Finding The Best Texas Rig Casting Rod For The Money
photo @jeremy_williams_fishing
If you want to catch a lot of fish while fishing with a Texas rig or any other stick bait and like fishing with casting rods, you should get the tools best suited for the job, right? And that means getting the right rod for the job. I’m here to tell you not all rods are created equal and there are some very real dangers of buying a rod that is not suited for Texas rig fishing. So what do you do then?…
So you may be wondering what’s the best rod for Texas rig fishing? While it is possible to fish a Texas rig for pretty much any fishing rod, Texas rig rods are classified under the light jig and worm category and are perfectly suited for the task. The best Texas rig casting rods are typically shorter than normal casting rods, approximately 6’6″-to-6’8″, a medium to medium-heavy backbone, and lastly comes with a have a fast to extra-fast tip. These rods have the perfect combination of a “springy” parabolic bend to allow for pinpoint casting accuracy coupled with a backbone as strong as an ox.
With so many rods available, I’ve made a list of 10 of the best Texas rig casting rods you can find for any budget!
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At A Glance...
And the Winner is...
G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Casting Rod
Sparing no expense, G. Loomis debuts their top-of-the-line jig fishing rod within their GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Casting Rod.
The GLX Jig & Worm Rod blends technology and functionality into one seamless product…
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Best Overall Features – G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Casting Rod
Best Budget – Ugly Stick Carbon Series
Editors Choice – Mojo Bass Rod
Texas Rig Rod Comparison Table
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Best Over Texas Rig Rod
Best Budget Texas Rig Casting Rod
Editor’s Choice
Best Under $250
Best Under $150
Best Under $100
Best Under $75
Best Jig Rod/Reel Set
Best Telescoping Travel Rod
Best All Around Jig Rod - G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series Casting Rod
But, why is the G.Loomis GLX Bass Jig & Worm rod the best?
It’s not just any fishing rod. It’s engineered down to the molecular level to provide performance where you need it.
G.Loomis GLX rods are not only designed to target a specific species of fish, they are specialized for individual fishing techniques.
The GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod is now produced with proprietary graphite blank combinations that provide a 20% lighter rod with enhanced balance and ergonomics.
G.Loomis GLX graphite blanks are well known for their strength and sensitivity, two important factors that we’ve already discussed.
GLX Bass Jig & Worm Series rod flat out catches you fish!
“It’s good for just about everything...You don’t want a rod that’s too stiff with that light line, this has to have enough backbone to set the hook”.
- Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Jonathon VanDam
With lengths ranging from 6’8”-7’5”, it’s no trouble at all to find a rod that will fit your height.
The tip actions for this series rod are also extra-fast to provide accurate casts and amazing sensitivity for feeling everything on the end of your line, but the rod powers are on the medium to heavy end of the spectrum providing plenty of horsepower for fish of any size.
Topped off with Fuji K-Frame SiC guides to reduce line friction and a proprietary reel seat give you a superior feel over most any other jig fishing rod on the market.
Finally, G.Loomis’ lifetime warranty on rod blanks is one of the best guarantees in the industry and their customer service is widely known as going above and beyond.
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Tech Specs:
- Length - 6’8”
- Power - Medium
- Tip Action - Extra Fast
- Line Weight - 10-14-pound test
- Lure Weight - 1/8-3/8-ounce
- Peices - 1
- Model Number - GLX 802C JWR | 12534-01
- Warranty - Limited Lifetime Warranty
Best Budget Jig Fishing Rod - Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod
About The Ugly Stik Carbon Casting Fishing Rod...
We had tested the 6’10”-foot medium-light rod along with the 6’6″ – medium, and the 6’8″ – medium-heavy before writing this article.
We concluded Carbon series rods run a little stiff and the 6’10” medium-light rod felt more like a medium action rod with the best action tip. However, the 6’6″ is also an option.
This rod is a great rod for the price, it offered decent sensitivity.
When you use this rod it’s much stronger than it looks like it would be.
The rod itself is very tip heavy and feels slightly unbalanced, but overall the handles make it comfortable for all-day use.
The Carbon series rod backbone can handle any weighted Texas rig while taking on the biggest bass.
This Ugly Stick rod would excel for someone who is on a budget and loves bank-beating excursions, kayaking, and boat fishing.
Furthermore, we think this rod would be a great multipurpose rod and could also function as a great rod for a finesse jig, soft plastic swimbait, spinnerbait, and light crankbait use.
In summary, best budget rod for the price.
- Ugly won't quit.
