Last updated on February 27th, 2021
Those of you that love to fish will understand that fishing is most certainly an art form. Just like artists need the right paintbrushes, fishermen need the correct tools. You need a rod that is flexible enough to bend when tension is put on the line but also stays sturdy and controllable to reel the fish back to shore.
There are a lot of brands to choose from when it comes down to choosing a rod. Some are high end with a very high price point, while others will be unknown brands at a lower price. Does the brand really matter? That all depends. More often than not, it comes down to personal preferences.
What is important however is the overall construction of the fishing rod. Bass are very large fish, therefore they need to be caught using a very durable, reliable rod. Carbon fiber is a common material found in fishing rods these days.
These are just a few key things to look for when shopping for a rod, luckily for you, we have whittled down all the possible bass spinning rod options to the top 10. Have a look and see which one catches your eye.
Comparison Table
PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
---|---|---|
1. Entsport E Series Rod – Camo Legend |
|
Check Price |
2. Kalex XR9 Rod |
|
Check Price |
3. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (7 ft. Medium) |
|
Check Price |
4. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod |
|
Check Price |
5. PLUSINNO Elite Hunter 7FT Fishing Rod |
|
Check Price |
6. Berkley Lightning Spinning Rod |
|
Check Price |
7. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod |
|
Check Price |
8. Cadence Spinning Rod |
|
Check Price |
9. Wakeman Fishing Rod & Reel Combo |
|
Check Price |
10. Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod |
|
Check Price |
Our Best Spinning Rods For Bass Reviews and Comparisons
1. Entsport E Series Rod – Camo Legend
Product Highlights
The Entsport E series rod is sensitive and strong. Stay in complete control even with a big catch.
Features
- Camo patterned EVA split grip
- Stainless steel hook keeper
- 7 inches long
- Guides are 6+1
- Medium to medium heavy power
- Line weight 10-26 pounds
What We Like About Entsport E Series Rod – Camo Legend
The no-slip grip is solid and easy to use, even on a daily basis as it doesn’t tire your hand out after a long period of time. The top end of the rod is extremely sensitive, giving you an indication of exactly what is happening on the line.
What We Don’t Like About Entsport E Series Rod – Camo Legend
The tip is a little bit flimsy and is altogether a little bit ridged. While casting the rod you will have to do so carefully so that the rod does not snap.
PROS
- Easy to re-engage the gears
- Reliable functions
- Holds heavy fish
- Easy to use
CONS
- No spool tension control knob
- Rigid pole
2. Kalex XR9 Rod
Product Highlights
Stay as comfortable as possible while you fish with the Kalex XR9 rod, designed to make long fishing trips that bit easier.
Features
- Customer Winn grips
- 30 ton high modulus graphite
- Stainless steel guides
- Zirconium inserts to reduce friction
- Skeleton style reel seat
What We Like About Kalex XR9 Rod
Extremely lightweight and sensitive to even the softest of pulls. It is really high quality, surprisingly for being such a low priced item. The grips are comfortable and don’t tire your hands out.
What We Don’t Like About Kalex XR9 Rod
The specifications on the product are a little confusing for anyone that is not familiar with the jargon. The reel feels like it loosens up a little bit when you are using it.
PROS
- Perfectly aligned guides
- Good quality
- Easy to use
- flexible
CONS
- Doesn’t always feel secure
- Instructions are hard to follow
3. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (7 ft. Medium)
Product Highlights
The Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod is made of 35% more graphite than other leading rods, making it super strong and extra sturdy.
Features
- Combines graphite and fibreglass
- 1 piece stainless steel
- Clear tip design
- Cork handles
What We Like About The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (7 ft. Medium)
You aren’t restricted to the type or size of the fish to catch with this rod. You can catch fish that are just a pound in weight and then an hour later reel in a 100-pound European cat. You can throw the rod about and be confident that it will stay intact, unlike other graphite rods that are often a little more fragile.
What We Don’t Like About The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (7 ft. Medium)
Anyone using a braided line is warned, the rod is not suitable for those kinds of lines. The notches have a very abrasive surface, which means that they will ruin the line really quickly.
PROS
- Durable
- Sensitive
- Strong
- Made of graphite
CONS
- Low quality stainless steel
- Low quality guides
4. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
Product Highlights
Choose between a 1 tip or 2 tipped rod, also you are in charge whether you want a medium-light with a medium tip, or medium with a medium-heavy tip end. These rods come in all shapes and sizes.
