20 Best Fly Rod For Bass (2023 Updated)

While I have been using the original Veritas and Veritas 2. 0 rods for several years now, I am amazed how the ABU engineers continually improve their products to help make us better fishermen. The new Veritas PLX rods are a great example of that.

These rods are a significant improvement over the previous versions being lighter, stronger, more comfortable rod handles, more secure reel attachments and even better looking to boot! I am thoroughly pleased with the 7′ Medium action model I bought and plan to buy several more.

Best rod in its price range on the market today IMHO!.

I purchased this rod for flipping heavy cover, one of the best purchased I have made. This rod is super strong and sensitive. The rod is very light for its size and I have no problem fishing with this rod all day.

The new design of the Veritas rods are really nice. I like the white eye wraps that match the white rods. This is one of the strongest and lightest rods for flipping heavy cover that I have ever used.

Very good rod for the money.

Had the guide ring on a Micro guide break on my out of warranty Veritas rod not long ago. Called the Abu Garcia support line and recieved some really discouraging, and frustrating news that will affect whether or not I buy an Abu Garcia rod anytime in the future.

When the specialist I spoke with found out the rod was out of warranty, he told me I had two alternatives: 1. ) Submit an out of warranty claim, after which I’ll receive a coupon for a discounted replacement rod from Abu Garcia AFTER I ship the rod back to them at my expense, or 2.

) They give me the phone numbers for (3) of their rod repair companies that I could get the (not identical) replacement micro guide if I wanted to install the replacement myself. This is awful!!! All I need is a $2-3 dollar rod guide and they won’t support it.

I don’t want it for free, I’m expecting to pay for the guide!!! But being forced to either buy a new rod or purchase a piece of material that looks different on the rod doesn’t make sense to me. What good is buying a reasonably high quality rod if, in the event of a parts failure, the company won’t support the parts replacement for a reasonable price??? This is the last rod I’ll buy from ABU Garcia.

Getting back into fly fishing after a 20 year break. Did not want to spend a boat load of cash on an outfit till I discovered how much my casting style changed. Purchased this rod in the 8′ 4 wt for small to medium stream trout fishing ranging from native brookies (my personal favorite) to larger stocked and native browns.

Paired it with a Redington Surge reel set up with backing and WF4F, again did not want to go overboard in the cash department. The combination works well and has great balance. Also picked up a hard rod/reel case as it just comes with a sock.

Could not be happier for the money I spent plus I now know how my casting style has changed it has slowed a bit, old age does not come alone. Medium fast is still a bit quick but very manageable. So far I’ve caught 4″ to 7″ brooks and Browns up to 18″.

I’ve been using this for about 8 months now and have had zero issues with construction or materials. It is a 2 piece rod, which used to be normal now it seems to be hinderance (according to the status quo).

All in all fit and finish are great reel seat and guides are of good quality. I’ve been extremely satisfied with the entire combo and I’m sure it will be in my arsenal for a long time.

This rod broke on the very first use. The tip snapped. Temple Fork DOES NOT stand behind their products and will not replace any parts without you paying for the shipping both ways and the new tip. DO NOT BUY.

IT’s junk!.

For the money spent, this rod and reel combination is excellent. There are much more expensive options that I am sure deliver higher quality, but if you want a decent starter rode and reel, this is a great choice.

This is a very nice rod. I’m currently using it for reds. The rod has a lot of backbone and just enough at the tip so that I can cast some lighter weight baits with fairly good accuracy. The rod is light weight and has allowed me to fish all day with little arm fatigue.

So far this rod has lived up to my expectations. I’m very pleased and if the rod preforms this well on a consistent basis, I will certainly purchase another.

I’m like everyone – throw the ‘ole Jackhammer all the time in Spring / Fall. Have rotated through rods for this application and finally landed here! The 7’4 MHM is truly perfect for Chatterbaitin’. Grabbed on last Spring, picked up another in Fall.

