8 Best Bass Fishing Rods
Carla Arbuckle
Bass Fishing is probably one of the most enjoyable and adrenaline-packed fishing activities you'll ever engage with. The challenge and complexity of Bass Fishing -- from the right equipment to the most recommended techniques -- makes it more exciting.
The first thing to have in mind before Bass Fishing is the rods you'll use. These pieces of equipment should withstand the stress brought by these hard fighting fish. Well, the last thing you want to end up with is mechanical issues with the reels or your rods breaking. Hence, it is empirical to opt for equipment that can get the job done.
Essential Features To Take Note In Choosing Your Bass Fishing Rods
First on the list is STRENGTH and DURABILITY. As stated above, your fishing rods MUST be tough enough to hold its ground against larger bass fish. It should not break or wear while catching these savages.
A good grip and an excellent sensitivity in the poles also plays a vital role in Bass Fishing. Bass fish loves to hang around covers; therefore, you need to find a cover on the area you're fishing. Once a bass bumps your lure, you should be able to feel it, and with a good grip, you'll be ready to strike right away.
There are other vital factors to take into consideration too, such as the number of ball bearings, reel drags, and retrieve rate on your reels. But that's for a different topic. In this article, we'll focus on the Best Recommended Bass Fishing Rods that serve you quality and top-tier performance.
8 Best Bass Fishing Rods
1. KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods
2. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rods
3. KastKing Speed Demon Bass Fishing Rod Series
4. JOHNCOO 7' Carbon Baitcasting Fishing Rod
5. Entsport Camo Legend
6. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
7. Cadence Spinning Rod
8. Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod
KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods
The KastKing Royale Legend is a tournament-proven fishing rod that supports all types of bass fishing techniques. Made with Toray 24-ton carbon matric (with KastFlex graphite blanks), this rod from KastKing is light, sensitive, and durable -- which are all the things we are looking for a bass fishing rod.
The KastKing Royale Legend design supports both casting and spinning rods either in 1 or 2 PC. It has a Fuji O-ring that protects your lines in all fishing conditions.
Pros
- Top-notch durability
- Highly sensitive
- Lightweight
- Supports all forms of tactics
Cons
- Pricey
Our Take
What's impressive with the KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rod is its versatility. No matter what technique you're comfortable with, the KastKing Royale Legend supports them -- and that's quality.
Speaking of quality, the KastKing Royale Legend is one of the most durable in the market. Its Toray 24-ton carbon built makes the fishing rod extra sturdy -- well, you can feel its durability, even just at first glance. I think what stands out the most is the rod's incredibly sensitive feature, along with an excellent grip that allows you to maneuver right away.
The KastKing Royale Legend plays both 1 and 2 PC perfectly, whether your casting or spinning. The Fuji O-ring is an impressive addition too. This feature gives you a sense of comfort in whatever fishing condition, knowing that whatever the harsh environment brings, your lines are safe.
To conclude, the KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rod is the perfect equipment to accompany bass anglers. The availability of various features that enable you to switch from one technique to the other is the best way to enjoy bass fishing.
KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rods
This rod from KastKing is another top-of-the-line bass fishing rod that focuses on performance. This Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series is made of Elite Carbon Blanks and Nano Resin Technology that reduces weight and amplifies breaking and lifting strength by over 30%.
The rod features KastKing's trademark Fuji Guides/Reel Seats for accurate placement. It also includes a WINN Grips that ensure comfort and tight grip in all conditions.
The KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rod supports 15 techniques (specific actions and lengths) proven by pro-anglers -- including four spinning and 11 casting models, all in 1-PC design. A pure performance-centric bass fishing rod.
Pros
- Up to 15 Supported Techniques
- Lightweight
- Beautiful bend and focus strength
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Guides are a bit fragile
- Packaging needs a boost; my 7'6" swimbait casting arrived with a small cosmetic issue.
Our Take
What I love the most with the KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rod is it enable anglers to use up to 15 techniques, with supports that one could only dream of for a price point such as this. I've used the 7'6" swimbait casting, and it was perfectly balanced and light. The rod's accuracy is very spot on -- no deviation. KastKing developed this rod to perfection: the rod's lines, guides, and reels were nicely done to the point it challenges some of my go-to rods like the Gloomis E6X.
For the sake of this review, I've tried the 7'3" Chatter Bait Series that a friend of mine owns. And, for a medium-fast rod, it was majestic to use. Like most KastKing rods, it's incredibly light, and cast and bend nicely, giving me one of the best and smooth performance.
