Best Bass Fishing Rods: Complete Review & Comparison Guide 2023
Overview: In this article we have selected, tested and reviewed the best bass fishing rods available on amazon. Moreover we have curated a brief buying guide which will assist in not only your buying process. And also ensure optimized performance in your next game.
Bass fishing is one of the most popular outdoor sports in the USA, and rightly so. What I adorn the most about this fish is the fact that these are never the same.
Bass is one of the most unpredictable fishes out there and you will need to adapt fast to be able to become successful.
Here are some reasons why anglers across the country love to go Bass fishing:
- It is found across the USA
- Bass is a big fish, it can weigh as much as 20lbs
- Bass is an aggressive fish, which gives much competition and excitement during fishing
I am pretty sure, first time you went for bass fishing, you will be simply awestruck by the sheer instinct of the fish and how it adapts to varying conditions, making it hard for the anglers to preempt.
Ok, it may be hard, but it certainly isn’t impossible. You just need to pick the right gears with little patience and you are good to face-off this aggressive fish.
And when it comes to picking right gear, Fishing rods is the first thing thing you must start with.
And this is where things start to get a bit complicated.
When it comes to best bass fishing rods there are a plethora of options available. In so many different types and specs, further adding your personal fishing style and convenience.
Getting a right one with out any prior knowledge (especially for beginners) is not an easy feat.
And this why in this article we have not only tested and reviewed the bass fishing rods available on amazon, but have also create a brief guide while would help you in getting the right one before your next game.
And if you don't want to get into all these 'Bass Nerd Details' ( which always love to talk about) 😉
Just right below is Our list of best bass fishing rods
You can confidently pick any from the list and be assured that you have made the right decision.
Our Pick For The Best Bass Fishing Rods.
Product | salient features | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Top Editor's Pick#1  Mojo Inshore Spinning Rods by St Croix | Our #1 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
Top Editor's Pick#2  Premier Spinning Rod by St Croix | Our #2 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
Top Editor's Pick#3  Phenom Titanium Gen2. by Enigma Fishing | Our #3 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
 CR6B Rod by Cadence | Our #4 Rated 4.8 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
 Elite Spinning Rod by Ugly Stik | Our #5 Rated 4.8 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
 FXC Rod by SHIMANO | Our #6 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category | |
 Crixus Rod Combo by KastKing | Our #7 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Bass Fishing Rods Category |
Different Types of Bass Fishing Rods
Here are some different types of bass fishing rods available in the market.
Just as I always say, there isn’t any perfect fishing rod or any equipment for that reason. It all depends on your needs and preferences. Now, as for bass fishing rods, the good news is that there aren’t too many options available here; which kind of makes it easy to choose one. We only have two broad categories of rods in here that are; casting rods and spinning rods. Again, each type has its own pros and cons to suit the specific needs of anglers.
Let’s just quickly go through each of these rods to have a better idea about their suitability to your needs.
Bass Casting Rods
The casting rods carry the reel on the top, whereas, the lines along eyelets run the reel.
This essentially means that the weight is event distributed across the entire length of the rod and that the rod is pulled down as the fish hook on your line.
There are few more pros to go, however, these are the most important ones.
Pros
With few pros, there are Cons to consider as well. Some important ones are:
Cons
Bass Spinning Rods
As opposed to the casting rods, the reel in bass spinning rods is located at the bottom, along with eyelets that also sit facing downwards.
This means that during the catch, the pull of the line will be directed towards the eyelets.
Pros
Cons
How to Pick A Good Bass Fishing Rod?
Now, that we have the two different types of Bass fishing rods, it’s time to move on to choosing the best rod for your catch. Below I have come up with a few important aspects to consider when choosing the best bass fishing rod:
- Skill Level
As I mentioned earlier, the spinning rods with lightweight and easy handling are better suited for beginners.
Now, I am not discouraging beginners from using casting rods, still, I feel spinning rod and reel are a wise choice for beginners, as it will enable them to improve their techniques without having to deal with tangled reel over and over again.
- Fishing Location
To put it simply, if your fishing location is a wide-open lake, the choice of rod rests with your choice completely. However, if you are looking to go by the shoreline or through the narrow lakes, the casting rod should be your choice.
The reason I believe casting rods are better suited for shoreline or narrow lakes is because of its accuracy. You can use them easily angling between trees or bushes, which will be a pure frustration in case of spinning rods (you will end up untangling the line again and again).
