Updated 2/13/2024
Smallmouth bass are my favorite freshwater fish species. They are aggressive, gorgeous, and put up a fight you’d expect from a fish three times their size. The best smallmouth bass rods need to both handle the fishing techniques used to target smallies and the vigorous fight once you hook into one of these incredible fish.
We’ve done the hours of testing and research on the best smallmouth bass rods available assessing strength, value for the price, material quality, fishing comfort 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 for the Money: St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Most Sensitive: St. Croix Victory Casting
- Best Under $100: KastKing Perigee II Casting
- Best for Beginners: Ugly Stik Elite Spinning
- Best for Soft Plastics: St. Croix Premier
The Best Smallmouth Bass Rods
The best smallmouth bass rods depend on factors like the fishing technique, target water depth, and budget.
Read on to see our recommendations for the best smallmouth bass rods by category including best for the money, best budget, best for beginners, and more.
1. St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting
- Length: 6’8″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: SCIII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings
- Grip: Split premium cork grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Great variety in available length, power, and action
- Premium rod at manageable price
- Excellent Warranty
Our choice for the best smallmouth bass rod for the money is the St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod. We have found this rod line to be the perfect balance of quality components, versatility, and price point.
What sold us on this rod for the top choice is how much value you get for the price. Other rods on this list may be slightly lighter or more sensitive, but generally their price point will be significantly higher. We’re suckers for a great deal and realistically would be happy if every bass pole in our collection was a St. Croix Mojo Bass.
The Mojo Bass Casting comes in the perfect spread of lengths, powers, and actions. A great choice for a Mojo Bass for smallmouth fishing is the 6’8″ medium power fast action variant. Our experience is this rod setup has the right mix of backbone in the medium power with reasonable casting distance. Smallmouth bass are one of the toughest fishing freshwater fish for their size and if you hook into one that is 18 inches or longer you’ll appreciate the strength of the medium power.
This rod line was updated in 2016. The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC III graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. It also includes St. Croix’s innovative IPC tooling technology that effectively eliminates transition points in the rod. The Mojo Bass rod line is on the lighter end of available bass rods with superior sensitivity without sacrificing strength.
2. St. Croix Victory Casting Rod
- Length: 6’8″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: SCIII+ Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Concept O guides with deep press inserts
- Grip: Split premium cork grip
- Warranty: 15 Year Transferrable
Pros:
- Premium rod at manageable price
- Excellent Warranty
Our pick for the most sensitive smallmouth bass rod is the St. Croix Victory Casting Rod. We particularly like the 7’3″, medium-heavy power, fast action variant for targeting smallmouth bass.
St. Croix has crafted one of the lightest, strongest, most sensitive bass rods available on the market with the Victory Rod.
The high-end carbon-fiber in the Victory rod line is so strong for it’s weight that it means St. Croix can use less material in the rod blank for the same strength. Light weight equates to sensitivity. For techniques like slow rolling baits over bottom structure where feeling transition from pebble to sand can paint a picture in the angler’s head, sensitivity reigns supreme. Our experience with smallmouth bass is they hang tight to cover like stumps or boulders, so being even a few feet out of ‘the zone’ can be the difference between catching fish or not.
The rod features four of St. Croix’s innovative technologies.
Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) eliminates all transitional points in the rod blanks for smoother actions, increased strength, and greater sensitivity.
Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a magnitude (10x) of strength with virtually no increase in rod blank diameter or weight and significantly improves the hoop strength of the blank by preventing it from deforming under severe loads (like the donkey bass you pull out of the slop)!
The Taper Enhancement (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action and sensitivity.
And last but not least, rods manufactured with the Fortified Resin System (FRS) advanced manufacturing protocol consistently test 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods.
Also, St. Croix manufactures their high-end rod lines in Wisconsin for United States based anglers looking to support local manufacturing.
3. KastKing Perigee II
- 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. KastKing’s Perigee II fishing rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best smallmouth bass rod under $100.
We recommend the 7’6″ medium-heavy power casting version of this rod for an awesome budget bass fishing rod.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high.
As expected with budget rod options there is some give and take on features. The split EVA handle doesn’t feel as good as cork handles on some of the higher end rods in this list.
For other great options check out our article on the best bass rods under $100.
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 true beginners to smallmouth bass fishing, 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.
Beginners generally start with a spinning rod and reel. We do recommend eventually learning how to use a casting reel for most bass fishing techniques due to the increased capability for accurate casting.
Beginner or not, one of my favorite techniques to target smallmouth bass is with nightcrawlers under a slip bobber. This setup is best on a spinning rod like the Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod because baitcasting setups tend to backlash when casting bobber rigs. Fishing live bait under slip bobbers is super fun and is beginner/kid friendly because it’s straightforward and tends to catch a bunch of fish like walleye, perch, and rock bass instead of just smallies. Check out our article on smallmouth bass fishing tips for other tips and tricks.
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.
Check out our article on the best bass spinning rods for additional options.
5. St. Croix Premier Fishing Rod
- Length: 4’6″ to 8’6″
- Rod Material: SCII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings
- Grip: Full Premium Cork Grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Tons of options in both spinning and casting variant
Soft plastics cover a wide range of techniques from swimbaits to the myriad of worm rigs. Our choice for the best smallmouth bass rod for soft plastics is St. Croix’s Premier rod line. The casting rod is awesome for accurate casting heavier baits, and the spinning version is perfect for lighter soft plastic setups.
