Baitcasting is quite common among experienced and professional anglers, but even beginners are starting to appreciate the benefits this casting technique comes with. For the best experience, it is important to ensure you have the right gear.
By right gears, I mean an exceptional fishing rod and compatible fishing reel and line. If your rod does not match the weight of the line and reel, your casting will suffer. Also, you might end up buying a too powerful or weak rod for the target fish.
A good rod will require you to invest a good amount of money. However, it doesn’t mean that the most expensive rod is always the best one. You might spend a lot of money only to get disappointed. That’s why a little research is pretty important.
An excellent fishing rod will not necessarily make you an expert angler, but a wrong one can hold you back regardless of how good you are.
In most cases, baitcasters are used to cast heavier lures on heavier fishing lines. However, that does not mean you cannot use a baitcaster to cast smaller or light lures. You can use one. Only that spinning reels are typically better with lighter lures.
But if you plan to catch bass, a baitcaster will do an excellent job. In fact, most anglers using baitcasters in freshwater lakes use them to catch bass, crappie, and musky. To make the best of your baitcasting setup for bass, you will need to get yourself an excellent rod.
There are various types of fishing rods, and the right one will depend on several factors. Thankfully, you don’t need to trouble yourself if you plan to catch bass. I have prepared you a list of the best baitcasting rods for bass fishing that are worth the price and get the job done. Here is the buyer’s guide I used to select the rods in this best bass fishing rods list.
Length
Baitcasting rods are typically longer than spinning gears. The extra length that comes with them allows you to get more power. This increased power allows you to cast heavier lures with ease.
For bass fishing, a good rod should measure as from seven feet and above. However, if your reel is lighter, maybe you should go for a shorter rod to ensure there is compatibility between the two. Longer rods are reserved for heavier tackles.
Power
The power of the fishing rod is simply the strength that comes with it. The power usually has a direct effect on the size of the fish you plan to catch. It also affects the weight of the line one should use. Rod’s power is typically categorized into the following:
- Ultralight: it’s the lightest of them all, and it is used for very light reels and lure applications.
- Light: It still requires light reels, but it is a step up from ultralight.
- Medium: A medium power rod is an excellent and perfect choice if you plan to purchase one fishing rod.
- Medium/Heavy: This one is usually recommended for persons planning to catch larger freshwater fishing
- Heavy: A heavy powers action rod is particularly excellent for larger species, especially in saltwater.
Action
The action of a fishing rod determines how sensitive the rod is as well as how the power is distributed to the rod tip. Rod actions are categorized into the following:
- Fast: A fast rod action allows for excellent sensitivity. However, this sensitivity comes at the expense of casting distance. That means rods with fast actions cannot cast as long as ones with medium or slow action.
- Moderate: A rod that comes with moderate action starts bending at the middle third of the rod. Such quality rods allow slightly longer casts and are relatively sensitive.
- Slow Action rods: If you plan to cast over a long distance, a rod with slower action is what you should choose. Such rods usually bend lower down than moderate action rods, and they are excellent with natural baits.
Handle
The handle of a fishing rod is what you will hold the most while fishing. For that reason, you need to ensure that it is as comfortable as possible. Baitcasting rod handles come in three major types, EVA foam, cork, or rubber. Each angler has their preferences.
For the best experience, choose a fishing rod with a split grip. The split-grip allows you to use the rod’s full length and make the swing.
Material
The material of the fishing rod usually determines the rod’s weight and durability. Generally, the most common materials for rods are graphite and fiberglass. In some cases, you will see a blend of the two materials.
Graphite rods are excellently sensitive and lighter. The material is also quite durable and classy. In fact, most high-end fishing rods are made of graphite. It is worth noting that graphite rods are mostly blended with carbon fiber.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, it is durable and can take more abuse before breaking. The quality material has been hailed by many, considering it is cheaper, and it still gets the job done. However, it is heavier and less sensitive compared to graphite.
- It is also important to consider the guides a fishing rod comes with before making a purchase. The inserts of the line guides are very important since if they cause friction, it can lead to a decreased lifetime of the fishing line. The best inserts are usually made of aluminum oxide or ceramic.
Now that you know what to consider while buying the best bass fishing rod for the money allow me to dive into the list.
St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod
My top choice is the St. Croix Mojo bass baitcasting rod. The rod is worth every dollar, and any angler will enjoy using it. It combines power and sensitivity, making it an excellent fishing rod for all seasons. The rod is versatile, and the good thing is it is quite affordable. There aren’t many fishing rods that can combine a lightweight presentation with excellent power as this rod does.
