There is no doubt that the black bass species, both small and largemouth, are the most sought after freshwater fish species in the U.S. Thousands and even tens of thousands of dollars are spent on the finest possible gear, boats, lures, and gadgets to give anglers a better chance catching more. But, in the end, the most important piece of gear will always be the rod.
More than just the ability to haul a fish in, your bass rod will also affect how accurate you cast, how you play your lure, your ability to detect a bite, and the all-important hook set. Getting the right rod will do more for your bass fishing success than any other single piece of gear.
G. Loomis GLX Bass Spinning Rods – Best Overall Spinning Rod
Loomis has been regarded as one of the world’s best rod manufacturers which is probably why you seem them on just about every pro tour. Though they were bought out by fishing giant Shimano in the 1990s and they have only gotten better. Of the many models they produce, the GLX series is often thought to be the pinnacle of performance.
Though they make the rod in both a spinning and casting model, though both are good at their specific job, the spinning model is a more versatile option. This rod is made of blended graphite that makes it 20% lighter than any previous GLX while making it stronger overall.
With a slimmed down handle and improved ergonomics and reel seat, this new GLX is one of the most sensitive rods on the market making it very easy to detect even the lightest bite. The cork has been slimmed down and tapered for perfect hand placement when it comes to casting control. This is one of the smoothest pulling, balanced and accurate rods out there.
The GLX Spinning rod comes in power from medium to medium-heavy, the more robust of which is probably best for bass. As for action, all of them are fast or extra fast and will work perfectly depending on your preferences. Line weight is similar but if you are looking for an overall great choice, stick with the 6’6” medium-heavy with line weights in the 8-15 range. This is a solid bass rod that will not let you down.
Pros
- Casts far and smooth
- Applies power evenly across rod
- Versatile line and bait weight options
Cons
- Costly
- Graphite can be fragile
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G. Loomis GLX Bass Casting Rod – Best Overall Casting Rod
Where we had the spinning rod above, this is its casting counterpart. Most everything said about that rod could be said about the casting one but you can typically get more distance with heavier lures with this one. As to the true best, that depends on how you like to fish.
Like the spinning rod, the new GLX Casting rod is lighter by about 20% than previous GLX models but 30% stronger than its ancestors. It is just as sensitive to bites but exerts power a little different than the spinning rod. Depending on the action you get, you may notice more upward force on the casting model, most likely due to its thicker, more robust taper.
Rods are all roughly in the 7 to 7 and a half foot range and all are either fast or extra-fast action. Power ranges from medium to extra-heavy and, depending on the model, you can get line weights in the mid-teens to the mid-20s. While what works for you should be the overall guide but a recommendation would be a rod in the 7 and a half foot range in fast with a medium-heavy power. Line weight should be in the mid-teens or so.
Pros
- Very far casting with good line control
- Great power for pulling out bass
- Casts heavy baits well
Cons
- Costly
- Graphite can be fragile
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St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Casting Rod – Best Tournament Casting Rod
St. Croix titles themselves the best rods on earth and they are not far off. For years they have produced rods that have won championships and hauled in more bass than any other brand. If you check any hardcore bass fanatics tackle room, you are almost guaranteed to find one. While they don’t take first place here, the margin is very narrow.
A rod is only as good as its components and manufacturing and St. Croix nailed that down years ago. Using the most recent developments in graphite technology, their Legend series is more flexible, stronger, and more durable than any rod produced in years past. This is matched with corrosion-resistant hardware and a very durable cork handle to create a rod that could become an heirloom.
All St. Croix rods are U.S. made by some of the finest craftsmen making rods today. What they produce is a straight casting rod that loads perfectly and slings a bait as far as you could need it to go. With their Poly Curve technology, when the hook sets, the rod flexes perfectly to keep the pressure right where you need it. Though this rod alone won’t catch a bass you can be sure you won’t lose a bass because of this rod.
These rods start a little shy of 7 feet and go to almost 10 feet and come in actions from fast to extra fast. For power, they are all on the upper end from medium up to extra heavy. If you are after bass alone, a good choice is a rod in the 7 and a half foot range in medium heavy with a fast action. Something that can take line in the high teens to low 20s. There are a couple of models that will fit this profile.
Pros
- One of the smoothest casting rods
- Great Selection of Models
- Durable for a Graphite Rod
Cons
- Premium Price
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St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Spinning Rod – Best Tournament Spinning Rod
Yes. this is another casting/spinning repeat but you should expect that when it comes to top of the line rods. They are often constructed much the same and the only deciding factor is often how a person likes to throw their line. I am a big spin fisherman but many prefer casting rods. This is every bit as good as the spinner but for those that prefer running a baitcaster.
Though the casting rods are made with the same SCIV graphite using the same Poly Curve technology, the casting rods seem to load a bit better. They seem to cast a little slicker but they need to if you want to get the best distance possible. Often casting reels are a little less forgiving than spinning reels so these slight differences are very welcome.
Available in a very short under 6-foot model all the way up to 8 and a half feet, these are shorter than most competitors rods. They also tend to run a little lighter on the power curve from medium-light to medium-heavy. The action is either fast or extra-fast.
A good solid bet is to go with a shorter 6’ 10” rod with medium power and an extra-fast action. These seem to cast better and can hold lighter lines up to about 12 pounds. Because of the rods added flex, you can keep a lot of pressure on a bass without risking your line.
Pros
- Great short casting rod
- Huge Selection of Models
- Durable for a Graphite Rod
Cons
- Premium Price
- Longer Rods are fragile
Bass Fishing Rods for 2019 