Bass fishing is hot right now! Whether you are targeting smallmouth, largemouth or stripers, there are some great rods out there that wil...
Largemouth Rods
Largemouth bass can often require short, accurate casts with really large flies. Most anglers would look at a saltwater rod, but many saltwater rods are built to cast a long ways in a hefty wind. The stiffness of the rod can detract from feeling the load, and that makes accurate casts a bit more difficult. We prefer a rod that has a little bit of flex in the mid section for largemouth flies. That little bit of flex will help that big nasty fly land in between those two lily pads accurately. Most anglers fish a 7 or 8 weight, but a 9 will be good if you are fishing for really big ones and pulling them out of the weeds a lot.
TFO Mangrove - $279
This is about as good of a largemouth rod as you could ask for. While this is a saltwater rod (it has stainless components and a hard finish) it was built to do the same thing we are looking for in a rod; make shorter casts with heavier flies quickly and precisely. It has a lot of backbone with a nice bit of flex. While it has a lot of feel to it, there is enough power to put the wood to them as they say.
Douglas LRS - $249
This is a newer rod from Douglas, and like their other rods, these are really impressive. The 8 weight has a lot of power without overloading on short casts. The design and components are simple and effective. There is nothing too fancy about the LRS, except for how well it casts.
St. Croix Imperial - $249
Most would argue that no one knows bass rods better than St. Croix. The Imperial has been a top choice as an all around rod for like 20 years now. I had one when I first started fishing. It has everything you need in a largemouth rod, a stout back end with some good flex in the middle for accuracy and a stiff tip to turn over a large fly.
Smallmouth Rods
Temple Fork Outfitters BVK - $299
Temple Fork Outfitters knows their bass rods too. The Texas-based company is right in the thick of the bass world, and they have a bunch of great rods for bass. Our best selling smallmouth rod is the TFO BVK in a 7wt. This rod is stout, but has a more forgiving cast than many fast rods. The price is right, and it has a good taper to double up as a trout stick.
Redington Vice - $199
A second shop favorite. The Vice is a bit of a faster rod than the BVK. It can throw a good sized fly and it is great on windy days. Not quite as accurate as the BVK, but it has more power and is more than adequate for smallies.
Fenwick Aetos - $189
The Aetos is a great little rod that stays under the radar. If you haven't checked out our "5 weight challenge", the 5 weight Aetos did very well. The 6 is also a wonderful model that has a good blend of power and feel. This rod frankly has mediocre overall aesthetics, which helps keep that cost down, but the performance is great.
Striper Rods
TFO Clouser - $219
The go-to rod for anglers across the globe, the Clouser has a lot of power, saltwater-worthy components and the guts to push a big clouser into a headwind. Faster than the Mangrove and the BVK, this rod is fast, stiff and super powerful for throwing T-14 and a big fly.
Redington Predator - $299
The Predator can get the job done. Big flies, no problem. Big wind, no problem. Big sink tips, bring it on. This rod can do whatever you need to do to catch a striper. It has a very lightweight feel in hand and good aesthetics. It has a similar action to the Clouser, nice components, is a bit lighter and has a little more kick to it when you push it.
Loop Q - $229
Loop's Q series rod is another shop favorite. While the trout sized rods have a nice, easy, moderate action, the 8, 9 and 10 weight models are fast action with titanium stripping guides for saltwater fishing. This rod is very fun to cast. It has a really "crisp" action and delivers big flies with ease. This would be a top choice for an all-around bass rod.
Whether you are chasing white bass, black bass, wipers, stripers or smallies, there is a good bass rod for you under $300. We sure hope you get out on the water soon and get into some great bass fishing!
-Fishing, usually not catching