Features
To help you understand why I picked this rod as the top choice, here are some of its features:
Graphite Material
One thing you should always consider before purchasing a fishing rod is the material it’s made of. The St. Croix Mojo bass is made of graphite, one of the finest materials for making fishing rods.
Sensitive
The fishing rod is made using the company’s proprietary process, Poly Curve. This process by St. Croix helps eliminate natural transition points on curves on rods. By eliminating these points, the rod transfers sensitivity from the tip to the handle with ease, resulting in a smoother action rod.
Aluminum Oxide Inserts
The inserts in a fishing rod’s guides play an important role in determining a fishing line’s durability. If the inserts lead to a lot of friction, it will decrease the line’s lifetime. Aluminum oxide is one of the finest materials you can ask for guide inserts.
Specs
- Weight: 0.16 kg
- Brand name: St. Croix
- Warranty: 5 years
- Material: graphite blend
- Suggested users: unisex-adults
Pros
- Durable
- Five years warranty
- Trusted brand
- A sensitive fishing rod
- Easy to use
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- The packaging is not the most impressive when you order online
Verdict
If you are looking for a bass fishing baitcasting rod that is worth every dollar, the St. Croix Mojo bass should be your choice. It is a fishing rod that I recommend to all anglers.
Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod : Best for on the Water Applications
Abu Garcia has made a name for itself as one of the best manufacturers of fishing gear. Their products have received lots of love, and the Abu Garcia vengeance casting rod is no different. The fishing rod comes with a graphite construction, and it is medium/heavy, meaning you can use it to land even larger species. Here are some of its features to help you make an informed decision:
Graphite Construction
Graphite is considered the best material for fishing rods, and it is because of good reasons. The material is lightweight and still strong enough to catch larger fish. It is also sensitive enough, meaning you will know immediately when a fish takes the bait. Finally, graphite is quite durable and can serve you for years without breaking.
High-Density EVA Handles
The handles of a fishing rod is an important consideration since that’s what you will be holding while fishing. They need to be as comfortable as possible. It turns out EVA foam handles are soft and comfortable than most. The handles are also durable.
Stainless Steel Guides
The Abu Garcia Vengeance casting rod comes with stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts. Stainless steel is one of the finest materials for rod guides, as it is durable and rust-resistant. Then considering that the inserts are made of titanium oxide, it means your fishing line is safe.
Specs
- Weight: 0.14 kg
- Brand name: Abu Garcia
- Material: EVA, Graphite
- Size: Medium/heavy
- Suggested users: Unisex-adult
Pros
- You can use the rod to land larger fish
- Easy to use the fishing rod
- Lightweight, yet strong enough
- A sensitive fishing rod
- Excellent guides that will not wear down your fishing line
- Worth the price
Cons
- The packaging is wanting since some rods break during transportation
- The drag produces too much friction
Verdict
If you are looking for a bass baitcasting rod worth the price, the Abu Garcia Vengeance casting rod is an excellent choice for bass. The rod is easy to use, comfortable, and it comes with excellent stainless guides that will not wear down your fishing line.
The fishing rod has received a lot of love from its users, with the most common complaint being poor packaging. Some people received a broken rod, but the good thing is you can return it and get a replacement. It is a fishing rod I highly recommend.
Cadence CR6B Baitcasting Rod : Best For Freshwater and Saltwater
Cadence may not be a big name as Ugly Stik, KastKing, and Abu Garcia, but it is doing pretty good. The company has provided us with some fine fishing rods, and the Cadence CR6B series is quite impressive. The fishing rods are lightweight, and they are available in various lengths and actions. They are all easy to use and durable. Here are some of the features of the rods in this series:
Graphite Blank
The cadence CR6B casting rods are made with 30-ton graphite, making them both lightweight and durable. The fishing rods also provide excellent power and superior sensitivity.
Stainless Steel Guides with SIC Inserts
Like many high-quality fishing rods, the Cadence CR6B rods come with stainless steel guides with SIC inserts. In case you don’t know, SIC stands for silicon carbide, one of the finest materials for rod guides inserts. SIC provides a super smooth surface with the least friction, meaning the guides will not wear down your fishing line.
EVA Handles
The comfort of the rod handles is usually determined by the material used on it. EVA foam is usually soft and comfortable, and that’s why I always recommend it to most users. The premium-grade EVA handles that the Cadence CR6B baitcasting rods come with offers a firm and comfortable grip that will help you battle a fighting fish.
Two-Piece Design
The fishing rod two-piece design makes it travel-friendly as it easily fits in your car’s trunk.