Looking into some reviews posted by friends on Facebook that have tried the KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament Series Bass Fishing Rod, this one is highly recommended. This rod plays affordability on a whole new level, offering top-notch performance as if you're holding a $200+ rod. I'll go back to what I love the most in this rod -- its versatility to support variations of techniques, and mind you; it's a beauty to use.
KastKing Speed Demon Bass Fishing Rod Series
The KastKing Speed Demon uses the brand's proprietary 16 Dimensional Graphite rod blanks for incredible hook setting and lifting power while maintaining a sensitive and lightweight rod. The poles were designed to deliver moderate action through its own S-Glass blanks.
Like other bass fishing offerings from KastKing, the Speed Demon includes a perfectly matched Fuji reel seats and guides. The rod's handle is made with high-quality 3A cork for "comfortable and traditional look."
The Speed Demon is a true performance rod, all the while maintaining a best valued price point. It supports 11 techniques (specific actions and lenghts) designed by seasoned and tournament anglers. This rod combines two spinning rods and nine casting rods in 1-PC design.
Pros
- Incredible bend power
- Top-notch quality
- Fast and Accurate
- Great Sensitivity
Cons
- Hook holder's a bit intimidating and placed below the grip.
- For beginners, the rod could be challenging to cast.
Our Take
The KastKing Speed Demon Bass Series Fishing Rod is designed to help you catch more fish as you go along your fishing trips. This rod brings all the trademarks KastKing is famous for -- flexibility and affordability.
The Speed Demon cast like a feather; it's fast and hits the target on point. The 16 Dimensional blanks come to play, providing the most exceptional hook setting and lifting power. Battling larger bass was a breeze; the shock absorption the high-density EVA in the foregrip and fighting butt gives you that confidence in targeting bigger basses.
Last Friday, right after New Year's, a friend of mine used the Casting Crankbait 7'0" medium KastKing Speed Demon Bass Series Fishing Rod. And, let me tell you what, for an S-glass cranking rod, this one launch like a catapult. I've known people fond of using S-glass, but this rod from KastKing put them to shame. The bend is extremely powerful, along with the top-notch quality brought by the guides, reel seat, and AAA cork handle. The KastKing Speed Demon was a joy to try, and I highly recommend this rod for pro anglers.
JOHNCOO 7' Carbon Baitcasting Fishing Rod
The JOHNCOO 7' Carbon Baitcasting Fishing Rod is a lightweight bass fishing rod that packs incredible overall strength. The rod's foundation delivers reliable and robust resistance brought by its enhanced solid carbon fiber construction.
This rod features high-density EVA for sensitivity and durability and a specially designed handle that provides comfort to minimize fatigue.
Pros
- Good all-around performance
- Looks and feels sturdy
Cons
- No hook catching loop
- Finger grooves placement is annoying
Our Take
The JOHNCOO 7' Carbon Baitcasting Fishing Rod looks and feels quality. Yes, it's lightweight and throws like a feather, with good overall strength for its price point. Sensitivity-wise, the rod plays a decent job. Right off the bat, you'll be able to tackle your way in and out once the bass bites your bait. It's pleasing for pro anglers, I believe. But, one thing's noticeable, it's uncomfortable.
This JOHNCOO 7' Carbon Baitcasting Fishing Rod has no hook catching loop, which is pretty much present in quality rods we've seen on the Internet. But, the absence of the finger grooves is a different story. I agree with some of the previously written reviews online -- this is extremely uncomfortable, to my experience.
However, if we talk about performance, JOHNCOO delivers. Hence, this rod is still "a best" with its price point. This rod could work correctly with new enthusiasts who are looking for rods that offer excellent performance and price.
Entsport Camo Legend
Following the footsteps of its predecessor -- the Camo Legend 2-Piece -- the Entsport Camo Legend 1-Piece serves the most upgraded version. This new rod from Entsport centers its performance on traditional lightweight design and superior sensitivity, delivering quality and renewed focus strength. It's made with enhanced solid carbon fiber that increases break strength, allowing anglers to efficiently maneuver the rod in all fishing conditions.
Pros
- Excellent Performance
- Powerful break strength
- Highly sensitive
- Good grip and control
Cons
- Poor delivery packaging. Delivered with a couple of cosmetics issues.
- Durability issues reported.
Our Take
The Entsport Camo Legend is a pretty decent bass fishing rod to try. It has that look and built of something "professional." It's lightweight and easy to cast. But, what sold the Entsport Camo Legend to most fishing enthusiasts is its exceptional durability and sensitivity.
For its price point, the Entsport Camo Legend packs superior strength, giving you that balance in targeting larger basses. Since it supports medium to medium-heavy power, the rod offers incredible break strength.
