If you’ve been fishing for a while or have your sights set on a bigger catch, it might be time to consider a baitcasting rod. While spinning rods are a great introduction to the sport, casting rods offer some advantages—once you get the technique down.
From a design standpoint, casting rods are opposite from spinning rods meaning that both the reel and line guides are on top of the rod. Having the line guides on top means they face upwards when a fish pulls down on the line. Since the tension is being pulled toward the rod rather than against the guides, line guides are less likely to break on a casting rod.
In the market for a baitcasting rod? Here are some of the top models:
Entsport Camo Legend Casting Rod
Entsport’s Camo Legend model is ideal for bass fishing. This carbon fiber rod is both lightweight and strong and ceramic inserts allow for smooth casts.
- Unique and Professional Design - It comes with 2 tips. You can get two different power rod tips, medium and medium heavy. It's like getting 2 rods in 1. The 2 different tips makes it easy to adjust to your casting weight. It is very versatile. Great for carrying one rod instead of two and unless you break the base section, you have a spare tip should you break one of them. Good value for the money, nice to have additional tips for different fishing action and replacement
- 24 Ton Carbon Fiber - Light weight with tremendous overall strength; strong and structurally enhanced solid carbon fiber construction, maximizes strength while maintaining sensitivity
- Extreme Exposure Reel Seat - Enhanced reel seat with corrosion resistant aluminum hoods; Full-Contact Reel Seat with Soft Touch finish
- “K-R” and “FINESSE” Guide Series - 6+1 corrosion resistant guides, perfectly spaced for virtually friction-free line flow and maximum casting performance and sensitivity, adopt “K-R” and “FINESSE” guide series
- High Density EVA Handles - High density EVA gives greater sensitivity and durability, add to your control and fishing comfort; Special design on handle, more comfortable, which allow you to spent long days on the water with minimum fatigue
Shimano FX Casting Rod
In the past, two-piece rods had something of a bad rap. Rest assured, rod design has come a long way since then with some anglers admitting that they often can’t tell the difference between the two. Shimano’s FX Casting Rod is a two-piece model but is prized for its versatility and flexibility.
- The FX series of two-piece rods was created for anglers for all ages and skill levels
- These versatile rods cover a wide variety of applications and lengths; and they can be enjoyed on any stream; river or lake; or for light saltwater applications
- Reinforced with durable Aeroglass blank construction that gives incredible sensitivity and aluminum oxide guides for smooth line flow on every cast and retrieve
- Equipped with comfortable EVA foam rubber grips that add comfort while providing a great hold even when wet. Features a split grip style handle for offshore conditions
- Length: 6 / Power: Medium / Action: Fast / Mono Line(lb. test): 6-15 / PowerPro Line(lb. test): 10-30 / Lure Rating (oz.): 1/4-3/4 / Foregrip Length (in): 2 / Reargrip Length (in): 7.5
UglyStik GX2 Casting Rod
This rod from UglyStik offers an array of options with five different lengths and both one and two-piece designs. Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a modern-looking rod that’s made from a durable combination of graphite and fiberglass.
- UGLY STIK 6’6” GX2 CASTING ROD: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
- 10-25LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, MODERATE FAST ACTION: Built tough to stand up to what's next. Lure rating of 1/4-3/4 oz. One piece fishing rod features Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining legendary toughness and strength. Ugly Stik Fishing Rods are covered by a 7-year warranty you won't find anywhere else.
- 7 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability and eliminate insert pop-outs during rough treatment.
- REEL SEAT: Graphite reel seat provides ultralight strength, comfort and durability. Type-C EVA rod handle is lightweight and slip-resistant, so you can hold on when fishing gets tough.
KastKing Royale Legend Casting Rod
If bass if what you’re after, this might be the fishing rod for you. KastKing’s Royale Legend model is a rod designed for both power and sensitivity.
- SENSITIVE & STRONG KastKing KastFlex fishing rod blanks. All Royale Select fishing rods are constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex technology blanks giving each casting rod and spinning rod incredible performance, sensitivity and power
- FUJI FISHING LINE GUIDES for superior casting distance, and accuracy while dissipating heat more efficiently. Fishing reel seats are made of high-strength nylon for a solid base, all-day comfort
- ONE PIECE bass technique lengths & actions are designed with bass fishing anglers in mind and helps you be more successful no matter which technique you use from flippin' rods to drop shot drop shot rods, or Texas Rigging, or swimbait rods
- 2-PIECE FISHING RODS PERFORM LIKE 1-PIECE RODS KastKing Power Transition System amazing spigot joints transition power smoothly throughout the fishing rod blank. Specialized computer controlled wraps keeps power flowing from fishing rod tip to handle
- OUTSTANDING QUALITY KastKing fishing rods deliver quality from design to the finished product. Fish with peace of mind with KastKing baitcaster rods and spinning rods. Use a KastKing fishing pole on your next bass fishing or trout fishing trip
UglyStik Elite Casting Rod
If you’re looking for a more lightweight rod, UglyStik’s Elite model offers 35% more graphite than the GX2 (cutting down on the rod’s weight) while not compromising performance.
- UGLY STIK 7’ ELITE CASTING ROD: 35% more graphite than the Ugly Stik GX2, plus premium cork handles. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
- 10-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, FAST ACTION: Built tough to stand up to what's next. Lure rating of 1/4-3/4 oz. One piece fishing rod features Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a lighter weight rod, while maintaining legendary toughness and strength. Ugly Stik Fishing Rods are covered by a 7-year warranty you won't find anywhere else.
- 9 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability and eliminate insert pop-outs during rough treatment.
