10 Best Baitcasting Rod on The Market

If you’re looking to catch a large fish and feel the thrill of the task, acquiring a baitcasting rod will give you the confidence to achieve that.

To catch big fish, you need to have a high-quality casting rod.
This will ensure your success and allow fishing to be a complete pleasure.

How do you know the best baitcasting rod?

First, we’ve analyzed the best baitcasting rods that offer exceptional durability and quality.

Moreover, it can be a tedious task to figure out which one is the best.

So, after spending days researching, we finally came up with a list that provides all of the things you should consider when choosing an appropriate baitcasting rod.

At a Glance

Top 10 Baitcasting Rod For Fishing In 2022

Dobyns Rods Champion XP Series 7’3” is the perfect baitcasting rod and our top pick, as it provides durability and sensitivity from the graphite used to make its blank.

The best thing is that it is powerful yet sensitive to cast with worms, jerk baits, jigs, or crankbaits.

Additionally, its best feature is that its lightweight, and for a rod over 7 feet, it has excellent balance and doesn’t feel heavy at all.

Overall, it’s a versatile rod for large lures and lines and has the excellent blank quality and tip sensitivity.

Also, the rod with a backbone is ideal for flipping the jigs or Texas rigs with its fast and heavy action.

On the other hand, its 11 Kigan guides fitted with silicone carbide inserts ensure that your rod stays cool and free from frays.

Pros

• Excellent guides
• Sensitive tip
• Ideal for a variety of techniques and lures

Cons

• Only available in black and blue color

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you must be familiar with the Daiwa brand and the Tatula series of rods that are great accessories to your fishing gear that won’t cost a fortune.

The Tatula casting rod is a 7’3″ medium-heavy rod with quick action, and it is a versatile rod with a wide range of techniques.

The rod features a lightweight and stiff graphite blank.

There’s enough backbone for pulling an elusive bass from the cover.

The tip is exceptionally responsive and has excellent quality guides.

Pros

• Excellent guides
• Very sensitive
• Great handle
• Ideal for a variety of methods and lures

Cons

• Issues with eyelet

This 7′ top-quality UglyStik rod has a perfectly calibrated power source, and its quick tip allows for effortless casting and retrieval.

The reel seats are in a blank style and come with cushioned stainless-steel hoods.

However, this reel suffers in strength, flexibility, and lightness.

While the rod is constructed entirely of graphite, the handles are made of cork.

The rod is a single piece, which means you will not be able to fold it into half and place it on the back of your car; it occupies a significant amount of space.

Pros

• Durable
• Good line guides
• Significant line weight and lure weight range
• Non-slip cork wood on handles

Cons

• Very heavy
• It is a single piece/ not foldable

St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod is a 6’8 model is made of high-quality SCII carbon, making it durable.

You can trust the rod any time during the entire year, no matter the temperature, and head out on your fishing trip in a flash.

The rod is fitted by FRS (Fortified resin system) and ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) to provide it with essential strength that could be equal to the power of ten different rods made by other brands.

As a result, you can depend on its strength to catch up with any fish regardless of weight.

The rod is the ideal choice for all types of water you’re fishing in, from freshwater to saltwater.

Furthermore, it is prone to corrosion and rust. How amazing is that?

Its contoured cork handle makes it extremely easy to grip the rod with your hands.

It will not cause fatigue on your hands if you’re holding the rod for an entire day.

Pros

• Provides moderate power and quick movement
• It comes with the Fuji ECS reel seat and Kigan master 3D guides to give an elegant look.
• Good ratio of weight to strength
• Can use large spinnerbaits
• A solid backbone
• It is sensitive to bites
• The cork handle is soft and offers a good grip

Cons

• It could be better balanced
• The rod’s tip is heavy

The Lew’s Custom Lite Speed Stick baitcasting rods are tournament-grade, specifically designed custom-sticks made of HM85 85 million-modulus graphite.

They are incredibly responsive and lightweight.

