This is our review of the best baitcasting rods in 2022.
Baitcasting rods should provide ample accuracy and control.
One of the best ways to use a baitcasting rod is when jigging for bass, and you need to have complete control over the lure as it enters the water.
We found that the St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod is the best overall in its class.
Every angler is different, so I have included reviews for 11 of the best baitcasting fishing rods available in 2022.
Let’s get started!
Our Picks for Best Baitcasting Rods
Best Baitcasting Rods Reviewed
St. Croix Mojo Bass Fishing Rod
Specs:
- Length – 7’6”
- Power – Medium heavy
- Action – Moderate fast
- Pieces – 1
- Line weight – 12-25 lbs.
- Lure weight – 3/8-1 1/4 ounces
- Rod weight – 5.5 ounces
This fishing rod offers dependable performance day after day with a very reasonable price tag. Ranging from 6’8″-7’11” and medium, medium-heavy, and heavy options available, these rods are perfect for baitcasting.
The sensitivity this fishing rod offers is ideal for finesse fishing while being more stiff(fast action) than you would expect, allowing you to reel in a monster with ease. It is also easy to pitch and flip with, as well as handling swimbaits with confidence.
Dobyns 734C FH Championship Series Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Length- 7’3″
- Power- Heavy
- Action-Fast
- Line Weight- 10-20 lb. test
- Lure Weight- 1/4-1 oz. lure weight
- Recommended for Spinnerbaits, Buzzbaits, Senkos, Horny Toads, Jigs, Small Swimbaits
The Gary Dobyns rods are designed for the serious bass fisherman. These high-performing and quality rods are made from a modulus graphite rod blank and feature the Japan Fuji reel seat. Made with Kevlar wrapping to help protect against wear-and-tear on your line while also giving it an increased strength composite fiber construction. These rods can withstand more pressure than other rods out there today!
This is one of the most versatile fishing rods on the market today. You can count on this rod to be effective with 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits but also topwater baits and light jigging.
The rod has a very soft tip that allows you to make precise casts into tight spaces, but also provides all the backbone needed to set the hook hard on long casts. For a rod over 7 feet, it’s surprising how well it balances while never feeling too tip-heavy like other rods in this category.
Dobyns Rods stands behind their products with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers any kind of defects of the rod and workmanship during the lifetime of the rod. As long as you are the original owner, you will be offered your money back. Now that is a win-win situation.
Abu Garcia Vengeance Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7′
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Fast
- Line
- Weight- 12-20 lbs.
This is a great do-it-all rod from Abu Garcia, who is known for making excellent products. This rod is a good example of what great performing fishing gear should look, and feel like, at an affordable price. Great sensitivity, solid yet lightweight, smooth casting, and enough backbone to feel confident on the hook set. One of the best values on this list, especially for a weekend angler.
With its lightweight feel, durable construction, and high-grade graphite rod blank, this baitcasting reel is perfect for all types of fishing and bait applications. The stainless steel guides withstand heavy line pressure, while the titanium inserts provide more strength to your haul with ease!
I have had this rod for years, and it is still in perfect shape. It’s not the most sensitive out there, but when you need your line set, trust me-this thing will get them hooked!
St Croix Triumph Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 6’6″
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Fast to Extra Fast
- Line Weight- 10 to 20 lbs.
- Lure Weight- 3/8 to 1oz.
The Triumph rod series from St Croix offers three different set-ups for either inshore, steelhead, or salmon. But with such a variety of models to choose from don’t hesitate to deploy this rod for crappie, bass, snook, redfish, and other species.
The cork handle is designed with comfort in mind, so you can keep your grip strong as ever.
When you first cast the rod, it’s clear that this is not your average fishing rod. The quality and control offered by such a simple design make for an impressive experience; one which leaves me wanting more!
This rod features a premium cork handle and is backed by a 5-year warranty. The St Croix Triumph is best suited for bank fishing but will deliver wherever you cast your next line.
G. Loomis E6X Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7′
- Power- Medium Hravy
- Action- Fast to Extra Fast
- Line Weight- 10 to 17 lbs.
- Lure Weight -1/4 oz. up to 3/4 oz.
The G. Loomis E6X Casting Rod is another spectacular option. With a variety of available lengths and tapers, anglers are sure to find the right rod for their inshore fishing and can expect nothing but the best from these high-quality and handcrafted rods from Woodland, Washington.
