Casting Rods

Find the best casting rods — confidence with each cast

Whether you’re casting in a new baitcaster combo or stocking a full rod locker, the perfect casting rod improves every cast, every hookset, and every battle. At Upland Hunters, our Casting Rod series combines the highest-recommended brands and performance-proven models — from affordable weekend bailcast rods to high-quality tournament blanks for serious competitive bass anglers.

Why rod selection matters more than you realize

A rod is something more than a blank and a handle — it’s a bridge between you and the fish. Rod length, power, and action all have a direct impact on hook-setting control, presentation of lures, and cast distance. A 7’3″ fast-action, medium-heavy casting rod provides great leverage for swimbaits and larger crankbaits, but a fast-action rod that is shorter (6’6″) is ideal when a tight, accurate cast into mat and cover is necessary. Selecting the appropriate blank material — sensitivity in graphite, toughness in fiberglass, or well-balanced performance in a composite — will alter a lure’s feel in your hand instantly.

Neutralize your style: power, action and technique

Action (fast / medium / slow) — makes a rod bend where. Fast action rods have a harder backbone and bend close to the tip; they’re superb for single-hook baits, rapid hook-ups, and extended casting.

Power (ultralight → extra heavy) — how much force the rod will handle. Utilize light power for panfish and finesse jigs, medium for most bass presentations, and medium-heavy/heavy for flipping, large swimbaits, or heavy cover environments.

Length — longer rods provide greater casting distance and control of line; shorter rods provide more leverage in tight spaces.

If you’re using multiple techniques, choose rods that suit the lure and situation: flipping for heavy cover, jigging for vertical presentations, and action-fast medium-heavy rods for swimbaits and heavy crankbaits.

Construction and features to look for

Blank material: Graphite = sensitivity; Fiberglass = strength and backbone; Composite = best of both worlds.

Guides: Good guides (SiC, ceramic) minimize friction and increase accuracy — particularly with braided lines.

Handles: Cork for feel and comfort; EVA for durability and easy maintenance. Split-grip designs reduce weight and improve balance.

Pieces: One-piece rods give the purest feel; two-piece/travel rods add portability. Modern two-piece connections are nearly as sensitive as one-pieces — perfect for boat, kayak, travel anglers.

How to pick the right casting rod in 3 steps

Pick technique first: Decide what you’ll fish most — flipping, crankbaiting, heavy cover or finesse.

Select power & action: Match lure size and cover to rod power. Employ fast action with single-hook lures and heavier power for large fish/cover.

Select length & material: Longer for distance and maneuverability, graphite for sensitivity when you want to feel the subtle bites.

Sort our casting rods by brand, material, length, action, power, price, and technique (jig, flipping, swimbait, crankbait, topwater) using our filter panel. Need a budget option? Filter “under $100” for excellent beginner and value options. Need to shop for saltwater? Choose saltwater-ready or corrosion-resistant guides.

Brands and price ranges

Ranging from brands designed for everyday dependability to high-end performance rods, we carry options at every price range:

Value: dependable rods for learning and light use.

Mid-range: optimal performance and value for the average angler.

Premium: tournament-level blanks with ultra-fast action and next-generation composites.

Size your reel — power and line match

Always use a casting rod with a baitcasting reel of the correct size for line and lure weight. Light rods are best with finesse combos (6–12 lb test); medium to medium-heavy rods match 12–30 lb braid/fluorocarbon combinations for heavy cover.

Maintenance, warranty and our suggestion

Take care of your rod: wash freshwater after saltwater fishing, don’t bump guides against hard objects, and keep rods standing or in a rack. Most higher-end rods come with limited warranties — verify each product description for coverage and service.

Last tip: construct an equilibrated kit

For the majority of bass fishermen, I suggest beginning with:

a 7’0″ medium action casting rod (generalist),

a 7’3″ medium-heavy fast action (swimbaits & crankbaits), and

a 6’6″ medium-heavy fast action (flipping/punching).