- Introducing the Ugly Stik Carbon series featuring 100% graphite
- for a lightweight rod
- crisp actions
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Editors Choice Winner!
St. Croix Mojo Casting Rod
About St. Croix Mojo Bass Rods...
For the serious angler who demands high-performance and value the St Croix Mojo Bass casting rod gives it to you all in a single package.
In addition, anglers love St. Croix’s Bass Mojo rods because of the high-modulus, high-strain graphite fiber blanks, meaning it produces a rod that sensitive, lightweight, and has outstanding durability.
Even if you have arthritis you can feel soft bites.
So those that choose not to go for top of the line rods, as this price range you can get 3 amazing quality Mojo rods for the price of one. It’s not surprizing that many anglers go on to buy multiple Mojo rods!
The weight is evenly distributed and feels comfortable in your hands so you can cast all day long and not have a tired arm.
If you’re a serious weekend angler, the St. Croix Mojo Bass rods are a fantastic choice for you.
- PREMIUM SCIII CARBON FIBER: High- modulus, high strain carbon fiber; Produces sensitive and lightweight rods with greater durability
- TRIGON HANDLE: Better grip, more power, and more accuracy with the new trigon grip; Premium EVA accent material & Premium EVA butt cap
- FEATURES: Aluminum-Oxide primary ring material & Titanium primary frame guides; Nylon reel seat primary material; Nylon primary nut material & Machined Aluminum secondary nut material
- SPECIFICATIONS: Technique – Pinpoint; Length – 6'8"; Power – M; Action – Fast; Line Wt. – 6-20 lbs; Lure Wt. – 3/16- 5/8 oz; Pieces - 1; Handle – 1
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
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Best Under $250 - G. Loomis E6X 803C Jig & Worm Casting Rod
About G. Loomis E6X 803C Jig & Worm Casting Rod...
E6X is the newest entry-level rod from G. Loomis. The “6” stands for carbon which is the sixth element, and the “X” stands for technology.
The E6X series have incorporated several different features both new and classic.
G. Loomis has kept the same lightweight gorilla strong backbone of the MagBass rod and paired it with ultra-light crisp technique-specific rod tip into a single piece rod.
The components of the E6X are loaded with Fuji accessories. Everything from the reel seats to the hook keeper.
The upgraded guides have been specifically chosen to be able to handle braided lines as well as fluorocarbon and monofilament lines.
In summary, the E6X rod gives the angler an insanely light and ultra-durable rod with the tip sensitivity you’ll commonly see in a rod like the G. Loomis NRX!
Tech Specs:
- NRX+ 853C JWR
- NRX+ 853C JWR
- NRX+ 853C JWR
- NRX+ 853C JWR
- NRX+ 853C JWR
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Best Under $150 – Dobyns Rods Fury Series Casting Rod FR 663C
About Dobyns Rods Fury Casting Rods...
Simply stated, anglers cannot say enough good things about this rod. It’s incredibly lightweight and sensitive for the price.
This rod so much lighter than you would expect for a heavy duty jig rod. You can feel it has enough backbone for setting hooks on a monster bass deep in floating mat.
Dobyns Rods utilizes Kevlar wrapping and Portuguese AA Cork handles to make the rod crazy light, incredibly strong, very well balanced and comfortable for all day use.
Furthermore, Dobyns strategically scaled back on cosmetics and other non-performance areas to keep the price of the Sierra Series down, while not affecting performance.
“Hands down this rod could easily be sold for over $350. But getting rid of some other frilly cosmetics allows me to afford this beauty. Thanks Dobyns”
- Mike Germillion. Austin, Texas
Without a doubt, the Fury Series casting rod is very light, and can also be used for fishing jigs, flukes, Texas rigs, and spinnerbaits.
The Alconite guides will not chip, even if you’re using a blood knot for leaders.
The last thing I want to say is more about Dobyns rod company as a whole than the rod… My friend who also owns several of these rods had the unfortunate experience of breaking one of them. He called Dobyns and explained what happened. He said the rep was very polite and actually could tell that person was American and could speak fluent English. And within a couple of weeks, another rod was delivered. No questions asked.
Dobyns is an amazing rod manufacturer and Grade A business operation!
If you can shell out a little more, the Dobyns Fury casting rod is a great gift for yourself, Christmas, or Father’s Day!
- High Modulus Graphite Blanks: Utilizes advanced graphite material for lightweight yet powerful rod blanks, enhancing sensitivity and responsiveness.
- Performance Balanced: Rods designed for optimal balance between power, sensitivity, and casting performance, ensuring an enjoyable fishing experience.
