Baitcasting Rod

T o be a successful angler, you need the right equipment, regardless of you being a professional or a beginner. You will need a well-constructed rod, capable of offering you the perfect combination of power, strength, length, and action, complementing your fishing style. The right fishing rod is what will help you accurately cast heavy lures and enabling you to feel like a professional angler if you’re not already one. So, to help you find the best baitcasting rod for your fishing style, we offer you our best recommendations.

Top 6 Baitcasting Rods Comparison

Photo	Product Name	Sizes available	Rod Materials	Grip Materials	Power Levels	Action	Price
Best Overall	1. UglyStik GX2	5.6 ft, 6 ft, 6.6 ft, 7 ft, 7.6 ft	Graphite and fiber glass	EVA	Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy, heavy	Fast	Check Price
Our Choice	2. KastKing Perigee II	4.6 ft, 5 ft, 5.6 ft, 6 ft, 6.6 ft, 6.7 ft, 7 ft, 7.1 ft, 7.6 ft	Toray 24-ton carbon matrix	High-density EVA	Medium, medium-heavy	Fast	Check Price
	3. Fiblink 4 Pieces	6.6 ft, 7 ft, 7.6 ft	Carbon	Soft cork	Medium, medium-heavy, heavy	Fast	Check Price
	4. Entsport Legend 2-Piece	7 ft	24 Ton Carbon Fiber	EVA	Medium, medium-heavy	Moderate	Check Price
	5. SHIMANO FXC 2 Piece	6 ft, 6.6 ft, 7 ft	Aeroglass	EVA	Medium, medium-heavy	Fast	Check Price
	6.JOHNCOO 7′	7 ft	Carbon	EVA	Medium-light, medium, medium-heavy	Fast	Check Price
	7. Abu Garcia VENGC70-6	6.6 ft, 6.9 ft, 7 ft, 7.6 ft	24-ton high modulus graphite	High-density EVA	Medium, medium-heavy, heavy	Fast	Check Price

1. UglyStik GX2

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Strong and reliable, but lightweight and sensitive, it is constructed from a combination of fiberglass and graphite. The Ugly Tech blanks create a well-balanced, strong and resistant pole while the Ugly Tuff stainless steel guides have a one-piece design, with no pop-out inserts, thus adding durability as well as minimizing line issues. Its handles are made from EVA, so you can use it for a long period of time without feeling tired or any other type of discomfort. It has an Ugly Stick Clear Tip for added strength and sensitivity. You can use it with any type of fishing line as it will provide you with flexibility and a quick response for lighter, smaller fish, and with a strong and durable backbone for medium to heavy fish. It measures 7 feet and 6 inches in length, but it also has other versions: 6 feet, 5 feet and 6 inches, 6 feet and 6 inches, and 7 feet. Depending on its length, its weight ranges from medium-light to heavy and it comes with a 7-year warranty.

PROS	CONS
7-year warranty Great sensitivity Durable material Versatile, with several lengths and weights	Some complained about it rusting even after proper maintenance There were some complaints about its construction
VERDICT
Overall it offers you a wide variety of fishing combinations and options, and it can, easily, complement any fishing style. Its graphite and fiberglass mix offers you durability, strength, and sensitivity but it can cast a bit heavier than expected, so you have to choose its weight carefully.

2. KastKing Perigee II

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It measures 7 feet in length, and is constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix, and has an exquisite finish, making it look professional. It has KastFlex technology blanks, thus providing you with increased power, strength, durability and accuracy when fishing. It features 9+ Fuji O-Ring line guides – for both tips, tuned, ergonomic graphite high-strength reel seats, and high-density EVA grips for a more comfortable grip during your fishing sessions. Additionally, it has a Saf-T-Keeper hook holder, to provide you with more support, and comes with two tips to provide you with more versatility. Thus, both tips can be used in freshwater and saltwater, and they come with medium and medium-heavy power, making it the perfect rod for catching bass, trout and other types of fish.