Features
- 2 rods for the price of 1
- Toray 24 ton carbon construction
- KastFlex technology
- High density EVA grips
- Saf-T keeper hook holder
What We Like About KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
The rods are great value for money, they have some of the same features as high-end brands at just the same level of quality. Although it is a two-piece rod, you do not feel it at all. It feels well connected and sturdy.
What We Don’t Like About KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod
The rod appears to become brittle, this might be due to the exposure to salty sea air, but nonetheless, that isn’t something you should expect to happen to your fishing rod. The tips are delicate, therefore require extra care when casting.
PROS
- Strong
- Durable
- Accurate
- Easy to use
CONS
- Brittle
- Snap unexpectedly
5. PLUSINNO Elite Hunter 7FT Fishing Rod
Product Highlights
Made with 40-ton carbon to give you strength without the rod being heavy and hard to manage.
Features
- Ceramic inserts
- Non-slip EVA cork candle
- Spigot ferrule construction
- IM6 carbon matrix technology blanks
- Stainless steel guides
- Anti-winding tip
What We Like About PLUSINNO Elite Hunter 7FT Fishing Rod
It is a two-piece rod which makes traveling with it really easy. Although it is very light, it catches large fish and reels them in. The reel is made of very hard plastic that is comfortable to use and doesn’t tire you out when you catch a big fish.
What We Don’t Like About PLUSINNO Elite Hunter 7FT Fishing Rod
It sometimes doesn’t feel sturdy enough with a large fish on the other end. Assembling the two-piece rod can be fiddly at times too.
PROS
- Use for lures or drifting beads
- Looks good
- Sensitive
- Affordable
CONS
- Hard to control
- Complicated to put together
6. Berkley Lightning Spinning Rod
Product Highlights
The Berkley Lightning rod can be used for any fishing technique, whether the catch is big or small.
Features
- Comes in 7 sizes
- 24 ton carbon composite
- Stainless steel slides
- Aluminium oxide inserts
- Double up locking reel seat
- Cork wrap handles
What We Like About Berkley Lightning Spinning Rod
They balance well with a 2500 series reel, the rod is strong enough for bass fishing and can be used in challenging waters. You won’t find it difficult to cast the reel regardless of if your casting is close to you or far away.
What We Don’t Like About Berkley Lightning Spinning Rod
You will have to add an attachment to hook it onto a small reel, this is a shame as the rod on its own is lightweight and adding attachments adds weight. It is also a little stiffer than other high-end rods and breaks easier.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Heavy duty
- Woks in all conditions
- Easy to cast
CONS
- Ridgid
- Breaks easily
7. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod
Product Highlights
A well-balanced fishing rod suitable for any fishing trip.
Features
- Safe hook keeper
- Anti line twist tip
- High density EVA split grips
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Light
- Sensitive
- Durable
- High end functions
What We Like About Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod
The durability the rods have is incredible and the stainless steel guides add a premium feel. It goes with most manufactured bait casting reels.
What We Don’t Like About Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod
The line scrapes really easily and can even render the breadline unusable. If you don’t cast the line correctly the tips will snap off.
PROS
- Easy to travel with
- String
- Lightweight
- Good for saltwater and freshwater fishing
CONS
- Flimsy tips
- Ridged
8. Cadence Spinning Rod
Product Highlights
The Cadence Spinning rod is ideal for game fishing, it comes in a large choice of lengths and they are all made of 30-ton carbon.
Features
- Stainless steel guides
- 30 ton carbon fibre
- Fuji reel seat
- 15 strengths and lengths to choose from
- Lightweight
What We Like About Cadence Spinning Rod
Keeping the weight to a minimum was a massive focus when constructing this rod, and it pays off. The rods arrive in good shape as Cadence takes it upon themselves to pre-pack and wrap the product first.
What We Don’t Like About Cadence Spinning Rod
The rod twists and loosens after just a few casts, making the whole fishing experience very frustrating. The two-piece rod doesn’t feel secure at all while casting and you might even throw the top half of the rod into the lake by accident.
PROS
- Good quality
- Packaged well
- Flexible
- Easy to carry
CONS
- The company is fairly new
- Malfunctions after a few goes
9. Wakeman Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
Product Highlights
A fiberglass rod that is reliable during any fishing trip.