- REEL SEAT: Exposed Blank reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods provide comfort for your hands and protection for your reel. Premium type-A Cork rod handle is lightweight and slip-resistant, so you can hold on when fishing gets tough.
Berkley Cherrywood HD Casting Rod
As the name suggests, this rod is constructed from cherry wood resulting in a lightweight yet durable rod that can handle larger fish.
- Hybrid design construction for un-matched sensitivity with the security of through handle construction
- SS304 Guides - 20x tougher and 55% lighter than traditional aluminum oxide guides and are factory tested for dependability
- Cork handle design for added comfort and grip
Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rod
This graphite model is distinguished by a split-grip handle made from high density EVA that provides a reliable grip and leverage.
- ABU GARCIA 7’ VENGEANCE CASTING ROD: A balanced and lightweight 1-piece rod designed for on-the-water technique and durability. The Texas-rigged hook keeper works with all bait applications.
- SUPERIOR CONSTRUCTION: Lightweight and durable aluminum spool. 2-piece, composite rod for a lightweight design and increased sensitivity. High density EVA handles paired with a split type handle made for right/left handed anglers.
- 24 TON GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION for a lightweight and balanced design.
- 8 STAINLESS STEEL GUIDES: built with titanium oxide inserts to allow your rod to handle the most intense battles.
- DURABLE REEL SEAT stands up to extreme exposure. Designed for increased blank contact and sensitivity. The high density EVA type-B handle provides greater sensitivity and durability while remaining comfortable over the long haul.
KastKing Perigee II Casting Rod
KastKing’s Perigee II model is a high-performance rod made from carbon fiber and high-density EVA grips. It comes with two rod tips—medium and medium heavy or medium with medium light.
- AMAZING QUALITY CARBON FIBER BLANK - All Perigee II two-piece fishing rods are constructed with Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank technology for power, strength, and accuracy. Available in 29 sizes from an ultra light spinning fishing rod to a heavy 7’ spinning rod and a baitcaster rod ranging from medium to heavy power. Use them for bass fishing rods, trout fishing, walleye fishing, or as a salmon rod, catfish rod, steelhead rod, or saltwater fishing rod.
- PREMIUM COMPONENTS - KastKing uses the best quality components in a Perigee II fishing rod. World renowned Fuji O-Ring line guides, tuned ergonomic graphite high-strength reel seats, high-density EVA grips, Saf-T Keeper hooker holder, the finest sensitive “bare and beautiful” finish carbon fiber for light weight rod blanks, and outstanding cosmetics. Rod action ranges from baitcasting rods that are fast action rods to spinning rods that cover moderate, moderate fast, and fast action rods.
- SMOOTH POWER - KastKing PTS (Power Transition System) hybrid spigot joints in Perigee II 2-pcs rods transition power smoothly throughout your fishing rod blank. Specialized high technology computer control wrapping at four angles (0⁰, 45⁰, 90⁰, 135⁰) keeps the power flowing. Whether you choose an amazing and affordable Perigee II casting fishing rod as a bass rod or a KastKing spinning rod as a walleye rod, or for any species, you will agree it feels exactly like a one-piece fishing rod!
- STEP UP - Throw away your old technology ugly fishing pole and step into the future of fishing with a dynamic KastKing Perigee II high performance casting rod or spinning fishing poles for bass fishing, trout fishing, cat fishing, walleye fishing or any technique for freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing for red fish, striped bass, snook and more! Total Peace of Mind Warranty. KastKing is an ICAST award winning manufacturer.
- BEST VALUE –KastKing Perigee II graphite fishing poles are one of the best value rods in the fishing tackle market! Don’t be confused by the low price. Even better, these are simply one of the lightest rods you'll find under $100. You'll fish all day without fatigue and have power to spare because of our high carbon blanks that offer a powerful, yet light weight rod.
KastKing Speed Demon Tournament Series Casting Rods
If you want options, KastKing’s Speed Demon series offers plenty with 11 baitcasting models of varying actions and lengths.
- 【Elite Carbon Blanks & Nano Resin Technology】 - Speed Demon Pro rods start with our own Elite Carbon blanks that utilize Carbon Nano Tube resin technology to reduce weight, increase breaking and lifting strength by over 30% compared to standard graphite blanks. These proprietary blanks are not only strong and light but may just be the most sensitive rods you’ve ever had in your hands.
- 【Fuji Guides/Reel Seats 】 - Only the finest Fuji guides and reel seats are used to ensure that reels stay firmly in place and that lines are never frayed or are slowed down by inferior guides. Spinning models using Fuji LV style guides with Alconite rings, casting models use Fuji LN model guides with Alconite rings.
- 【20 Technique Specific Actions & Lengths】 - We’ve design each action based on years of experience and elite angler input to ensure that each model is precisely built to delivery uncompromising performance for each specific technique. Everything from the rod weight, action and length of the handles are carefully considered to build your favorite new rod. There are 20 models including 5 spinning and 15 casting models all in 1-pc designs and ready to take you to a new level in your sport.
- 【Lightweight Composite S-Glass Crankbait Rods】 - The Speed Demon Pro crankbait rods use a composite blend of S-Glass and high modulus graphite for a lightweight, well balanced, thin rod blank that still has a soft crankbait action. There are two casting models, 7’ crankbait and 6’8” Square Bill rod and a new 7’4” spinning model for those anglers looking to make long casts with small crankbaits and still have that soft crankin’ action rod using a spinning reel.
- 【True Tournament Performance Rod】 - We’ve spared no cost in building these rods to ensure that they look as good as they perform! You’ll be proud to have the entire series on your boat knowing that you’re using a true performance rod and will have confidence in its durability because of KastKing's Incredible Total Peace of Mind Warranty!