First-time anglers would probably have used spinning or spin casting rods, as these types of rods are much easier to learn. However, if you want to be called a real fisherman and be able to capture heavier fish, then you should be able to try baitcasting rods. You need to find the best baitcasting rod to enhance your fishing experience with some prize-winning catches.
Here, we would like to present you with our finding of the top baitcaster rods in today’s market, along with detailed reviews on what to look for if you want to transition into a bonafide baitcaster. Read on and you will definitely find your right match.
Our Top Picks Baitcasting Rods (Quick View)
| Pick Name | Thumbnail | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Choice |  |
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods | Check Price |
| Good Value for Money |  |
Entsport Sirius | Check Price |
| For Spinnerbaits |  |
Entsport E Series Camo Legend | Check Price |
| The Most Versatile Rod |  |
KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods | Check Price |
| For On-Water Applications |  |
Abu Garcia Vengeance | Check Price |
| For Portability |  |
Piscifun Torrent | Check Price |
| 7th |  |
UglyStik GX2 Casting Rod | Check Price |
| 8th |  |
Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Rod | Check Price |
| 9th |  |
Piscifun Torrent One Piece | Check Price |
| 10th |  |
Entsport Rattlesnake | Check Price |
Best Baitcasting Rods
01 KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods (Our Top Choice)
The KastKing Perigee II is our top pick due to its durability and performance. Ranging from 6 feet to 7’6” in length and from medium light to heavy when it comes to action, the KastKing Perigee II is very versatile and can easily catch prize fishes in the hands of a capable handler.
Carbon matrix blanks with KastFlex technology ensures toughness, while line guides are made of Fuji-O rings that not only helps in preserving your lines but also assists in accurate casting. Reel seats are made of graphite and fit well with most baitcasting reels.
Unfortunately, some have reported that their rods have broken after a couple of uses, but that can probably be attested to manufacturing flaws as many more have raved about its toughness as well.
On the other hand, the KastKing Perigee II also comes with a lifetime warranty, so you really don’t have to worry if your rod does break. In addition, two-piece variants of the KastKing Perigee II comes with two tips of differing action, which adds further value to your purchase as you are essentially getting two rods for the price of one.
The KastKing Perigee II performs well, is nicely balanced, and is quite sensitive to bites. It is a highly recommended choice and is one of the favorites among experts, as this allows you to cast greater distances and can provide great power without hampering the balance or compromising on the user comfort in the process.
Pros
- Top quality materials were used
- You get two tips for the two-piece models
- Line guides are very durably made
It has a lifetime warranty - It looks sleek and stylish
Cons
- Some durability issues have been reported
- Some preferred cork grips over foam
Our Verdict
The KastKing Perigee II is simply the best baitcaster rod out there and you can really see that they made this product with quality in mind. We did not experience any reason to think that there would be any durability issues with the KastKing Perigee II, and we thoroughly enjoyed using this in the water.
With all these positive sides, you will find it under 100 dollars. With many different variants to choose from, you will definitely be able to find the perfect one that will suit your needs.
02 Entsport Sirius (Good Value for Money)
The Entsport Sirius can be acquired for just under 30 dollars but can still perform well in the water, making this worth your hard-earned money. While materials in higher end rods were not used for the Entsport Sirius, this two-piece pole is capable of withstanding heavy-duty use.
Highlights of this rod include the 6 + 1 line guides which are made out of stainless steel with ceramic inserts. This allows lines to flow at higher speeds without you no longer needing to worry about your lines snapping due to friction or heat. The stainless steel construction also helps in resisting corrosion especially when the rod is being used in saltwater or for surf fishing.
Entsport Sirius is designed to be lightweight just like the Camo Legend. From the carbon fiber blank to the EVA foam grip, the rod is exceptionally easy to hold despite its longer length. As such, this is a great baitcasting rod that even small children can use easily. The reel seat is also made up of stainless steel, so attaching a reel to the rod is extremely easy even for inexperienced anglers.
The Entsport Sirius is somewhat limited when it comes to the range as it only falls under the medium type, so this is not quite recommended when it comes to versatility. As a secondary rod, however, this is an amazing choice. In addition, it is quite a portability as it could be broken down into two pieces, making carrying the Entsport Sirius around a cinch.
Pros
- The steel guides provide smooth line flow
- Two-piece construction makes this rod portable
- Reel seat fits most reels very well
- It is very sensitive to bites and movement
- It is extremely lightweight without compromising strength
Cons
- There are no variations in length
- Other rods are more durable
Our Verdict
One of the best baitcasting rods for beginners, the Entsport Sirius is so affordable. The Entsport Sirius is a good quality rod that, despite not being at par with other more expensive rods, is still able to deliver quality performance. It can help you catch respectable sized fish, providing great value for the money spent on it.
03 Entsport E Series Camo Legend (For Spinnerbaits)
The Entsport Camo Legend is the best baitcasting rod for bass fishing. This particular rod is perfect for spinnerbaits with its length and ability to cast farther in order to really get to those bigger fishes. It is also a budget choice as it is one of the cheaper alternatives to rods that will allow for some heavy duty fishing activities.
Quality materials were used for line guides and reel seats, although the latter has had some fit issues based on some of the reviews that we have read. The former, on the other hand, was great in controlling your lines. This allows for stress-free and accurate casts that are very important if you want to catch those bigger and heavier fish.
Carbon fiber rods get a bad rap when it comes to durability, especially with graphite rods being more popular nowadays. Still, the Entsport Camo Legend is durable enough to withstand some abuse. The EVA foam is comfortable to hold, and the light weight of this rod makes long fishing sessions non-tiring. You will definitely enjoy long fishing hours with the Entsport Camo Legend.
In addition, you will also get a one year warranty as well as two different tips. As such, not only will you get two tips for the price of one, but you will also be guaranteed that your rod can be repaired and replaced should they break. Don’t expect this to happen, though, as many are quite satisfied with this rod even after years of use.
Pros
- It comes in a stylish camouflage design
- It is very sensitive to bites
- It is very comfortable to hold
- Line flow is very smooth and frictionless
- It has a one year warranty
Cons
- It is less durable than graphite constructed rods
- Some reel fitting issues have been reported
Our Verdict
The Entsport Camo Legend deserves one of the top spots on our list as it is a good mid-range model that can do both light-and heavy-duty work, such as catching white bass, trout, pike, salmon, walleye, or catfish.
Heavier fish may be a bit of a problem though since carbon fiber is not that strong as compared to other materials. Still, the Entsport Camo Legend makes up for it by being tough in other areas and also by being at the perfect price point for those working with a budget.
04 KastKing Royale Legend Fishing Rods
The KastKing Royale Legend is simply unmatched as it can catch medium to extra heavy fish with ease. Fuji O-rings are used for line guides so that, even during the toughest fights, your lines will not break. This will also ensure more accurate and distant casts so that you can get to where those prize catches are.
The carbon matrix frame, despite KastKing’s Kastflex technology, may seem a bit outdated as compared to those that already utilize graphite or graphite blends in the construction of their rod blanks, but the KastKing Royale Legend was able to deal with bigger fishes even despite this shortcoming. You also should not worry about breakages as this rod is backed by KastKing’s lifetime warranty.
Available in both one to two piece variants, we have tested and can attest that little to no power was lost for two-piece rods even if we used the longer rod in our casts. We did not experience any problems and we really enjoyed our tests. We even got to catch a few big fishes with it, which is great.
A bit more expensive than its counterparts, this is an excellent choice for the serious angler. In any case, whatever you pay is well worth it as you can probably use the KastKing Royale Legend well into your golden years. It’s also very adaptable to most fishing situations so you will love having this rod with you during your regular fishing trips.
Pros
- It is designed to catch heavier fishes
- It offers good casting distance and accuracy
- There is no power loss for two-piece rods
- Reels fit very snugly
- It has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Rod blank material could have been better
- It is more expensive than most rods
Our Verdict
The KastKing Royale Legend will allow you to catch a wide variety of fish. It can be applied for both fresh and saltwater fishing and it’s a great baitcaster surf rod too. It is capable of capturing bigger fish, but you may have some inhibitions when it comes to durability.