If you need a Chatterbait rod, you won’t find anything close at this price point!.

I’ve fished with the Omen’s since version 1 and they’ve progressively gotten better. But, the jump from 2 to this Omen 3 is pretty amazing. Perfectly balanced, light, actions are on point. I have 4 spinning rods now that I use for everything from Skipping Senkos to Fluke Fishing to Dragging Tubes.

I really don’t think you can find a better spinning rod at this price point.

Great rod. Very sensitive. Can distinguish between the feeling of rock, wood, and a bite well. I can’t help but think this rod has advanced tech incorporated in it. Rod is strong and has good backbone.

The grip is my favorite part about the rod. It’s very ergonomic and comfortable to hold. Only complaint is that the hook keeper is on the handle which doesn’t work for kayak fishing. Not that big of a deal since you can buy o ring hook keepers on amazon and place the keeper where you like.

I was in need of a fishing rod to replace the last of my two piece bass rods. I did a little research trying to find one in my price range. I found “13 Fishing” as one with very good reviews, so I was happy to find that Fishing Online had a 13 Fishing Defy Gen 2 on sale at a great price.

It was shipped in a very sturdy tube and was nicer than I expected. It’s very light and has good comfortable grip. I got to use it if a fishing trip and it handled very well. I would definitely recommend 13 Fishing and Fishing Online.

Maybe 2 hours total on the pond and the shaft snapped. Not on a snag or a fish or. anything. Just snapped while resting the handle on the ground and the rod against my arm dealing with a mild tangle.

Happened at a very obvious weak spot just above where the halves connect at the next guide. Really disappointing for what’s supposed to be a reasonably strong rod.

Just getting up to speed fly fishing for bass and pan fish in the south. Needed a good setup for the larger flys and after attending a local Orvis fly casting school and using this product I was sold! Had to order me one the following week.

Has smooth action and well thought out engineering. Really like the design of the upper eyes, makes stringing the line a piece of cake! and actually bought a second reel spool to make full use of the quick change for different line sizes.

Excited to have the Clearwater setup as my goto when headed to the lake or coast. Also with a 25 year warranty this setup will long outlast my shoulder!!!.

I purchased the Orvis Encounter in the 9′ 6 weight model and have found it to be more than acceptable. Fit and finish are good but lack the refinement of the companies higher end models such as the RECON and HELIOS series.

However this in no way retracts from the Encounters value or overall quality as an affordable fly fishing rig. The reel is a polymer build which should lend to its ability to handle some abuse such as being dropped on gravel.

The reels drag system is capable of typical freshwater species such as bass, carp and pike but less than ideal for more powerful species. Overall the Encounter reel is a good value considering its price point.

The rod is also good both in construction and aesthetics. Again at this price point you should not expect the same refinements in visual grandeur as the companies higher end models. The addition of the solid rod tube only adds to the value of the Encounter fly fishing rig.

Overall the Orvis Encounter 9′ 6 weight rod/reel package is a high value product that should lend itself well to most freshwater applications.

I’ve enjoyed this rod. I tried this next to the TFO Blue Ribbon. The BR had a wonderful action, flexibility, and feel, but the LK Legacy had a decent more amount of power behind it. The LK has a fast action, slightly stiff feel ala the Pro II, but with a good amount more sensitivity.

Fast and sensitive are the words that come to mind. I both underlined and overlined the rod and both performed well. This thing launched intermediate sinking line like a beast. A very strong and versatile rod, and I still had very good accuracy at long distances.

Used the blue ribbon rod in the 3wt 10 ft ,it was just OK in the small hopper dropper system, was really upset there was no hook keeper on this rod,until I found it integrated into the reel seat. Just to let you know it is a Worthless design as I CAN’T find a way to put my midge or small hooks in this dumb little hole!!.

This is one of the best overall casting rods I have used. The distance it allows me to throw in nothing short of amazing. By far my new favorite rod for everything saltwater!

