Why are largemouth bass such a popular fish? It’s not for their taste, it’s for their fight. For a fish generally weighing under 12 pounds, largemouth bass sure bring their A game. Largemouth bass fishing is popular all over the United States. Almost anywhere there is a lake, you can bet a largemouth bass is swimming. They are also quite clever fish, hiding in certain nooks, under logs, in the weeds. It takes a bit of skill to finally land one, but once you do you’re hooked! So what rods are needed for largemouth bass fishing? We’ll take you through the basics from the different types to materials. Soon you’ll be ready to head out on the water for some largemouth bass fishing.
Rods
If you don’t have one yet, this is the key tool you need. Hunters have rifles, fishermen have rods and reels. You’ll need to do a bit of research to find the right fit for your needs and budget. When we say budget, we don’t mean getting the cheapest option available. This can end up costing more than expected, because these rods will break easily. No matter what you get, you need to make sure it’s for freshwater fishing. There are rods for deep sea fishing that you wouldn’t want to use for largemouth bass fishing.
You can purchase rods and reels separately, they can be easily interchanged. Or you can go for a rod and reel combo if you don’t have the time to do a lot of research and shopping around. For rods, we recommend casting rods and spinning rods.
Casting Rods
These rods are made for largemouth bass fishing. They can handle heavier line and big lures. Though you can use lures on any rod, casting rods are best for deep crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater baits, buzzbaits, jerkbaits, and flipping lures.
Spinning Rods
These rods are good for tubes, micro cranks, pretty much any finesse-type bait. A spinning rod usually uses light line under 10 pound test. They’re used more in low-power fishing situations.
Materials
Graphite is the main material used in largemouth bass fishing rods. They are lightweight, and allow for extreme sensitivity. Composite rods are made from graphite and fiberglass. They also are lightweight and sensitive, but also are durable. Composites are great for crankbaits.
Rod Action
The action of a rod refers to the flexibility it offers. It comes in three general styles: extra fast, fast action, and moderate action.
Extra Fast– Great for fishing in heavy cover. Rod bends very little.
Fast Action– Rod will bend in the upper quarter. Perfect for spinnerbaits, soft lures, and top waters.
Moderate Action– Allow for easier casting. They start to bend near the middle of the rod.
So which rod is best for you? We’re going to have to say it’s up to you. We could recommend a high quality $500 rod or some finesse-technique rod, but not everyone wants to spend that kind of money and not everyone wants to fish using that technique. It all depends on what you want your rod to do. We provided you with the basics of largemouth bass fishing rods, so we hope you take this information and start doing some research. Also be sure to pick up a Waterproof Chart to help you find the spots where you can catch some largemouth bass. Whether you are in Florida fishing Lake Okeechobee or reeling them in at Lake Champlain, there’s a nautical chart with the best fishing spots. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments! Happy fishing!