While both tips have fast action, the medium one can hold a line weighing between 10 and 17 pounds, and a lure weighing from ¼ to 5/8 ounces, and the medium-heavy one can sustain a line of 10-20 pounds and a lure of 3/8-3/4 ounces. Moreover, if you require different models for different types of fishing styles, it has spinning types, ranging from 4.6 feet to 7.6 feet in length, casting types, ranging from 6 feet to 7.6 feet in length and twin-tip rods, for both casting and spinning. Depending on the chosen type, it is able to hold a line weight ranging from 4 to 20 pounds, and it can support lures weighing from 1/8 up to 5/8 ounces.

PROS	CONS
Comes with 2 tips Is available in several choices Strong, powerful and flexible	There were some complaints about it being too fragile Some complained about its quality
VERDICT
It provides you with a strong and durable fishing rod, which can be used both in saltwater and in freshwater. Flexible, but powerful and resistant, it offers you a fast action, and a lot of versatility when it comes to what type of fishing rod you prefer to use.

3. Fiblink 4 Pieces

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It measures 7 feet in length, and its 4-piece design allows you easier transportation and storage. Each piece is 1.9 feet long, while it is made from solid carbon fiber for enhanced sensitivity. Medium-heavy, tough and solid, it has stainless steel with ceramic inserts 8+1 guides, offering you a smooth line, while minimizing friction when you cast long. It has an enhanced real seat, with corrosion resistant stainless steel hoods and an ultra-premium-grade cork grip with non-slip design, providing you with a comfortable and durable grip, regardless of how long you use it. It has 2 other sizes: 6 feet and 6 inches and 7 feet and 6 inches, their weight varying from medium to heavy. Its action is fast and supports a line weight of 12-20 pounds and a lure weight of 3/8-1 oz. The pack contains the fishing rod and a protective bag for easy storage and transportation.

PROS	CONS
4-piece design for easier maneuverability and comfort Lightweight, but strong and durable built Enhanced sensitivity	There were some complaints about it breaking up quickly Some complained about it being able to handle only small fish
VERDICT
Versatile, allowing you to transport and store it quickly and hassle-free thanks to the 4-piece design and the protection bag it comes with, it is sturdy and durable. It can complement your fishing style, as it comes with different sizes and weights.

4. Entsport Legend 2-Piece

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It measures 7 feet in length and comes not only with a unique and professional design, but it also offers you two different tips, a medium and a medium-heavy, the weight ranges going from 0.1 to 1.1 ounces. The rod is made from 24-ton structurally enhanced solid carbon fiber, thus it is sturdy and durable but lightweight, flexible and sensitive. It has an Extreme Exposure reel seat, whit corrosion resistant aluminum hoods and a soft touch finish.

The handles are made from high density EVA thus it offers you a durable and comfortable grip, regardless how long you use it. The 6+1 corrosion resistant “K-R” and “FINESSE” guides are perfectly spaced for a virtually friction-free line flow and maximum casting performance and sensitivity. It also has unique camo pattern all over it, with a stainless steel hook keeper, while its 2-piece design allows for easier storage and transport.

PROS	CONS
Strong and sturdy 2-piece design Good for bass, trout and saltwater fishing	There were some complaints about it breaking too quickly Some complained about its pieces not matching
VERDICT
Strong, durable and sturdy but lightweight and flexible, it offers you moderate action, and freedom regarding what type of fish you want to catch. Thanks to its 2-piece design it is easy to carry and store, allowing you to select the weight you need, however it is not as durable as other carbon designs.

5. SHIMANO FXC 2 Piece

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It is 6 feet and 6 inches in length and it has medium-heavy pressure when flexing it. It has a sturdy and durable aero glass construction, with reinforced aluminum oxide guides, a solid locking graphite reel seat and EVA handle grips. Its design can be separated into 2 pieces, thus offering you a quick and faster transport. There are other sizes and weights available, as well: 6 feet and 7 feet with medium to medium-heavy builds. Its rear grip length varies from 7.5 inches to 9 inches according to what type of rod you have, while the line weight can go from 6 to 20 pounds. It has excellent sensitivity and flexibility, with a fast action tip which throws lures far away. Thanks to its medium power, it can be used for a variety of medium to heavy fish, from lakes, streams, rivers, and even light saltwater.