Specs
- Weight: 1.61 kg (package weight), 0.05 kg (item weight)
- Brand name: Cadence
- Material: carbon
- Size: Medium
- Action: Fast
Pros
- A multipurpose fishing rod that you can use for freshwater and saltwater
- A durable fishing rod
- Provides you with the value of your money
- Easy to use and control
- Lightweight and comfortable handles
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Not as durable as its competitors
Verdict
The cadence fishing rod is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fishing rod worth the price. The handles are comfortable, and not forgetting it is lightweight. It is well packaged while buying, so you can expect your fishing rod to reach your home whole. However, there have been a few complaints about its durability, but considering its price, it is worth it.
Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod
Akataka has placed itself in the market as a problem solver, providing us with easy-to-use fishing bass rods. The company’s motto is Easier, Higher, Longer. The ‘easier’ is for easier fishing, higher for higher performance, and longer for longer life. Their fishing rods have received a lot of love, and one of the most hailed rods from them is the Akataka M’Wave bass fishing rod. Here are some of its features:
Skeleton Reel Seat
The quality of a reel seat is a very important consideration when choosing a fishing rod. A lot of pressure is experienced on the reel seat while casting heavier lures and battling fighting fish. You need to ensure your reel seat is of the highest quality to resist these elements. You don’t want it to fall while you are in the middle of battling a fish, do you?
The Akataka M’Wave reel seat is exceptionally comfortable and of the highest quality products. It is slip-resistant, and it gives you control over the rod in all conditions.
Stainless Steel Rod Guides
Akataka M’Wave comes with stainless steel guides with a Zirconium Oxide ring that allows a smooth accurate cast and absorption of the fishing lines. You can use any type of line with this rod without worrying; the guides will wear it down.
Warranty
Akataka provides a one year warranty for this product, meaning you can return it if it develops a problem within a year after purchase.
Specs
- Weight: 0.86 kg
- Brand name: Akataka
- Material: carbon fiber
- Size: Medium/ Heavy
Pros
- An excellent baitcasting rod for beginners
- A comfortable fishing rod that is easy to control
- Lightweight
- Worth its price
Cons
- They would have done better with the lure holder design. It might be a little different from what most people are used to.
Verdict
Akataka may not be among the most renowned fishing gear manufacturers, but they have done a pretty good job with this baitcasting rod. It is easy to use, beginner-friendly, and worth every dollar. It is a fishing rod I recommend to all bass anglers.
SAN LIKE Baitcasting Fishing Rod
If you are looking for a cheap but quality fishing rod, you should consider purchasing the SAN LIKE baitcasting rod. The rod is lightweight and beginner-friendly. It has been highly acclaimed by its users, especially considering its price. Regardless of the low price, it is also a quality rod, and here are some of its features:
Carbon Material
Carbon fiber is becoming a popular material for fishing rods, and it is for good reasons. The material is relatively durable and quite sensitive. The SAN LIKE baitcasting rod is made of 99.99 percent carbon material, making it strong and sensitive. The rod weighs only 5.6oz, so you won’t feel any burden while using it.
Ceramic Ring
The rod comes with guides that have ceramic rings for smoother and superior casts. The ceramic ring makes it easier for you to cast over long distances and still be accurate. Ceramic inserts are super smooth, meaning they will not wear down your fishing line whether you are using fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided line.
High-Density Eva Handles
The SAN LIKE baitcasting rod comes with EVA handles, meaning they are quite comfortable and still provides a secure grip. The handles also absorb sweat, meaning the grip will remain firm regardless of the season. You can use it regardless of the season and still enjoy a comfortable and secure grip.
Quality Assurance
SAN LIKE is committed to providing consumers with products of the highest quality. That said, they allow users to contact them directly to return any products that arrive with defects and return them. Once you return the product, it will be replaced with a better one.
Specs
- Weight: 0.08 kg
- Brand name: SAN LIKE
- Material: Carbon fiber
- Size: Medium/ Heavy
Pros
- Easy to pack and travel-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
- A beautiful fishing rod that can make a great gift
- One rod, three actions
- Lightweight and still strong enough
- An affordable fishing rod
Cons
- The eyelet inserts are average and can pop out while casting, so you need to be careful.
Fiblink Carbon Baitcasting Rod
The Fiblink carbon baitcasting rod comes with a protection bag included in the package. It comes with medium power and fast action. It is lightweight, and it measures about 7.6 inches. Fiblink casting rod has received great reactions from its user, and here are some of its main features:
One Year Warranty
The Fiblink carbon baitcasting rod comes with a 12-month warranty against all defects. If your rod develops a problem within one year of usage, you can return it, and the problem will be solved as soon as possible. The company guarantees money back if the damage is non-artificial.