We didn’t experience any of these during our testing procedure though and that made us include this among our top 10 casting rods. KastKing’s Assassin, Spartacus, and Cadet couldn’t secure a spot on our list but you can give them a try too.
05 Abu Garcia Vengeance
For on-water fishing, you will definitely need a baitcast rod that is light and perfectly balanced while still capable of providing you with enough power to haul in heavier fishes. That is exactly what the Abu Garcia Vengeance can do for you as it was built with lightweight yet tough materials which can allow you to comfortably hold on to and cast your rod for greater distance.
The Abu Garcia Vengeance is made out of high modulus graphite which is tough yet supremely lightweight. Stainless steel line guides with titanium inserts were used to decrease weight as well as to provide you with enough toughness to withstand fights with heavier fish.
The Abu Garcia Vengeance is available in lengths of 6’6” up to 7’6”, and even by using the longest rod it was very easy to hold. The Abu Garcia Vengeance is nicely balanced and hanging it over the water while waiting for a bite does not feel like a chore. The EVA foam split grip handle allows you to hold the rod quite well, and even in the toughest of fights, it does not slip which is a vital attribute for a rod designed to take on larger catches.
This item is also quite affordable under 50 dollars, which was surprising given that premium materials were used in its construction. Durable, light, and balanced, these are the qualities that make up an exceptional saltwater fishing rod. It’s a great freshwater rod too, which further adds to its range of uses.
Pros
- It is very lightweight
- It is very sensitive to even light nibbles
- It is made out of very durable materials
- It is very comfortable to hold
- It has a modest price point considering the length and materials used
Cons
- There are no options for light fishing
- Only the 1 piece option is available
Our Verdict
Abu Garcia Vengeance is one of the most comfortable baitcasters that we have tested. It is light and perfectly balanced that even our smaller testers did not have any trouble holding onto it for a long period of time. Its construction virtually guarantees that this rod will last you a long time.
It’s also a plus factor that the design looks very sleek and modern, and it would definitely look great in any angler’s hands. Abu Garcia has some other good models such as Vendetta, Black Max, Revo X Low Profile, and Veritas.
06 Piscifun Torrent
The Piscifun Torrent has a pretty nice look with its black frame and red accents. This rod is not all looks, though, as this is a pretty good performer yet has enough finesse to be used in many types of fishing situations.
The graphite and fiberglass blend construction of the frame makes the Piscifun Torrent ultra-durable but very lightweight. There’s a lot of bend for this rod with little power loss given that this is a two-piece rod. On the other hand, zirconium inserts were used for the line guides which were a bit unusual. Stainless steel line guides and reel seats were a bit questionable when it came to durability, but we did not encounter any problems ourselves when we used it.
The Piscifun Torrent has Eva foam covering the entire length of the grip. This is a big plus as you can virtually hold the rod anywhere and you wouldn’t be touching hard metal. The rod also has a good balance, and casts with this rod are not too difficult.
This rod makes for a great training rod if you are new to baitcasting. As mentioned, it is also very light, which makes it easy to carry as a secondary rod. Some may even find the Piscifun Torrent to be their baitcaster of choice as they can catch a variety of fish on their own. In addition, you can be assured of reliability and performance without worry of your rod snapping in half even when battling with monster catches.
Pros
- It is great for beginners or as a secondary rod
- It is very light and easy to assemble
- It can stand extreme weight without breaking
- The design is very eye-catching
- You can hold it any way that you want
Cons
- Line guides and reel seats do not look ready for heavy abuse
- It may bend a little more than you’re comfortable with
Our Verdict
The Piscifun Torrent is one of the nicest looking baitcasters that you will get to see out there. It’s not all about looks though because the Piscifun Torrent can also perform in the water just like the Serpent. It is capable of catching medium-sized fish with no problems, and it is so light and portable that bringing along an extra rod or two wouldn’t be such as hassle.
You should take some time to get used to the action, though, as it may bend more than you’re used to. Don’t worry, though, as this tough rod can take it.
