Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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

Furthermore, even essentially the most bespoke sticks received’t operate as meant in case you use them for the unsuitable 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 perfect bass fishing rods over the previous yr from my residence in Virginia to the tackle-busters of Mexico and as much as smallmouth nation within the higher Midwest. Here are some standouts from somebody who takes sort out critically however is commonly unreasonably tough on it.

Testing the Best Rods for Bass Fishing

While I fish exhausting and I’m tough on my tools, I’m not essentially the pickiest angler from the beginning. For instance, I may not have the ability to discern the distinction between a 7-foot 2-inch rod and a 7-foot 3-inch rod in the identical primary motion on the retailer. I have to get out on the water, and generally I study extra by dropping fish than I do by catching them. I begin to break issues down after 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 may not have the heft to get a bass out of a thick clump of hydrilla, and a cranking stick may not give at precisely the proper second. Or maybe you would have skipped a Senko just a few toes deeper into a ship slip if the rod deal with had been just a few inches longer. Once I begin eliminating rods from the queue, my failures appear to drop. The “last man standing” turns into a trusted accomplice.

Best Rods for Bass Fishing: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: G. Loomis IMX Pro 844C

Key Features

• 7 toes
• ¼ to 1-ounce lures
• Full-grip cork handles
• 11 guides plus tip

Pros

• Super light-weight
• Ergonomic, snug cork grips
• Time-tested design

Cons

G.Loomis was one of many first premium, mission-driven manufacturers within the rod world, and the IMX Series has lengthy been their workhorse. They haven’t made main adjustments over time as a result of they haven’t needed to, however the refined iterations maintain it on the forefront of high quality and flexibility. While this rod is rated as “heavy,” I’ve no hassle 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? Possibly not, however in case you’re prepared to your first premium stick and also you need it to cowl a variety of bases, this must be your selection.

Best Finesse: Dobyns Xtasy 723

Key Features

• 7 toes 2 inches
• 3/16 to five/8-ounce lures
• Full-grip cork handles
• Nine guides plus tip

Pros

• Super-crisp motion
• Premium elements all through
• Kevlar wrapping makes them extra-strong

Cons

• Possible to get two or three high quality rods for this worth

Many totally “Bubbafied” anglers skimp on their spinning rods, saving the large 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. Furthermore, because of the rise of higher braids and fluorocarbons, you are able to do extra with a spinning rod than ever earlier than. However, 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 is just not solely a pleasure to fish with, however 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 provides him extra really feel and energy. He satisfied me to strive 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’re on the lookout for a dropshot-specific rod, try our take a look at of the greatest drop shot rods for extra choices. 

Best Budget Finesse: Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Spinning Rod 7′ Medium

Key Features

• 7 toes
• 3/16 to five/8-ounce lures
• Winn Grip cut up grip deal with
• Eight guides plus tip

Pros

• Good all-around size for a number of displays
• 24-ton graphite blanks are remarkably delicate
• Guide practice 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 in case you’re undecided whether or not you’ll be dropshotting, Neko Rigging, or throwing a light-weight crankbait like a Shad Rap, it must be your first name. I discovered that it performs like rather more costly rods, and I attain for it rather more usually than anticipated. Anglers who wish to go even lighter on the finesse scale can go for the same 6’10” medium-light “Super Finesse.” At this sub-$100 worth level, it’s not unreasonable to purchase each.

Best Flipping Stick: Fitzgerald Titan HD

Key Features

• Lengths: 7 toes 6 inches, 8 inches, or 10 inches
• Made to flip weights as much as 3 ounces
• Split-grip EVA handles
• 10 guides plus tip

Pros

• Lightweight 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 large. Anglers who wish to flip matts need to be ready to battle each. What many novice flippers don’t understand, nevertheless, is that in case you select the unsuitable rod you’ll battle that, too. An imbalanced flipping stick can result in fatigue on the finish of a day of slinging large weights. Worse but, it might lead to damage. In different phrases, not any broomstick will suffice. 

The purpose why the Titan HD is likely one of the greatest 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 have locking wraps to make sure that the guides received’t pull out. Indeed, the guides themselves are designed to forestall wind loops. I like probing the deepest attainable cowl with creature baits, feeding them to unpressured fish, and this rod made me search out that possibility much more.

Need some jigs to go along with your new flipping stick? Check out our evaluate of the greatest jigs, which incorporates a number of nice choices for flipping. 

Best Deep Cranking: iRod Genesis III Crank Launcher

Key Features

• 7 toes 11 inches
• 3/8 to 1 ½-ounce lures
• Split-grip EVA deal with
• Nine guides plus tip

Pros

• Perfect motion for hookups at a distance and surging fish at boatside
• Removable deal with for simple transport
• 7-foot, 11-inch size permits for extra-long casts

Cons

• Length not ideally suited 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 would throw large cranks like Strike King 6XDs and 10XDs all day with out sporting her out, and we didn’t wish to spend $300 or extra. Luckily we have been capable of 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. Eventually, that satisfied me to get one among my very own, and now I discover myself at all times reaching for it. In truth, I like them a lot that I acquired two of them. The deal with is strictly the proper size and girth for consolation, and by some means the clean flexes at precisely the proper level for max effectiveness from forged to touchdown. This could be a cut price at a considerably greater worth.