This is a “universal” bass casting rods featuring Fuji guides and full cork grips with special mid-body reel seats for positive control.
These rods are not your typical med-light rods, but a more all-around workhorse that you want on your boat at all times.
Lew’s Custom Lite Speed HM85 Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7’3″
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Fast to Extra Fast
These rods are custom-made to cater to specific techniques. With Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Baitcasting Rod, anglers can go from casting the best topwater lure to frog walking and jig-pitching. They are extremely light but don’t compromise in strength, using Lew’s unique process of construction using several layers of 85 million modulus graphite these rods are truly built to last.
The multi-layer construction is used to create superior durability and performance.
Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Sticks are more than just a fishing rod. They’re an investment in your future catches, and they offer the most advanced technology for any fisherman out there!
I’ve found that this rod is best paired with a 7.0 gear ratio bait caster or higher, with a 30 lb (ca. 14 kg) braid line is the ultimate setup. This makes for a memorable hook-set that will keep you casting for more!
Okuma Nomad Inshore Travel Casting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7′
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Moderate
These fishing rods are a great option for an angler that needs a compact and durable rod to travel with. With the 3-piece construction, it is easy to stow away but does not sacrifice strength and durability as it seems to perform similar to a 1 piece rod. Each setup comes with two different tips, letting you go from light to medium light or medium to medium-heavy. It’d be hard to find a better option for a travel rod than the Okuma Inshore Travel Rod.
Daiwa Tatula Casting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7’1″”
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Extra Fast
The Tatula Baitcasting series from Daiwa offers an extremely light rod considering the power ratings. The specialized carbon fiber braiding process results in a heavy-duty rod suited for flipping and frogging while also being ultra-sensitive. Daiwa stands behind the product with a 5-year warranty, so don’t be afraid to test the limits with this one.
Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 7’3″
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Fast
This rod delivers ultimate value. While priced under $100 it doesn’t compromise in quality or strength. The majority of rods at this price point are disappointing, with a tip-heavy and awkward feel in your hands. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, then it’s hard to argue against filling up your arsenal with Abu Garcia Veritas series. This series has 16 models to choose from, allowing you to stay at an incredible price point when equipping yourself with every rod you will need.
Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 6’6″
- Power- Heavy
- Action- Extra Fast
This rod is best for the angler looking to cast heavier lures. This model has a medium-fast action, but with more power than most rods in this range. Its best application is for casting heavy jigs. This series has a variety of technique-specific builds, all at reasonable price points.
Kastking Brutus Two Piece Baitcasting Rod
Specs:
- Rod Length- 6’6″
- Power- Medium Heavy
- Action- Fast
This is best for the angler on a budget that wants a durable and reliable option. With the guides made from stainless steel and lined with zirconium, you can expect this rod to last a long time. This casting rod has everything you need without all the upgraded features that the other rods on this list have, although we were hard-pressed to find a better “budget option”.
Fishing Rod Buyers Guide
It’s important to understand the difference between “rod action” and “rod power”. These are two terms you will need to understand to help dictate which baitcasting rod is best for how you plan to use it.
Rod Actions
Rod action indicates how much the rod bends when weight is applied to it.
Action ratings are classified under 3 different terms and a combination of these terms- Slow, Moderate, Fast. Rods are essentially measured by how soon a rod snaps back into its’ straight form after bending.
Fast Action Rods are stiff except for the tip that allows bend. Fast Actions Rods are best used for long casting when targeting larger fish and can be particularly useful in windy conditions.
Moderate Action Rods are the most versatile rod as they are somewhat flexible but also have a degree of stiffness to allow for catching larger species. A moderate-action rod is the best choice for beginners because it can be used for all types of fishing, whether in saltwater or freshwater.
Slow Action Rods are very flexible throughout and allow for greater control of your cast when accuracy is crucial. These rods are best for calm conditions in streams and rivers and when the wind is not a factor.
Rod Power
Rod Power describes a rod’s resistance to bending when under pressure or weighted.
Rod Power is also classified under 3 main categories, with variations of the terms to more specifically describe the power. The three main categories of row power are known as light, medium, and heavy.
