Best Bass Rods for Different Fishing Techniques and Baits

Matching each fishing rod to the technique for which it's best suited will make throwing baits and fighting fish much more efficient. Below are seven rod suggestions for some of the most widely used bass fishing techniques.

TIP: Quick Links to best rod suggestions for fishing techniques:

• Flipping and Pitching
   
• Buzzbaits & Spinnerbaits
   
• Topwater Fishing Baits
   
• Frogs & Toads Fishing Baits
   
• Crankbaits
   
• Drop Shot/Shaky Head
   
• Skipping Docks

Best Rods for Flipping and Pitching for Fish

Most manufacturers have a flipping stick in their lineup. It is easily recognizable as it telescopes out to its full length. The added length will allow you to pitch and flip more easily, as well as winch fish in from heavy cover. The Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Casting Rod is a popular choice.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

• Length — 7'6"
• Action — Fast
• Power — Heavy
• Style — Casting rod

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Best Rods for Fishing With Buzzbaits & Spinnerbaits

A 7-foot baitcast rod is an ideal choice for tossing buzzbaits and spinnerbaits, as it will provide better casting distance, leverage and the ability to pick up line quickly. A fishing rod that is absolutely awesome with outstanding sensitivity is the Bass Pro Shops Crankin' Stick Split-Grip EVA Casting Rod.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

• Length — 7-foot
• Action — Fast
• Power — Medium/Heavy
• Style — Casting rod

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Best Rods for Topwater Fishing Baits

Go with a 6 1/2 foot rod in either spinning or baitcast style, depending on the size of topwater baits you're tossing. Two well built rod styles with top customer reviews are: Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 Spinning Rod or the light and also very sensitive Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite Casting Rod.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

•  Length — 6'6"
•  Action — Moderate
•  Power — Medium
•  Style — Casting rod or Spinning rod

Best Rod for Frogs & Toad Fishing Baits

You will need power and backbone when fishing the slop with frogs & toad fishing baits. Some anglers are leaning toward the longer rods for better casts and horsing fish. A 7'6" heavy fast action fishing rod that's proven to be lightweight and sensitive but with the back bone to haul big bass is the Lew's Custom Speed Stick Casting Rod. Another well engineered casting rod choice from Bass Pro Shops is the Johnny Morris Patriot Casting Rod also built with fast action and heavy power on a 7' rod length.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

•  Length — 7' to 7'6"
•  Action — Fast
•  Power — Heavy
•  Style — Casting rod

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Best Rod for Crankbaits

Turn to a composite rod for cranks, as it will provide better hooksets. A highly popular rod for smooth casting of crankbaits is the Bass Pro Shops Crankin' Stick Casting Rod. Read what these three customers are saying:

"I bought the 7'6" MH telescopic version. Works great. I use it for larger cranks and deeper diving cranks". by Hunter84 from Western Kentucky

" My sponsor asked me what rods would you like to use for this season? My usual answer Bass Pro Crankin Sticks PLEASE". by crankinupbass from Australia

"I have never used better rods for crankbait fishing, regardless of the price, in my 50 plus years of bass fishing". by bigfishken1 from Lawrenceville Georgia

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

• Length — 7'
• Action — Fast
• Power — Medium to Medium Heavy
• Style — Casting rod

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Best Fishing Rod for Drop Shot / Shaky Head

Although a baitcast rod can be used for dropshotting purposes, a spinning rod gives a bit more versatility to this light-line technique. Drop Shot is great for vertical fishing. Mostly thought of as a "finesse" technique. A lightweight quality fishing rod that definitely gives the other rod manufacturers a run for their money is the Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Graphite Spinning Rod.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

• Length — 6'10"
• Action — Extra Fast
• Power — Medium Light to Medium
• Style — Spinning rod

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Best Fishing Rod for Skipping Docks

A relatively new fishing technique that is taking the bassin' world by storm is skipping docks. Spinning equipment gives the angler better casting control for pin-point accuracy. An excellent rod for skipping docks is the Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Spinning Rod. The rod has plenty of power to get the fish safely away from a dock.

A list of fishing rod specifications to look for are:

• Length — 6'0"
• Action — Fast
• Power — Medium Heavy
• Style — Spinning rod

Bass fishing is a fulfilling sport, and one that can be greatly improved when using the best equipment for the job at hand. Although they might just seem like "rods," they all play a large part in whether you catch that next lunker largemouth. Happy shopping and best of luck this season.