Updated 2/13/2024
Budget friendly equipment doesn’t need to mean budget performance! Many anglers want to get out on the water catching bass without breaking the bank. Fortunately in the world of the best bass fishing rods under $100, there are many great rods that are sturdy, sensitive, reliable, and cost effective.
To help you have a game plan when picking bass rods in this budget range, we’ve done the hours of testing and research assessing versatility, value for the price, material quality, and much more so you don’t have to. Read on to see our top picks.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
- Best Casting Rod For The Money: KastKing Perigee II Casting
- Best for Beginners: Ugly Stik Elite Casting Rod
- Best for Topwater Frogs: KastKing Royale Select Casting
- Best Spinning Rod For The Money: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Best Spinning Rod for Beginners: Shimano Solara Spinning
The Best Baitcasting Rods for Bass
While certain types of fishing rods may work for multiple popular bass fishing techniques, prudent bass anglers commonly diversify their equipment to specialized fit-for-purpose poles. Dedicated topwater frog poles have different considerations from flipping rods which have different considerations from finesse fishing options (and so on).
Read on to see our recommendations for the best bass rods under $100 by category including best all-around, best for specific fishing techniques, best for beginners, and more.
1. KastKing Perigee II Baitcasting Rod
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
Don’t let the low price fool you. The KastKing Perigee II Baitcasting Rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best bass baitcasting rod under $100 for the money.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high. We recommend the 7’1″ medium power fast action casting version of the KastKing Perigee II for an excellent budget all-around bass fishing rod.
One surprise positive is that this rod line comes in 2 piece options which is awesome for travel. Our favorite use case is buying this budget friendly rod in a 2 piece and leaving it in your vehicle just in case you need to go fishing. The compact size is perfect for transport and you will have peace of mind if you accidentally break it that it wasn’t a $200+ rod.
2. Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 7′
- Rod Material: Graphite & Fiberglass Composite
- Guides: Stainless Steel
- Grip: Full Cork
- Warranty: 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty
Pros:
- Super Sturdy
- Full Cork Grip
- Budget Friendly
Our top choice for the best bass baitcasting rod under $100 for beginners is the Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod. Ugly Stik rods are known for being robust and fairly priced.
The 7′ Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting rod in medium power is a perfect rod for beginner baitcasting anglers because of its competitive price and sturdy build quality. Anglers shouldn’t be afraid to grab this rod and test its limits.
The composite build means this rod is slightly heavier than most other rods on this list. It will also feel slightly less sensitive. That said, many bass fishing techniques like crankbaits and spinnerbaits don’t require maximum sensitivity. This rod is a great choice for both beginners and budget conscious bass anglers looking to add a rod to the collection.
3. KastKing Royale Select Baitcasting Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Serious backbone for budget price
Our top choice for best baitcasting rod for bass for frog fishing under $100 is the KastKing Royale Select Fishing Rod. For frog rods we recommend a 7′ to 7’6″ rod with heavy power and Fast to Extra-Fast action making the KastKing Royale Select 7’3″ Heavy, Extra-Fast a perfect choice.
Bass anglers casting frogs are usually targeting the thickest, nastiest cover seeking lunker bass. This means bass rods need enough backbone to pull the fish OUT of that thick cover.
This rod is definitely a budget option, but we think that is perfect for a frog fishing rod. Frog rods don’t need the sensitivity of expensive, high-end rods. When a bass slams a frog swimming through the lily pads you’ll see it, hear it, and feel it. What’s most important is having a heavy rod backbone plus a fast tip to move the frog bait naturally and set the hook efficiently.
The rod features KastKing’s Toray 24-carbon matrix KastFlex technology blanks, Fuji guides, and a split EVA foam handle. Not many frills, but a perfect setup to pull lunkers out of thick cover.
Check out our article on the best frog rods for more information and other great options.
4. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Composite
- Guides: One-Piece Stainless Steel
- Grip: Cork Grip
- Warranty: 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty
Pros:
- Heavy Duty
- Budget entry point to bass fishing
For bass spinning setups under $100 we recommend the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning rod. Ugly Stik rods are known for being heavy duty, robust, and mostly budget friendly which is great for a first foray into bass fishing. Get a 6’6″ or 7′ medium power option as a starter, all-around rod.