PROS	CONS
Versatile, for all skill levels Sturdy and durable 2-piece design for easier transport	Some complained about it being too heavy There were some complaints about it breaking easily
VERDICT
Versatile, offering flexibility and excellent sensitivity, it can be used in several places – lakes, streams, river or light saltwater – allowing you to fish to your heart’s content. Medium weight, it is great for fast action, while its 2-piece design allows you to store it easily.

6. JOHNCOO 7′

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It measures 7 feet in length and it is made from a strong and structurally enhanced mix of solid carbon and fiber. It has high-density EVA grips for durability, comfort, and control, allowing you to use it for a long period of time without feeling tired. It has 3 different tips, of different powers – medium-light, medium, and medium-heavy – giving you the freedom of switching them up whenever you want. According to what tip you choose, they can hold lures and lines of different weights: 4-21g lure with 4-10 pounds line (medium-light), 7-21g lure with 4-12 pounds line (medium), and 8-35 g lure with 8-16 pounds line (medium-heavy). It comes with a bag and a cloth cover to store them easily.

PROS	CONS
Has 3 different tips Versatile and quick to adjust to your fishing style Easy to transport and store	Not good for bigger, heavier fish There were some complaints about it breaking up too quickly
VERDICT
Its 3 different tips offer you flexibility, control, and freedom when it comes to picking what type of fish you want to catch. Thanks to its ergonomic grip, you won’t feel tired, regardless of how long you use it.

7. Abu Garcia VENGC70-6

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It is made from durable and sturdy 24-ton high modulus graphite, providing you with versatility for on-the-water applications. It measures 7 feet in length and is for medium heavy fishing, but it does have other models and sizes as well. Thus, it has 6’6” medium and medium heavy, 6’9” medium heavy, 7’ medium and 7’6” heavy, so you can easily choose the ones you need according to your fishing style.
The guides are made from stainless steel, thus they are durable and rust-resistant, while the titanium inserts can easily withstand heavy line pressure. Additionally, it comes with high-density EVA handle which offer you comfort and durability, while thanks to the Texas-rigged hook, not only will you have a firmer grip, but you can use a wide range of bait applciations, as well. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the moment of your purchase.

PROS	CONS
Stainless steel guides Titanium inserts Is available in several choices	There were some complaints about durability Some complained about its collar
VERDICT
It provides you with a strong and sturdy way of catching fish while on the water. Additionally, thanks to its stainless steel guides and titanium inserts, it can hold heavy loads, while thanks to its comfortable EVA grip and Texas-hook, there will be no fish that will escape you.

Casting VS Spinning Rods

You have to know what type of fishing rod you are looking for and what type is compatible with your fishing style before you decide to invest in one. While they bear similarities to the extent that some might confuse them altogether, casting rods and spinning rods are very different, not only because of their design but also in the way you use them.

Design

Firstly, an easy way to differentiate them is by taking a look at the way the guides are placed. If the guides are on top of the rod, having approximately the same diameter, from top to bottom, then you are looking at a casting design. The spinning design has the guides placed under the rod, with the first guide – the one closer to the handle – visibly larger than the rest.

By having such specific designs, each is better than the other for certain types of fish. For example, a casting rod will help you pull up medium to heavy fish, as their weight is sustained not only by the line but by the rod as well, whereas a spinning rod can support only light to medium-light fish, the line being the one that supports the fish’s weight.

Secondly, to be able to distinguish them better, you have to take a look at the handle, where the reel attaches. Since castings are used to catch heavy fish, they will have a trigger-like seat, for a better and firmer grip, the trigger which a spinning rod will lack. It also has a limited, 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.

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Baitcasting Rod VS Spinning Rod

Casting Rod	Spinning Rod
Offers accuracy for distance	Best for beginners
Requires time to master	Easy to operate
Used with heavier baits: jigs, crankbaits and spinner baits	Used with lighter baits: soft plastic and live baits
Can launch far	Can launch far
Has backlash if you don’t tension the line correctly	No backlash
Better to be used only when fishing locations are demanding – lily pads or dock pilings, for example	Can be used in all areas

Conclusion

While both versions can be used by professionals and beginners alike, it is advised for beginners to start with a spinning one because it is less prone to tangling the line and easier to master.