Bass Fishing Rod?, Help choosing a bass fishing rod

[Jonathan358]

Hi, I have been using a cheap Mitchell Avocet ii rod with a Rapala SX2i reel for a couple years as an entry set up (Spinning). I am getting more experienced with bass fishing and fishing other species such as walleye, crappie, silver bass, and the occasional sunfish in the Kawarthas and Simcoe. As a result, I want a nicer setup. I went out and bought a decent, what i assume mid-end, Shimano Sonora 2500FB spinning reel and am looking for a nice rod to put it on.

I have used only a couple other rods such as the Ugly Stik GX and Lite, Fenwick Eagle GT, A Daiwa, and a Shimano. I really want to have a rod to be proud of and to be my only go-to rod. Money is not really an issue but I would like it not to be over $250... I did some research and I am leaning towards brands like GLoomis, Shimano (Crucial), St. Croix (Premier), Dobyns, Kistler, and perhaps a Fenwick (HMG?). If the rod requires a better reel, I would be more than happy to upgrade it.

More about me and my preferences:

- Good to cast with
- Moderate - Fast action
- Medium power
- Medium length rod
- Mostly used for largemouth bass fishing
- Summer/Spring/Occasional Fall fishing
- Variety of baits and lures
- Two piece rod (ty @Huntandfish for bringing this up)

Thanks for your help in advance!
Hope I am allowed to post this thread here, it is my first post.

[Krob11]

I have had a medium action 6'6" St croix for 10 years and it had given me zero problems and hours of joy. I am not sure the model but I can highly recommend St croix!!

My reel is a middle of the road shimano, which I enjoy.

Have fun!

[Huntandfish]

All of my casting rods are 7" bought a Loomis a couple of years ago, it's a walleye rod and cost me close to 290$ and honestly my 80$ fenwick HMG is just as good if not better. Bought a St Croix bass rod and paired it with a Shimano stradic c14 spinning reel not cheap for either but glad I spent the money it's a dream to fish with and they are all two piece for transportation reasons.

[cottagebum]

I have had nothing but great times using Bass Pro rods. As it stands now, I own 5, 4 of which are spinning rods. The most expensive one cost me $100. Awesome rods for the money. I've used my buddies St. Croix and Fenwick HMX, and I can't tell the difference (other than price). All of my reels are Shimano Sedonas, or Pfluger Presidents (one Trion also). Great reels for the money too (under $70). IMO, you'd be best served to get yourself 2 setups at a more moderate price point, it also doesn't hurt as much if you break a rod...

Tight lines!

[pikeralhunter06]

I have two shimano clarious rods I love them , very versatile with a solid back bone, I troll, bottom bounce, river fish pretty much everything with it and the price point is great , I think I picked it up for 89 or so , also have a Quantum smoke bait caster rod and reel which I'm just getting used to but that cost a bit more..

Good luck and tight lines

[Jonathan358]

Ty very much for all your replies. I will take all to heart!

Happy fishing. I am going out as of right now!

[dan-o]

All I can say.

[muskyaaron]

i have the original abu garcia veritas with a revo sx and i love it. it is so sensitive but its strong. i like it for frogs and jerkbaits. i also have the spinning veritas and i love that too. i say u should get a used veritas off kijiji they are pretty cheap 60-80$

[Jonathan358]

After some research I have narrowed down my search to:

- Fenwick HMG
- St. Croix Premier Spinning

Which one would you guys prefer?

[gskipwith]

I fish bass, mostly largemouth, in Balsam. I just picked up a couple of Bass Pro specials - bait casters. They are 6'6" medium heavy and have been great. I put on 18 lb braided line and they are great for large mouth.

The action is heavier than I am used to - but I hardly loose one now. Casting distance is long. Bas Pro typically knocks off brand names - I think you get good quality gear at very reasonable prices. For $69 + tax you can't beat it. I have about 8 rod/reel combo's, ranging from moderate quality to $500+. The Bass Pro's are my new go-to.

.... I don't work for Bass Pro.