2021 Gear Guide
By Tackle Warehouse | updated September 2021
A competitive category across the board this year, the Viewer’s Choice and Staff Picks best rod categories were chalk full of quality, value, and performance. Whether you love enthusiast-grade rods, like the Steez AGS, or value driven offerings like the St. Croix Bass X Casting Rods, there was no shortage of offerings this year. With introductions from some of the biggest names in bass fishing, like G. Loomis, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, St. Croix, Shimano and Lew’s, the rod category quickly became anyone’s race, but only a few shined brighter than the rest.
A staple among avid anglers, St. Croix has been winning over fans for years with their quality fishing rods. The St. Croix Bass X Rods live up to the legacy, and also come in at a price point all anglers can appreciate. It’s no wonder they took home the Viewer’s Choice for best Casting Rods. Redesigned with updated componentry and materials, the St. Croix Bass X Casting Rods feature proprietary SCII carbon fiber composition with an increased strain rate, higher flexural strength, and a refined resin, resulting in a lighter, more sensitive construction.
"Bass-centric. 16-models. Totally dialed in for bass fishing. This is a brand new SCII Carbon from St. Croix. This is a new and improved version. It has a new resin to make the blank more durable and consistent, so the blank is actually different from its predecessor… to say we are excited about this one would be an understatement.” - Dan Johnston, St. Croix
Designed take the place of the fan-favorite E6X series, the G. Loomis GCX Jig and Worm Casting Rods are some of the most reasonably-priced rods in the G. Loomis stable. And they still employ all of the unmistakable quality and attention-to-detail that has made G. Loomis the industry standard for decades. Handcrafted in Woodland, Washington like all G. Loomis rods, the G. Loomis GCX Jig and Worm Casting Rods utilize multi-taper design technology and SeaGuide Hero One Guides to deliver a lightweight, performance-driven package.
"The new GCX Rods are out. [They are] a replacement for what we knew as the E6X line. A new and improved rod [series] with Hero One guides… [they] come in 23 different technique-specific models, so there’s a rod out there for everything you want to do with one…handcrafted in Woodland, WA. Still made in the USA. An entry level rod that’s not going to break the bank.” – Luke Clausen, MLF Bass Pro Tour angler
Designed with an extreme focus on minimizing weight and amplifying sensitivity, the Abu Garcia Zenon Spinning Rods are the lightest, most responsive rods that Abu Garcia has ever created. Crafted using Abu Garcia’s Powerlux 1000 resin system, the Abu Garcia Zenon Spinning Rods also deliver superior power with higher breaking strengths and improved impact-resistance. This was all achieved without an increase in overall weight or blank diameter.
"This is an incredible rod. Abu's purpose of this rod was to make the lightest most sensitive rod they have ever made. I definitely feel like they have done that. From the carbon fiber handles to the titanium guides. It is an extremely light and powerful rod. If you are looking for a high-end rod, definitely check out the Zenon from Abu Garcia." - Jordan Lee, MLF Bass Pro Tour angler
Utilizing the highest quality components and materials, the Daiwa Steez AGS Spinning Rods feature an advanced lightweight design that comes in 10% lighter than previous Steez AGS models. Built using Daiwa’s SVF Nanoplus graphite and X45 blank technology, anglers are afforded incredibly sensitive rods with better durability and increased hook-setting power. Finished with an all new AGS Air Guide System and custom Daiwa ultra-lightweight reel seats, the Daiwa Steez AGS Spinning Rods are a clear leader in rod sensitivity and performance.
"This is the pinnacle for Daiwa. When you pick this up it feels like a high-end samurai sword. If you are looking for ultimate sensitivity and light weight, this is the rod for you." - Cody Meyer, MLF Bass Pro Tour & Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler