Looking for a Bass rod: I’m looking for a new Bass rod for lake fishing…Long story short I lost my 2nd very large Bass over the weekend and I got to see I think is the issue. I got him...

Beretta Loc: Northern NJ

I’m looking for a new Bass rod for lake fishing…Long story short I lost my 2nd very large Bass over the weekend and I got to see I think is the issue. I got him up to the boat and the hook was just stuck in the bottom of his mouth but not penetrated threw the barb. Bad hook set..Yes he shook and down he went. Looked to be about 6 to 8 lbs. After crying last night about it I got to reading some articles about poles and I’m using the wrong pole.. (yes the hook is very sharp) So looks like I need a med/heavy fast or extra fast pole so I can get some power to set the hook better.

If I’m on the right track can someone here suggest a pole that’s better and wont put me in the poor house? I’m looking to spend around $100 or so if possible as I see a lot of poles for upwards of $400+

Thanks Guys

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Beretta there's plenty of quality rods out there in that price range. Best thing to do is look then up check reviews then decide which one you like. If possible go to store n see how it feels in your hand. Good luck. May want to try braid with a short leader to improve hook set also 👍

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

Beretta wrote:

I’m looking for a new Bass rod for lake fishing…Lo... (show quote)

I agree I want a strong rod, well made on the $120 to $200 range stiff enough to yank a hard set, flexible to bend with good memory retention and strong eye's that 20 to 30lb line will glide like wet ice and good reel with bearings and good gear ratios with quick on/off drag ability. Even the best hook-up to a fish set losses just part of fishing. 🎣

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Beretta wrote:

I’m looking for a new Bass rod for lake fishing…Lo... (show quote)

I just bought my fourth Berkley Lightning at 40 bucks.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Flytier wrote:

I just bought my fourth Berkley Lightning at 40 bucks.

They’re a steal for $40 Flytier, we sell a bunch of them in the shop as well as Okumha’s. He also carriers slightly more expensive rods such as Fenwick HMG’s. To be honest, I own all three brands and others. The Fenwick's are definitely more sensitive but not so much for another $70.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

bknecht wrote:

They’re a steal for $40 Flytier, we sell a bunch of them in the shop as well as Okumha’s. He also carriers slightly more expensive rods such as Fenwick HMG’s. To be honest, I own all three brands and others. The Fenwick's are definitely more sensitive but not so much for another $70.

My mh bass rods, 3 total 2 spin and one bait cast, are Berkleys. The lite and ultralite are Fenwick. The fly rods go to Sage, St Croix, Thomas and Thomas etc. All my surf rids are customs that I builtexcept for one SC..Can't find many bargains in surf and fly.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Flytier wrote:

My mh bass rods, 3 total 2 spin and one bait cast, are Berkleys. The lite and ultralite are Fenwick. The fly rods go to Sage, St Croix, Thomas and Thomas etc. All my surf rids are customs that I builtexcept for one SC..Can't find many bargains in surf and fly.

Wow Flytier, Sage and Thomas and Thomas. Those are high end rods, very nice.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

I know y'all are talking about Fresh water bass. I go for Salt water bass. Spot Tail Bass ( Red Fish). I use the 7ft Med /Heavy Ugly Stick. Cant say that I have never lost a fish but I have never broke one of them. Just saying.$49.99 at Wal-Mart

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

bknecht wrote:

Wow Flytier, Sage and Thomas and Thomas. Those are high end rods, very nice.

Those are very nice indeed, I must needs for some big river catfish rod's for some fish that can reach 10 - 40/ 60 - 100lbs, sometimes stuck in a pier rod holders for our testing the spawning conditions of the 3 species using different bait's with ratings on the rods of 100 to 180 lbs using 30 to 50 lbs test fishing line. Many times still without warning, I've had such strong strikes that rod's have been snapped in two before I could get my hand on it. That's just the way it goes with big cat hunting. Whereas Bass and other types of fish on a good high performance quality rod and reel in an experienced fisherman's hand can land about any fish he gets a hook set into.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Passingbye wrote:

Those are very nice indeed, I must needs for some ... (show quote)

Sounds like you need to go back to old school. 6/0 Penn Senators. Indestructible.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

bknecht wrote:

Wow Flytier, Sage and Thomas and Thomas. Those are high end rods, very nice.

The Sage I got a good deal on, the Thomas came with a Redington reel and a Rio line system including looped tips for the whole water column. That was my payment for teaching 13 weeks of fly tying classes.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Flytier wrote:

The Sage I got a good deal on, the Thomas came with a Redington reel and a Rio line system including looped tips for the whole water column. That was my payment for teaching 13 weeks of fly tying classes.

My highest end rod is a G Loomis bait caster that I purchased used about 8 years ago for a much reduced price than new. Like an idiot, I placed it on my truck tarp with several other rods and stopped for gas about 2 miles from home. When I went to fill up I noticed the rods on the tarp and the missing one. Immediately retraced my ride back to home and recovered the rod in the middle of the road. It had been run over and several guides were smashed but surprisingly the blank seems to be ok. Guess I’ve got some guide tying.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

St. Croix Mojo Bass. Pretty nice rod for the price.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Spiritof27 wrote:

St. Croix Mojo Bass. Pretty nice rod for the price.

Love them Spirit, especially the purple blank.

sytheteacher Loc: Brooklyn N.Y.

What about sharpening or changing your dull hook to provide a better hook set???