This rod is a great choice for beginners or budget conscious anglers wanting to add a sturdy rod to their arsenal.
This rod is heavier than most on the list due to the composite construction. We like the cork grip for comfort and how robust the construction is for this rod. This rod is great for beginners to make mistakes with before purchasing a higher end rod.
5. Shimano Solara
- Length: 5’6″ to 7′
- Rod Material: Aeroglass Fiberglass
- Guides: Aluminum Oxide
- Grip: Cork
- Warranty: 1 year manufacturing defects
Pros:
- No-regrets price point makes for easy entry into fishing
Our choice for the best bass spinning rod for beginners under $100 is the Shimano Solara spinning rod. This rod is a no-regrets price point for true beginners to try out fishing. The build quality is acceptable but about what you’d expect at this price.
We recommend the 7′ medium power fast action version of this rod for a beginner looking for a starter spinning bass rod.
This rod is fiberglass which is heavier and less sensitive than the carbon graphite blanks of the other rods on this list. This is a two piece rod which can be solid perk for convenient storage.
Best Bass Rods Under $100 Comparison Table
Check out this handy table comparing some of the key features of the rods on our list.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Grip | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KastKing Perigee II Baitcasting Rod | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon Fiber | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee. |
| Ugly Stik Elite Baitcasting Rod | 6’6″ to 7′ | Graphite & Fiberglass Composite | Stainless Steel | Full Cork | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| KastKing Royale Select Baitcasting Rod | 6’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee. |
| Ugly Stik Elite Spinning | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Composite | One-Piece Stainless Steel | Cork Grip | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| Shimano Solara | 5’6″ to 7′ | Aeroglass Fiberglass | Aluminum Oxide | Cork | 1 year manufacturing defects |
Conclusion
Bass fishing covers a huge range of techniques making it tough to recommend one rod for everything. That said, we really like the KastKing Perigee II Baitcasting Rod 7’1″ long with medium power as our choice for best bass rod under $100 for the money because of its solid quality, sensitivity, and reliability.
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Beginner Fishing Rods
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Smallmouth Bass Rods
- Best Flipping & Pitching Rods
- Best Jig Rods for Bass
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
Check out our related rod and reel combo articles:
Read on to see our breakdown of important factors to consider when picking a baitcasting rod for bass.
How to Choose The Best Bass Rod Under $100
The most important factor for choosing the right rod length, action, and power for the best bass rod under $100 is understanding the needs of different bass fishing techniques. Different techniques favor different rod powers, lengths, actions, and materials.
The below table is a useful quick reference to match your bass fishing techniques with the right type of rod:
| Bass Fishing Technique | Rod Length | Rod Type | Rod Power | Rod Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finesse Worms | 6’6″ to 7′ | Spinning or Casting | Medium-Light to Medium-Heavy | Fast to Extra-Fast |
| Drop Shot | 6’6″ to 7′ | Spinning or Casting | Medium-Light to Medium | Fast to Extra-Fast |
| Soft Plastics | 6’6″ to 7’6″ | Spinning or Casting | Medium-Light to Medium-Heavy | Fast to Extra-Fast |
| Carolina Rig | 6’6″ to 7’6″ | Spinning or Casting | Medium-Light to Medium-Heavy | Fast to Extra-Fast |
| Topwater | 6’6″ to 7′ | Casting | Medium to Heavy | Extra-Fast |
| Topwater Frogs | 7′ to 7’6″ | Casting | Medium to Heavy | Fast to Extra-Fast |
| Flipping & Pitching | 7’6″ to 8′ | Casting | Medium-Heavy to Extra Heavy | Moderate-Fast to Fast |
| Crankbaits | 7′ to 7’6″ | Casting | Medium to Medium-Heavy | Moderate |
| Bass Jigs | 7′ to 7’6″ | Casting | Medium to Heavy | Fast |
| Swim Baits | 7′ to 7’6″ | Casting | Medium to Heavy | Fast |
| Spinnerbaits & Buzzbaits | 6’6″ to 7’6″ | Casting | Medium-Light to Medium-Heavy | Moderate-Fast to Fast |
| Alabama Rigs | 7′ to 8′ | Casting | Heavy | Fast |
Another important factor at this price point is getting as much quality as possible. Budget rods under $100 can be a situation of you get what you pay for so try to focus on reputable fishing rod brands.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Rod length is an important consideration for bass anglers. Longer rods allow for longer casts with less effort while shorter rods allow for improved casting accuracy. Most bass rods are between 6’6″ and 7’6″. Seven foot rods are a great all-purpose length.