Lew’s utilizes their Power Core to construct multiple layers of graphite that run in various directions, which means less material to support the smaller weight without compromising the strength.

The rod has stainless steel guides that have titanium inserts and offer quick, smooth casting, and Your fingers can feel the vibrations of the line through the SoftTouch reel seat.

The handles have polymer grips that are extra strong and offer a firm grip regardless of how humid the weather is.

Last but not least, the butt-stock also has a shorter length making it an easier jig-pitching and frog-walking.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Durable multi-layered blank built
• Supreme quality modulus graphite blanks
• SoftTouch reel seats to increase the sensitivity
• Stylish design
• Stainless steel guides with titanium oxide
• Anti-skid handlebars featuring split grips

Cons

• Expensive

Daiwa Tatula XT checks almost every aspect you’d want in a fishing rod with the top features and reasonable prices.

This baitcasting rod is an excellent high-end graphite fiber rod that is highly durable.

It is also among the most sensitive and flexible rods on the market.

The handles have EVA split grip that is very comfortable.

It is equipped with its own X45 Bias graphite construction that significantly reduces blank twists to maximize the strength and flexibility required for handling larger fish.

The 7-foot medium-heavy rod is highly durable and sensitive to minor bites, making it the ideal option for fishing in thick cover.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Extremely durable
• Extremely sensitive
• Graphite construction is corrosion resistant
• Includes hook keeper

Cons

• No micro guides are available

Many anglers start their careers in fishing with these rods and keep using them over the years due to their endurance and flexibility.

Why do they do so? Because these particular ones have a combination of sufficient weight and high casting precision.

It also offers an outstanding balance of power and action.

The entire rod uses 36-ton graphite, making it durable even if you bend it completely when dragging a fish out of the waters.

The rod uses a Fuji reel seat, which lets you fit almost any baitcasting reel.

Additionally, setting it up is quite simple and comfortable, too. However, it will take a short time to install it.

Moreover, it features stainless steel guides and zirconium inserts.

As a result, it provides an easy and smooth ride, reducing tangling and twisting significantly.

Pros

• Durable
• Extremely light
• Balanced
• Great sensitivity
• Features the Ergonomic split grip paired with EVA handles
• Stainless-steel guides
• Zirconium inserts

Cons

• Expensive

Abu Garcia Veritas is exceptionally light and is a perfectly balanced rod.

The rod’s weightlessness and balance permit you to fish all day without fatigue or discomfort.

The custom-designed reel seat fits perfectly in your hand and makes an ideal rod for jerk baiting.

In addition, the trigger beneath the reel isn’t rough on your fingers regardless of whether you fish the jerk bait the whole day.

It is, without doubt, a rigid fishing rod. But, you don’t have to worry about the fragile snaps, pops, or crackles under pressure.

These rods have modern resins built into the blanks that fill equally around the 30-ton carbon fibers designed to create a more durable rod.

Moreover, the Veritas features closed-cell EVA grips that are highly comfortable and soft.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Outstanding balance
• Robust
• Comfortable grips
• Titanium alloy guides

Cons

• Due to the color of the grips, they become dirty quickly

Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Fishing Rod is an excellent model for a budget-friendly rod with all the features you need in a quality rod to fish in any water.

This rod is a single-piece device with incredible strength.

With its superior graphite blank design, it’s sure to keep you going for many years to come and will not wear out in a short time.

In addition, you can utilize it for any kind of fishing – whether in saltwater or freshwater.

The handle is made with a Portugal cork grip that gives it a comfortable holding capacity.

Alongside offering an unbeatable, comfortable, and fatigue-free grip, it looks stylish and gorgeous on it.

It has excellent sensitivity, all from the lines to the handles, and has incredible precision.

It’s something you’ll enjoy when you’re an angler.

Pros

• Durable
• Can be used in any water for fishing
• Comfortable grip
• Great precision and sensitivity

Cons

• One-piece rod
• Heavy

The Legend Tournament Bass is fantastic hardware with great details and high-quality components.

