10 Best Casting Rods 2025 in the United States

The Shimano EXPRIDE casting rod is designed primarily for freshwater bass fishing, featuring a 6'8" length that offers a good balance between casting distance and control. Its light power rating makes it ideal for anglers targeting smaller bass and using lighter lures, while the extra fast action helps with quick hook sets and precise lure movement. Made from graphite, the rod is both lightweight and sensitive, allowing better feel of fish bites.

The handle uses a carbon monocoque design combined with cork material, providing a comfortable and firm grip without adding much weight. It also features a split grip and a CI4+ reel seat, which enhances the rod’s lightness and durability. The Fuji SiC guides are a quality choice, reducing line friction and improving casting smoothness. The light power and relatively short length might not suit anglers looking to catch bigger fish or cast very heavy lures.

With Shimano's reputable build quality and pricing, this rod is a solid option for bass anglers who prefer finesse techniques and want a responsive, easy-to-handle rod. Its ambidextrous design is convenient for both left- and right-handed users. If you’re seeking a sensitive, lightweight rod for freshwater bass casting with decent durability and quality components, this Shimano EXPRIDE model is worth considering.

The St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Casting Rod is a high-quality option for bass fishing enthusiasts. It features a 7'2" length with medium-heavy power and a moderate-fast action, making it suitable for a variety of casting techniques. Constructed from high-modulus SCIII carbon fiber, this rod is both lightweight and durable, offering enhanced sensitivity to detect bites more easily.

The Trigon handle, made with premium EVA material, provides a comfortable and secure grip, adding to the rod's control and power during casting and retrieval. The guides are made from aluminum-oxide with a titanium frame, ensuring smooth line flow and reducing friction, which can improve casting distance and accuracy. Additionally, the rod includes a reliable nylon reel seat and machined aluminum nut for secure reel attachment. It comes as a single-piece rod, contributing to its strength and performance consistency.

The Mojo Bass Casting Rod also includes a 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use. However, some users might find the medium-heavy power and moderate-fast action too stiff for lighter lures or smaller fish. Also, with a price point reflective of its premium materials and craftsmanship, it may be more expensive than entry-level rods. This rod is best suited for serious bass anglers looking for reliability, durability, and high performance in their fishing gear.

The KastKing Royale Legend II Casting Combo features a 7-foot Medium Heavy power rod with twin tips, making it versatile enough for catching a variety of fish like bass, trout, walleye, and catfish. Its IM6 Graphite construction keeps the rod lightweight and sensitive, helping you feel even small bites, which is great if you want good control without fatigue. The stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts help your line cast smoothly and reduce friction, improving performance. The EVA handle and additional grip areas provide comfort for long fishing sessions. A nice bonus is the extra backup tip, which means you can keep fishing if the tip breaks.

The combo includes a baitcasting reel with a fast 7.2:1 gear ratio and solid drag system, making it easier to reel in bigger fish. The rod’s medium-heavy power might be a bit much if you’re fishing only for smaller species or prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the right-handed orientation means left-handed anglers would need to look for another option.

This setup is well suited for beginners to experienced anglers looking for a reliable, all-around freshwater casting rod and reel combo without spending too much.