In the early 1970s, during the beginnings of modern bass fishing, methods for catching bass were limited to a scarcity of techniques, such as topwater, spinnerbaits, shallow crankbaits and the Texas-rigged plastic worm. For the most part, all of these shared a common rod, typically a stubby, 5-feet, 6-inches pistol-grip casting rod with a round reel lashed to it. The only rod deviation back then was sadly, the stiffness of the rod.
As time passed and specialized techniques for catching bass evolved, so did the gear – especially the rods. Today, bass rods are finely-tuned instruments, available in a wide array of lengths and actions. Each of these are designed and built to help the angler be successful no matter the technique, lure or application.
When searching for the “perfect rod,” it is important to consider any number of things, such as the specific technique and its intended application out-on-the-water. And, of course, it is of paramount importance you consider the rod’s specifications. Here are the specifics.
Length
When considering rod length, longer rods of say 7-feet, 4-inches or greater, are beneficial for increased leverage on hooksets and adding distance while casting. Keep in mind, as the rod gets longer, casting accuracy may suffer unless you’re using a flipping stick in the shallows to manage ultra-heavy baits in dense cover.
Shorter rods of 7-feet or less are generally nimbler, greatly enhancing the degree of casting precision. Shorter length rods also improve the angler’s ability to make finer motor skill presentations, like putting the perfect rhythmic cadence on a jerkbait, or salaciously walking a topwater bait to perfection.
Action
Interestingly, there is no industry standard when it comes to designating the action of a fishing rod – with each rod company subjectively “grading” their rod’s action. One company’s “medium heavy” action may be another’s “heavy.” Therefore, determining the “right” action is almost always a matter of angler preference.
One simple but effective way to judge a rod’s action is to gently lay the tip on a carpeted surface and apply pressure. By doing so, you are able to visually see (and feel) the rod’s overall flexure and subsequent action. Gentler action rods, that is, those with faster or softer actions, flex deeper into the rod blank while heavier action rods provide a stiffer flex along their lengths.
Carolina Rigging
With the dizzying number of rod choices out there, each varying in length, action, build quality, components and price – selecting the right rod may sound a bit overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be.
The all-new Assegai Series from KastKing is designed with specific techniques in mind, greatly simplifying the process for you. The Assegai Series features 15 technique-specific rods (12 casting and 3 spinning) in varying lengths and actions, each designed for optimal performance.
The Sweet Caroline, for example, is a 7-feet, 6-inch medium-heavy rod that is ideally suited for dragging a Carolina-rig. The extended rod length lends itself to casting the heavy ¾– to 1–1-ounce weights and long leaders traditionally found on Carolina rigs. The long rod length also allows anglers to pick up line quickly on extended casts, helping apply a long, powerful sweep when setting the hook.
The Sweet Caroline’s medium-action loads perfectly on casts, propelling baits smoothly and to greater distances. This allows anglers to keep their baits in productive water longer, maximizing their fish-catching potential. The high-quality rod blank offers a sensitivity that is perfect for sensing even the slightest hit while feeling the bottom composition along the way.
Cranking
Perhaps no other rod has become more specialized of late than those designed for cranking. These rods offer a unique blend of graphite and fiberglass which provides an action traditional carbon/graphite rods simply cannot.
The blank loads nicely for long casts when tossing these aerodynamically-awkward baits. The composite construction lends itself to a gentle flexure, which provides the perfect forgiveness when big bass hit fast-moving crankbaits equipped with light-gauge hardware (i.e., hooks). The lighter composite action also lets anglers manage aggressive fish on light lines – those bent on remaining put.
Of course, cranking has become specialized for deep and shallow diving baits. The 7-foot Assegai I’m Cranky rod lends itself well to precision casts when working a squarebill in target-rich, congested shallow waters. The longer 7-feet, 8-inch Dig Deep model excels when the assignment is bombing offshore targets with magnum, deep diving baits that lesser rods struggle to manage.
Bladed Jigs
Another specialized technique that has taken the bass world by storm is the bladed jig. Here, a rod built specifically for the application can improve success exponentially. When the bladed jig first burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, many anglers made the mistake of choosing too stiff a rod. This resulted in many fish that were missed once hooked, as the heavy-action rods rip the hook out.
At 7 feetn, 3 inches, the Assegai Blade Runner is perfect for managing the bladed jig. The added length lets fishermen cast long distances and cover more productive water. However, at that length, the Blade Runner is still a capable caster, able to drop bladed baits into the smallest of targets. The medium-heavy action rod, with its forgiving tip section, allows bass to inhale the bait while offering a stout butt section for aggressive hooksets.
The Field
KastKings new Assegai series of technique-specific rods offers anglers a wide array of actions – each designed for a unique application.
The entire Assegai line features builds utilizing some of the best components in the business. The rod blanks are formed through a proprietary process, one which uses high-pressure during rolling. This process increases the stability of the graphite while reducing weight and increasing strength. It also helps eliminate voids in the resins and mat matrix, bulletproofing the blank. The result is a blank that is 5% lighter, has 30% more resistance to twisting and roll, and is 10% stronger than comparable high-end fishing rod blanks.
Rod handles are crafted from a blend of premium-grade cork and high-density EVA. This combination provides excellent durability while improving sensitivity. The carbon fiber-crafted, monocoque butt and foregrip reduce rod weight while offering meticulous overall rod balance. Lastly, convenient drop-shot style hook keepers are added to the entire Assegai line to keep baits secured and readily available during the course of the day.
No matter what your favorite technique is, rest assured that KastKing has a rod specifically designed to help you be more successful on your next trip out. Check out the entire line of Assegai rods at www.kastking.com.
About KastKing:
Founded in 2013, KastKing had a vision of producing quality products designed by anglers for anglers and delivered directly to the consumer at affordable prices. True to that vision, KastKing products are developed through feedback from the fishing community and go straight to the manufacturing floor. This inverse of the traditional manufacturer-to-consumer formula introduces cutting-edge features into new products that anglers want and need. The brand has gained popularity among anglers by offering affordable innovation through in-house engineering, which allows KastKing to provide never before seen technology at truly remarkable prices.
Ten years later, KastKing products have been sold to consumers in more than 150 countries and regions across the globe through a variety of supply chains. Originally, KastKing’s products were only available online, but consumers can now find their favorite products in a growing number of retail locations. For more information about KastKing and KastKing products, please visit our website at kastking.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.