In addition, the rod has a blank adorned with stunning graphics.

The rod is constructed with IPC and the brand new ART technology.

The ART provides 10 times more strength and protection.

While the Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) technology eliminates discontinuity

The rod has Medium power but is quick in motion.

The 7-foot specifically designed Teaser baitcasting rod has excellent control with every arm swing regardless of its sidearm, overhead, flipping, or pitching, and is extremely precise when hitting the targets.

The rod’s equally easy to throw into and around tight areas.

The 9-inch long handle is a great length that permits anglers to cast double-handed whenever needed.

The rod has 10 high-quality Fuji guides and a blank reel seat.

This rod is powerful enough and strong to keep the lure on the surface.

Although designed as a specialized technique-specific teaser bass rod, the Legend Tournament Bass rod is also an excellent general fishing rod.

Pros

• Innovative rod-building techniques that enhance the rod’s performance and endurance
• Great for flipping and pitching
• Not just a technique specific rod
• Very Sensitive
• Lifetime Limited Warranty

Cons

• Could have better balance

What Is A Baitcasting Rod, and Why Do You Need It?

You may be thinking, what is baitcasting?

How is it different when every rod can “cast bait”?

Good question! Baitcasting rods are specifically designed to be used with baitcasting reels.

These reels are mounted on the top of the rod while the guides are placed on top of the blank.

The design feature allows the line to apply pressure down on guides, then on the blank while fighting fish, instead of pulling the guides.

This concept is ideal for fighting large and heavy species of fish that can be found off the coast, like marlin and tuna.

However, there is more to baitcasting rods than it seems!

Baitcaster fishing rods are challenging to master, but they provide the most enjoyable fishing experience once it’s learned.

This is why experienced anglers favor these rods.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro at casting rods or are looking to purchase your first-ever baitcasting rod.

This guide will help you choose an ideal one either way.

On a general note, you need a sturdy rod that is comfortable in your hand and has the ideal combination of action, power, length, and other features that suit your preferred fishing style.

In addition, it allows you to cast heavier lures precisely and have the backbone to catch more prominent, larger fish out of deep waters and heavy covers.

Buying Guide

Have you searched for the top casting rods but been overwhelmed by all the choices and were unable to decide which one you want?

Our buying guide will help you make it easier to choose.

The fishing rod is an item you will spend lots of time with and affects what type of fishing experience you can enjoy.

Therefore, it is vital to ensure you choose the correct rod.

So, what is an excellent baitcasting rod? And how do you pick the ideal one to meet your fishing requirements?

First things first – what types of rods are out there and what makes baitcasting rod the perfect choice for you? is what you should know and understand.

Types of Fishing Rod

The choice between fishing rods is determined by the type of reel, specific techniques, and targeted species. In addition, of course, the kind of fish you plan to pursue will play a significant role in your choice.

1) Spinning Rod

Spinning rods are specifically made to work with a spinning reel.

The reel seat is towards the downwards of its handle.

The handle on the reel is located on the rod’s bottom, and the line guides also sit on the pole’s bottom, putting them at the same level as the reel.

Spinning rods are among the most popular fishing rods and are excellent general-purpose rods for those just beginning.

They are lightweight, flexible, and range between 4 and 9 feet long.

Spinning rods work well in the majority of fishing situations.

Their casting method is straightforward to master with just a little bit of practice.

They are typically used to catch all popular fish species, including walleye, trout, and bass panfish.

Furthermore, you can also use it for inshore fishing.

2) Casting Rod

Casting rods and spinning rods serve similar purposes.

They’re usually heavier. The reels are positioned on the handle’s top, towards the angler, whereas the line guides are situated on the top of the pole.

Casting rods are classified into two distinct categories: spin-cast and baitcasting models.

There is not much difference between the two types, and the only distinction is the type of fishing reels used to go with the rods.