Wanted a medium light action rod for crappies and trout fishing. Been looking for a while and decided to get this one. Handle feels great. Performed flawless. Love the action. Very sensitive and rod is very light.

Pair it with shimano sedona 2500. Good balance.

Just got this over the winter to replace my frog rod. Got the heavy/fast. It’s super light and has alot of backbone. Can’t wait to get out on the water again.

This rod preformed flawless this morning sensitive tip fast action. Hook set is on point. Paired it with the 13 fishing origin c reel. Love the setup so far.

I have 2 of these, 9’ 5wt and the 10’6 3wt for euro nymphing. The sensitivity and durability on these rods is unmatched. The 5wt presents the smallest dries with the delicacy and precision of a glass handler but still has the punch to huck a 10 weighted wooly bugger into the exact inch of the hole you need to get it into.

The 3wt is like having eyes under water. When you learn the feelings, you can tell the difference between rocks, sediment, trees/branches, and most importantly a fish. The ability to feel all of this reduces snags and lost flies and greatly increases fish.

I have landed 8lbs+ fish on this rod with ease. If you’re debating a Helios, stop thinking about it and just do it. On top of it all, Orvis has the best warranty in the industry. I never had an issues with the helios’ but I have had to send other rods back and the experience is wonderful.

A brand that truly stands firmly behind its product is hard to find these days.

Best Orvis Rod. I own 12 Orvis rods; Superfine, TL, Trident, Helios 3 D, & now the Blackout 9. 5 5wt. The Blackout 5wt is my absolute favorite Orvis rod. I love the length, action, aesthetics of this rod.

The rod casts great & length allows for line management whether you’re casting from a boat or wading. If I could only have one fly rod- the Blackout 5wt 9. 5ft would be my choice. Thankfully, that’s not the case.

Well Done, now can you please bring back classic fit clothing, with natural fibers, & shirts with traditional collars? You’ve a performed the impossible by creating what may actually be the perfect modern fly rod.

After developing this miraculous rod, bringing back traditional fit clothing sounds like a far less daunting task. The only thing better than this rod – helpful folks at our local Orvis shop!.

Rod looks large but is very light. Nice flexible tip, and has cork grip, I like. Color is purple I think fading into white, nice to look at. I’m useing a 5. 8 ounce lure, casting is remarkably easy not much effort to cast a long way out.

Excellent quality, lightweight, true to marked action (MH), and a great all around bass rod for accurate casting of reaction baits in the 3/8 to 1/2 ounce range with plenty of backbone to set the hook, yet with just enough give to permit the bass to take the bait for solid hookups.

Great fit and finish to match the performance.

Needed a lighter action rod for fishing flukes. Outstanding action with any reel – get great distance and accuracy. Also been using for ned rigs where its also been effective.

Bought the 8′ micro lite with medium lite action 4-10 lb, light in hand, sensitive tip, backbone to handle bigger fish. Bought the 7′ micro lite medium lite rod first & saw this 8′ model listed as a float rod loving both rods so far.

I wanted them for Worm rods for me. The 8 ‘ model could be my ultralite salmon & stripers rod using 10 lb line, great sport. Using the 8 footer when I need more distance or want to hold the line off the water, but either rod is a light modern worm rod or float rod.

Incredible value for $59 a bit cheaper handle & reel seat, but the feel & action are what is important. Caught a bunch of little bass with em today. My buddy loves them too. Hoping for years of fishing from both rods.

I’m on my 3rd generation Float & Fly, I use them for pan fishing, also as a lure casting rod up to 3/8 Oz. I’ve caught everything from a 3” perch to a 12lbs carp, wow, that was fun. Great all around light rod.

I’m using the 8’ rods. At the present time, I have 7 of them rigged. For casting small lures, I love the power pro 10lbs test, for pan fish, Trilene 8lbs Crystal.

