10 Best Baitcasting Rods For Bass [2021 Buying Guide]

Bass fishing is on the rise and for different reasons. One of them is that It is easy to get into, you can even start with soft plastics. Moreover, it is available year-round. Plus, basses are big aggressive fish that are resilient and that makes catching them even more interesting.

Furthermore, there are a lot of bass species and that brings in that “lottery” aspect in which you don’t know what monster you might catch on the day.

Whether you love the fight of largemouth or smallmouth or are a fan of spotted bass’s pull, there is a lot to like about bass fishing. On the whole, let me say, bass fishing is the most popular form of recreational fishing.

When it comes to the tackle for bass fishing, experienced anglers prefer baitcasting rods. This is because they are somewhat more powerful than spinning rods and can handle heavier lines. In addition, their low profile design and super silent high-speed retrievals make them perfect for bass fishing. They also provide better control when casting and when fighting the fish

Moving on, bass fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry and that attracts a whole range of companies to try their luck. And they are churning out fishing tackle like there is no tomorrow. So, your search for your next piece of tackle can be confusing and tiring, to say the least.

You are just starting out, you would need a lot of research to come to terms with all the different jargon. And, still, you would need someone experienced to weigh their experience in. This is what we do. In this piece here, we will put forward our picks and along the way will put forward all the evidence and our experience to help you make an informed decision.

10 Best Baitcasting Rods For Bass 2021

1. KastKing Speed Demon Pro – Technique Specific Casting Rod

KastKing started only in 2013, but within a short time, it has made a name for itself through quality and innovative fishing tackle. To kick off our list, we have one of KastKing’s finest rods. They are the Demon Pro technique-specific rods.

You must have heard about custom rods, which are made according to your needs and they normally cost in excess of $300. But, these technique-specific rods cost nowhere near them and still would outperform many of them.

This lineup has 15 rods and all of them are made keeping different techniques in mind. These techniques include flipping, crankbait, swimbait, and squarebill cranking to name a few.  Right from the power, action, length, and the line and lure they can hold, everything is made for that technique.

Please remember that out of the 15 rods, 11 are casting and four are spinning. However, they all come in one piece. One-piece rods have their fan base and they are certainly what pros prefer.  They are said to be more sensitive, cast better, and are stronger. And one thing that you can be sure of is that one-piece rods won’t separate in the action. However, one-piece rods are typically difficult to travel with.

As far as construction is concerned, we start with the blank which incorporates 36-ton high modulus Toray carbon fiber which KastKing calls Elite Carbon. I think it is worth mentioning that this is KastKing’s proprietary blank meaning you won’t see it in any other rod. They have also utilized nano resin technology and that has allowed them to produce a lighter but stronger blank. You can think of this technology as glue but it works at a nano-level and that enables it to fill the microscopic places in the rod. This leads to less room for failure and breakage.

However, the crankbait rod has a different composition to make it better at it. It utilizes the 80% Elite Carbon and 20% linear S glass. This gives a rod that has a thicker blank than other rods in this lineup. This composite rod gives you that parabolic bend for the length of the blank and this is perfect for crank baiting.

For the guidelines, KastKing has incorporated Fuji’s Alconite guidelines. Alconite is a special ceramic that offers 80% greater compression strength. You will love that these Alconite guidelines are 35% lighter and up to 50% stronger than ordinary guides. They are excellent for braids and they are not going to notch, wear, or breakdown. However, they are no less good for mono and fluorocarbon.

The things you will love about these rods don’t end here. They also utilize Fuji’s ACS reel seats which are nylon seats and are comfortable. There is a nice-sized trigger that makes sure that your pinkie stays locked in there for a better grip.

2. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod – Best Bass Fishing Rod For The Money

This next casting rod from Piscifun comes in for eight different techniques. Some of these are for spinnerbaits, topwater jerk bait, jigging, and frogging. All of these come in different actions and powers. My personal favorite is the jig rod which is a 7’1” medium-heavy fast and this is because a medium-heavy rod with a fast action can pretty much do everything.

