Bass Fishing Rods

TL;DR: If you want the shortest path to great bass rods (US market), pair a 7’1”–7’3” MH/F casting rod (St. Croix Victory) with a 7’ M/ML spinning rod (Shimano Zodias); add technique sticks as needed (NRX+ for bottom-contact, Mojo Bass Trigon Glass for cranks, Tatula Elite for frogs, Fury 795SB for swimbaits). See prices/stock snapshots and technique picks below (all as of Sep 15, 2025).

St. Croix Bass X Casting

$124.99

•

Bass Pro Shops + others

St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Casting

$194.99

•

Bass Pro Shops + others

St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Spinning

$169.99

•

Bass Pro Shops + others

Shimano Zodias Spinning

$269.99

•

Tackle Warehouse

G. Loomis NRX+ Jig & Worm Casting

$625.00

•

GLoomis + others

Daiwa Tatula Elite Casting

$189.99

•

DICK’S Sporting Goods + others

Dobyns Fury 795SB Swimbait

$159.99

•

Academy Sports + Outdoors + others

St. Croix Victory Casting

$209.99

•

DICK’S Sporting Goods

Quick take on the picks in the carousel:

• All-around casting (value): St. Croix Victory & Bass X nail “one-rod” coverage around $200/$125 with broad model maps and easy availability at Bass Pro + TW. Bass Pro Shops
• Finesse spinning: Shimano Zodias (Carbon Monocoque handle) is widely praised for sensitivity and balance; routinely in stock at both retailers. Bass Pro Shops
• Bottom contact (premium): G. Loomis NRX+ JWR remains the sensitivity benchmark; $650 street at major retailers. Bass Pro Shops
• Crankbaits: Mojo Bass Trigon Glass gives the right moderate bend for trebles at a friendly price.Bass Pro Shops
• Frogging: Daiwa Tatula Elite (or AGS) covers heavy cover work; AGS runs pricier. Tackle Warehouse
• Swimbaits (budget): Dobyns Fury 795SB is the go-to first big-bait stick under $200. Tackle Warehouse

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Manufacturer Overview

• Abu Garcia – Wide, value-forward bass lineup; lots of technique SKUs.
• Daiwa – Technique-driven series (Tatula/Steez); strong blanks and guide tech.
• Fenwick – Classic HMG/Elite Tech heritage; renewed bass focus lately.
• G. Loomis – Sensitivity leader (NRX+/Conquest); premium pricing, US-built blanks.
• Lew’s – Good price/performance; popular with moving-bait/generalists.
• Shimano – Zodias/Expride/Poison Adrena tiers; crisp actions, light hardware.
• St. Croix Rods – Broad US-made and import lines; Victory/Mojo/Legend tiers.
• Ugly Stik – Indestructible budget rods; not technique-specific.
• 13 Fishing – Trendy designs; solid mid-tier sensitivity.
• Cashion – US-built blanks, technique-tuned tapers.
• Dobyns Rods – Deep bass catalog; excellent technique mapping/value.
• Duckett Fishing – Lightweight, fast actions; strong tour presence.
• Kistler Rods – Boutique builds, crisp bottom-contact rods.
• Megabass – JDM actions, premium aesthetics; technique specialists.

Brand Strength Summary

• Resale/Prestige: Loomis, Megabass, Shimano (Expride/Adrena) hold best; St. Croix also strong.
• Service/Warranty reputation: St. Croix, Dobyns, Daiwa, Shimano generally responsive; boutique brands vary by model/series.
• Line depth: St. Croix, Dobyns, Daiwa have the most complete US bass maps.

