that’ll rattle your fillings out. It’s a beautiful mix of sensitivity and provides with a perfectly-sized deal with and premium parts from tip to butt. 

Whereas testing this rod I flicked a 3/16 ounce finesse mannequin round boat slips within the morning, after which used it within the afternoon to gradual roll a spinnerbait that weighed 3/4 ounce, and in each circumstances I felt like I had the right rod. Everybody that I’ve let fish the Douglas LRS preferred the rod’s completely sized deal with, and appreciated the premium parts. The Douglas LRS is my decide for the very best bass fishing rod for spinnerbaits due to its potential to throw every thing from finesse to deep working spinnerbaits and it doesn’t sacrifice really feel for versatility—it’s a uncommon rod that fishes every thing nicely.

Searching for extra spinnerbait rod choices? Learn our full evaluate of the very best spinnerbait rods. 

Greatest Finances for Worms and Jigs: Falcon Lowrider LFC 7-MH

Key Options

7 ft

Energy: Medium heavy

Motion: Reasonable Quick 

Lure Weight: ¼ to three/4 ounce 

Break up grip cork deal with with no foregrip

Professionals

Very cheap value

Fuji Tangle-Free Ok Body Guides

Tremendous-sensitive 

Cons

Anglers preferring EVA handles won’t like this rod

Falcon began making the Lowrider collection of rods practically three many years in the past, and whereas they’ve engineered constant refinements, they’ve by no means given up on the purpose-driven ethos that guides their merchandise. This rod is super-sensitive, and even when you typically don’t like cork handles, this premium cork might change your thoughts. I discovered myself reaching for it whether or not I used to be casting a jig, pitching a creature bait into laydowns, or skipping a weightless Senko beneath docks. It’s extraordinarily delicate and completely balanced, so that you received’t get carpal tunnel from the repetitive movement, and also you’ll be prepared, prepared, and in a position to fish a few further hours every day. The Lowriders are additionally out there in fashions with strong grip handles.

The Three Rods Each Bass Angler Wants

Regardless of how lengthy you’ve got been a bass angler or your expertise stage, it may be formidable to know which rods are finest for catching largemouth and smallies. The aisles at your native bait store are doubtless plagued by every kind of choices. And only a few rod-makers truly element what their rods are supposed for.

Many professional anglers carry 20 to 25 rods on the decks of their boats, however most of these guys and gals are sponsored, to allow them to decide from a wide range of choices that don’t value them a factor. You don’t have that luxurious.

However you will get away with having fewer rods and nonetheless have the power to fish a wide range of methods. Listed here are the three rods to maintain in your arsenal. They’ll permit you be extra versatile and catch fish in additional areas.

The 70 MHF Rod is Your Bread and Butter

Arguably probably the most versatile rod in existence is the 70 MHF spinning rod. The 7-foot medium-heavy, quick rod is manageable, and its motion permits anglers to solid a wide range of baits precisely in each shut quarters and at longer distances. 

It’s mostly used as a regular jig and worm rod however can be used for transferring baits such because the spinner bait and chatter bait.  Weightless plastics, shaky, and wobble head jigs can be added to the record, in addition to topwaters corresponding to buzz baits or bigger prop baits.

Lastly, although not very best in all conditions, anglers may also use this rod as a frog rod.  If an angler is constantly fishing for giant fish round heavy cowl or slop, it could be suggested to think about an extended, heavier rod like a 7-foot 6-inch heavy or extra-heavy rod.

Throw Greater Baits with a 70 MMF Rod

The 70 MMF (7-foot medium motion, average quick) has a lighter energy and slower motion so it would allow anglers to throw treble hook baits like crankbaits and jerk baits, together with different transferring baits, as a result of the rod will take in the shock higher to assist preserve these fish pinned.

This rod additionally shines with spinnerbaits and chatterbaits round wood construction or open water if you don’t essentially want the ability to get them out of heavy cowl.

It’ll deal with small single-hook swimbaits, small spoons, blade baits, and topwater baits with treble hooks, corresponding to poppers or strolling baits.

Finesse Fish with the 70 MXF Rod

Lastly, having a 70 MXF (7-foot medium, further quick) spinning rod goes to spherical out your arsenal.  The additional quick motion goes to offer you unparalleled sensitivity, which is very essential with finesse fishing. You’re additionally going to have the ability to throw lighter baits additional, particularly into the wind. 

Anglers can experiment with weightless plastics, gentle Texas rigs and shaky heads, finesse jigs, Ned rigs, drop photographs, small tubes, and small topwaters.

Take into account, not all rod manufactures powers and actions are the identical, however these rod fashions will function a fundamental guideline that can assist you buy the proper one. If in case you have these three rods, you’ll be lined for a majority of the areas and the methods it is advisable catch bass.

-Kristine Fischer

Easy methods to Select The Greatest Rod for Bass Fishing 

Total Size 

A technology or two in the past, most bass rods had been beneath 6 ft 6 inches. That’s modified considerably, and now solely a fraction of the rods in my arsenal are beneath 7 ft lengthy, and a few are so long as 8. Take into account that you’re selecting the best rod for you, and your mileage might fluctuate relying in your top, power, and the place you fish, so whereas longer could also be higher for casting distance and hook setting, there’s often a contented medium. 

Motion

With single hooked lures, you’ll sometimes need a quick rod for driving the hook dwelling. With treble hooked lures search for one thing extra average with a deeper bend that may assist preserve fish hooked. However there’s a variety of gradation in between, and the selection of mono, fluorocarbon, or braid makes an enormous distinction in how a lot forgiveness you’ll need or want.

Energy

You’ll need to match your rod energy to all the following variables: 

Dimension of the fish

Heavy cowl or open water

Lure weight

An even bigger fish, heavier cowl, and heavier lure all require a rod with a heavier energy. Additionally make sure to notice that not all “mediums” or “medium heavies” check out the identical. It pays to deal with the rod and if doable make a couple of casts earlier than committing your hard-earned {dollars}.

Value

There are a outstanding variety of high quality rods that retail beneath 100 bucks at this time, however in some circumstances you do get what you pay for. Inside a given producer’s lineup, you could discover variations within the high quality of parts—every thing from blanks to reel seats to guides—primarily based in your willingness to pay. Generally it’s value the additional {dollars}, different occasions it’s only a matter of window dressing.

FAQs

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Last Ideas on Greatest Rods for Bass Fishing

Once more, selecting a rod—whether or not you’ve got two or two dozen—is a really private resolution. Finally, nevertheless, it boils down to 2 fundamental questions: How can I get extra bites? And the way can I lose fewer fish? You should definitely look at each element to make sure that attractiveness within the retailer don’t disguise an absence of sturdiness or sensitivity. I’ve typically been shocked that rods I didn’t favor at first ended up being my finest bass fishing rods.