07 UglyStik GX2 Casting Rod
No baitcaster rod review would be complete without an entry from UglyStik. The GX2 gives justice to the Ugly Stik brand by being one of the most effective baitcasters that you can find in the market today.
Only premium materials like Graphite and fiberglass composites are used that combine strength and durability without additional weight or cost. Its one piece line guides help prevent pop outs even under harsh conditions. Another highlight of the UglyStik GX2 is its EVA foam covered grip that runs the full length of the base. This allows you to hold the rod in any way that you deem comfortable.
One flaw of the GX2 is that the frame tends to rust a bit quicker than some. Perhaps a bit more care and maintenance is required for this rod due to the materials used. Some fittings, particularly for the two-piece variant of the product, are not snug and there was some powerless encounter particularly for longer rods.
Still, the UglyStik GX2 is highly recommended if you want to have a baitcaster that will last a long time. It is comfortable to use and allows for accurate and smooth casts. It’s also quite powerful with up to heavy powered rods available. There are also lots of options available for the UglyStik GX2 so you can choose one that fits your needs. This manufacturer also offers a pink variant for female anglers.
Pros
- Clear tips provide extra sensitive bite detection
- One piece line guides are extra tough
- The tip is extra sensitive to bites
- It has a long grip that you can hold anywhere
- It has a seven-year warranty
Cons
- It can get rusty quickly without proper care
- Some fittings may not be as snug as you may like
Our Verdict
The UglyStik brand is one of the favorites among professional anglers, and we definitely loved using the UglyStik GX2 as well. Extremely stylish but can also back it up with a great performance on the waters, the GX2 can be considered a reliable choice aside from a few minor issues.
It is definitely a good buy as it is built to last, and because it comes with a seven-year warranty. As such, you are guaranteed that the GX2 can serve you well for a long time that makes for a wise purchase indeed.
08 Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Rod
We believe Berkley Cherrywood HD is one of the best baitcasting rods for the price. Its solid build fits most types of fishing expeditions. We had a real good time with this and can’t recommend it more!
Talking about the sensitivity, this rod may not be the top-of-the-world kind, but packs enough power and sensitivity to make the most out of medium size fish catching adventures.
It’s a sweet little combo that is unbeatable by any rods that come not only under 30 bucks, but way above that in most cases. Its construction is based on a hybrid design that includes a through handle.
The SS304 Guide is 55 percent lighter and 20 times tougher than the conventional guides that are built with aluminum oxide. All guides are thoroughly factory tested so that the users can build their confidence on them. The cork handle is fun to hold as it has a good grip.
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Good sensitivity
- Lightweight
- Unbeatable quality for the price
Cons
- Only for fresh water use
Our Verdict
This hybrid rod is a massive bang for the buck. It could be one that you would stick to for years. It has the right weight and sturdiness. The sensitivity is great for landing medium-sized fish. The FisherReel team simply loved this fishing tackle and hope you’ll give it a try.
09 Piscifun Torrent One Piece
The Piscifun Torrent is a great baitcasting rod to have, and it will definitely last you for a long time. The carbon fiber blank has been reinforced in order to be light yet is virtually unbreakable even in the toughest of fights.
The graphite reel seat allows reels to sit snugly on top of it. Aside from some issues with line guides breaking or fraying lines during fast line movement, we can say that the Piscifun Torrent is one of the most enjoyable rods that we have tested.
Most of the satisfaction that we’ve had with the Piscifun Torrent is that fact that it is absolutely comfortable to hold. The grip has been redesigned with comfort in mind, and its O-seat design will allow you to grip your rod more firmly and with more ease than ever before. The rod, in whole, is also quite light given that it is 7 feet or longer in length.
Fast action assures high sensitivity to bites, and it provides enough power for you to be able to cast farther and to catch bigger fish. Tips are designed to eliminate lines twisting, which in turn allows for a more convenient casting experience. Eight plus one line guides help in assuring you that you are able to hit intended targets, and the rod provides enough power to give you the edge even in more intense situations.
The Piscifun Torrent’s lifetime warranty is another reason why this is one of the best baitcaster rods. So, you should definitely not have any regrets if you are eyeing this for your next purchase.