Features
- Aluminium spinning reel
- 5.2:1 reel ratio
- No slip handle
- Portable
- Made of fibreglass
- 215 yards of monofilament line
What We Like About Wakeman Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
The rod handle has a good grip and does not tire your hand out during a long day of fishing. The long line reduces the risk of the line snapping when you catch hold of a large fish.
What We Don’t Like About Wakeman Fishing Rod & Reel Combo
The top breaks if you are not fully focused on the catch and handle the rod correctly. It is also a little difficult to take around with you as it is fragile and must be packed away correctly.
PROS
- No slip handle
- Strong
- Flexible
- durable
CONS
- Hard to transport
- Doesn’t bend as well as you’d like
10. Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod
Product Highlights
Akataka’s motto is ‘easier, higher, longer’ and that is exactly what this fishing rod is.
Features
- Lightweight and sensitive
- Tight and strong
- 2 piece and portable
- Feels like a 1 piece rod
- Easy to pull in
- Great lure performance
- 24 ton carbon fibre
- Rubberised cork handle
What We Like About Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod
It can cast for miles with very light lures. Heavy catches do not put a strain on the rod and it flexes accordingly. The fact that it is a two-piece isn’t an issue at all and the top piece doesn’t need many adjustments to be made.
What We Don’t Like About Akataka M’Wave Bass Fishing Rod
The rod is very weak when you catch it on vegetation and doesn’t seem to break free without damaging the rod. The tip isn’t flexible enough to prevent breaking off.
PROS
- O-ring guides are good
- Lightweight
- Strong
- flexible
CONS
- Feels cheap
- Ridged
Final Verdict
The KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod is the best bargain. It is strong, accurate, and easy to use. Let’s not forget it is a real steal and stays within a reasonable budget. The brand has a great reputation and you would be buying into an experienced and reliable brand.
Spinning Rods FAQ
Q:Are braid lines any good?
A:It all depends what you are using your fishing rod to catch, braid lines, in general, can cause a few issues. One of them is that they can score the guides really badly.
Q:Are spinning rods appropriate to use for catching float fish?
A:If you are a beginner, spinning rods are great because of their versatility. You can use pretty much any technique with spinning rods. So yes, they are appropriate for float fish.
Q:Should I use a bait caster reel on a spinning rod?
A:Although it is a possibility, it is best to keep the rod and reel types the same to get the most out of your fishing experience.
Q:What bait should I use on my spinning rod?
A:Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Carolina rigs, and buzz baits are all examples of what you can use as a lure on your spinning rod.
Q:How many rods should a bass fisherman have?
A:You can have as many as you like, the question is how many do you really need? You could get away with having 3 reliable rods that will get you through a bass season.
Q:Are spinning rods actually better?
A:Spinning rods are just more versatile. They bend a lot better than other rods when it comes to lighter lures.
Q:What action is best for a bass rod?
A:You want a rod that will bend in the top third section easily without a lot of friction. A fast action rod does this the best.
Q:Is there any real difference between a bait caster and a spinning rod?
A:Yes there is, a bait caster is a rod that uses a bait caster reel. Therefore, it works in a very different way to a spinning rod.
Q:What does ‘action’ mean?
A:The action of your fishing rod refers to where the rod bends when it is put under pressure.
Extra Fast Action
A rod with extra fast action bends at the very tip of the rod. It is the least flexible rod you can get.
Fast Action
A fast action rod bends the top ¼ and no more than the top ⅓ part of the rod. This is the ideal rod to use when you are fishing for bass.
Medium Action Rod
This is a rod that flexes in the middle of the fishing rod. Flathead catfish and striped bass are the kind of fish you would catch with a medium action rod.
Slow Action Rods
Finally, a slow action rod is the most flexible of them all, it bends at the base of the fishing rod.
Q:What is being spoken about when people refer to the rods ‘power’?
A:A rod’s power is the amount of force it takes for the rod to flex. Sometimes the material the rod is made of determines how much power it will have. If you want a light rod that will be more sensitive to tugs and pulls from the fish then a graphite rod is for you.
If flexibility is important to you and you want a super tough rod, then fiberglass is the one for you. It is far much tougher and in a way more durable than graphite rods. These days it doesn’t matter too much what your rod is made of due to the advances in manufacturing techniques. Both materials are durable and when used in the correct way last as long as one another.
Alain is Cartbig’s managing editor, in charge of the research, production and editing of all content.
He has a BA in Journalism from Cornell University and is passionate about photography and technology.
He loves travelling but he lacks orientation so he never leaves home without his GPS. Really.