Tackle Test 2024: The Best Spinning Rods & Reels for Bass Fishing

Here's the straight dope from our team's on-the-water testing of the newest gear.

July 12, 2024 By Shane Beilue

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The 2024 edition of Game & Fish magazine's Tackle Test took a hard look at dozens of new rods and reels during a surprisingly chilly week in mid-January in central Florida. Our team testers withstood the weather challenges to score every rod and reel in six categories—design, construction, ergonomics, aesthetics, purpose and value—to determine their Editor’s Choice and Great Buy winners. (See the scores below)

Here’s how Tackle Test 2024 rated the best new spinning rods and reels for bass fishing. All of the reels were spooled with 15-pound Smackdown braid.

See the best baitcasting rods and reels from Tackle Test 2024

fishing for bass — Battling central Florida’s chunky bass enabled testers to conduct real-world evaluations of reel drags and the power and action of rods. (Photo by Brad Richardson)

THE WINNERS

Editor’s Choice Spinning Rod | Lew’s Custom Lite

“Lite” is the operative word in describing this great series of rods from Lew’s. Along the high-modulus, lightweight blank are stainless steel guides with titanium inserts to reduce weight and enhance the balanced feel of the rod. All testers loved the Lew’s exclusive Winn Dri-Tac woven grip that has a coarse yet soft texture with great tackiness and comfort while fishing.

The rod has a clean, classy appearance thanks to its flat black finish and muted lettering, while delivering great performance on the water. Our 7-foot, medium-light-action model had a soft tip that fed into a stronger midsection, making it ideal for working drop-shots and other finesse applications on light line. The hook keeper is strategically placed just ahead of the butt cap, eliminating the possibility of it catching the line on a windy day or during the cast. There are eight spinning rods in the Custom Lite series to fit every presentation from jerkbaits to shaky heads.

One tester’s comment summarized the entire group’s feelings about this rod: “Quality throughout that feels as though it could approach $300.” ($179.99; lews.com)

Editor’s Choice Spinning Reel | Shimano Stradic 2500HG FM

The 2500HG FM is the latest iteration of the Stradic spinning reel and a continuation of Shimano’s quest for perfection in both performance and value. Stradic is a popular name among anglers thanks to an extensive set of high-performance components and technologies that check all the boxes: high-strength frame, outstanding balance and silky-smooth operation at a very palatable price.

Our 7.8-ounce, 2500-size test reel featured a 5.8:1 gear ratio that retrieved 34 inches of line per crank. The spool holds 140 yards of 8-pound-test line with a max drag of 20 pounds, making it capable of taming almost any freshwater gamefish.

The extensive list of advanced, proprietary technologies within the Stradic reads like an engineering whitepaper but is indicative of Shimano’s efforts to pack more value into this series of spinning reels. For instance, the Hagane gear at the heart of Shimano’s reel technology features cold-forged—rather than cut—gear teeth, which helps extend its life. A highly rigid frame virtually eliminates flexing under stress, and a polymer anti-twist fin within the bail maintains constant tension on the line and reduces frustrating line twist.

Shimano claims to have improved winding smoothness and increased durability with an updated surface on the drive and pinion gears. Multiple testers affirmed, “mission accomplished.” High marks across all columns of the evaluation sheet lifted the Stradic to the top spot in our spinning reel category. ($219.99; fish.shimano.com)

best spinning rods and reels — Left: Lightweight and comfortable, the Lew’s Custom Lite is made for all-day trips. Shimano’s Stradic 2500HG FM reel boasts top-level engineering. Right: TFO’s Option Bass rod excels at bombing casts and taming fish. The 13 Fishing Axum 2.0 is adaptable to freshwater and saltwater applications. (Photo by Brad Richardson)

Great Buy Spinning Rod | TFO Option Bass

The new TFO Option Bass spinning rod touches all the bases as a high-performance bargain. All testers enjoyed the light and responsive feel of the carbon-fiber blank, and the matte “concrete” finish has a clean look that matches the color scheme of any adjoining reel.

High-quality stainless steel guides and a hook-keeper clip above the fore grip comprise the rod blank adornments. The high-density EVA foam grip isn’t particularly unique, but it’s comfortable nonetheless.

There are three rods in the Option Bass series, ranging in length from 7 feet to 7 feet 3 inches. Our test model was a 7-footer with a medium-light action that felt tilted more toward the medium side of the spectrum. One tester noted the rod’s ability to launch a lure a considerable distance while still having plenty of backbone in the midsection to not be overpowered by a quality bass. This model will be a hit with those needing a drop-shot rod that converts easily for fishing a weightless Senko or a Ned rig.