Pros
- The grip is very comfortable with improved ergonomics
- It has unbelievable toughness
- Fast action provides great sensitivity
- The tip helps prevent line twists
- It has a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some issues regarding the line guides have been reported
- It can be a bit bulky to carry around
Our Verdict
Extremely tough yet lightweight, the Piscifun Torrent can provide you with years of great fishing experiences. This all around rod is particularly good for those who are just beginning to learn how to baitcast, but veteran anglers can also greatly appreciate that this rod has enough power and accuracy to get you those prize catches whenever you can get your hooks into them. This is one highly recommended purchase if you want a trusty companion that can last for a lifetime.
10 Entsport Rattlesnake
The Entsport Rattlesnake gives you more value for your money by providing not two, but three different tips for your rod. This means that you can be much more versatile when it comes to fishing. Ranging from medium light to medium heavy, you can use which tip you would prefer depending on the situation at hand.
While it would have been better to have a wider range of difference between the three tips provided in the package, there’s no denying that having essentially three rods for the price of one is great. While some have reported some quality issues with regards to the tips, we did not experience any unsatisfactory incidents during our tests.
It can be attributed to manufacturing flaws and, although it should still be a relevant concern, should not be considered as inherent to the product.
The carbon fiber reel seat helps keep the reel secure, and you will certainly love the old school cork grip design that the Entsport Rattlesnake has. Stainless steel line guides help improve accuracy, while ceramic inserts minimize vibrations so that lines can be cast as smoothly and as accurately as possible.
At 7 feet long, the Entsport Rattlesnake is probably the lightest due to its graphite composition, and bringing all three tips along is not a tedious task. This is a great buy if you want to practice how differently powered rods will affect performance and to learn which setup you would need to use in order to maintain peak performance.
Pros
- You can get three rods for the price of one
- Cork grip is comfortable to hold
- It gives smooth and almost frictionless line movement
- Two-piece design is very portable
- The reel seat is snug and can secure reels tightly
Cons
- The difference in power of the three tips cannot be determined easily
Some have reported quality issues with the tips
Our Verdict
While some may think that the difference between medium light and medium-heavy rods are negligible, experts can argue that no matter if you prefer a casting or spinning rod, choosing the right type of rod is absolutely integral to perform better.
With this, the Entsport Rattlesnake is definitely a wise purchase to make as you can make adjustments to your setup on the fly without having to bring too much equipment along. That alone is reason enough to check the Entsport Rattlesnake out.
Why Use Baitcasting Rods
Baitcasting rods require more skill to use. However, the good poles in the hands of a capable angler will surely pay dividends. Smoother and farther casts are more possible with a baitcaster as compared to a spincaster.
In addition, reels for baitcasters are placed on top of the rod rather than on the bottom. This allows you to catch heavier fish as well as those species that put up fiercer fights without compromising on the integrity of your rod.
These types are typically more expensive than spinning rods, but they are built to last and to perform well even under different conditions. Many professionals and veteran anglers swear by the fact that baitcasting rods are far superior to other types, especially when it comes to power and accuracy.
While there is a steeper learning curve especially if you’re more accustomed to spinning reels, you will certainly feel that chasing after prize catches are much easier and more convenient.
Best Baitcasting Rod – Buying Guide
Here are some things that you should look for when purchasing a new baitcasting rod. Take note that a cheap rod may be of good quality but may fall behind in some essential features, while a high-end model may also fall short in some areas even if it’s expensive. In the end, it’s a matter of choice as to which area you would be willing to compromise on.
1. Material & Frame Quality
Materials usually used for the best baitcasting rods are either graphite or fiberglass, although some variants may exist. Besides, some people love to use custom fishing rods made of bamboo. Different materials will affect weight, durability, and action, so you should choose which one you are most comfortable with.
2. Action
Action pertains to how much the rod will bend once you have already hooked a fish. Choosing the rod with the right action is important depending on the lure that you will use as well as the types of fish that you want to catch.
3. Line Guides
Line guides or eyelets are the rings that guide your line from your reel to the tip of your rod. Line guides can be made with steel, titanium, or ceramic, and they must not fray or heat up your lines when casting or reeling in so as to avoid damage to your lines.
