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I first started fluke fishing a few years ago when we moved near a pier. I knew bass loves the shade of a dock and was told there’s plenty to be found at that location. And, I never looked back since.
Although the St. Croix Rods Bass Mojo is the best overall, other fishing rods are still worth the attention. They have a different range in size, price, and performance that might be of interest.
We will break down all the details to help you choose the best rod for fluke fishing bass.
1. St. Croix Rods Bass Mojo Bass Spinning Rod
Best Overall
Standout Features:
The St. Croix Rods Mojo Bass Spinning rod is our top choice of product. This is due to its MH/F (medium-heavy/fast) blank. It’s a one-piece rod, although a two-piece version is also available. However, the two-piece rod one might not hold up so well with fluke fishing for bass.
The Integrated Poly Curve technology gives the St. Croix spinning rod both the strength and durability you need when targeting bass. In addition, it has a Fuji DPS reel seat with black hoods, so you can pair it with pretty much any reel of your choice.
I got the 7’ St Croix pole, but you can choose between 6’8’’ and 7’6’’, depending on your preferences. However, I’d say go for 7’ or larger since that works the best when fluke fishing for bass.
The Kigan Master Hand 3D guide included helped with directing our line to our fish. The guide is paired with aluminum-oxide rings and black frames for the line to run smoothly. And, it also has a Kigan hook keeper for some added ease of use.
The blank itself bends perfectly since it’s the MH/F model. It makes this product easy to cast and retrieve but also to jerk the fluke gently. Its weight and construction make it easy to yank the fluke in pauses to mimic a small dying fish.
It has two coats of Flex-Coat slow-curing finish, which helps to protect it against scratches. Still, don’t expect it to hold up for too long without careful handling.
Plus, this one has a cork handle that ensures a solid grip. It doesn’t become slippery even when wet, although I suggest you rinse it after each use. Otherwise, I think the cork could chip due to deterioration.
Lastly, the St Croix Bass Mojo spinning rod is backed by a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
2. Shimano Zodias Spinning Rod
Best for Beginners
Standout Features:
The Shimano Zodias is known for being a top-quality fishing rod, and we find it to be great for fluke fishing bass.
It has Shimano reel seats you can pair with many different reels. This allows you to target all kinds of fish in both saltwater and freshwater.
I paired the Shimano Zodias with a Shimano Stradic Ci 2500 and caught several fish in the morning. However, I recommend that you try using a reel you already have before buying any other, since the Shimano Zodias is a versatile rod that would work with many different models.
The first thing you’ll notice is how responsive it the spinning rod is. It has Hi-Power X construction with diagonally-wrapped carbon tape on its outer layer. This results in enhanced strength and twist resistance but without taking away from the sensitivity.
The Shimano Zodias has great levels of flexibility you need for fluke fishing and enough power to catch larger bass. And, the Fuji K SiC tip makes it easy to feel even the slightest bite if you’re after smaller fish.
The carbon-molded grip on the rod helps to transfer these small vibrations to your hand. This makes it better for you to not miss a catch, especially once you set the hook in.
What stands out the most with the Shimano Zodias is that the handle is hollow, which helped Shimano unnecessary weight.
As a result, the Shimano makes it comfortable for you to hold for hours, which is important for fluke fishing since you’ll have to work the lure throughout the process.
The Shimano Zodias fishing rod is an MH/F rod with a lure rating of ¼-3/4, which will work you for other fishing styles as well. And, the Fuji K Alconite guides allow the line to run smoothly by reducing friction, so you won’t have any issues with heavier bass.
3. Fiblink 4 Pieces Travel Spinning Rod
Best by Budget
Standout Features:
This Fiblink spinning rod breaks into four pieces, which is great for traveling. It’s light and compact, which helps with storage once the season is over.
You even get a bag for the Fiblink if you’re not a fan of carrying rods in your suitcase. Everything is compact enough to fit in your trunk or a carry-on bag.
It’s an inexpensive rod that can be used on a day-to-day basis. I paired the Fiblink with a Shimano Spheros reel and spooled it with a 30lb braid. The trio works like a charm for bass, both big and small.
The carbon fiber material provides toughness and precise tuned action. It makes this rod sensitive so that you can feel light nibbles, which is great if you’re looking to catch smaller fish.
This product has 7+1 guides paired with stainless steel frames and ceramic inserts. It allows smooth performance without any chance of the line getting stuck. In addition, there’s barely any friction that you can normally feel when casting at a long distance.
And, the Fiblink is constructed to transfer the vibration from the tip and guides to your hand.
The Fiblink spinning rod feels comfortable in hand because it’s lightweight, so you can use it for hours. Additionally, the non-slip cork handles make this rod easy to handle as well.