For light soft plastic rigs (under 1/4 oz) we recommend swapping to the spinning version.
We love the feel of the full cork grip handle. Both the casting and spinning variants of this rod are incredible sensitive and a delight to fish with. As always, St. Croix’s warranty is a huge perk. We adore this rod line.
Most of our experience fishing smallies is on the lakes and rivers of northern Wisconsin where the bottom tends to be rocky and full of submerged wood. We love using the St. Croix Premier rods for tube jigs and craw baits across the bottom. The superior sensitivity of this rod line means we can feel every stone, pebble, and stump to ensure we’re in the strike zone. Unlike for walleye fishing where sensitivity is key to detect a subtle bite, we like sensitivity with smallmouth bass rods to get a good mental picture of what’s going on on the bottom. Smallmouth bass strikes are usually anything but subtle!
Check out our deep dive review on the St. Croix Premier rod line for more information.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting | 6’8″ to 7’11” | SCIII Carbon | Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings | Split premium cork grip | 5 Year |
| St. Croix Victory Casting Rod | 6’8″ to 7’11” | SCIII+ Carbon | Fuji Concept O guides with deep press inserts | Split premium cork grip | 15 Year Transferrable |
| KastKing Perigee II | 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 Spinning | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Composite | One-Piece Stainless Steel | Cork Grip | 7 Year Manufacturing Warranty |
| St. Croix Premier Fishing Rod | 4’6″ to 8’6″ | SCII Carbon | Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings | Full Premium Cork Grip | 5 Year |
Conclusion
The best smallmouth bass rods need to be sensitive, versatile, and reliable to handle the demands of targeting smallmouth bass. The St. Croix Mojo Bass is our top choice due to its great selection of powers, lengths, and actions plus its quality components and reasonable price point.
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Bass Fishing Rods
- Best Bass Baitcasting Rods
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Musky Rods
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
- Best Walleye Rods
Check out our related rod and reel combo articles:
Read on to see our breakdown of important factors to consider when picking a smallmouth bass rod.
How to Choose The Best Smallmouth Bass Rod
The most important factors for selecting the best smallmouth bass rod are rod length, action, and power.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Rod length is an important consideration for smallmouth bass anglers. Rods for smallmouth bass need enough length to handle a variety of casting distances without being too long that they’re unwieldy. For accurately casting to bass tight to cover, like stumps and rocks, shorter rods between 6’6″ and 7′ offer the best casting accuracy. We’ve had days on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in northern Wisconsin where the bass are hanging so tight to cover that you needed to cast within six inches of a stump or boulder to entice a strike. The skilled casters on the boat were having a great time but it was super frustrating for the newer anglers that didn’t have the casting control! Shorter rods can be easier to cast accurately in this scenario.
For covering gravel flats and sporadic cover with crankbaits or swimbaits where casting distance is critical, size up to 7’6″ to 8′ rods.
If in doubt, our recommendation is smallmouth bass rods between 7′ and 7’6″ are great all-around lengths that perfectly balance casting distance and accuracy.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to extra-heavy.
Smallmouth bass tend to be smaller than their largemouth cousins. Medium power rods are a great all-around option for most smallmouth bass fishing techniques. Note that it is common to pick up northern pike and musky when targeting smallies, which can really put light tackle to the test. For lighter presentations, medium-light power is great, whereas with heavy baits we like medium power rods.
We’ve made a few trips to the world-class smallmouth fishery in Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior where twenty-plus inch smallmouth are common. Our experience is a medium power rod is perfect even for these jumbo sized smallies.
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).
Fast action rods are excellent all-around options for smallmouth bass anglers that work well for finesse options, live bait presentations, and many artificial lures. For dedicated crankbait rods, we recommend move towards moderate actions.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
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 powerful hooksets, EVA foam can 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.
Almost all smallmouth rods have graphite reel seats because they are plenty strong to handle even the strongest smallmouth bass.
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 smallmouth bass fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Smallmouth Bass Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rod is best for smallmouth bass fishing?
The best all-around rods for smallmouth bass fishing are around 7 feet long, medium power, and fast action in either spinning or casting versions depending on the preferred fishing techniques. These sized rods have the perfect amount of sensitivity and backbone to handle all sizes of smallmouth bass and are utilitarian in their ability to fish nearly every smallie fishing technique.
What reel to pair with smallmouth bass rod?
Smallmouth bass rods should be paired with high quality spinning or baitcasting reels that match the rod type. Spinning setups are better for lightweight baits or for beginner anglers. Baitcasting setups are better for accurate, repeated casting and heavier baits that are less likely to cause the reel to backlash.
What pound test line for smallmouth bass fishing?
Twelve pound braid is perfect for most smallmouth bass fishing techniques. This lighter strength line has smaller diameter which reduces impact of wind and waves on bait presentations. Smallmouth do not have sharp teeth and are unlikely to part lighter line with their teeth. For ultra-clear water fishing locations, many anglers will drop down to even six to eight pound test line to minimize spooking selective fish with their fishing line.
What is the most sensitive smallmouth bass rod?
Graphite rods are considered the most sensitive smallmouth bass rods due to their light weight and feel in-hand. Smallmouth bass anglers looking to maximize sensitivity should also look for fast or extra-fast rod actions because they transmit the vibrations from fish strikes or running over cover the best.
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 smallmouth 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