Techniques like flipping, pitching, and punching are better suited for rods from 7’6″ to 8′ long to allow for a sweeping, accurate swing of the bait to the target.
Swimbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, finesse worms, and other soft plastics presentations have slightly more flexibility in rod length options. If the bass are hanging tight to cover, a rod closer to 6’6″ allows for unparalleled casting accuracy. If covering water searching for fish, a rod around 7′ is an excellent balance of casting accuracy and casting distance.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to heavy.
Medium rod power is a great all-around option that can be used with most bass fishing techniques.
Heavy power rods are a better option for frog fishing, flipping, and pitching because bass caught with these techniques are commonly in thick cover and additional rod backbone is needed to pull them out.
Finesse techniques like Texas rig fishing soft plastic worms or drop shotting is better with medium-light to medium power equipment due to the increased sensitivity these rods offer.
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
The best bass rods under $100 action depends on the fishing technique. Single hook techniques that require a firm hookset, like finesse worms, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, bass jigs, flipping, and pitching are best with fast or extra-fast actions to allow for a firm hookset.
Lures and baits with treble hooks, like crankbaits, are best with moderate actions because the sweeping hooksets with these flexier rods are more effective with the additional give in a moderate action rod.
Slow action rods are no longer common for bass fishing and are not the preferred action for any bass fishing techniques.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Portability is an important factor for any fishing pole. Anglers purchasing a bass fishing rod should consider how they are going to transport the rod. Ensure the length rod will fit in your boat or vehicle. Seven foot rods will fit in most vehicles but anything above 7’6″ may not fit in boat rod storage or smaller vehicles. Additionally, think about getting a 2 piece rod if portability is a major concern.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a bass fishing rod. Common handle types are full cork, partial cork, rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or EVA foam. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas full cork feels better to grip and handle. For techniques that require forceful hooksets like pitching and flipping, EVA foam may be a better option because it is not slippery when wet.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your bass fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Best Bass Rods Under $100 Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rod is best for bass fishing?
Baitcasting rods are considered the best for bass fishing because of their casting accuracy and comfort when compared to spinning rods. Bass are ambush predators and a casting accuracy difference of even 6 inches may mean the difference between a bite or not. Casting rods around 7 feet long with medium power and fast action are a perfect all around choice for a bass fishing rod.
What reel to pair with baitcasting rod for bass?
Baitcasting rods for bass should be paired with high quality baitcasting reels. Baitcasting rods have the line guides on the top of the rod and a reel seat designed for baitcasting reels. Higher end reels will have smoother drag and better brake systems which can make them easier to fish for extended periods of time.
Check out our article on the best baitcasting reels for our top recommendations for reels to pair with casting rods.
What is the best length rod for bass?
The most versatile, all around best length bass fishing rod is 7 feet long. This length rod is a perfect balance of accuracy, casting distance, and comfort for the angler. It is easy to transport in vehicles and boats, and can be effectively used for the most popular bass fishing techniques.
What pound test line for a baitcasting rod for bass?
For finesse bass techniques like Texas rigged worms and drop shotting, use 6-10 pound test braided line. If fishing spinnerbaits, crankbaits, or swimbaits, bump up to 15-20 pound test line. For flipping, pitching, and frog fishing, 30-65 pound test braided line allows anglers to retrieve fish through the thickest cover.
Is mono or braid better for bass fishing?
Braided fishing line is preferable for bass fishing because it has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. Braided line can be cast further and also has less tendency line twist than mono. Mono stretches more than braid, which can be a positive for fishing techniques like crankbait fishing that require more give in the line.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of bass using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