The non-slip cork handles are easy to hold even with wet hands, giving you enough grip to fight heavy-duty bass. However, make sure to rinse everything after use to avoid corrosion.
The reel seats and guides are corrosion-resistant, but I don’t see the cork handles holding up so well. Leaving them wet would result in chipping, and the warranty doesn’t cover this type of damage.
Lastly, this rod comes in two sizes, so you can choose between 7’6’’ and 10’ rods. However, the 10’ might just be too long for jerking the fluke with precision.
4. Dobyns Rods Fury Series Spinning Fishing Rod
Standout Features:
Dobyns Rods from the Fury Series are some of the most outstanding pieces for fluke fishing bass. You can choose between a few sizes, but I found the 7’ medium/light to work the best.
The Dobyns 703 model is sensitive and lightweight, making it great for a 3.5-pound bass and other smaller fish. It performs with pinpoint accuracy, which is necessary when using fluke.
This precision comes from several things like the graphite blank, Kevlar wrapping, a Fuji reel seat, and more. The blank is tough but has just enough flexibility to bend without breaking if you catch a heavier bass.
Since the Dobyns rod is well balanced, it makes it easy to cast exactly where you want to. The 12.25’’ split cork handle has a significant role to play here. It’s comfortable and non-slippery, which is important with both casting and retrieving.
The hardware is corrosion-resistant, but I’d still take the time to rinse it after each use. This is just in case and will for sure help with the longevity of the entire rod. Plus, the cork might chip and fall apart if you store it away while it’s still wet.
For best results, the manufacturer (Dobyns) suggests an 8-17lb line and 3/16-5/8oz lure weight. I had Zoom Swimmin’ Super Fluke Bait at hand, which worked perfectly with this Dobyns. It’s weightless bait, so you can easily jerk it using several methods.
The product looks modern and sleek, especially with the stainless steel reel seat. Some anglers might not like the bright green detailing, but it’s a high-quality rod, so we turned a blind eye to that.
Lastly, the Dobyns 703 comes with a limited lifetime warranty that covers damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing.
Buying Guide: Rod for Fluke Fishing Bass
There are some considerations when buying a rod for fluke fishing bass such as style, size, and the cost. We will go over them below.
Preferred Style for a Rod for Fluke Fishing Bass
The preferred style for a rod for fluke fishing bass is a medium/fast or medium-heavy/fast fishing rod in order for you to get the best results. This refers to the rod’s action and power, and with that, how it performs under a specific load.
These two work the best, but it’s up to you to figure out one that fits your style.
M/F (Medium Fast)
M/F or medium-fast has medium power and fast action is excellent for fluke fishing. It bends in the top third of the blank and accommodates a lure rating of 1/4 to 3/4 ounces. And it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
MH/F (Medium Heavy/Fast)
MH/F is a medium-heavy rod with fast action. This is the most commonly used rod for bass when fluke fishing.
It’s stiff enough to allow easy jigging but with a sensitive tip to sense light nibbles. This is particularly important for fluke because it’s a weightless type of bait.
Medium-heavy is my personal favorite due to the combination of backbone and soft tip. Plus, you can use it for other fishing techniques just as well.
Size Rod for Fluke Fishing Bass
Fluke Bass fishing is best done with a 7’ to 8′ rod for maximum accuracy and flexibility. This size range makes fluke fishing easier to catch, more so if you get the power/action part right.
Anything over 8’ might seem better for distance casting, but the length might take away from the sensitivity. Plus, distance-casting isn’t as important here since we use fluke in shallow grass beds anyway.
Cost
Rods are available at different costs, so there’s something for everyone’s budget.
If you’re a beginner, I suggest you don’t spend too much since you’re learning. However, don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.
The Fiblink 4-piece spinning rod we talked about earlier is the cheapest on this list. But, it doesn’t lack quality and is great for bass fishing.
You can spend a bit more if it’s not your first time using fluke for bass. You often get more durability, a higher comfort level, and possibly a longer-lasting warranty by paying slightly more.
Nonetheless, it’s up to you to choose, so think about your budget in advance.
Final Thoughts on the Best Rods for Fluke Fishing Bass
There are several preferred rods for fluke fishing bass. If you’re still struggling to pick one, the St. Croix Rods Bass Mojo is my personal favorite. This rod is my personal favorite because it’s a one-piece with MH/F characteristics. It bends perfectly with both small and large bass, and it also comes with a five-year warranty.
Josh Hassell
There's nothing better than going out to the lake early in the morning, and catching some fish! Like many other anglers, I find fishing to be very therapeutic. I've been fishing since I was about 10 years old, and fell in love ever since. I hope to share my expertise and knowledge with the community, and help everyone become better anglers.
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