What is a Good Size Rod for Bass Fishing?

One of the most common mistakes that fishermen make is not spending enough time choosing the right rod.

The size of a fishing rod affects the casting distance and the ability to cast a bait without spooking the bass away.

With that in mind, we have prepared a thorough guide highlighting what to look for and how to determine the best rod size for bass fishing.

Contents

The Basic Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rod for Bass Fishing

The first component that you will be looking into is a quality rod blank.

If you are someone who enjoys bass fishing, then you should be looking for a light composite blank that is suited for the specific type of fishing technique.

The components of the rod are just as essential as the rod blank. Wood, cork, or foam can all be used for the rod handle.

The shorter handle should be comfortable in your hand while still being stiff enough to maintain sensitivity.

The reel seat should be built of a durable composite rod material and should comfortably fit all leading spinning reels brands.

The fisherman will have more sensitivity if the reel seat has a cutout that allows the rod blank to be touched by the hand.

Increase sensitivity and accuracy by throwing shorter distances with a high-quality, low-profile, lightweight guide.

When inspecting a guide, check the ceramic ring where the line passes through is rounded.

The ceramic must also adhere to the stainless steel guide frame.

The rod’s line size rating should be compatible with the guides. There should be a specified number of guides for each length rod.

A 7′ 6″ heavy action casting model, for example, should have nine guides, including the top.

There are two types of guides: single foot and double foot.

Single foot guides are not as robust as double foot guides, but they will be enough for most bass fishing rods.

Many modern fishing rods have both types of guides, with double foot guides at the split grip handle and single foot guides towards the tip, where the rod flexes the most.

Choosing a Rod for Bass Fishing by Length

Rod length is generally a matter of personal preference, but choosing a rod length depending on your height can also be advantageous.

For accurate casts, a long rod might be awkward if you are small in stature.

Another thing to think about is where you’ll be fishing since a longer pole might assist you in casting further when fishing from the beach.

If you’re fishing near overhanging trees or obstructions, a shorter rod could be a better casting rod choice.

When it comes to bass fishing, 6’6″ and 7′ are two of the most preferred sizes since they are flexible lengths that can accomplish just about anything.

The Ugly Stik Elite Casting rod is only available in these two lengths, which is understandable. With these two rod sizes, a fisherman can do almost everything.

For trout, panfish, and younger fishermen, rods under 6’6″ are excellent. Longer rods over 7′ are popular for various bass fishing tactics, such as utilizing swimbaits and crankbaits, and longer rods are also preferred by salmon and steelhead fishermen.

Choosing a Bass Rod Size Based on a Fishing Technique/Lure

Before we discuss the importance of rod length, we want to address how the fishing technique you are using influences the rod type.

Worms/Jigs

The two most essential variables when fishing deep water are sensitivity and weight.

Sensitivity is vital for feeling small bites, and weight is necessary since you’ll be holding the rod between 9 and 10 o’clock for lengthy lengths of time.

Depending on your taste and the fish you’re fishing, use a 6 1/2- to 7 1/2-foot rod.

When fishing 20 to 60 feet deep, I like a 6 1/2-footer, and when fishing 5 to 20 feet deep, I prefer a 7 1/2-footer.

You can always go for a 9-foot fishing rod, but it is for fishermen with more experience and looking to lure in marlins, tunas, and other popular trophy fish.

Most advanced anglers are heavier, less sensitive, and slower than graphite rods.

When you hook a fish, just the point of the hook will be implanted, and if you don’t apply enough strain to the line, the fish will become slack and readily release when it gets close to the boat.

Flipping/Pitching

Holding the rod at nine o’clock and producing a pendulum motion is required for flipping.

When keeping the rod aloft for long periods, lure weights are essential.

Fishing rods intended for extracting fish from thick cover in shallow water are known as flipping rods.

The ideal length would be between 7 and 8 feet.

A 7 1/2-foot rod is a popular choice since it makes it easy to pitch lighter baits. Pitching and flipping are inextricably linked.

Examine the tip to ensure that it is flexible.