Top Categories Comparison

• Category: All-around casting (“one rod do-most”)
  • Best pick (model): St. Croix Victory 7’3″ MH/F “The Marshall”
  • Key spec: SCIII+ carbon; fast taper; braid/fluoro friendly.
  • Review consensus: Light, crisp, versatile from 3/8–1 oz; top value ~$200.
  • Street price & where: $199.99 at Bass Pro; $210 at Tackle Warehouse (In Stock 5+). As of 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Availability: TW shows “In Stock: 5+”; Bass Pro shows active SKUs. Checked 2025-09-15. Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 1: Shimano Zodias 7’2″ MH (crisper, pricier). Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: Dobyns Champion XP 734C (balanced, technique-flexible). Tackle Warehouse
• Category: Finesse spinning (Ned, drop shot, shaky head)
  • Best pick (model): Shimano Zodias Spinning 7′ M/F (or 6’9″ M/F)
  • Key spec: Carbon Monocoque handle; Hi-Power X blank.
  • Review consensus: Excellent sensitivity/weight for $260–$280. Tackle Warehouse
  • Street price & where: $259.99–$279.99 at Bass Pro (specific SKUs show $259.99 & $279.99); $259.99–$279.99 at Tackle Warehouse. As of 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Availability: Both retailers currently list in-stock options. Checked 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Alternative 1: St. Croix Victory Spinning 6’10″–7’1″. Bass Pro Shops
  • Alternative 2: Shimano Expride B Spinning (premium jump). Tackle Warehouse
• Category: Bottom-contact sensitivity (jigs/texas rigs)
  • Best pick (model): G. Loomis NRX+ 873C JWR
  • Key spec: Fast/extra-fast tapers; ultra-sensitive blank.
  • Review consensus: Sensitivity benchmark; pricey but unmatched for feel.
  • Street price & where: $650 at Bass Pro; NRX+ JWR series listed at TW (NRX+ J&W page). As of 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Availability: Active at Bass Pro; TW maintains NRX+ inventory. Checked 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Alternative 1: Shimano Expride B 7’1″ MH+ (value premium). Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass (new gen) for US-made feel.
• Category: Crankbait / treble-hook moving baits
  • Best pick (model): St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Glass 7’2″ M / 7’4″ MH Mod
  • Key spec: 100% linear S-glass; moderate action; long handles.
  • Review consensus: Proper parabolic load; excellent value glass.
  • Street price & where: $164.99–$184.99 at Bass Pro; $165–$185 at Tackle Warehouse. As of 2025-09-15.Bass Pro Shops
  • Availability: Specific SKUs show add-to-cart and in-stock counts. Checked 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Alternative 1: Shimano Zodias Glass 7’2″ MH Mod ($289.99). Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: Dobyns Champion XP Crankbait 805/806 (deep-cranking specialist; strong user following). Tackle Warehouse
• Category: Frog / heavy cover
  • Best pick (model): Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’4″ H (Ish Monroe)
  • Key spec: X45/SVF blanks; fast tip, plenty of backbone.
  • Review consensus: Purpose-built frog rod; AGS version adds sensitivity, cost.
  • Street price & where: Tatula Elite AGS $329.99–$349.99 at TW; standard Tatula Elite series MSRP $219.99 (Daiwa). Bass Pro lists Tatula Elite models (prices may vary by SKU). As of 2025-09-15. Tackle Warehouse
  • Availability: TW shows multiple frog-heavy SKUs in stock; Bass Pro carries series (check local SKU). Checked 2025-09-15. Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 1: Dobyns Champion XP 735C (classic frog/jig crossover). Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon 7’3″ H/F (bank/boat friendly). Tackle Warehouse
• Category: Big swimbaits (2–5 oz entry level)
  • Best pick (model): Dobyns Fury 795SB (7’9″ MH Fast)
  • Key spec: 1–5 oz rating; forgiving tip for trebles/single hooks.
  • Review consensus: Ubiquitous first swimbait rod under $200.
  • Street price & where: $159.99 at Tackle Warehouse (In Stock 5+). Bass Pro: not commonly stocked online (use TW or Dobyns). As of 2025-09-15. Tackle Warehouse
  • Availability: TW shows 795/806 in stock. Checked 2025-09-15. Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 1: St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon 8’3″ XXH Telescopic (4–8 oz) for mag baits. Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: Dobyns Champion XP Swimbait (step-up power, $289.99). Tackle Warehouse
• Category: Budget all-around (<$150)
  • Best pick (model): St. Croix Bass X 7’1″ MH/F
  • Key spec: SCII carbon; fast, versatile bend.
  • Review consensus: Standout value with broad model list.
  • Street price & where: $124.99–$160 at Bass Pro/TW. As of 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Availability: Both retailers list active inventory. Checked 2025-09-15. Bass Pro Shops
  • Alternative 1: Daiwa Tatula XT 7’4″ H (frog/utility) — $99.99 at TW. Tackle Warehouse
  • Alternative 2: Dobyns Fury 734C — $149.99 at TW. Tackle Warehouse

Price & Availability Snapshot (as of 2025-09-15)