However, spin-cast rods are easier to learn and get used to than baitcasting rods.

Since baitcasting rods are constructed with the reel set on top of the trigger grip, this helps anglers keep control of the casting process and fight fish.

This is especially effective when hands are damp or slick while dealing with fish.

For species with larger sizes, most anglers opt for the baitcasting rods.

3) Fly Fishing Rod

Fly rods are another type of fishing rod that is extremely light and flexible.

They can also be adjusted, perfect for casting fly fishing lines using light lures.

Fly rods are perfect for use in all bodies of water, including the ocean.

They can be adjusted to accommodate different weights and sizes and are suitable for fishing almost any type of fish.

Because they’re so flexible, they are frequently the preferred choice of experienced fishermen.

But it requires time and effort to master the cast, and casting requires lots of space.

4) Surf Casting Rod

The surfcasting rods are part of a more prominent family of sea rods.

They are designed to be used in oceans.

They’re typically very long, which can help increase casting distance.

They are also constructed of tough materials that can withstand the constant assault of waves in the ocean and saltwater’s destructive impacts.

Surf rods have various choices for fishing from the shore, small boats, or larger vessels in the sea.

Surf rods are available in multiple sizes and thicknesses to account for the variety of fish species you could encounter on the ocean.

No matter what size you pick, they’re adamant. However, they tend to cost a lot and might not be required for the casual angler.

5) Boat Rod

Boat rods are made to be used for fishing deep in the sea.

They tend to be short because you only need to lower the hook and weigh it over the boat’s sides.

There is no requirement to cast it.

Additionally, they tend to be robust, built of solid fiberglass.

This is because you might catch large fish when deep-sea fishing and require enough strength to lift them from deep.

The same is valid for boat rods. Boat rods are made to be used in conjunction with conventional reels that can hold plenty of heavy lines.

6) Trolling Rod

Trolling rods are heavy-duty and durable, designed for use on boats.

Mainly, they are placed in a holder located at the back of the boat.

The rod moves slowly through the water, making the lure “swim” and draw the interest of fish in the vicinity.

Trolling rods are primarily employed to catch larger fish species like marlin and tuna.

As a result, they’re not as commonly utilized as other fishing poles in this list; however, they could benefit when fishing from boats, whether in the ocean or lakes.

7) Ice Fishing Rod

Ice fishing rods appear like spinning rods; however, they are the most miniature fishing rods, often only 2 to 3 feet long.

They can be utilized using spinning reels or an inline reel specially designed.

Ice rods are designed to be used for fishing on the ice. Due to their dimensions, they won’t allow for much casting.

Instead, they’re used within a small space, like an enclosed ice fisherman’s shelter, and for lowering your bait or lure through a tiny hole through the ice.

You can use ice rods for catching small-medium species of fish, that is, up to the size of pike and walleye.

The larger fish could make the rod snap. However, they’re pretty affordable.

They’re also easy to use because you don’t have to know how to cast.

Simply drop your line into the ice hole.

What to Consider While Buying A Baitcasting Rod?

When evaluating the top baitcasting rods, pay particular attention to the following characteristics of the casting rod you’re thinking of buying.

These factors will help determine if it has the features you require in a rod for casting and find the perfect baitcasting rod to give you the best results on the water and offer you the most value for money.

1) Line Guides 

Line guides are circular rings placed across the rod that face the sky from the baitcasting pole.

Their function is to control the flow of line when you retrieve and cast and limit the amount of heat and friction on the line, ensuring the smooth flow of line free of tangles and increasing the endurance of the line you are fishing.

The eyelets might seem minor.

However, they’re crucial because they impact the rod’s durability, quality, ease, and casting distance.

Therefore, it’s critical to look at the line guides of a casting rod you are considering.

Be aware of their quality and their position.

A high-quality, well-constructed casting rod has carefully put-in guides that are aligned, stay straight, and do not snap or twist under pressure.