Casting rods also allow further cast as compared to the spinning rod, so a definite choice if you need to hit a spot far away from the boat.
- Type of Bass
While we have already touched on this topic briefly above, let’s just get over it with few more lines.
If you are looking to catch small-mouth bass, which isn’t typically much larger, you can go with either of the rod and reel. However, if you are planning to catch the large-mouth bass or the larger striped bass specie, you will need the strength of the casting rod.
7 Top Bass Fishing Rods Reviews
Top Editor's Pick# 1
1. St. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod
St. Croix is one of the leading manufacturers of Bass fishing rods since the 1990s.
The company is known for manufacturing high-quality bass fishing rods, which are robust enough to stand the test of time.
While the rods from St. Croix are typically on the higher end of the cost, they definitely worth the money for good reason.
Best Features:
1, High-quality Materials.
Bass fishing rods manufactured by St. Croix are made using highest-quality parts and are corrosion resistant at places like eyelets. The rods are purposefully manufactured to last for years, irrespective of the amount of fish it reels in.
2, Lightweight and Sensitive.
Ok, apart from high-quality manufacturing, the craftsmanship put into this rod is absolutely great. It isn’t just lightweight, but offer the sensitivity level that puts its much ahead than many other rods.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Overall, the Mojo series from St. Croix is definitely a top choice for most pro anglers.
The rod offers great strength, durability, high sensitivity and an amazing finish to top it off. While the higher cost may upset a few anglers, it definitely worth its value. Though its price point is not what we usually suggest for beginners but if you are presistent with this sport, this rod is the best involvement you can do.
Therefore, we rate this model a 5 out of 5.
Top Editor's Pick# 2
2. St Croix Premier Spinning Rod
As mentioned in another review about St. Croix, the company is known for manufacturing premium rods that come in with high durability and higher price.
However, the premium line of bass fishing rods from St. Croix is meant to be cheaper than some of the other brands, still, the cost remains higher than may other brands.
The rod is manufactured using high-quality durable components and comes with 5 years warranty.
Best Features:
1, Excellent for Freshwater Bass Fishing.
The rod is ideally suited for freshwater bass and light inshore (fluking and sea bass). The rod is sensitive enough to let you feel the different structures found at the bottom of the lake but strong enough to pull out the bass from cover.
2, Higher Sensitivity.
Apart from the strength and power offered by St Croix Premier Spinning Rod, it also comes with exceptional sensitivity, that virtually lets you fee the structures and covers under the water, as well as, the slightest off nibbles from hooked bass.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The premier line from St. Croix is meant to offer an alternative to anglers who wants a high-performing premium bass fishing rod at affordable prices.
While the premier series doesn’t offer the level of durability of strength to match the likes of Mojo series, it still undoubtedly is one heck of a rod that completely justifies its value
We rate this model 5 out of 5.
Top Editor's Pick# 3
3. Enigma Fishing Phenom Titanium Gen2
While Enigma may not be the most popular names in bass fishing rods manufacturing, I can personally attest to its products.
The best part about Enigma bass fishing rods is the premium quality offered at a mid-price range.
Best Features:
1, Superior Built.
The Phenom Titanium Gen2 bass fishing rod is manufactured using superior materials, which give the rod its strength and durability to be effective in catching all species of bass.
2, High Sensitivity
Phenom Titanium Gen2 bass fishing rod comes with a lower price tag, but that doesn’t mean it come with any compromise on the craftsmanship or quality.
It’s a lightweight and super sensitive rod that you can cast all day long and be sure to never miss even the slightest of nibble on the line.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The Enigma Fishing Phenom Titanium Gen2 is an affordably priced bass fishing rod.
With premium Japanese Toray graphite, Eva handles and carbon X-tape for superior strength.
Overall, it’s a solid rod that’s just perfectly priced for its worth.
Therefore we rate this Rod 5 out of 5
4. CR6B Rod – Cadence
Cadence isn’t one of the most well-established brands that we are covering in this list of best bass fishing rods. However, for many anglers, the brand will never be the deciding factor for the choice of a fishing rod.
The CR6B Casting Rod from Cadence is definitely a worthy competitor to the more advanced but pricy fishing rods and offer many features to suit the needs of beginners, as well as, pro anglers.
