Baitcasting rods are an essential part of any angler’s kit. They allow you to be able to catch heavier fish because their guides face upwards. Not to mention, they allow you to cast at longer distances.
If you try just searching ‘baitcasting rods’ on Amazon, you’ll end up with hundreds of results, and they all claim to be the best out there, but we all know better.
Because we don’t like to listen to false claims, here’s the real deal about the best baitcasting rods on the market.
List of The Best Baitcasting Rods:
- KastKing Perigee II – Best Overall
- Ugly Stik GX2 – Medium Light to Heavy Powers
- Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Rod – Best Budget Baitcasting Rod
- Entsport Camo Legend – Rod Comes with Two Tips
- Piscifun Torrent – Best for Beginners
- Abu Garcia Vengeance – High-Quality at Low Price
- Entsport Rattlesnake Three Rods in One
Our Top Picks:
|
Rod |
Material | 2 Piece? |
|
KastKing Perigee II |
24-Ton Carbon Matrix |
Yes |
|
Ugly Stik GX2 |
Graphite and Fiberglass |
Yes |
|
Berkley Cherry-wood HD |
Composite |
Yes |
|
Entsport Camo Legend |
24-Ton Carbon Fiber |
Yes |
|
Piscifun Torrent |
IM6 or Graphite and Fiberglass |
Yes |
|
Abu Garcia Vengeance |
24-Ton Graphite |
No |
| Entsport Rattle-snake | Graphite |
Yes |
The 7 Best Baitcasting Rods in 2021
1. KastKing Perigee II – Best Overall
The Perigee II combines high quality with accuracy, which makes it a best selling baitcasting rod on Amazon. It’s best known for its 24-ton carbon matrix material that provides durability as well as lightweight as it only weighs 20 lbs.
It also comes with Fuji O-Ring line guides as well as high-density EVA grips for comfort when using the rod for extended periods of time. In addition, it has a graphite reel seat that provides high-strength.
It offers both 1-piece and 2-piece models where the 1-piece models come in 6’7”, 7’1”, and 7’4” lengths that offer medium-light, medium, and medium-high power options.
It also has a unique feature, which is the Twin-Tip Styles that offer 2 tips for the price of one making it one of the most budget-friendly baitcasting rods on the list. The Twin-Tip style is 7’ long with MH and M, Ml and M, and M and Mh options that you can pick from.
Lastly, it can be used for freshwater as well as saltwater fishing with any fishing techniques, including Bass and Trout fishing.
Pros:
- Twin-Tip style
- Fuji O-Ring guides
- High-quality
Cons:
- 2 lbs of weight
- Multiple reports of the rod snapping too soon
Final Verdict
The Perigee II is your best option for if you’re looking for a baitcasting fishing rod that can do it all. You can use it in freshwater as well as saltwater and using any fishing technique. Also, you can choose between one-piece models or two-piece Twin-Tip models that fit your fishing needs.
2. Ugly Stik GX2 – Medium Light to Heavy Powers
The Ugly Stik GX2 has been one of the most popular baitcasting rods for years. It is durable as well as sensitive, and that allows you to feel the lightest bites on the rod while still offering high strength.
It is made from a combination of graphite and fiberglass that contributes to its light weight of only 0.5 lbs. Its up-to 7 guides are one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff that eliminates insert pop-ups. , It also comes with an EVA grip for maximum comfort.
It offers length options of 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, 7’, 7’6” with possible powers of medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, and heavy. In addition, it offers one-piece and two-piece configurations.
Pros:
- A variety of power and length options to choose from
- Durable
- High sensitivity
Cons:
- Some models come with a smaller (pistol) grip
- Medium-heavy is a little too stiff
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for durability, sensitivity, and a variety of power options, look no further. The GX2 is one of the most popular baitcasting rods on the market for how strong it is. This baitcasting rod can last you generations and still feel brand new.
3. Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Rod – Best Budget Baitcasting Rod
Being on a budget can be restricting when it comes to finding a good baitcasting rod. Well, the Cherrywood HD competes with high-priced rods while being the most affordable baitcasting rod on this list.