It is noteworthy that these rods are available in one-piece and two-piece configurations. However, the two-piece configurations come in only medium action. As far as the build of the rod is concerned, it is a carbon rod and the carbon it incorporates is IM6 carbon which is usually 24 tons. This rod has a medium to high modulus and what that means for you is that it is light but still durable.

I also prefer carbon rods because they are relatively more sensitive than graphite rods. The same goes for Piscifun Torrent, which is very sensitive but probably not near the most sensitive rods around.

Among other features, this 7’1” rod has eight guidelines plus the tip. These are with stainless steel guide frames and have titanium oxide inserts. This means that they are extremely rust and corrosive resistant.

This rod incorporates what Piscifun calls an O-Seat design for its reel seat. The real seat is made up of graphite and this makes it more sensitive. Plus, it just feels nice in the hand. The O-seat design translates into better ergonomics and comfort. One cool feature in this rod is Anti Line Twist tip. This basically refers to two pieces on each side of the tip and that prevents the line from wrapping around the tip and getting caught.

3. St Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rods – Best All-Around Baitcasting Rod

St Croix is one of the kahunas of fishing tackle and the Mojo Bass is their fastest-selling rod in its category. Mojo Bass has been around for a month and if you are serious bass fishermen you are likely to have heard good things about it. If you ever had the chance to use the Mojo Bass with SC II blank, imagine getting the new SC III blank. These are high-modulus high-strain graphite rods that perform exceptionally well.

Mojo Bass has as many as sixteen technique-specific casting rods and they include most of the commonly used techniques. The length of the rod varies from 6’8” for jerk bait and 7’11” for flippin’. It is noteworthy that most of these rods come in one piece, but there are some two-piece models.

Out of all, my personal favorite is the MJC71MHF which is essentially a jigs/baits rod. What is special about this rod is its ability to apply consistently and even pressure against the fish. This is especially good for the ruthless peacock bass. This medium-heavy fast rod works by applying even pressure and together with a good hookset it wears down the catch. It has enabled me to catch a number of peacock bass on a number of occasions. If you are using spinnerbait in heavy cover, get any rod of 6.6 to a 7.0 medium heavy.

Among other features, these rods come with Fuji ECS reel seats. Most anglers I know prefer these over the ACS seats because of the increased comfort and sensitivity. Mojo Bass also comes with an open-ended hook keeper and this allows for quick and convenient hook storage. They have the Kigan 3D guides which are what they call micro guides.

4. Entsport E Series Rod – Super Responsive, Comfortable and Lightweight

Light-weight and high sensitivity are the two things that pop in my head whenever I hear Entsport. The company has a reputation for delivering such products and they plan on continuing it with this rod.

It is a 7 feet two-piece rod that comes with two tips, heavy and medium, each of which has a different action. The tips are interchangeable which makes the rod versatile and also gives you a backup in case one breakdown.

Usually, we get skeptical about the sensitivity when the rods have two- or three-piece design, and rightly so. These rods would never be able to provide as good sensitivity as single piece rods but it is not always the case. The advancement in technology and the invention of new materials have made it quite possible for a two-piece rod to have a decent sensitivity. The rod we have at hand is the perfect example of it.

It uses a high-density EVA handle, a material that is highly sensitive, comfortable, and durable as well. Furthermore, the handle has been made into an ergonomic shape which provides excellent control, accuracy, and precision in the cast.

Another plus point of EVA is that it is highly comfortable which enables you to go all day out without getting tired.

Entsport has used 24-ton carbon fiber to construct this rod which is a super-strong material but does not compromise the sensitivity. In case the joints make you go spooky, let me assure you, it would not separate while casting. The joints are tight and almost feel like a single piece rod when snapped together.

5. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods – Get Two Rods In The Price Of One

KastKing has managed to make yet another entry to our list with its Perigee II Series of rods. This lineup has 17 rods most of which come in two-pieces while the remaining have one-piece designs. You also get to choose between spinning and casting options; however, I would recommend casting rods on any day. Moreover, you also have the liberty to choose the action of your preference.

All in all, you get 17 different options and all of them stand out in one way or another but my personal favorite is “Spin twin-tip 7^’ fast M and MH”, which I would explain why.

For starters, it comes with two tips, one is medium while the other one is the medium-heavy. The interchangeability of the tips has allowed me to catch a different bass species with equal success.

Plus, it has fast action which essentially provides more power and is great for catching heavier or powerful breeds. However, a lot of experience goes into casting the lure with this action. Thus, the anglers who are just starting out might need some time to adjust to it.

Furthermore, the KastKing has used 24-ton carbon fiber which provides a great balance between sensitivity and strength. The 24-ton carbon fiber is the standard material in the rods because of its superior strength, durability, power, and control.

This material ensures that the rod does not break down even if you encounter the heaviest of fishes.

Moreover, KastKing has tried and tested Fuji-O-Ring line guides which further improve the sensitivity. These guides are corrosion resistant and limit friction which essentially increases the chances of catches.

6. PLUSINNO Elite Hunter 7FT Fishing Rod – Best Baitcasting Rods For Beginners

PLUSINOO 7FT is a medium powered rod that comes in both spinning and casting options. However, when you plan on doing bass fishing, casting rods are always a better option. There are not many options available but the specifications of this rod are good enough for the techniques beginners use.

The material used to construct this rod is IM6 which pretty much revolutionized the fishing industry. This material provides high modulus and high strain rate which makes it possible to produce light-weight yet strong and sensitive rods. Therefore, regardless of how strong the catch is, the rod would make sure you pull in on board. The chances of a rod getting broken are almost negligible thanks to the strength of IM6.

You would agree that twisting of the line is something that gives every angler a headache when one is out on the water. Fortunately, PLUSINNO has paid special attention to it and designed a tip that counters the problem effectively.

The rod features a two-piece design and when the pieces are snapped together it almost feels like a single-piece rod. Plus, the joint snaps together firmly to ensure it does not break down while casting or pulling the fish. The designers have kept a 1.5cm gap between the two sections to ensure it does not get stuck even after a long-time.

7. Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod – Largemouth or Smallmouth, Catch is Guaranteed

Vengeance rod by Abu Garcia comes in four different lengths and three power options. It essentially means there is a piece for everyone regardless of the technique one uses. The design of the rod is a single-piece that provides superior strength and sensitivity.

If we talk about the construction, Abu Garcia has used 24-ton high modulus graphite. This provides an excellent balance between strength and responsiveness. The vibration is effectively transmitted through this material and consequently results in excellent sensitivity. Moreover, the EVA foam grip ensures that you feel these vibrations and move the lure accordingly.

Another benefit of EVA grip is comfort which is a necessity when it comes to fishing. Though the cork grips are more sensitive than EVA it is really difficult to hold them for a long time. Therefore, I always recommend EVA because it keeps you comfortable and does not let your hands get all cramped up. Plus, the difference between the sensitivities is not that great to ignore the comfort factor.

Moving on, the guides of the rod use stainless steel as construction material and have titanium inserts in them. The combination of these two metals yields guides that are strong enough to withstand heavy line pressure which is needed for bass fishing. However, if we compare the resistance offered by these guides to the line, it is relatively higher than ceramic guides. This though, you would only notice if you have used ceramic guides before.

8. St Croix Bass X Casting Rods – High-End Rod In A Reasonable Price

St Croix produces some of the most expensive casting rods but considering the performance and quality of construction, every penny seems worth it. The lineup under examination is the X-series of St Croix which has around 10 rods under its banner.

