Have you ever watched professional Bass anglers load their boats before heading out? It’s not uncommon to see them stashing a dozen rigged Bass fishing rods before hitting the water! But they’re not just any old rods. Each rod is chosen based on a specific bait and style of fishing.
The length, sensitivity, and action of your rod impact its performance with different lures and baits. In the world of Bass fishing, efficiency is critical. The best anglers are capable of making precision casts over and over without tiring. It should come as no surprise, then, that picking the best rod for your situation drives this performance.
Whether you plan on building an arsenal of rods or are seeking a single, versatile model, this article will help you narrow down the selection. There are a ton of great options on the market with rods to match any budget. Think through your fishing style and choose based on the following criteria…
Different Styles of Bass Fishing Rods
Before choosing a rod, think about your reels and casting styles. Each reel type and casting style will match with specific rod types. Ideally, you’ll purchase the rod and reel together to make sure everything matches. It’s not difficult to match them separately, however. But lets take a look at the two primary methods of fishing for Bass (fly fishing excluded):
- Baitcasting rods are built with a reel seat specific to baitcasting reels. The grip is also situated for easy holding while thumbing the spool for maximum control. Most serious Bass anglers have an arsenal of baitcasting rods as they offer very accurate casting. The ability to exact control on the rod and reel makes this an excellent choice for any Bass fishing situation.
- Spincasting setups are less technical than baitcasting and are great for general use. You simply flip the bail, hold the line, and make your cast. They’re highly adaptable to different rigs and are a great option for beginners or anglers looking to satisfy a range of techniques on a single rod and reel.
Both kinds of rods come in a variety of lengths and sizes. It’s easier to do more with a single spincaster rod, whereas baitcasters can really specialize for specific techniques. I suggest you start with a spincaster but eventually, you’ll want a quality baitcasting setup.
Choosing the Modulus and Length for Bass Fishing
Most modern rods are made from graphite with carbon fiber wraps to reinforce and add integrity to the blank. Fiberglass rods are also possible but are less popular in modern Bass fishing circles. Graphite is lightweight and strong, making it an ideal Bass fishing rod platform.
Low to High Modulus
Quality materials have a major impact on the sensitivity and action of the rod. Modulus refers to elasticity, and this is important because high-modulus rods are very stiff and low-modulus ones are not. It essentially translates to strength for the given weight of the rod.
Most rods will have a fairly mid-range modulus, meaning they’ll be strong but not too stiff or nor too weak. Moving to a lower modulus adds more flex for loading and casting heavier rigs, while a higher modulus is excellent for sensitivity. Higher modulus rods use higher grade materials for more strength while using less weight.
If you’re unsure about modulus and rod actions, go for a middle ground that offers a combination of strength and sensitivity.
Shorter Rods
Rods in the sub-7-foot range are easy to cast and react quickly. They also require little effort to cast on repeat. These are great rods for jigging and they also offer power for jerking and imparting motion on lures. The shorter tip responds quickly and it also reacts well on hooksets. For sensitive jigging, along with fishing topwater and lightweight lures, short rods are excellent.
Longer Rods
As you top the 7-foot range, Bass rods become better for casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and more wind-resistant lures. They can load deeper, generate more power, and accurately cast lures. You can cover deeper waters and you’ll have plenty of rod to control the lures and feel the strikes.
If possible, carry a short and long rod to handle different tasks. If you need a happy medium, go for a 7-foot to fish everything!
Bass Fishing Rod Power and Action
Many rods are described in terms of their power and tip action. This is where things can get really specific. Some of this overlaps with modulus as well. For example, for a general rod, medium power and a medium tip will get the job done.
For bigger lures and rigs, heavy power is better, but you can still look for a medium-soft tip to help with control and accuracy. Soft tips are more sensitive and they’re great for contact fishing with jigs and bait rigs.
When you want to pitch and make fast and accurate casts, a stiffer tip will offer the fast action needed to power through the short motions. Choose your power to match the lures but always think about the tip as it relates to casting. Stiffer tips are best for more aggressive casting, with softer tips offering more sensitivity.
Largemouth vs. Smallmouth vs. Striped Bass Fishing Rods
The good news is that Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass crossover with the same equipment. You can use the same rods and techniques to catch both species. The fish have similar size ranges, they both fight hard, and both require rods with a backbone to pull the fish from structure.
If you have any crossover between Smallmouth and Largemouth, you can use the same rods. If you add Striped Bass or any saltwater Bass species in the mix, you’ll need to reevaluate and find different rods for the size and environmental differences.
Bass Fishing Rods FAQs
Are you ready to select a Bass fishing rod?
Now that you have a basic understanding of Bass fishing rods, go find a general model and get out there. You can then start to add specialty rods to your collection over time. There are plenty of budget-friendly rods that can perform really well. Make sure to match a quality reel and line, and you’ll be ready to catch some Bass!
Do you have a favorite Bass rod? We’d love to hear about your selection process and the best rods in your arsenal. Share away in the comments below!