It’s made of a composite material that is lightweight at just 0.4 lbs. Also, it comes with SS304 guides that are 20 times tougher and 55% lighter than traditional guides that add to its overall durability and lightweight. Its grip is in a cork handle design that guarantees comfort.
For length options, you can choose from 5’6”, 6’, 6’6”, and 7’ models, as well as power options of medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy. Also, it offers both one-piece and two-=piece configurations.
Pros:
- SS304 guides
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Some plastic parts feel cheap
- Two-piece models are hard to find
Final Verdict
The Cherrywood offers outstanding features at an outstanding price tag. It is durable, sensitive, and lightweight. Besides, it comes with a variety of power and length options; however, there aren’t many models that come in two-piece configurations.
4. Entsport Camo Legend – Rod Comes with Two Tips
The Camo Legend is another popular rod that everyone swears by, and honestly, we can’t blame them. It is quite a money-saving rod as it comes with 2 tips that can save you the effort of having to carry two different rods.
Its 24-ton carbon fiber material contributes to its lightweight of only 0.45 lbs. Moreover, its guides adopt K-R and FINESSE series that are corrosion-resistant while still offering high sensitivity. Furthermore, its grip is high-density EVA handles that offer durability as well as comfort.
Its reel seat is quite a unique one as it is an Extreme Exposure seat that is also corrosion resistant with a soft-touch finish, not to mention, a camo design.
Its two-tips offer two power options of medium and medium-heavy; however, you don’t really have options when it comes to length as it only comes in 7’ length and only two-piece configuration.
Pros:
- Two- tips for medium and medium-heavy powers
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons:
- No length or power options
- Some tips may have defects
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for versatility, the Camo Legend is the one for you as it offers two -tips with medium and medium-heavy powers; however, that’s all you’ll be getting. There are no other options of powers or lengths, so if these specs are suitable for you, you definitely need to go for it.
5. Piscifun Torrent – Best for Beginners
The Piscifun Torrent is the best rod out there if you’re new to the world of fishing. It offers everything that you’re looking for at a decent price point.
Torrent means business when it comes to versatility. You have a massive range of models that you can choose from, and each model has its own specifications, length, power, and weight.
What all models have in common, though, is the high-density EVA grips and an excellent guide system. The one-piece models have 8+1 guides, while the two-piece models have unique stainless guides with zirconium inserts for the elimination of pop-outs.
For the one-piece models, you have 6’8”, 6’10”, 7’, 7,1”, 7’2”, and 7’6” options for lengths and medium, medium-heavy, and heavy powers. Furthermore, the two-piece models have 6’9” and 7’ length at medium and medium-heavy powers, respectively.
Pros:
- Wide range of models
- Lightweight
- High sensitivity
Cons:
- Two-piece models are a little flimsy
- The rod tip is a little weak
Final Verdict
If you’re just starting to get into fishing and you’re looking for a good rod that is lightweight, durable, and sensitive, the Torrent is your go-to baitcasting rod. You’d have a wide range of models to choose from, so you can easily find the best model for you.
6. Abu Garcia Vengeance – High-Quality at Low Price
Abu Gracia is a brand known for its high-quality products, and the Vengeance baitcasting rod is no different. It combines both: high-quality and a decent price tag.
It’s made from 24-ton graphite, which is known for its lightweight and durability. It has high-density EVA handles and stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts that are also coated with zirconium.
Its sensitivity is high enough that you’ll be able to feel faint bites. , and also, it is quite a durable rod, so you don’t need to worry about losing your fish.
You do get a decent range of models with lengths of 6’6”, 6’9”, 7’, and 7’6” and power options of medium, medium-heavy, and heavy.
Pros:
- Durable
- High sensitivity
- High-quality
Cons:
- Only one-piece configuration
- You may face some shipping issues
Final Verdict
The Vengeance is one of the best beginner baitcasting rods that offer durability, sensitivity, and high-quality. The rod is lightweight with a comfortable grip and stainless guides with a wide range of models.