This versatility allows the fisherman to make quieter entrances into the water and makes pitching considerably easier when needed.

Top Water/Crank Baits

A 7-foot rod is ideal for casting heavier baits and providing distance.

A rod with a length of 6 to 6 1/2 feet is more accurate; therefore, you should match the rod length to the sort of fishing you perform.

Crankbait and topwater rods should be built of fiberglass to give the fish enough time to ingest the bait before setting the single hooks.

If you apply too much pressure to the treble hooks on crankbaits and topwater lures, they might detach.

A fiberglass rod’s increased elasticity will protect the hooks from coming undone.

A medium-action rod would typically suffice, as long as it has enough backbone to obtain a good hookset and is flexible enough to cast the bait.

Buzz/Spinner Baits

Because you’ll be baitcasting reel with buzz baits and spinnerbaits, a rod of lighter weight is essential.

Sensitivity is also necessary since the fish will frequently bump the blades before attacking.

A 6-foot rod will provide you with somewhat better casting accuracy, but a 7-foot rod will give you more hook setting force, leverage, and casting distance.

How Power and Action Affect a Bass Fishing Rod

The power rating of a rod is determined by the type of lure, fish size, and line it can handle.

The actions vary from ultra-light rods to a heavy power rating up to extra-heavy and ultra-heavy.

Smaller fish (think smallmouth bass) and tiny lures are excellent for ultra-light poles, but larger fish may be a fun challenge.

The next level up is light beginner anglers, which offer a slightly greater combination of power.

Medium power is a general rod power that encompasses popular medium-light and medium-heavy rods.

A medium-heavy rod is one of the most flexible alternatives for bass fishing.

What About the Rod Action?

For specific sorts of fishing, each of the possible actions is recommended.

All bass anglers with a rapid action variety will be the most sensitive, and these are ideal for light lures that require constant touch with the bottom.

Lighter action rods bend the rod blank even further down, making it easier to throw lightweight lures with light lines, such as when fishing for panfish or trout fishing.

When battling fish and retrieving lures, medium-action rods bend deeper down into the rod and generate a larger arc.

They’re great for larger baits and other lures where rod sensitivity isn’t as important.

While heavier-action rods may lack sensitivity, the bend in the rod helps to catapult lures further, increasing casting abilities.

Bass Fishing FAQs

How to Pick Rod Length and Action?

By the factors mentioned above, it is clear that skill level, length, and action are key points when choosing an action fishing rod.

With that in mind, as a beginner fisherman, you are best off with a 6.5 to 7-foot rod for bass fishing and one with medium action, given that it provides you with the leverage necessary to lure in large bass.

Which Rod and Reel Do I Need?

Our favorite is the KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod or an Ugly Stik Combo that offers fishing rod specifications set at 6’6″ and highlighted by fast action and a medium-heavy construction.

It offers great sensitivity and a gear ratio of 6.2:1, making it just the perfect choice if you want to go on an all-day fishing trip.

Most importantly, while this combo features only three bearings, you shouldn’t have an issue casting the rod without spooking your trophy fish.

How Do I Choose a Bass Rod?

Many various criteria go into selecting the correct bass rod, which is why many fishermen carry a variety of rods.

As a result, they can fit a wide range of circumstances, bass fishing techniques, lures, and the specific fishing environment.

Is a 6/10 Rod Good for Bass Fishing?

Absolutely. The action and leverage that a 6/10 rod provides are good for handling large fish such as bass, especially if you are casting spinning rods or a worm/jigs lure.

What Is a Medium/Heavy Rod Good for?

A medium/heavy rod is perfect for the fishing techniques in which you need more leverage.

In addition to that, a heavy action rod is great when it isn’t as important to properly penetrate the fish but rather keep a constant tension until you lure it in.

Wrap Up

In the end, choosing your favorite bass fishing rods can be a straightforward process as long as you evaluate the factors such as length, accuracy, leverage, and action.

We did our best to provide you with a list of fishing rod key points – it is your turn to go ahead and improve your fishing equipment!