The more guides a rod is equipped with, the greater its casting efficiency and more costly.

Most guides have metal frames with inserts that the fishing line slides on when it flows.

The inserts can be constructed from ceramics, plastic, or metal.

Silicon carbide (SiC) is considered the most durable material and provides low-friction and smooth surfaces.

On the other hand, Nickel-titanium has the best quality.

It is corrosion-resistant and, when bent, returns to its original position rather than breaking. Alconite is also a smooth material.

At the same time, the ceramic guides are of high quality and resistant to friction and wear.

Also, if we talk about plastic inserts, they are typically low-ranking in quality, durability, and performance.

2) Blank Materials

The majority of rods considered high-quality currently are made of graphite or fiberglass, or a mixture of these two substances.

Graphite was evaluated on the brittle side in the past, breaking easily.

However, the level of refinement that graphite has experienced over the last ten years is remarkable.

Graphite is the ideal material for its flexibility and strength and also has the highest sensitivity to feel subtle take and small nibbles.

In essence, graphite used to construct rods is essentially a carbon fiber developed to have the structural characteristics that allow it to flex and resist pressure when it is flexed.

The nature of the adhesive used and the quantity of graphite utilized in the mix affect the final product.

The method of assessing graphite’s strength in tensile is determined by measuring the extent to which it is stretched after a few million pounds of tension per square inch is applied.

Graphite with an increased modulus rating won’t stretch or elongate.

Elasticity or elongation permits rods to stretch and then spring back.

The modulus of graphite’s elasticity (also known as resistance to bending) is expressed by terms like 24 million moduli or 35 million moduli, and so on.

The higher the number, the more durable rods will perform in their weight.

However, this strength increase also lets manufacturers make rods with smaller diameters.

IM6 rods have a modus value of up to 40 million. Graphite rods range from 33-64-million modulus, and fiberglass rods are rated at 6 or 13 million.

The greater the modulus, the greater the likelihood of fragility as many rods include various modulus to counteract this tendency.

The rods made of fiberglass are more durable but are also less sensitive.

They are generally heavier than graphite blank with the same action, length, and diameter.

But, fiberglass rods serve a purpose.

Boat rods used to catch serious fishing and more extensive applications that don’t need sensitivity or casting are perfect for this tougher material.

Fiberglass is also an excellent choice for children who are just beginning to learn to use the baitcasting rods.

The composites of these two materials make rods that are lightweight, sensitive, and strong but not as powerful as a pure mixture of one material.

3) Reel Seats 

The reel seat is where your baitcasting reel sits and attaches to the rod.

Since the reel is seated on the baitcasting rod’s top, casting rods are the top seat.

Be aware of the quality of the seat on the casting rods you’re thinking of buying.

There’s plenty of pressure on this part of the rod when you’re casting heavy lures, lines, baits, and fighting large fish.

You must ensure that the seat is designed to withstand the elements, secure the reel so that it doesn’t get smashed in the middle of a grueling fight with the fish, and improve your rod’s performance.

Verify that the seat is designed so that the reel fits securely when tightened.

Additionally, screw-down options can provide additional protection.

Beware of reels with poor quality seats made of plastic or fake metal, which can bend, break or snap, causing the reel to fall off.

Specific reel seats feature an opening on the bottom to increase sensitivity, which exposes the rod’s blank so that one can touch the rod’s blank using your fingers while holding the rod.

The cushioning in the metal hoods helps prevent the rust and staining of the rod and makes it simple to take off the reel.

Select a style that you feel is more comfortable in your hand.

4) Power 

The power of a fishing rod is based on its lifting capacity and strength.

Therefore, you can find heavy, medium-heavy, medium-light, light, ultra-light fishing rods.

For fighting smaller fish, lures, or lighter fishing lines, Ultra-light and light power rods are perfect.

Heavy, medium-heavy, and extra serious capabilities allow the rod to have the backbone needed to cast heavy lines, lures, or catch heavy fish.