Best Features:
1, Superior Material
The Cadence CR6B is manufactures using high-quality materials that offer complete value for your money. The stainless steel guides and the SIC inserts provide anglers with increased durability and stunning casting performance.
2, ideal for bass fishing.
The craftsmanship offered by Cadence CR6B is second to none. Its use of super durable material and lightweight make it an ideal choice for fishing large species of bass.
You also get to choose from the variety of lengths and specifications that suits your needs.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Overall, the Cadence CR6B is a highly impressive rod that delivers the right punch in about all aspects. The price is quite affordable to suit needs or new anglers, while the lightweight makes it easy for beginners to cast for longer hours.
However when it comes to performance alone, it has some downsides.
Hence, we rate this model a 4.8 out of 5.
5. Elite Spinning Rod - Ugly Stick
The Ugly Stik is a well-established name among the fishing rods manufacturer. The company has been making high-quality rods for over 4 decades, making it one of the oldest companies operating and a preferred choice for beginners and pro-anglers.
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod is definitely a premium performing bass fishing rods available in the market offering high durability at competitive pricing.
Best Features:
1, Super Craftsmanship.
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod needs little introduction as it has been consistently ranked as a premium bass fishing rods in the market. What makes it rod exceptional is the intelligent craftsmanship that maintains a great balance of robustness, forte, and price.
2, Great for Bass Fishing.
What makes it the best bass fishing rods is its ability to cater needs of all bass anglers. Whether you are looking to snag smallmouth bass or large striped or largemouth bass, the Elite spinning rod will outperform any other fishing rod on any given day
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
To put it simply, the Ugly Stick Elite rod is the Toyota Camry of the fishing rods.
It offers all high-value features required for a successful fishing experience at a fraction of price compared to some high-value brands. It’ super strong, durable and multi-purpose, what more do you need?
Thus, we rate this model 4.8 out of 5.
6. FXC Rod – Shimano
Shimano is yet another premium brand that’s well-known for its superior quality and high-end fishing rods.
The Shimano fishing rods come at a higher price range with unbeatable strength and durability.
The Shimano FXC Casting rod is among the best-selling rods from the company that will definitely give you the best bass fishing experience.
Best Features:
1, Relatively Low Pricing.
Now, while the price of the Shimano FXC Casting rod is still higher than most of the rods, its comparatively cheaper model than some of the other rods from Shimano.
2, Premium Built.
While it may be at the lower price end, it doesn’t make any compromise in terms of quality. You can trust the strength, quality, and durability of the rod to meet the likes of the pricey rods.
The only difference is the material used in manufacturing that maintains the legendary quality of the Shimano fishing rods intact.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Shimano is undoubtedly a very reputable brand. And without taking anything away from the great features this fishing rod possess, i personally dont find anything exceptional with this rod.
And with similar price range you have much better options.
The most convincing reason for me to but this would be that it would make a natural combo with shimano reels. which are undoubtedly exceptional.
We rate this model a 4.5 out of 5.
7. Crixus Rod Combo – KastKing
Kastking isn’t the most established of names in the manufacturing of fishing rods, however, it still competes with the best out there.
The kastKing Crixus Bass fishing rod comes with a firm standing for the quality of reels offering easy maintenance and use; especially for beginners.
Best Features:
1, Affordable Pricing.
The KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod Combo is a medium-priced rod that offers excellent usability and maintenance to beginners. It’s economical durable and strong enough for the liking of most anglers.
2, Strong Built.
The KastKing Crixus Spinning Rod Combo is made using superior materials that deliver high performance. The rods are made using high-performing carbon fiber, which offers rods strength and aesthetics. The IM6 graphite blanks give it the strength and durability to outperform many other rods.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Overall, it’s a decent rod that’s made with intelligent materials to offer high durability and strength, while keeping the prices at competitive levels.
However, this isn’t well-suited to catch any large Bass specie, which might be its biggest drawback.
So, we rate this model a 4.5 out of 5.
Concluding
Honestly, Bass is an amazing fish. Every time I have ventured into Bass Fishing I have been amazed by its instincts and aggressive behavior. If you are looking for your first bass fishing expedition, make sure you read few basics about its instincts as we discussed above and then choose the best bass fishing rods that suit your needs and fishing environment.
Thanks for staying till here, for further reviews and any questions regarding fishing gear please comment below,
Cheers.