• St. Croix Victory 7’3″ MH/F — $199.99 (Bass Pro) / $210 (TW; In Stock 5+). Bass Pro Shops
• Shimano Zodias Spinning 7′ M/F (and 6’9″ M/F) — $259.99–$279.99 at Bass Pro; $259.99–$279.99 at TW. Bass Pro Shops+1
• G. Loomis NRX+ 873C JWR — $650 at Bass Pro; NRX+ JWR series active at TW (NRX+ J&W page). Bass Pro Shops
• St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Glass (crankbait) — $164.99–$184.99 Bass Pro (multiple SKUs)/ $165–$185 TW (in stock).Bass Pro Shops
• Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’4″ H Frog (AGS) — $329.99–$349.99 (TW; in stock); Std. Tatula Elite MSRP $219.99(Daiwa). Bass Pro lists series. Tackle Warehouse
• Dobyns Fury 795SB — $159.99 (TW; In Stock 5+); not typically listed at Bass Pro online. Tackle Warehouse
• St. Croix Bass X 7’1″ MH/F — $124.99 (Bass Pro) / $125–$160 (TW). Bass Pro Shops

Note: Some Bass Pro product pages mask price until you select a specific SKU or load the store context; links above point to the active product pages we checked today.

Pros/Cons (aggregated)

• St. Croix Victory: + Crisp, light, technique coverage; – Slightly faster tapers can be unforgiving with trebles. Tackle Warehouse
• Shimano Zodias (spin/cast): + Sensitivity from Carbon Monocoque; – Split handles not everyone’s favorite. Wired2Fish
• G. Loomis NRX+ (JWR): + Class-leading feel, fast recovery; – Cost. Bass Pro Shops
• Mojo Bass Trigon Glass: + Proper moderate bend for cranks; value; – Heavier than graphite. Tackle Warehouse
• Daiwa Tatula Elite (frog): + Purpose tapers; AGS adds bite detection; – AGS price premium. Tackle Warehouse
• Dobyns Fury 795SB: + Forgiving tip, easy first swimbait rod; – Not for >5–6 oz giants. Tackle Warehouse

Tactics-Specific Recommendations

• Texas/jigs (bottom-contact): Loomis NRX+ 873C JWR → ultra-sensitive; value alt: Victory 7’3″ MH/F. Bass Pro Shops
• Cranks (squarebill–deep): Mojo Bass Trigon Glass 6’10″–7’4″; deep cranks: Dobyns Champion XP 805/806. Bass Pro Shops
• Frogs/toads: Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’4″ H; alt: Dobyns Champion XP 735C. Tackle Warehouse
• Bladed jigs/spinnerbaits: Dobyns Champion 734/735 or Victory 7’1″–7’3″ MH. Tackle Warehouse
• Ned/drop shot: Zodias Spinning 7′ M/ML; alt: Victory Spinning 6’10” ML. Tackle Warehouse
• Entry swimbaits (1–5 oz): Fury 795SB; step-up: Mojo Bass Trigon 8’3″ XXH telescopic. Tackle Warehouse

Tips & Tricks

• Line/leader pairing:
  • Bottom-contact: 12–17 lb fluoro (or 30–50 lb braid + fluoro leader).
  • Trebles/glass: 10–15 lb mono/fluoro or 30–40 lb braid + mono leader.
  • Frogs: 50–65 lb braid straight.
• Match lure ranges: Stay within the printed lure weights—especially on glass and swimbait sticks.
• Grip & balance: If tip-heavy, add a slightly heavier reel or butt cap to improve rod angle.

Manufacturer Guides (quick links)

• St. Croix Victory (series page): specs/tech overview. St. Croix Rod
• Shimano Zodias (tech/lineup): Carbon Monocoque + Hi-Power X details. fish.shimano.com
• G. Loomis NRX+ JWR (casting/spinning): action maps & tech notes. G. Loomis
• Daiwa Tatula Elite / AGS: model matrix, MSRP. Daiwa US
• Dobyns Champion XP (casting/spinning): model list & warranty info. dobynsrods.com

Maintenance Guide

• After each trip: Wipe blank/guides; check guide rings with a Q-tip; snug up hook keeper.
• Monthly (heavy use): Soap-and-water handle clean; inspect reel seat threads; check tip-top epoxy.
• Seasonal: Light wax on blank; re-wrap loose thread early; store vertical or in sleeves; avoid hot car trunks.

Final Picks

• Best overall (no-nonsense 2-rod setup): Victory 7’3″ MH/F casting + Zodias 7′ M/F spinning. Tackle Warehouse
• Best bottom-contact specialist: NRX+ 873C JWR. Bass Pro Shops
• Best crankbait value: Mojo Bass Trigon Glass 7’2–7’4″. Bass Pro Shops
• Best frog rod (mid/high): Tatula Elite 7’4″ H (AGS if budget allows). Tackle Warehouse
• Best budget: Bass X 7’1″ MH/F (casting) or Mojo Bass Trigon Spinning 6’8″–7′ for finesse.