A casting rod is intended to throw larger baits and lures to attract larger fish; you’ll need an angler pole that has medium to heavy strength so that it is strong enough to cast large lures, lines, and baits and pull heavy fish out of deep water or heavy cover without breaking.

5) Action 

A baitcasting rod’s action defines the bend it experiences as a burden is put on the rod tip and the speed at which it recovers after it is taken off.

It is the determining factor in how a baitcasting rod performs when fighting and casting fish.

There are super rapid, quick, medium, slow, and fast action fishing rods.

Rods with extra fast actions are rigid and will only bend towards the tip.

The fast rods are more flexible and turn the upper three inches of the rod away from the direction.

In addition, they are loaded with power at the tip, which allows them to attain a greater casting distance.

However, they’re also susceptible and can set hooks quickly and adequately.

Rods with moderate action are rigid and flexible and can bend at the top of the rod.

They can be used in various ways and are suitable for casting medium-weight baits.

In addition, they’re the easiest to learn.

Rods with slow action are most flexible, and they bend evenly across the rod length.

They are great for light casting and fishing with live and delicate baits.

They slow down the setting of hooks and let fish slide the hook farther into their mouths.

6) Handle/Grip 

When you are having a good day fishing, you’ll be able to keep your fingers on your fishing rod’s handle for many hours.

Therefore, it should be comfortable in your hands and offer a desirable grip, no matter if your hands feel slippery and wet, regardless of how hot or cold it becomes.

In addition, it must be designed with ergonomics to ensure you don’t head home with sore wrists.

This is why the rod’s handle and the type of grip are essential factors to consider when selecting a casting rod.

The  EVA foam and Cork are among the best material for handles.

Both are light and comfortable to grasp. Eva, Duralon, or Hyperlon manufactured handles provide a firm non-slip grip.

They’re resistant to corrosion, stains, and temperature variations.

They are durable and cost less than cork handles.

Cork handles can hold their shape even in wet conditions and enhance the aesthetic and sensitivity of the rod.

Unfortunately, they’re also expensive, but not all grips are created to be the same.

As a result, cork’s quality varies with the highest-priced rods with the finest cork quality.

The length of handles also matters.

The larger ones help work with large baits and cast long since the angler can utilize two hands to create greater forward force and load.

In addition, the more extended rear grip will give you greater flexibility and control when casting with two hands.

For lighter bait casting, short handles allow one-handed casting or roll casting.

Casting rod handles can also be found in split, full-grip, grip, and pistol grip designs.

The entire grip handle is ideal for casting heavy baits or casting long distances with two hands.

The split-grip or pistol grip rod is suitable for light lures and close-target casting.

It is the most compact kind of grip that an angler can get and is generally designed to fit the hand of the angler.

In addition, the blank-through-handle design improves its stability.

How to Maintain and Care for A Baitcasting Rod?

The rods are pretty delicate, even if they withstand immense pressure during fishing.

Even tiny bumps and scratches could cause cracks and scratches that weaken the rod and cause breaking.

Here is what you can do to keep them clean and last long:

• Make sure not to knock the rod with something while transporting it.
• Make sure that it is laid out on a flat surface inside your vehicle.This is because bumping into the uneven surface when driving could cause damage to your blank.
• Rod sleeves can keep rods safe when traveling.
• Your reel is an essential piece of equipment, so it is crucial to do all you can to ensure it is in good working order.When the fishing season is finished, conducting a full inspection every year will help you maintain its efficiency.
• Clean each piece by hand to ensure it’s in perfect condition.
• Rub the ferrules of your rod (the joints) using paraffin or candle wax, which helps prevent friction, keeps the rod from wear, and lets you break the rod parts more easily.

Conclusion

If you’re not cautious enough when picking out a fishing rod, then it is likely that you’ll be spending extra money on an average rod.

The selection of the best baitcasting rod requires some thorough research, and luckily! We have listed a few of the most reliable rods to consider.