Best for Reaction Lures: Shimano Expride B 7’2” MH

Key Features

• 7 toes 2 inches 
• Both graphite and composite fashions can be found
• Split grip cork and carbon monocoque deal with
• Nine guides plus tip

Pros

• Two comparable rods with barely totally different actions
• 7-foot 2-inch size covers all the pieces from shut quarters to lengthy distance
• Lightweight but sturdy guides and reel seats

Cons

• Understand the distinction between composite and graphite blanks earlier than shopping for

I discovered this rod to be a worthwhile “utility player” on days after I head to the lake realizing 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 might maintain 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. While it’s not cheap, it covers a variety of totally different bases. I’ll have caught extra bass on it this yr than with some other single mannequin. Get the composite mannequin in case you are typically too fast on the set off, otherwise you’re utilizing braid, and the graphite mannequin when you have some persistence or extra usually make the most of fluorocarbon or monofilament.

Best Spinnerbait: Douglas LRS C715F

Key Features

• 7 toes 1 inch
• Lure Weight: 3/16 to three/4 ounce lures
• Power: Medium heavy
• Action: Fast
• Line Weight: 12 to twenty pound
• Split grip EVA deal with

Pros

• Enough size for lengthy casts, but snug in tight quarters
• Sensitive with out being “too fast”
• 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 discipline of cookie cutters, however 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 an exquisite mix of sensitivity and provides with a perfectly-sized deal with and premium elements from tip to butt. 

While 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 instances I felt like I had the proper rod. Everyone that I’ve let fish the Douglas LRS preferred the rod’s completely sized deal with, and appreciated the premium elements. The Douglas LRS is my decide for the perfect bass fishing rod for spinnerbaits due to its skill to throw all the pieces from finesse to deep working spinnerbaits and it doesn’t sacrifice really feel for versatility—it’s a uncommon rod that fishes all the pieces nicely.

Looking for extra spinnerbait rod choices? Read our full evaluate of the greatest spinnerbait rods. 

Best Budget for Worms and Jigs: Falcon Lowrider LFC 7-MH

Key Features

• 7 toes
• Power: Medium heavy
• Action: Moderate Fast 
• Lure Weight: ¼ to three/4 ounce 
• Split grip cork deal with with no foregrip

Pros

• Very cheap worth
• Fuji Tangle-Free Ok Frame Guides
• Super-sensitive 

Cons

• Anglers preferring EVA handles may not like this rod

Falcon began making the Lowrider sequence of rods almost 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 in case you usually 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 capable of fish a few further hours every day. The Lowriders are additionally out there in fashions with strong grip handles.

The Three Rods Every Bass Angler Needs

No matter how lengthy you might have been a bass angler or your expertise stage, it may be formidable to know which rods are greatest for catching largemouth and smallies. The aisles at your native bait store are seemingly suffering from all types of choices. And only a few rod-makers truly element what their rods are meant 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.

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

The 70 MHF Rod is Your Bread and Butter

Arguably essentially 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 forged a wide range of baits precisely in each shut quarters and at longer distances. 

It is mostly used as a typical 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 checklist, in addition to topwaters equivalent to buzz baits or bigger prop baits.

Lastly, although not ideally suited in all conditions, anglers can even use this rod as a frog rod.  If an angler is persistently fishing for giant fish round heavy cowl or slop, it will be suggested to think about an extended, heavier rod like a 7-foot 6-inch heavy or extra-heavy rod.

Throw Bigger Baits with a 70 MMF Rod

The 70 MMF (7-foot medium motion, reasonable quick) has a lighter energy and slower motion so it can 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 maintain these fish pinned.

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

It will deal with small single-hook swimbaits, small spoons, blade baits, and topwater baits with treble hooks, equivalent 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 further quick motion goes to offer you unparalleled sensitivity, which is particularly vital 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.

Keep in thoughts, not all rod manufactures powers and actions are the identical, however these rod fashions will function a primary guideline that will help you buy the proper one. If you might have these three rods, you’ll be lined for a majority of the areas and the methods you have to catch bass.

-Kristine Fischer

How to Choose The Best Rod for Bass Fishing 

Overall Length 

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

Action

With single hooked lures, you’ll usually need a quick rod for driving the hook residence. With treble hooked lures search for one thing extra reasonable with a deeper bend that may assist maintain fish hooked. But there’s a variety of gradation in between, and the selection of mono, fluorocarbon, or braid makes a giant distinction in how a lot forgiveness you’ll need or want.

Power

You’ll wish to match your rod energy to the entire following variables: 

• Size of the fish
• Heavy cowl or open water
• Lure weight

A much bigger fish, heavier cowl, and heavier lure all require a rod with a heavier energy. Also you should definitely notice that not all “mediums” or “medium heavies” take a look at out the identical. It pays to deal with the rod and if attainable make just a few casts earlier than committing your hard-earned {dollars}.

Price

There are a exceptional variety of high quality rods that retail beneath 100 bucks at present, however in some instances you do get what you pay for. Within a given producer’s lineup, you could discover variations within the high quality of elements—all the pieces from blanks to reel seats to guides—based mostly in your willingness to pay. Sometimes it’s value the additional {dollars}, different instances it’s only a matter of window dressing.

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Final Thoughts on Best Rods for Bass Fishing

Again, selecting a rod—whether or not you might have two or two dozen—is a really private choice. Ultimately, nevertheless, it boils down to 2 primary questions: How can I get extra bites? And how can I lose fewer fish? Be positive to look at each part to make sure that beauty within the retailer don’t cover a scarcity of sturdiness or sensitivity. I’ve usually been stunned that rods I didn’t favor at first ended up being my greatest bass fishing rods.