Casting Rods For Sale

What Is A Casting Rod?

A casting rod is a type of fishing rod designed to be used with a baitcasting or spin cast reel, which sits on top of the rod. These rods feature upward-facing line guides and are engineered for anglers who prioritize precision, control, and power, especially when targeting larger or more aggressive fish.

Types of Casting Rods

Baitcasting Rods - Precision & Power

• Best for: Bass fishing, heavy lures, accuracy.
• Key Features: Shorter length (6'–7'6") for better control, Fast or extra-fast action for quick hook sets, Higher power (Medium-Heavy to Heavy) for battling big fish.
• Common Uses: Flipping, pitching, crankbaits, jigs.

Spincasting Rods – Beginner-Friendly Simplicity

• Best for: Beginners and youth anglers, Light lure fishing, Fishing in small ponds or lakes.
• Key features: Push-button spool release for easy casting, Shorter length for better control, Closed-face reel design that minimizes tangles.
• Use Freshwater Casting Rods or saltwater Casting Rods.

Telescopic Casting Rods

• Purpose: Easy to carry and store while traveling.
• Features: Multi-piece or collapsible design, often used for convenience rather than performance.

Specific Casting Rods

• Crankbait Rods: Softer action to absorb strikes and prevent hooks from tearing out.
• Flipping & Pitching Rods: Extra-fast action and heavy power for close-quarters, heavy-cover fishing.
• Frog Rods: Strong backbone for driving hooks through thick vegetation.
• Swimbait Rods: Extra-long and heavy-duty for large lures and trophy fish.
• Topwater Rods: Medium-fast action for better lure presentation and control.

Top Brands Available

G. Loomis

• Superior Sensitivity – Advanced graphite blanks detect even the lightest bites.
• Exceptional Strength & Lightweight Design – High-modulus graphite construction.
• Precision Engineering – Optimized for accuracy and casting distance.
• Customizable Options – Many models allow for personal tuning (action, power, length).
• Lifetime Warranty – Reflects the brand’s confidence in durability.

Shimano

• Known For: Precision engineering and lightweight rod designs.
• Popular Models: Expride, SLX, Curado.
• Best For: Freshwater bass fishing, finesse to heavy techniques.

Abu Garcia

• Known For: Affordable performance and versatile rod options.
• Popular Models: Veritas, Vendetta, Revo.
• Best For: Entry-level to advanced anglers looking for value.

St. Croix

• Known For: USA-made craftsmanship and lifetime durability.
• Popular Models: Mojo Bass, Bass X, Legend Tournament.
• Best For: Serious anglers seeking technique-specific rods with premium materials.

Key Features to Consider

Rod Power

• Definition: The rod’s resistance to bending under load.
• Options: Ultralight, Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy, Extra-Heavy.
• Consideration: Heavier power handles bigger fish and heavier lures; lighter power is more sensitive to finesse tactics.

Rod Action

• Fast: Bends near the tip – good for single-hook lures like jigs and worms.
• Moderate: Bends mid-rod – great for crankbaits and treble hooks.
• Slow: Bends near the base – ideal for delicate presentations.

Rod Length

• Common Range: 6' to 8'
• Shorter Rods (6’–6’6”) = better for tight spaces, accurate casting.
• Longer Rods (7’–8’) = longer casts and better hook sets in open water.

Material

• Graphite: Lightweight, sensitive, more brittle – ideal for finesse and fast action rods.
• Fiberglass: More flexible and durable – great for crankbaits or beginners.
• Composite: Blends both for balanced performance.

Handle Type

• Materials: Cork (lighter, sensitive), EVA foam (durable, comfortable).
• Designs: Full grip vs. split grip – based on personal comfort and rod balance.

Casting Rods by Use Case

Best Casting Rods for Bass Fishing

• Recommended Specs: 6’6” to 7’6” length, medium-heavy power, fast action.
• Why: Versatile enough for jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits, and frogs.
• Top Picks: St. Croix Mojo Bass, Shimano SLX, Dobyns Fury 734C.

Best for Heavy Cover or Big Fish

• Recommended Specs: 7’+ length, heavy to extra-heavy power, fast action.
• Why: Needed for pulling fish from thick vegetation or structure.
• Use With: Punching rigs, swimbaits, frogs, and flipping baits.

Best for Long Casting Distance

• Recommended Specs: 7’6”+ length, medium-heavy power, fast to moderate action.
• Why: A longer rod with the right action boosts the casting range for covering more water.
• Use Cases: Shoreline fishing, saltwater surf casting, or large lakes.

How to Choose The Right Casting Rod

Identify Your Target Species

• Bass, walleye, pike (freshwater): Medium to medium-heavy rods with fast action.
• Saltwater species (redfish, snook, etc.): Heavier rods with corrosion-resistant components.

Choose the Right Action

• Fast Action: Quick tip bend, good for single hooks and fast hooksets.
• Moderate Action: Mid-rod bend, ideal for crankbaits and treble hooks.
• Slow Action: Full bend, used rarely but helpful for delicate presentations.

Pick the Correct Length

• Short Rods (6’–6’6”): Great for precision casting in tight areas.
• Mid-Length Rods (6’10”–7’3”): Versatile and ideal for most bass fishing applications.
• Long Rods (7’6”+): Offer longer casting distance and leverage for deep-water or heavy-cover fishing.

Choose the Right Material

• Graphite: Lightweight and sensitive; best for feel-based fishing.
• Fiberglass: More durable and forgiving; great for reaction baits.
• Composite: A mix of both for balanced performance.

Shop and Compare

• By Species: Bass | Walleye | Pike | Inshore Saltwater | Trout.
• By Technique: Crankbait | Flipping | Swimbait | Topwater | Finesse.
• By Brand: Shimano | St. Croix | Abu Garcia | Lew’s | Daiwa | Dobyns.
• By Price: Under $50 | $50–$100 | $100–$200 | $200+

FAQ’s

What is the difference between a casting rod and a spinning rod?

A casting rod is designed for use with baitcasting or spin cast reels, with guides on top, offering more accuracy and control for experienced anglers. Spinning rods are easier for beginners and pair with spinning reels.

What size casting rod should I use for bass fishing?

Most bass anglers prefer rods between 6’6” and 7’6”, with medium to heavy power and fast action for versatile performance.

Are casting rods good for saltwater fishing?

Yes, but choose a rod specifically rated for saltwater use to withstand corrosion and heavier line/lure weights.

Can beginners use casting rods?

While casting rods offer better control, they have a steeper learning curve. Beginners may struggle with backlash when using baitcasting reels.