- Fuji Reel Seats: Features high-quality Fuji reel seats for secure reel attachment and improved overall durability.
- Kevlar Wrapping: Utilizes Kevlar wrapping for added strength and protection, enhancing the rod's durability and longevity.
- AA-Grade Hi-Density Cork Grips and Hi-Density EVA Butt: Equipped with premium cork grips for superior comfort and sensitivity, along with a high-density EVA butt for added durability and grip.
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Best Under $100 - St Croix Bass X Freshwater Casting Rod
But, why is the St Croix Bass X Freshwater Casting Rod a great choice?
Relatively light and very sensitive, especially for a technique-specific rod.
This is a solid all-around fishing rod you can also use for multipurpose Texas rigs, jigs, chatter baits, and swim jigs.
Some of the grips about this rod is this feels a little tip heavy and the tip is slightly stiffer than what is stated.
St Croix always provides a great customer experience and offers superior customer service.
- PREMIUM SCII CARBON FIBER CONSTRUCTION: Proprietary carbon fiber composition with an increased strain rate, higher flexural strength, and refined resin yielding the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive SCII to date.
- CORK HANDLE: Premium cork primary material & premium EVA secondary material; Cork composite butt cap
- FEATURES: Stainless-Steel primary ring guides material, aluminum oxide secondary ring material; Stainless-Steel primary guides frame material, Stainless-Steel secondary frame material.
- SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 6'8"; Power – M; Action – X-Fast; Line Wt. – 8-14 lbs; Lure Wt. – 1/4- 5/8 oz; Pieces - 1; Handle – 1
- 5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
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Best Under $75 - Abu Garcia Vengeance
About Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rods...
We had tested the 7-foot medium heavy rod several times before writing this article. Of the few times using it has held up relativity well. This rod is a great rod for the price, it offered decent sensitivity.
When you use this rod it’s much stronger than it looks like it would be.
The rod itself is very tip heavy and feels slightly unbalanced, but overall the handles make it comfortable for all day use.
This rod would excel for someone who is on a budget and loves bank beating excursions, kayaking, and boat fishing.
On a personal note: I used to own one of these rods years ago and the top tip insert on the rod would cut into my line, making me have to re-tie almost all of my lures. Well, after talking with Abu Garcia’s customer service department they have since upgraded to Titanium Oxide inserts so you’ll no long have that problem.
Overall great rod for the price.
- ABU GARCIA VENGEANCE 6’6” CASTING ROD: A balanced and lightweight rod designed for on-the-water technique and durability.
- 12-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, FAST ACTION: The Vengeance Fishing Rod is up for the next challenge. Lure rating of 3/8-1 oz. The Texas-rigged hook keeper will work with all bait applications.
- 28 TON GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION for a lightweight balanced design. 1-piece fishing rod, packing includes technique and pro-tip recommendations.
- 12 STAINLESS STEEL GUIDES: Built with titanium oxide inserts to allow your rod to handle the most intense battles.
- DURABLE REEL SEAT will stand up to extreme exposure. Designed for increased blank contact and sensitivity. High density EVA split grip handle (A type) provides greater sensitivity and durability while remaining comfortable over the long haul.
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Honorable Mention - KastKing Royal Select Casting Rods
About KastKing Royal Select Casting Rods...
A lot of engineering for a minimal price tag makes the KastKing Royal Select a great option for jig fishing.
Built with similar specs to Speed Demon Pro, KastKing Royal Select uses Toray 24-ton carbon matrix graphite blanks to minimize weight while maintaining strength and responsiveness.
Stainless Fuji guides give this rod a sleek look for years of corrosion-resistant performance.
Several proprietary features on this rod give it a unique feel in both the handle and reel seat.
Despite the meager price tag, this rod packs a ton of features as well as excellent quality control into a unique and specialized piece of equipment.
One other feature that is not available on any of the other rods discussed here is a parabolic taper option. This is extremely helpful for jig fishing as you want to set the hook swiftly and then maintain pressure through the fight.
Parabolic taper means the rod bends the same throughout the entire blank instead of more at the tip and progressively becoming stiffer closer to the handle. Definitely a difference you will be able to feel in both sensitivity and action.
Angler Summary:
- High-end graphite blanks
- Custom handle and reel seat designs
- Parabolic Taper
- Ultra-Light and Sensitive: Royale Advantage fishing rods are made from strong and sensitive IM6 graphite blanks and KastFlex technology. The blanks are designed to be lightweight and responsive, giving you the sensitivity you need to detect even the slightest bite.