Internally, the 8.36-ounce Axum 2.0 proved to be more than just a pretty face. All testers were impressed with the smooth, quiet operation of the reel (6.2:1 ratio) resulting from precise CNC gearing and nine total ball bearings. The smoothness of the 15-pound drag is equally impressive, and performance upgrades, such as a sealed rotor and Black Seal ball bearings, make it adaptable to freshwater or saltwater. When filling the spool with braided line, a rubber insert keeps the braid from slipping—a small but welcome touch.

With a modest price tag, the 13 Fishing Axum 2.0 will find favor among anglers of all skill levels. ($139.99; 13fishing.com)

THE FIELD

Spinning Rods

13 Fishing Muse Black: The Muse Black was one of the highest scoring spinning rods in the test, with everyone enjoying the Fuji Soft Touch reel seat that has an almost velvety feel in the hand. A slight rise on the top side of the grip fills larger hands well and offers a comfortable, ergonomic feel. Our 7-foot-1-inch, medium-fast test sample flexed well into the last third of the rod tip before meeting the strong midsection. This is an excellent rod for a wide range of finesse techniques, from Ned rigs to weightless soft plastics. ($224.99; 13fishing.com)
Abu Garcia Zenon: Billed as Abu Garcia’s lightest rod series yet, the Zenon delivers as advertised. Aside from the nearly weightless feel of the rod, the most noticeable feature is the raised ridge in the carbon-fiber split-grip handle that allows access to the top side of the blank. This feature found favor with some testers, while others considered it an uncomfortable distraction. The black branding on the matte-black blank looks great, though the banded hook keeper seems like an afterthought for such a high-end rod offering. ($449.95; abugarcia.com)
Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS: The Tatula Elite AGS is Daiwa’s lightest spinning rod to date. The AGS designation is in reference to the use of AGS line guides, which are 40 percent lighter than standard Fuji guides. The resulting product feels superbly balanced. Our 7-foot-1-inch, medium-action test rod is a Brent Ehrler design intended for general finesse and drop-shot applications. The action proved to be spot-on for these tasks. ($299.99; daiwa.com)
Duckett Torch: The Torch series is a value-priced line of rods from Duckett, including eight casting models and two spinners. Our 7-foot, medium-action test rod featured EVA grips and a proprietary True Split reel seat that gives full fingertip access to the blank. As one tester noted, the Torch is a lot of rod for the money. ($99; duckettfishing.com)
Falcon EVO: As is the case with its baitcasting counterpart, the performance of the EVO spinning rod is well above its price point. A one-piece cork handle and Fuji line guides and reel seat add to the overall value proposition. All testers agreed that our 7-foot, medium-action model is a “meat and potatoes” rod at a great price. ($79.99; falconrods.com)
Kistler Kyrios: Whereas the power of the Kyrios baitcasting rod is classified as “lite-medium-heavy,” the spinning version is a true medium-power rod suitable for a variety of techniques. As with the baitcaster, there’s nothing fancy here, just a generalist rod from a reputable brand at a very affordable, entry-level price point. ($49.95; kistlerrods.com)
Mustad BLF Instinct Elite: Like its sister line of baitcasting rods, the BLF Instinct Elite spinning rods are loaded with premium components and attention to detail in the build. The upgrades in this rod series, such as a Japanese Toray blank, a comfortable Alps carbon reel seat and double locking rings to secure the reel, will appeal to discerning anglers. Our 7-foot-1-inch test rod had a noticeable amount of backbone to drive the hook home with ease. ($299.99; mustad-fishing.com)
Shimano Poison Ultima: Let’s address first things first: the Poison Ultima retails for nearly $900. What makes a bass rod worthy of such an investment? A spare-no-expense mindset from Shimano engineers, tapping Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) quality in a best-of-the best approach when selecting components to achieve the lightest, most sensitive rod possible. Our 7-foot, medium-action sample was striking in appearance, with a beautiful carbon monocoque handle and an ergonomic Carbon Shell Grip that transmits feel to the hands as if you’re holding the rod blank itself. From a performance standpoint, the Poison Ultima is as advertised, with the terms lightweight and sensitive being understatements. The Poison Ultima is built for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are willing to pay for them. ($879.99; fish.shimano.com)
SPRO Slayer: The Slayer appeals to the masses with its great price point and is more than capable of delivering performance. Our 7-foot, medium-action rod did well when a finesse approach was called for, having the flex points to match its medium-power rating, though it is well suited as a multi-purpose rod. ($119.99; spro.com)
St. Croix Avid: The Avid is an outlier in this field in that it is a two-piece travel rod. That said, it fished very much like a one-piece. Many two-piece rods lack balance and miss the mark vis-à-vis the intended power and action, but the well-balanced Avid’s medium power and fast action were on the money. The price might seem steep for a two-piece, but anyone in the market for a top-notch travel rod need not look any further. ($250; stcroixrods.com)

Spinning Reels

13 Fishing Aerios: The Aerios is yet another impressive reel from 13 Fishing. The nine ball bearings and Ultimate Cut CNC aluminum drive gear make the reel ultra-quiet and smooth during the retrieve, while the large hybrid T-handle knob was popular among the team of evaluators. A sealed rotor makes the Aerios suitable for freshwater or saltwater, and it has plenty of drag at 15 pounds. The Aerios is a workhorse-type spinning reel with a price that will find a lot of traction with the angling public. ($119.99; 13fishing.com)
Daiwa Fuego LT2500D-XH: Our test Fuego weighed just under 7 ounces, assisted by the lightweight Daiwa AirDrive rotor and bail, as well as a strong, high-density carbon frame. The LT2500D-XH, with its 6.2:1 ratio, is quite smooth and handled everything thrown at it during the test. Out of the box, our model tended to load the line toward the back of the spool, but this was correctable with a quick change of shims behind the spool. The Fuego received high marks as another quality Daiwa reel at an affordable price. ($109.99; daiwa.com)
KastKing Skeet Reese Icon: As was the case with the Skeet Reese Icon baitcaster, all testers agreed the spinning version is an incredible bargain at right around $100. The silver and black frame gives it a high-end look, and the soft, yellow EVA paddle feels great and adds a bit of flare. Our 3000-series test reel had a 6.2:1 gear ratio, weighed 9 ounces and held 190 yards of 30-pound braid. The reel is very well balanced, its operation is virtually silent, and the drag did its job all week. ($99.99; kastking.com)
Kistler Kyrios: The test team found the no-frills Kyrios plenty suitable for any number of bass fishing duties. The 8.8-ounce reel sports a white graphite frame that is clean and simple. Internally, 7+1 bearings keep things turning smoothly, while a 13-pound-max drag puts the brakes on unruly fish. If you’re on a tight budget and in need of a new spinning reel, the Kyrios could very well be it. ($49.95; kistlerrods.com)
Lew’s Custom Lite SS: Like it’s baitcasting cousin, the Custom Lite SS is feather-light, weighing 6.9 ounces when fully spooled with 15-pound braid. The significance of the “SS” designation is the shallow spool that holds 80 yards of 10-pound mono, which is adequate but considerably less than traditional spools. The shallow spool reduces overall weight by limiting the amount of line used (see sidebar, page 78). The Custom Lite SS received high marks across the board from the team, and is yet another example of the attainable quality in this year’s field. ($159.99; lews.com)
Seviin GS: One of two freshwater spinning reels offered by this nascent brand from St. Croix, the 2500-size GS weighs in at 7.7 ounces and has a whopping 22 pounds of drag. The simple addition of a pointer on the drag adjustment dial is useful in knowing the amount of applied drag. One tester appreciated the heavy-gauge bail that is sturdy and built to last. ($140; seviinreels.com)
SPRO Vortex-E 2000: Testers appreciated the large, ergonomic EVA paddle and quiet operation of the Vortex-E 2000. A max drag of 9 pounds is lighter than that of many competitors, yet certainly adequate for the Florida largemouths we encountered in open water during test week. The green accents against a gray frame have eye appeal, and the reel should be a hit with budget-minded anglers. ($79.99; spro.com)

Trend Watch: Shallow-Spool Reels

fishing reels on dock — Shallow spools equate to less line on the reel and more money in your pocket in the long term. (Photo by Brad Richardson)

The shallow-spool reel trend started a few years ago, but more and more brands are introducing both baitcasters and spinners with the feature.

Shallow-spool baitcasters, such as Abu Garcia’s Revo SX-SS, hold a mere 50 to 60 yards of line and are specifically suited to skipping and pitching. With backlashes being part of the experience when skipping lures under docks, the shallower spool means there’s less line to foul in the overrun, making quicker work of clearing the tangle. Less line also equates to less weight around the spool for easier startup inertia, meaning an underhand pitch cast goes farther with less effort.

A shallower spool on a spinning reel makes a lot of sense, as most freshwater anglers never utilize the 200-plus yards of line loaded on many traditional spools. Therefore, the unused line buried deep within becomes an unnecessary weight and expense. With a capacity of 80 yards of 10-pound mono, the Lew’s Custom Lite SS holds considerably less line than traditional spools, yet the reduction in line never became an issue during our testing.