Not made in America so I settled for it. American companies, St. Croix, makes a similar rod (Premier Series $160+) which I love but was unable to order after months of waiting. Lamiglas has a similar rod that I purchased but it doesn’t match the action/feel of either of the other two.

It’s for sale! I really like the feel of this ultra light, 7 1/2’, fast, two piece rod but wish it was available made in America!.

The rod is great if you’re in tight spaces and a lot of overhang. I live in an area with more narrow rivers and streams so longer rods can be more of a hassle. You can cast this rod very accurately. As far as distance goes I have mine rigged with the Rio pike/musky intermediate so there’s a little extra weight on the end to help the shorter length get more distance.

I’m no expert fly caster by any stretch of the imagination but I’ve had no problem casting 70 plus feet with this rod. So if you have a good line you shouldn’t have any problems getting a fair amount of distance.

The only reason I’m giving four stars is because many rods now I feel like come with a hard case or tube for transport whereas right now you get a cloth cover to put the pieces in.

I’ve been fly fishing for many years, have been an Orvis-endorsed guide, commericial fly tyer, spoke at Outdoor seminars, etc. I have tried many rods–this one is the absolute best there is for Bass Fishing.

The shorter length allows you to turn over big flies with ease without the fatigue that is common when casting all day with longer, heavier rods. Fits beautifully in the hand. One look at this rod and you can see that they’re built to last for many years to come.

I will be picking my up a series of 9 weights in a couple of weeks for throwing big flies for Summertime/fall bass fishing and Stripers. I’m in the process of re-directing my guiding efforts solely for bass, these are the rods I will be putting into the hands of my clients.

I m normaly fishing salmons and trouts in Vancouver rivers, my usal rods is TFO 9′ for 8 line. I was interresting to try shorter stick for bass and pike during my vacation in Muskoka ON. My frist stop after the step at the airport was to stop to buy the famous HEAT.

I find it and was ready to go, the saler stop me in my way and remember me the new model. Effectively the new one fell faster and more rigide, let go ! No time to lose, frist thing to do inflate my SUP BOARD, and setting my new toy.

i put one of my hold System 2 on it with one of my tarpon line # 10#. And grabing my flyes i pass my winter to ties frogs, tadpole and crazy bugs. First impression it’s fast, very good feling for 99 $ CA ,super easy to cast one big frog at 20 m.

I hook 7 bass for this first try, but lost 6. The first jump was fatal for me : less resistance in sleeping water than fast water. I LOVE THIS ROD. If you want good bass rod for cheap priece this is the one ! Sorry for my English i m french tourist !.

I bought this for my son as a special gift. I have a few other Winstons and have long loved their quality and “action”. The Air 2 represents the finest tradition of RL Winston with the latest technology in material.

This rod is incredible light and responsive. It is much thinner in diameter than my traditional LT rods. The touch and feel would do well with tight line fishing. The casting is literally “point and shoot”.

It has plenty of power with lightness in the hands, creating the classic Winston action. This is a legacy rod for the company and an heirloom for the owner.

Bought this rod for hucking larger nymphs and streamers on the Deschutes River in Oregon. After a week of fishing I can confidently say that I love this rod! Two evenings last week, the wind picked up to a steady 25 mph with gusts topping 30+ and the rod performed when I otherwise would have called it quit.

Great action, smooth casts, feels great when fighting fish (I landed a 22″ rainbow in the wind!), and beautiful. This rod is a winner in all aspects.

Really like this Winston Rod, I have multiple Winston Rods and I really like the way they cast. I think that this Salt Water Air 7WT is slightly faster than my 6WT Air but I really do not have to modify my cast for this rod.

I had an issue with a 10WT Salt Water Air fishing for Red Fish in LA, I called up Winston and sent a few pictures and they very quickly sent me a replacement rod at no additional cost. So I think they back up there products very well.

I would gladly recommend this rod.