The correct amount of rod power will be determined by the weight of your line, the lures, or bait, and the additional tackle you will be using as well as the conditions. Many rod manufacturers today have their own way of indicating the rod’s power and action, but most are easy to interpret and can be found somewhere along the rod.
Light Power Rods are best for lures under 1/16th of an ounce. Not recommended for baitcasting.
Medium Power Rods will work best with lures around 3/8 of an ounce and are a good starting point when beginning to choose a casting rod, although we recommend a medium-heavy power rod for baitcasting.
Heavy Power Rods are the optimal choice when fishing for larger species and can handle larger test lines, heavier lures, and weights.
A fast-action medium-heavy rod is the best type of rod for baitcasting. Although, we recommend having multiple rods on hand because the fish can be found in multiple locations. Whether it be deep or shallow, open or undercover, therefore having options onboard your boat or beside you on the shore is the ultimate way to fish.
Length
Most fishing rods will be in the 5-12 foot range. You will rarely see a casting rod less than 6′ in length. The most optimal rod length for baitcasting is to be between 6-8′.
The length of the rod you choose will determine how much accuracy, leverage, and distance you will have when casting. Long casting is done with a longer rod, while shorter rods offer more control and finesse when casting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of a baitcaster?
Pros
- Accuracy
- Heavy Line
- Control
- Lightweight
- Long Casting
Cons
- Expensive(most of the time)
- Not ideal for light lures
What are the best casting rods for bass?
So now you know a little about “rod power” and “rod action”, you should be able to determine the best casting rod for bass fishing.
You should know that a fast action and medium-heavy rod will provide you the amount of hook setting power and lifting ability to land this dynamic fish.
Which baitcasting rod do the pros use?
The same ones are on our list above.
The higher-end rods we have listed are certainly more popular than the BUDGET PICK but don’t think that the pros are using some kind of secret rod that is available exclusively to them.
The promotional contracts they are under certainly dictate which brand they stick with and promote, which is understandable. Wouldn’t you fish with a particular rod over the other if you were offered a yearly salary to promote it?
Can you use a baitcaster on any rod?
Technically yes. However, it is not recommended for a couple of reasons. Usually, spinning rods have larger guides that are designed for the line to spin as it is cast or reeled. Putting a baitcaster on a spinning rod would feel off and not allow the baitcaster to perform the way it was designed to. Therefore, you would be much better off aligning each baitcasting reel with the proper rod to maximize its performance.
What is the best rod length for a baitcasting rod?
We recommend a 6′ for when you are planning on casting short distance and accuracy is crucial.
A 7′-8′ rod is your best bet when making longer casts and precision is not as important.
Do baitcasting reels cast further than spinning reels?
Typically, spinning reels will cast further than baitcasting on comparable casts. A spinning rod and reel combo are usually equipped with larger guides, allowing the lines to gain more momentum during the cast.
There are certainly more factors that play into the length of the cast, for example using a braided line will result in more polished and further casts.
Many pros who use baitcasters will prove the above theory to be incorrect but for the amateur angler, you will be able to achieve longer casts using a spinning reel.
What type of line to use on a baitcaster?
Baitcaster and lighter line do not get along, so we recommend beginners to use 15lb mono because of how easy it is to handle. There will rarely be times you want to use anything less than a 10lb test.
What type of lure is best for baitcasting rods?
Baitcasters naturally allow for heavier lures like spooks and buzz baits to be used, but that doesn’t mean that all the “normal” weighted lures can’t be used. Basic rigs like a Carolina or Texas rig, topwater, jigs, spinners, crainkbaits, and so on will all work when paired with a baitcasting rod.
Our Verdict
Anglers need to be prepared for different scenarios and should try to have different rod and reel combo setups ready to roll when they are needed.
We think the St. Croix Mojo Bass is the best baitcasting rod and should be in every bass fisherman’s arsenal of rods.
The Mojo Bass is constructed of premium 100% linear s-glass. It is stronger, lighter, and more dynamic than traditional rods while maintaining great sensitivity and solid strength.
Use this map to help plan your next fishing trip, and don’t forget to obtain a fishing license before you head out with one of our picks for the best casting rods! Use this map to choose your state and buy a license today to help support the natural places you love to fish in! Now stop reading and GO Fishing!
For more info on choosing your next fishing rod, check out the pages below:
