Beachcasters are relatively heavy rods, typically being 12 – 14ft long and casting weights of between 4oz and 8oz. For some types of fishing – such as when using lures, floats or light and subtle bait fishing – beachcasters are too cumbersome and overpowered, meaning that many anglers switch to lighter bass or spinning rods in these situations.
Bass Rods
Bass rods are usually 11ft or 11ft 6ins long, rated to cast 1 – 4oz and allow the angler to fish subtly, gently lobbing out carefully presented baits just behind the breakers to catch bass, or fishing in calm estuaries for flatfish. The lightness of these rods means they can be held more comfortably for longer periods, something which is not possible with heavier beachcasters, and they offer great bite detection. As well as being used for bait fishing, bass rods are very adaptable and can be used for lure fishing. Spinners, jelly lures and plugs can all being used successfully with bass rods, and due to their length and higher casting weights they can reach greater distances than spinning rods. Bass rods can also be used for float fishing. These rods respond best to a simple overhead cast and most are designed for fixed spool reels, but most bass rods would also work with small multipliers.
The links below are suggestions for bass rods which are suitable for use in UK sea fishing. The rods cover a range of different priced bass rods and the links are affiliate links which means that British Sea Fishing received a small fee for any products purchased through the link at no additional cost to the buyer.
This two-section rod is perfect for bait fishing in harbours, bays and estuaries as well as lure and floatfishing for pollock, bass and mackerel. It is rated to cast weights of 1 - 3oz and features a split Duplon grip handle, stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide rings and is suited to use with either a multiplier or fixed spool reel. A great, adaptable bass rod for UK anglers.
This bass rod from Shakespeare is 11ft 6ins in length and casts 2 - 4oz, giving it the attributes of a classic bass rod. It is a three-section rod making it easy to store and transport and it features an extremely slim blank making it comfortable to hold for long fishing sessions and giving it accurate casting and great bite detection. Equally capable of light bait fishing for flatfish, bass and similar species as well as lure fishing or float fishing, this is a great bass rod.
Spinning Rods
Dedicated spinning rods are usually lighter than bass rods at 7ft to 10ft in length and cast weights of 1 – 3oz. Spinning rods are very light, meaning that anglers will not get tired using them to cast all day. Few experiences can beat hooking a bass or pollock on light spinning gear, and fishing for relatively small mackerel can be great fun on rods this light. Spinning rods are usually paired with fixed spool reels and can also be used for float fishing. Please note that telescopic rods are a type of spinning rod which collapse down to make them easier to store and transport. We have a full page on this type of spinning rod here.
The links below go to Amazon and are suggestions for spinning rods which are ideal for lure fishing for species such as mackerel, pollock and coalfish around the UK. The links are affliate links where a small fee is earned for British Sea Fishing (at no additional cost to the buyer) for any products purchased.
This lure fishing rod from Penn comes in two variations: a and a 9ft (2.74m) version which is rated to cast 15 - 56 grams (up to 2oz) and a 9ft 10ins version which is rated to cast 28 – 85 grams (up to 3oz). Both versions are three-section and feature a high modulus carbon blank and EVA handles and are great lure fishing rods which can be used to catch mackerel and larger fish such as pollock, coalfish and bass.
This rod comes in five sections making it extremely small when disassembled and therefore easy to both store and transport. It is 7ft 10in in length (when assembled) is rated to cast lures of ½ - 1½oz. This rod features a carbon fibre blank, EVA handles and an attractive red colouration. An ideal light spinning rod which is ideal to keep in the car or backpack for lure fishing at short notice.
These are a great range of smaller spinning rods, ranging from a tiny 5ft 6ins version rated to cast between 2 and 10 grams, but also includes 7ft (2.13 metre), 8ft (2.43 metre), 9ft (2.74 metre) and 10ft (3.05 metre) versions which offer increasing levels of casting distance and power. It is likely to be the longer rods with the higher casting weights which are the most appropriate for UK anglers targeting summer species such as mackerel, pollock and bass. These rods have a two-section design and feature excellent build quality for the price, being made with a light but strong carbon composite blanks and featuring a classic look with cork handles. These rods are superb value for money and ideal for lure fishing in the summer months around the British Isles.
