The 7 Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2025 (Field-Tested by an Expert)
If you've ever felt lost in a sea of graphite and cork, you're not alone. Choosing the right gear is one of the biggest challenges in bass fishing. Here at riversiderelics.com, our entire mission is to cut through the marketing hype and provide advice based on countless hours on the water. This guide isn't just another list; it's a field-tested summary of the best bass fishing rods that have personally earned their place on my boat. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, my goal is to help you find the perfect tool for your style and budget, so you can fish with more confidence.
Our Top Bass Rods at a Glance
For those in a hurry, here are my top picks for every angler and budget.
| Rod Name | Category | Best For | Price Bracket |
| St. Croix Bass X Casting Rod | Best Overall | All-Around Versatility | $120 - $160 |
| Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod | Best Budget Rod | Beginners & Durability | Under $60 |
| Shimano Expride B Spinning Rod | Best for Finesse | Drop Shots & Ned Rigs | $350 - $400 |
| Dobyns Fury FR 735C | Best Power Rod | Flipping & Heavy Cover | $130 - $150 |
| Lew's Custom Speed Stick | Best for Crankbaits | Treble Hook Lures | $150 - $180 |
| G. Loomis NRX+ | The Premium Workhorse | Ultimate Sensitivity | $600 - $700 |
| Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Rod | Best Travel Rod | Anglers on the Go | $140 - $170 |
In-Depth Rod Reviews 2025
1. St. Croix Bass X Casting Rod
Category: Best Overall
When someone asks me to recommend one casting rod for bass fishing, the St. Croix Bass X is almost always my first answer. It hits the perfect balance of sensitivity, power, and price.
I've used the 7'1" Medium-Heavy, Fast Action model for everything from dragging Texas rigs to throwing spinnerbaits, and it has never let me down. Its well-rounded performance means it can effectively work many of the best bass fishing lures, from weighted plastics to topwater walkers.
It's light enough to fish all day but has the backbone to pull a 4-pounder out of moderate cover.
Key Specs:
- Models: Multiple lengths and actions available
- Material: SCII Carbon Fiber
- Guides: SeaGuide Aluminum-Oxide Guides
- Handle: Split-Grip Cork
Pros:
- Excellent sensitivity for the price point.
- Extremely versatile for a wide range of techniques.
- Lightweight and well-balanced.
Cons:
- Not ideal for very heavy cover or ultra-finesse techniques.
2. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
Category: Best Budget Rod
Don't let the low price fool you-the Ugly Stik Elite is a legend for a reason. It's my go-to recommendation for beginners getting their start in bass fishing or anyone needing a tough, dependable rod that won't break the bank.
Is it the most sensitive rod on this list? No. But its composite blank is nearly indestructible, making it forgiving for new anglers and perfect for tossing in the back of a truck.
I've handed this rod to first-timers, and it has handled big fish like a champ.
Key Specs:
- Models: 6'6" or 7' Medium Power recommended
- Material: Graphite and Fiberglass Composite
- Guides: "Ugly Tuff" Stainless Steel Guides
- Handle: Cork
Pros:
- Incredibly durable and almost impossible to break.
- Exceptional value for under $60.
- More sensitive than the original Ugly Stik.
Cons:
- Heavier and less sensitive than full graphite rods.
3. Shimano Expride B Spinning Rod
Category: Best for Finesse
When the bite gets tough and you need to downsize to a drop shot or a Ned rig, the Shimano Expride is in a class of its own. The sensitivity is simply electric.
The Carbon Monocoque handle transmits every single pebble, tick, and subtle bite directly into your hand. To complete the setup, pairing it with one of the best bass fishing spinning reels is essential for maintaining its incredible balance and feel.
I've used this rod in ultra-clear water where presentation is everything, and its responsiveness has helped me land fish I know I would have missed with a lesser rod. It's an investment, but for serious finesse anglers, it's worth every penny.