7. Entsport Rattlesnake – Three Rods in One
Another product by Entsport is the Rattlesnake that comes with three tips rather than two. It is a unique baitcasting rod that we’d recommend for if you like fishing in different areas, and you want a variety of rods.
Made from graphite, the Rattlesnake offers both lightweight and durability. It also has a cork handle that provides control as well as comfort. Moreover, its guide system is 6+1 stainless guides with ceramic inserts and an extreme exposure reel seat for added sensitivity.
The Rattlesnake only comes in 7’ length with powers of medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy and a two-piece configuration. If you’re looking for a 7’ baitcasting rod, the Rattlesnake will offer you three different powers in the same rod.
Pros:
- Three different tips
- Portable
- High-quality
Cons:
- Only one length option
- Plastic parts feel cheap
Final Verdict
With Rattlesnake, one rod can act as three. It comes with 3 tips, each with a different power that can save you a lot of time and effort on your fishing trips. It is durable and affordable. Moreover, it is an excellent rod for Bass fishing.
What Are Baitcasting Rods Used for?
Baitcasting rods are used for some fishing techniques that mostly involve fighting a stronger saltwater fish like Bass or Salmon. The guides on baitcasting rods face upwards to prevent the force of the fish from breaking the eyelets.
There’s a reason why baitcasting rods are an essential tool when angler pick their rods. Baitcasting rods are also able to increase the casting distance making them ideal for fishing in rougher conditions.
However, it takes some practice and a certain level of proficiency to be able to handle a baitcasting rod, which is why beginner anglers tend to avoid baitcasting rods.
How to Pick a Baitcasting Rod
There’s no rule of thumb when it comes to picking a baitcasting rod; it depends on what you’re looking for. However, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration.
1. Overall Quality
This is quite obvious. The last thing you’d want is your brand new rod snapping within a week. You need to keep an eye out on what materials are used to manufacture your rod.
2. Power
That depends on the kind of fish you’re aiming to catch. If your goal is heavier fish like Bass or Trout, we’d recommend you go for a medium-heavy or a heavy power rod. The range of powers start at ultra-light and go all the way up to ultra-heavy. There are many options to choose from, and it all depends on what you’re targeting.
3. Length
A general rule is that the longer the rod is, the more control you’d have over it. You should have a general idea of your fishing abilities and preferred techniques and pick the length that matches your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Do You Need a Special Rod for a Baitcaster?
Yes, but we wouldn’t describe it as ‘special,’ though. You’d just need a baitcasting rod, and you can find some excellent options that are at affordable prices as we’ve discussed throughout this article rather than use any rod you have as that may cause issues while fishing.
2. Can You Put a Spinning Reel on a Baitcasting Rod?
Well, they aren’t made to be used together, but there’s no actual barrier stopping you from pairing them together.
A reason why pairing them may not be the best idea is that baitcasting rods have smaller guides than spinning rods, which can mess up your guides.
The short answer is that you probably shouldn’t. You can find affordable baitcasting reels or spinning rods that you should pair accordingly for the best results.
3. What is the Best Baitcasting Rod for Bass?
Any baitcasting rod can work for Bass. According to this article, our top pick was KastKing Perigee II followed up by the Ugly Stik GX2. Any rod on this list is a rod we’d recommend you use for Bass, it depends on what exactly you’re looking for in a baitcasting rod.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, the 7 best baitcasting rods on the market with their specifications covered. By now, you should have a general idea of which rods fit your needs best, and if not, here’s a quick recap of our favorites and why we picked them.
Our top pick is the KastKing Perigee II. It is a baitcasting rod that has it all: durability, sensitivity, accuracy, and high-quality. Moreover, it comes with a twin-tip that is like two rods in one. There really isn’t a huge drawback with this product, just make sure that it’s fully intact when it arrives.
Coming in on second place is the Ugly Stik GX2. It offers a variety of length and power combinations that you’ll most likely find the perfect rod for you.
After that comes the Berkley Cherrywood HD, which is our budget-choice baitcasting rod that offers high-quality as well as an affordable price tag.