The length of these rods ranges from 6^’6^’’ to 7^’11^’’, powers include medium, medium-heavy, and heavy and are available in all rod actions. The point is, you would be able to get something regardless of the technique you use. However, the model that I like the most is the one that has a length of around 7^’ with medium power and fast action. This model has specifications that suit almost every technique and thus make the blank versatile.

As its name indicates this series of rods was specially designed for the passionate bass angler. Therefore, everything that an angler needs for bass fishing have been taken care of in these rods. The construction material is graphite which is extremely light-weight and responsive as well.

On top of that, it features a split premium with a premium-grade cork handle. The cork handle is the best material when we compare its sensitivity with other materials. It has a low density which essentially transfers the vibrations effectively to your fingers and allows you to adjust the lure accordingly.

If we talk about guides, these are made from hard aluminum oxide, a material that is corrosion-resistant. Moreover, it offers negligible resistance to the lure which makes them virtually resistance-free. This, in turn, translates into a smoother lure cast and improved sensitivity.

9. KastKing Royale Select Fishing Rods – Best For Fishing In Shallow Waters

This is the third Kastking rod in our list and that tells about the quality and performance their products deliver. Like the previous two KastKing rods mentioned, Royale also does not disappoint in any regard. In fact, it is one of the highly-rated rod blanks that are available on the market.

The lineup has multiple rod lengths, actions, and power. Plus, it also gives you the liberty to choose between spinning and casting. Basically, this line up covers a wider audience and has a piece for everyone regardless of the technique one uses. The material used in all these rods is the same but some of them come in two pieces while most have a single-piece design. The rod at hand is a casting rod with “Extra Heavy Power” and Fast action.

What I like the most is the fact that it comes in a single-piece design. Be it the strength or the sensitivity, the one-piece rods are superior to the two-piece blanks. Therefore, in case you do not have a storage problem, one-piece rods are the best bet on any given day. However, a single piece rod to perform well, it needs to have quality material and construction which is what these blank offers.

KastKing has used a 24-ton carbon matrix which provides an excellent balance between light-weightiness and strength. Plus, it transfers the vibrations efficiently which makes it highly responsive and sensitive material as well. The fast action and extra heavy power make it highly useful for vertical techniques and the sensitivity plays a key role there. Fortunately, the rod is super sensitive which bounds to make your entire experience delightful.

Moving on, the rod features reliable Fuji line guides which are known for their excellent heat dissipation and negligible friction. These guides offer smooth and accurate casting which is something one must need, especially with bass fishing.

10. Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rods – Best Baitcasting Rod Under 100

If you are on a hunt for a good rod at a reasonable price, you have hit a jackpot. The Cadence CR7B series would provide a near-premium experience but at a price that does not break the bank. Be it the built quality, material, or the actual performance, it checks all the right boxes.

Three options available in this lineup are the medium-heavy, medium=moderate, and heavy fast. These options are not as many as some of the other lineups provide but would still cover most techniques. Plus, while you are bass fishing the ideal length of the rod is around 7 feet which is what these rods offer.

If we talk about the construction quality, it uses 40-on graphite blanks with a carbon wrapped veil for additional protection. The 40-ton graphite lands somewhere in the middle when we compare it with the other grades of graphite. Therefore, it provides a perfect blend of power, light-weightiness, and strength. Moreover, the ability to graphite to transmit vibrations efficiently is also a plus point.

Moving on, the handle features premium-grade cork, known for its superior sensitivity. Plus, the EVA foams are also present to maintain the comfort profile of the rod. This is where Cadence CR7B stands out as it checks both comfort and sensitivity which is not common in baitcasting rods.

The guides featured in these rods are made up of stainless steel with silicon carbide inserts. These inserts are excellent at minimizing the friction between the line and the guides to ensure a smooth cast. This essentially translates into better sensitivity which has a positive impact on the overall performance of the rods.