Key Specs:
- Models: 6'10" Medium-Light recommended
- Material: Hi-Power X Graphite Blank
- Guides: Fuji SiC Guides
- Handle: Carbon Monocoque
Pros:
- Unrivaled sensitivity and lightness.
- Perfectly balanced for finesse techniques.
- Premium components from tip to handle.
Cons:
- High price point.
4. Dobyns Fury FR 735C
Category: Best Power Rod (Flipping & Punching)
When you're fishing in the thick stuff-matted grass, lily pads, or heavy docks-you need a rod with pure power. The Dobyns Fury 735C is the tool for that job.
It's a 7'3" Mag-Heavy rod designed for one thing: getting a big hook into a big fish and wrestling it out of cover. The immense power ensures you can drive home one of the best hooks for bass fishing and pull fish out of the nastiest vegetation without worry.
I've leaned on this rod in close-quarters combat, and the leverage it provides is unmatched in its price class. If you're serious about fishing heavy cover, this rod belongs in your arsenal.
Key Specs:
- Length: 7'3"
- Power/Action: Mag-Heavy/Fast
- Material: High-Modulus Graphite
- Handle: Split-Grip Cork
Pros:
- Immense backbone for powerful hooksets.
- Well-balanced for a rod of its power.
- Great performance for a sub-$150 price tag.
Cons:
- Too specialized for all-around use.
5. Lew's Custom Speed Stick Crankbait Rod
Category: Best for Crankbaits
Power fishing with treble-hooked lures like crankbaits requires a special tool. A fast-action rod will rip the hooks right out of a fish's mouth. That's where this Lew's crankbait rod shines. It has a composite blank that provides the perfect moderate action for these baits.
You can feel the wobble of your squarebill perfectly, but when a bass inhales it, the rod loads up slowly. This forgiving bend keeps the tiny treble hooks pinned securely during an aggressive fight, helping you land significantly more fish.
For burning squarebills in the shallows or dredging deep divers, this rod is an absolute beast for its price.
Key Specs:
- Models: 7'2" Medium Power, Moderate Action is a great starting point
- Material: HM50 Graphite and Carbon/Glass Composite Blank
- Guides: Fuji Concept O guides
- Handle: Winn Dri-Tac Split Grips
Pros:
- Forgiving moderate action is perfect for treble hooks.
- Excellent casting distance with moving baits.
- Winn Dri-Tac grips are extremely comfortable.
Cons:
- Not sensitive enough for bottom-contact techniques like jigs.
6. G. Loomis NRX+
Category: The Premium Workhorse
G. Loomis NRX+ rod
When you reach a point where every subtle bite matters, you enter the world of G. Loomis. The NRX+ isn't just a fishing rod; it's a precision instrument. The sensitivity is almost hard to describe—you feel absolutely everything. It's the difference between thinking you felt a leaf and knowing it was a bass breathing on your jig.
This rod is incredibly lightweight and perfectly balanced, reducing fatigue during long tournament days. The price is substantial, there's no denying it. But for the serious angler who demands the absolute best in performance and can capitalize on the feedback the rod provides, the NRX+ is a worthy investment that can genuinely lead to more fish in the boat.
Key Specs:
- Models: The 853C JWR (7'1" Med-Heavy) is a legendary choice
- Material: NRX+ with Spiral X Graphite Construction
- Guides: Fuji Titanium SiC Guides
- Handle: Custom CI4+ Reel Seat
Pros:
- Absolutely phenomenal, best-in-class sensitivity.
- Extremely lightweight and powerful for its weight.
- Top-tier components and build quality.
Cons:
- The price tag is prohibitive for most anglers.
7. Daiwa Ardito-TR Travel Rod
Category: Best Travel Rod
Being on the road shouldn't mean you have to leave a quality fishing rod behind. The Daiwa Ardito-TR solves this problem beautifully. This is a three-piece rod that performs shockingly like a one-piece rod, thanks to Daiwa's high-quality V-Joint construction that eliminates the flat spots common in older travel rods.
