“Buying a Bass Stick”
By  Justin Hoffman

Looking to buy a new bass rod but don’t know what to get?

Let’s face it – when it comes to bass fishing, rods are a pretty important part of our arsenal. They allow us to cast our lures, work baits and most importantly – haul in fish. But out of all the bass rods saturating the market, how do you know which one is right for you? Choosing between spinning, baitcasting, graphite and composite can be so darn confusing, not to mention the long list of lengths and actions that are readily available for each and every model. Let’s see if we can clear things up a bit for you.

Baitcasting Rods

The baitcast rod is the meat and potatoes of the bass fishing world. Able to handle heavy line and toss above-average sized lures, this style of rod is most conducive to the heavy cover and power fishing situations you will come across.

If truth is known, 80% of my bass fishing is done with baitcast equipment. Without it, many of my favorite techniques – flipping, deep cranking, topwater slop, and spinnerbaiting – just wouldn’t be possible.

Although spinning rods have their time and place, most situations in bass fishing call for the use of heavier line and stout equipment – both to work lures efficiently and effortless, and ultimately get fish in the boat. Take these key components out of the equation, and your effectiveness and success as a bass angler drops considerably.

Although many anglers new to bass fishing approach baitcating equipment with trepidation – most in part to rumors of the dreaded “birds nest” – once learnt, they are tools that are easy and comfortable to use. And if you plan on tossing spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, cranks, jerkbaits, toads, big topwaters, or pitching or flipping, embracing the baitcast rod is definitely mandatory.

Spinning Rods

Although the brunt of the work is done with a baitcast rod, specific situations call for spinning gear. Skipping tubes under docks, working a shaky head, micro cranks and topwaters, as well as certain finesse-type techniques, all warrant the use of a spinning rod.

A rod of this stature will allow the use of light line, and is better suited for baits that are below average size. Their length and backbone can horse out most sized bass, but are best used in open water situations and away from heavy cover. To simplify things, spinning rods are used for “non-power” fishing scenarios. Keep this in mind, and you’ll have an easier time figuring out when best to use a rod of this type.

Bass Rod Material

Most bass rods currently on the market are constructed from graphite. They are extremely light, which creates a definite advantage for long days spent on the water. With this lightness comes extreme sensitivity – allowing an angler to feel every strike, bump, or weed. This really comes into play for finicky fish, or when adverse weather elements make “feel” that much more important.

Graphite comes in a variety of modulus ratings – this is a measurement used to describe the strength of the fibers used in the rod. The higher the modulus rating, the stronger and denser the fibers are that make up the rod. Higher ratings mean lighter weight, faster action, and an increased sensitivity. Unless you are serious about crankbaiting, stick with graphite rods for all of your bass needs.

Composite Rods

A composite rod is built with both graphite and fiberglass materials. A rod such as this exhibits the lightness and sensitivity that is characteristic of graphite, while also providing the durability and “soft tip feel” of fiberglass. Many bass anglers go with a composite rod for working crankbaits, as it exhibits the necessary give when fish strike, and isn’t too stiff to pull the hooks out on the initial set.

Many manufacturers are building composite rods specifically aimed at crankbait enthusiasts, and are worth a look if this is one of your techniques of choice.

Rod Actions

The action of a rod is a term used to describe the flexibility or stiffness that it exhibits.

Extra Fast – This style of rod will bend very little, and only in the upper tip. A rod of this type is ideal for fishing heavy cover, either slop, docks, or wood, when getting the fish up and away from cover is paramount to your success. The faster the action, the more pressure you can put on a bass.

Fast Action – A fast action rod will bend in the upper 25 to 30%. They provide both power and flex, which is essential when throwing spinnerbaits, soft sticks, jerkbaits, and topwaters.

Moderate Action – These rods will bend near the middle. A moderate action will also cast lures easier than a fast or extra fast action, due in part to the rod loading. Ideal for light line and finesse tactics.

Power

The power rating of a rod describes its overall stiffness. Power ratings start at ultra light and peak at extra heavy. In terms of bass fishing, a medium, medium heavy, heavy, or extra heavy power rating will cover almost all situations you come across, as well as the lures you toss. The higher the rating, the heavier lures and line they can be used in conjunction with.

Rod Guides

Rod guides are an integral part of the rod design. Inferior or cheap guides, and you might as well call it a day.

Quality guides ensure long casts and reduction in friction. They also help in spreading out the stress applied to the blank when fighting a bass, and will alleviate wearing when using superlines.

Ceramic or titanium guides both do an excellent job, and are of the utmost quality. A few of the more popular guides on the market are Fuji’s Hardloy, Silicon Carbide, and REC Nickel Titanium Recoil.

Refinements in Rods

Bass rods are certainly turning high-tech, and many of the refinements are adding to the effectiveness of the rods. Here are a few to keep an eye out for:

Blank-Exposed Reel Seats – This technology allows the fingers to have direct contact with the rod blank, giving an angler greater feel and sensitivity.

Grip Material – Companies are producing innovative refinements to cork, which give a different feel and grip from that of yesteryear. Lightness is also a trait.

Hook Holders – More manufacturers are producing their own style of “hook hangers” – putting an end to latching your hook through the eye of the rod when packing up for the day.

Technique Specific – This is becoming more prevalent on the market today, and most companies are producing at least one line of technique specific rods. Takes the guess work out of choosing the right stick.

Bass Rod Suggestions

The following list showcases some common techniques or lures used in bass fishing, and the suggested style of rod to go with it. This will give you a general idea and a starting point to begin your search.

Flipping and Pitching
Most manufacturers have a flipping stick in their lineup. It is easily recognizable as it telescopes out to its full length. The added length will allow you to pitch and flip more easily, as well as winch fish in from heavy cover.
Length – 7’6”, Action – Fast, Power – Heavy, Style – Baitcast

Buzzbaits and Spinnerbaits
A seven-foot baitcast rod is an ideal choice here, as it will provide better casting distance, leverage, and the ability to pick up line quickly.
Length – 7’, Action – Fast, Power – Medium/Heavy, Style – Baitcast

Topwaters
Go with a six-and-a-half foot rod, in either a spinning or baitcast model. The latter for heavier cover and above average size lures.
Length – 6’6”, Action – Moderate Fast, Power – Medium, Style – Both

Frogs and Toads
You will need power and backbone when fishing the slop with these topwater baits. Some anglers are leaning toward the longer rods for better casts and horsing of the fish.
Length – 7’ to 7’6”, Action – Fast, Power – Heavy, Style – Baitcast

Crankbaits
Turn to a composite rod for cranks, as it will provide better hooksets.
Length – 7’, Action – Fast, Power – Medium to Medium Heavy, Style – Baitcast

DropShot / Shaky Head
Although a baitcast rod can be used for dropshotting purposes, I feel a spinning rod gives a bit more versatility to this light-line technique.
Length – 6’10”, Action – Extra Fast, Power – Medium Light to Medium, Style – Spinning

Dock Skipping
A relatively new technique that is taking the bassin’ world by storm. Spinning equipment gives the angler better casting control for pin-point accuracy.
Length – 6’3”, Action – Fast, Power – Medium Heavy, Style – Spinning

Bass fishing is a fulfilling sport, and one that can be greatly improved when using the best equipment for the job at hand. Although they might just seem like “rods,” they all play a large part in whether you catch that next lunker largemouth. Happy shopping and best of luck this season.