Ultimate Buyer’s Guide For Baitcasting Rods For Bass

When it comes to selecting the right rods, the professionals have it all sorted. They know their techniques and the exact specifications required for it which makes the selection of the blanks a lot easier. In case the exact specifications are not available, they get it custom made.

How To Use Baitcasting Rods – A Simple Manifestation

The best way is to put the magnetics all the way to zero and tighten up your tension screw. This will make sure the bait does not fall too quickly. Now loose the screw slowly until the bait starts falling at your desired speed.

Turn the magnetics on and make sure you put a thumb over the line while casting it.

It is important to stop the line before it hits the water which is where the thumb would come in. Now start pulling the line towards you and this is how you use baitcasting rods.

Understanding the Waterbodies

The first and probably the most important thing you need to do before starting out is to understand the water bodies around you. Be it bass or any other fish species, their behavior and the diet changes according to the environment they are living in.

For example, if we talk specifically about the bass, almost all of its species like to live around covers. These covers can be rocks, vegetative bodies, or anything else that is present underwater. Now in case, the water is pretty deep, the underwater objects would also be deeper and hence it will require techniques like a drop shot. However, in shallow bodies, the fish float near to the surface, and techniques like Ned Jig work the best.

Selection of Power

Once you have understood the water bodies, it is time to select the right power of the rod. Generally, the power ranges from 1-8, 1 being the extra light while the 8 is extra heavy. These powers essentially define the amount of pressure or the weight they can withstand.

When you are fishing on extremely shallow waters, you need to keep the bait over the surface and keep it floating. Under these scenarios, the light rods are the best. However, when you are fishing deep you need to cast your bait deeper which requires higher power, hence the need for heavy rods.

Selection of Blank Material

Bass fish are powerful and these resist a lot when they come in contact with the bait. Now if the material of the rod is substandard or cheap, chances are, it will break the tip and you would end up losing your line and bait as well. Moreover, the sensitivity of the rod also depends on the material which is another important factor.

In the market, you would find a number of materials but the most commonly used ones are Graphite or Carbon Fibers. However, these materials further have grades which makes it tricky to select the right one.

Carbon or graphite fiber is the material that consists of extremely thin fibers that are composed of carbon atoms. Depending on the tensile strength of fibers, these are further classified into high modulus and low modulus.

As the modulus of fibers goes higher their ability to withstand stress also ascends. Another way of defining modulus is the degree of bent produced in the fiber when subjected to strain.

This information comes in handy when buying a fishing rod. If you have identified the technique you are going to use, it will be easier to select the material.

Quality of Guides

The material of guides is also an important factor that must never be ignored. The guides that become corrosive can affect the feel and sensitivity of the rod. This can ultimately reduce your chances of catch and end up ruining your entire day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If your leisure activities fail to make your adrenaline sky-rocket, try bass fishing. It is such fun with its unpredictability and adventure element. Plus, you need all the strategy and decisiveness to succeed at it. Bass fishing is one of the top freshwater activities right now.

When it comes to the tackle for bass fishing, rods have undeniable importance. Experienced anglers prefer baitcasting rods because they usually have more backbone than spinning rods. A good backbone is essential when you are bass fishing in those heavy vegetative areas. This allows the lure to rip through the vegetation. Plus, baitcasting rods can carry most lines effortlessly. Above all, baitcasting rods help in fast retrievals and silent operations.

But, there are hundreds of options to choose from, and rightly so because you might need more than one rod on a single trip. In this piece, we have tried to pick some of the best baitcasting rods for bass fishing. They come in a variety of materials, actions, and power and can cater to most of your bass fishing needs. Usually, in a lineup, companies make, sometimes, upwards of ten casting rods and you can pick the ones suiting your technique.

In the end, we outline what factors you need to consider whenever going for a baitcasting rod for bass. It essentially comes down to your blank material, action, and power of the rod that determines most of its features and utility.

We hope that this piece helped you find at least one of your next favorite bass rods and made you aware of what you are buying. If you have any queries or questions, do post below and we would love to respond.