4. Reel Seats
Reel seats are an integral part of the rod. A poor quality seat will not let your reel fit well on the rod which would cause an imbalance in your movements. A poor quality seat may also cause your rod to snap.
5. Power
Power, or weight, of the rod, signifies its ability to lift a certain amount of weight, whether it be lures of fish. Power in rods ranges from ultralight to extra heavy. You need to find the right rod for you depending on where you would be fishing and what you would be trying to catch.
6. Grip
Most conventional baitcasting rods have grips that are made of cork, while newer ones utilize foam. A good grip will allow you to hold your rods for a long time without tiring you out, and it must also give you a good enough hold on your rod so that it will need to get pulled from you by larger fish. Grips also come in either full, split, or pistol grip designs.
7. Durability
Of course, durability should also be a factor when choosing a fishing rod. Your preferred model should last you for several years for as long as you take good care of them, and some even provide warranties so that they would get repaired or replaced should they get broken within a certain period of time.
8. Weight & Length
A baitcasting rod should not be too heavy such that holding it would tire you out. It must also be just the right length to provide you with the proper distance when you cast, but not long enough to put you off balance. Look into lighter and shorter baitcasting rods, because they are easy to set up, especially if you have a smaller frame or if you are buying the rod for a child.
9. Price
Don’t always go for the cheaper options, but you might also be willing to shell out a little bit extra if a particular rod really fascinates you. The price factor will really depend from person to person, as it will vary as to how much you would like to spend for as long as a particular rod can serve you satisfactorily. We suggest that you keep your budget under 150 dollars for a rod.
Baitcasting Rod Using Tips
When baitcasting, you should calibrate the tension and brake of your reel first. This will depend on the weight of your lure as well as on the current conditions such as wind. Doing this properly will help prevent tangles in your lines.
It is also very important to purchase and use the right kind of lines for the spool of your reel, as well as for the fishes that you would like to catch. Take into consideration the type of line that you would use, its length, and its weight as all would play a part in making the difference between a fun experience and a horrible encounter.
Lastly, make sure that you take good care of your rods after use, especially for saltwater baitcasting rods. Proper cleaning and storage of your rod and reel will ensure that your rods will last for a long time and can serve you well even after years of use.
It’s Time to Wrap Up
Here, the FisherReel team has provided you with a comprehensive list so you can easily pick the top rated baitcasting rod as per your needs. Take note that all data that we have used were based on research, interviews, and testing, so rest assured that this is as complete and as honest a buying guide that you can get.
Our personal favorites among this list are the UglyStik GX2 as well as the Rippin Lips Super Cat. We loved the versatility and reputation of the UglyStik while it is always good to have a rod that can specialize in a single task.
There are also other well-known brands known to manufacture quality fishing equipment. You can check Lew’s (known for Mach Crush), 13 Fishing, Eagle Claw, Shakespeare, Falcon, Penn, Johncoo, Frog, G. Loomis, Quantum, Fenwick, Duckett, All Star Pro Series, and Johnny Morris (especially the Carbonlite 2.0), Academy, and so on. Shimano comes with a few quality baitcasting rods like Zodias, Caius, Clarus, SLX, and Curado. You can choose one from these models too.
Your favorites may be different from ours, but hopefully, you have gotten just enough from us to determine which among your personal choices would be perfect for you. Don’t forget to check out other fishing rods types like ice fishing rods and fly fishing rods reviewed by us.
Happy baitcasting, everyone!
FAQ
1. How long should my baitcaster rod be?
Ans. The length varies from five to eight feet in general. You’ll need shorter rods to cast in confined areas like docks or around mangroves or pilings.
2. Can I put a baitcasting on any rod?
Ans. You can do that on a spinning rod but we don’t recommend that because your baitcasting rod’s smaller guide could make a mess when fishing.
3. How far can I cast a baitcaster?
Ans. Let’s say 10 to 15 yards if you’re an avid angler while the pros could go even 60 yards!
4. Can I use a baitcasting rod for catfish?
Ans. Of course you can. In fact, veteran anglers prefer baitcasters over spinning rods