Trying the Entsport Camo Legend in challenging fishing conditions, the rod offers excellent control. Similar to other rods we've reviewed that features EVA handles, this one plays at par. The solid connection between the casting rod and reel seat gives the rod incredible blank contact and sensitivity. And, that's a good feat to recommend.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is an elite spinning rod that is made with 35% more graphite than other spinning rods in the market. This extra graphite provides the rod with exceptional strength and feel. This spinning rod prides itself with a virtually indestructible blank construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass. Furthermore, it sports a clear tip design, which added to the rod's responsiveness and strength. Fitted with cork handles, this rod also screams comfort during lengthy fishing trips.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong but flexible tips
Cons
- May not be very durable depending on usage
Our Take
Durability, strength, weight are three of the most important factors that you need to consider when buying for a new spinning rod for your next fishing trip. When it comes to these factors, the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod exceeds expectations.
Amidst the perceivable lightness of this spinning rod, it is still very strong. The tip is very sensitive and flexible, and the rod itself is pretty light and skinny, if I may use that word. The rod is light but has a pretty good backbone, handling 1 to 2 oz sinkers with baits just fine. On top of that, the eyelets of this rod are of high quality and work with braid lines just fine contrary to some comments mentioning that these stainless steel eyelets are not good with braids.
In the end, Ugly Stik is a very reputable brand when it comes to fishing rods and other supplies and tools. With its reputation alone, you can be guaranteed that this rod is worth all the money you spend on it. But don't take my word for it, check it out yourself!
Cadence Spinning Rod
The Cadence Spinning Rod is constructed with a 30-ton carbon matrix graphite blank that brings strongest, lightweight, durability, and sensitivity to it as compared to other rods. It also sports SiC guides with durable stainless steel frames, a comfortable Fuji reel seat, and a blank wrapped in carbon veil to enhance the durability. The rod comes in two handle configurations. You can choose between carbon split grip and full grip using a premium cork and EVA. Fitted with stainless steel guides with SiC inserts, this rod is smoother and more durable, which also avoids line sticking into the guides and minimizes friction while also enhancing sensitivity by transferring vibrations from the line through the guide to the rod and to your hand.
Pros
- Collapsible two-piece design makes it easy to carry
- Sturdy and durable
- Very sensitive
- Inexpensive
Cons
- The hook keeper is prone to breakage
Our Take
Portability of fishing rods is particularly important, especially for me, who travels a lot to fish in different fishing sites. That is why the Cadence Spinning Rod stood out for me because it has a unique two-piece design that makes it easy and affordable to fit in the car, trunk, boat hatch than traditional one piece. But even if this rod is collapsable into two pieces, using it doesn't feel like it's not one-piece. This level of portability is definitely commendable, and I highly recommend this, especially for anglers who are always on the go. Who wants bulky equipment, anyways?
Adding to its portability is the fact that this spinning rod is extremely lightweight. And because of that, it's very responsive as well. The sensitivity of this rod is also important to mention as it responds to even the bites very small fishes. For only $50, there is no doubt that this fishing rod is a steal.
So whether you are a beginner or a more experienced angler, you need to consider this brand when purchasing for a new rod. Definitely a value for your money!
Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod
Featuring a lighter feel, improved components, and an updated, modern look, the Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod maintains the strength and durability that made the original Ugly Stik a legend. It sports a two-piece design that is made with a composite of graphite and fiberglass that creates a well-balanced yet powerful rod that is virtually unbreakable. It also has a clear tip that responds even to the slightest of motions and strikes. The handles are made with durable and lightweight EVA makes handling this rod very comfortable to the hand, preventing lesions and strains.
Pros
- Very responsive
- Bigger handle
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Our Take
First of all, it is important to note that this specific casting rod is manufactured by Ugly Stik - a brand that has built its reputation for quality and value within the industry. This is why you can be sure that the Ugly Stik USCA662MH Casting Rod will deliver a performance that the brand is known for. It is durable, strong, and very responsive.
One thing that impresses me the most about this casting rod is its ability to respond even to the slightest nibbles and movement by small fishes. This helps me so much in catching the fish because it reduces my reaction time whenever a fish has been caught by my bait.
This rod has a better reel seat and a slightly larger handle than the 6-foot model, but the rod diameter is only slightly larger, which makes it just as nimble but stronger. This rod is not a Pro-Level rod, but for the serious fisherman, it puts us right in the game, and I can't wait to hook my next fish!
In conclusion, if you are looking for a casting rod that is both budget-friendly and powerful, this one might be perfect for you!