Carbon Fiber Blank
The fishing rod does not come with graphite construction like most rods on the list, but it does not mean it’s not strong enough to land larger fish. The Japanese carbon fiber blank it comes with is reinforced to make it stronger and more sensitive.
Fuji Guides
The fishing rod comes with Fuji guides, which ensures your fishing line is never frayed, and it does not slow the casting. Your cast will be as smooth as possible, and the guides will not affect the durability of your fishing line.
Premium-Grade Cork Grip
The Fiblink carbon baitcasting rod comes with a non-slip high-density cork grip, meaning it provides a comfortable and tight grip in all conditions. The handles are also lightweight, meaning you won’t feel burdened while fishing. Also, they last for quite some time.
Specs
- Weight: 0.2 kg
- Brand name: Fiblink
- Material: Carbon
- Size: Medium/ Heavy
Pros
- Gives you the value of your money
- Easy to pack and travel with
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
Cons
The delivery packaging is not of the highest quality. Some people received broken rods.
It’s not as durable as some of its competitors.
Verdict
If you are looking for a cheap baitcasting rod that is beginner-friendly, you should consider purchasing this Fiblink carbon baitcasting rod.
St. Croix Bass X Series Casting Rod
St. Croix is a well-established brand with a great reputation, so we can expect products of the highest quality from them. Well, they do not disappoint with this Bass X Series. The series has 14 models, and they cover most bass fishing techniques, plus they are easy to use. Here are some of the features that make this series great:
Premium SCII Graphite Construction
Graphite is known for its lightweight and durability. However, the material is a bit more expensive than most materials, making graphite rods slightly more expensive. Well, if you want to enjoy graphite excellent-performance at a lower cost, you should consider purchasing this St. Croix casting rod.
It comes with Mid-modulus graphite fiber that has a higher strain than standard fiber, and it is lightweight, durable, and sensitive. Its performance is great and a cheaper alternative for graphite rods.
Split-Grip Premium-Grade Cork Handle
The St. Croix Bass X Series fishing rods come with a split-grip cork handle, meaning it provides a firm and comfortable grip. Such a grip provides you with the upper hand while battling a fish.
Aluminum Oxide Guide Inserts
It is crucial to ensure that the guide inserts do not undermine the longevity of your fishing line. If the inserts are not smooth enough, they will lead to friction, undermining the fishing line’s longevity. Aluminum oxide is excellently smooth, meaning the guides will not wear down your fishing line.
Specs
- Weight:1.81 kg (package weight) 1 pound (item weight)
- Brand name: St. Croix
- Material: Graphite blend
- Suggested users: Unisex adults
Pros
- The rod comes with a five-year manufacturer warranty, meaning you can return it if it develops a problem within five years after purchase.
- It is easy to use and beginner-friendly.
- The rod is versatile, and you can use it with tubes, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits.
- Durable
Cons
- Slightly expensive although worth it
Verdict
St. Croix is a big name in the fishing industry, and they do not disappoint with the Bass X series. The fishing rod is lightweight, easy to use, and durable. It is a fishing rod I highly recommend to all anglers and fishermen
FAQs Baitcasting Rods
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about baitcasting rods for bass fishing.
What is a baitcasting rod?
A baitcasting rod is simply the type of rod you should use when you have a baitcaster (baitcasting reels). This kind of rod s usually designed for casting heavier lures and catching larger fish.
When should I use a baitcasting rod?
Baitcasting rods are often recommended to experienced anglers, but with determination, even beginners can use them without experiencing many backlashes. Just make sure you take your time practicing how to cast right.
However, I recommend buying a baitcasting rod that costs under $100 as a beginner, and you can upgrade to more expensive rods after you gain more experience.
Summary
Before buying a baitcaster rod, it is important to consider the following features:
- Length
- Handles/grip
- Material
- Power
- Action
- Guides and its inserts
Doing the research is not always an easy process, and that’s why I took it to myself to make your work easier and provide you with some of the finest baitcasting rods for bass fishing. Here the top seven rods I think you should consider:
- St. Croix Mojo bass baitcasting rod (top choice)
- Abu Garcia vengeance casting rod
- Cadence CR6B Baitcasting Rod
- Akataka M’Wave bass fishing rod
- SAN LIKE baitcasting rod
- Fiblink Carbon Baitcasting Rod
- St. Croix Bass X Series Casting Rod
Thank you for reading through this guide. Hopefully, you will find an excellent fishing rod that will serve you right.