I've packed this in a suitcase for work trips and family vacations. It allows you to explore new waters without being stuck with subpar rental gear. It's sensitive enough for plastics and strong enough to handle surprisingly big fish.
It comes in a sturdy, padded hard case, making it the perfect companion for any angler on the go.
Key Specs:
- Models: Available in both spinning and casting configurations
- Material: HVF (High Volume Fiber) Graphite
- Construction: 3-Piece with V-Joint Ferrules
- Accessories: Includes a durable hard travel case
Pros:
- Extremely portable and easy to travel with.
- High-quality construction feels surprisingly sensitive.
- Includes a protective case, adding great value.
Cons:
- Slightly less sensitive than a premium one-piece rod at the same price.
The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Bass Rods
Understanding a rod's specs is the key to matching it to your fishing style. Here’s what you need to know.
Casting vs. Spinning Rods: Which is Right for You?
One of the first choices you'll make. It’s simple:
-
Casting Rods: Use these for power and precision with heavier lures (over 1/4 oz) like jigs, crankbaits, and frogs. They offer better control for accurate casting and have more backbone for fighting fish in heavy cover. They require a bit of practice to avoid backlashes (bird's nests).
-
Spinning Rods: These are your go-to for finesse and light lures. They excel with techniques like drop shots and Ned rigs. Spinning reels are much easier for beginners to use and handle light lines and windy conditions better.
My advice: A serious bass angler eventually owns both. If you're just starting, a 7' medium-power spinning rod is the most versatile and forgiving option.
Rod Action, Power, and Length Explained
These three specs determine how a rod feels and performs.
Action: This is where the rod bends.
- Fast Action: Bends mostly in the top third of the rod. It's sensitive and provides a quick, powerful hookset. Perfect for: Jigs, Texas Rigs, Frogs.
- Moderate Action: Bends deeper, into the middle of the rod. It's more forgiving and keeps fish pinned on treble hooks. Perfect for: Crankbaits, Spinnerbaits.
- Slow Action: Bends almost to the handle. Rare in bass fishing, except for some specialized crankbait rods.
Power: This is the rod's resistance to bending—its strength.
- Medium-Light (ML): For very light lures and finesse tactics.
- Medium (M): A great all-around choice for many lures.
- Medium-Heavy (MH): The most popular power for bass fishing. Versatile enough for jigs and spinnerbaits.
Heavy (H): For fishing in thick cover and throwing big lures.
- Length: This affects casting distance and leverage.
- Shorter (Under 7'): Great for accuracy in tight quarters, like skipping lures under docks.
- Longer (7' and up): Provides longer casts, better leverage for hooksets, and more control over fish during a fight. The 7' to 7'4" range is the sweet spot for most techniques.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I've seen anglers make the same few mistakes. Avoid them, and you'll be ahead of the game.
1. Mismatching the Rod to the Technique
Using a moderate action rod for jigging in heavy cover will result in missed hooksets. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched folks try to fish heavy jigs with a medium-light spinning rod, only to miss hooksets or snap their fishing line.
2. Buying One "Do-It-All" Rod
While a Medium-Heavy rod is versatile, it can't do everything perfectly. A dedicated crankbait rod or spinning rod will make you a much more effective angler for those specific techniques.
3. Ignoring Balance
Always test a rod with the reel you plan to use. A tip-heavy rod will wear you out and reduce sensitivity. A well-balanced combo should feel like a natural extension of your arm.
FAQs
Conclusion
Ultimately, finding the right gear is a personal journey. While every rod on this list is a proven performer, the real lesson is to match your tool to your technique. Use what you've learned here about action, power, and length to make an informed choice. Finding the best bass fishing rods isn’t about the price tag; it's about selecting the one that feels like an extension of your arm. Now take this knowledge, get out on the water, and fish with confidence.
Tight lines!
Aviv Nguyen is a passionate fisherman who loves sharing stories and tips from his fishing adventures. Whether it’s freshwater or sea, he finds joy in every cast and aims to inspire others to enjoy the great outdoors through fishing.
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