- Durable Guides: Royale Advantage fishing rods feature stainless steel guides with Titanium Oxide Ceramic Rings, which ensure that your line flows smoothly and without resistance. This ensures that you can cast your line further and with more accuracy, giving you the chance to catch more fish.
- Comfortable: Royale Advantage fishing rods have custom kastKing reel seats, EVA handle, fighting butt, and foregrip, provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing anglers to fish for hours without fatigue.
- 17 Different Rods: The KastKing Royale Advantage Twin Tip Fishing Rods range of 8 spinning and 9 casting rods. With such a diverse selection, you can be certain that these fishing rods will meet to your different needs.
- 2-pcs Rods with Extra Tips: The Royale Advantage rods allow for precise casting and improved accuracy, and every rod comes with an extra tip section so you can keep fishing even if one tip is damaged or broken.
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Is It Worth It? Rod And Reel Combos Texas Rig Fishing?
Best Rod and Reel Combo For Texas Rig Fishing...
It makes sense to buy a rod and reel set especially if you are a beginner and really don’t know the small details that come along with pairing a specific style of rod with a specific style of reel.
Sometimes manufacturers will help out these new anglers by paring their products together that can help with the learning curve.
It really comes down to a handful of questions to help you determine whether or not you are going to purchase a rod and reel set or purchase it separately…
- You need to ask yourself how much fishing experience do you have?
- Do you have confidence that you can pair up the right rod to the right real?
- Are you going to use that combo for any other style of fishing.
Only you can answer those questions. If you are incredibly new, this rod and reel combo by Lew’s Fishing called the Mach Crush Speed Spool SLP Combo is a great starter set. It even won the coveted ICAST 2017 Best Rod and Reel Combo Award for that year!
- Fast Action: The 7-foot 3-inch, 1-piece baitcast fishing rod provides Heavy power and Fast action, and is engineered from a premium IM8 graphite blank with Carbon Nano Tube construction
- Premium Materials: The rod features stainless steel line guides and titanium oxide inserts, a Winn Dri-Tac full length handle, a No Foul hook keeper, and a Full Contact reel seat
- Exceptional Fishability: The right-hand retrieve, super low profile baitcast reel has a 7.5:1 gear ratio, a Multi-Setting Brake, an anodized aluminum U-shape 32mm spool, and a zirconia line guide
- Smooth Operation: The reel features a premium 10-bearing system with a Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing, high-strength solid brass Speed Gears, Lew’s Speed Lube, and a carbon fiber drag
- Top-Rated Versatility: The rod delivers 14 to 65-pound-test line and 3/8 to 1 1/2-ounce baits. The reel holds 110-yards of 12-pound-test mono or 50-pound-test braid fishing line
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Best Telescopic Traveling Casting Rod - KastKing
About KastKing Blackhawk II rods...
The best telescoping rod has to go to the KastKing fishing rod.
Being a relatively new player KastKing has pushed the boundaries for delivering innovative and interesting products.
This rod is ideal if you want to pack this under your car seat if you want to go fishing on your lunch break, or you can pack this into a small suitcase bag if you’re traveling.
One of the best features that the Blackhawk II has to offer is it comes in a variety of lengths and strengths. So you can choose the rod that best suits the style of fishing you’re doing.
I recommend the KastKing Blackhawk II, 7-foot medium power with a fast tip rod caught our eye for its excellent drop shot features.
- 【Telescopic Travel Fishing Rods】KastKing Compass spinning and casting telescopic fishing rods are the perfect, go anywhere travel fishing rod for active anglers. Never leave home again without your favorite fishing rod because you don’t have space to take them with you. These rods collapse down to just 17” long to travel anywhere.
- 【Lightweight, Sensitive Graphite Composite Blank】KastKing Compass Telescopic fishing rods are made using light, sensitive and durable graphite composite blanks. Graphite composite rod blanks are lighter than fiberglass fishing rod blanks and transmit energy better providing for better performance and bite sensitivity. The split rear handle design reduces weight and provides for better balance.
- 【Available in Spinning and Casting Models】There is a wide range of lengths available in both spinning rods and casting rods. Spinning models are available from a light action 5’6” rod that is perfect for young anglers, trout and panfish, all the way to a 7’ medium heavy action that is perfect for bass, trout and walleye. Casting rod models are available in a 6’ medium action, a 6’6” medium heavy and a 7’ medium heavy for a wide range of species.
- 【Premium Components and Construction】 Only high-quality components are used in the construction of the new KastKing Compass Telescopic travel rods. Lightweight graphite spinning reel seats and graphite casting reel seats with a trigger will keep fishing reels securely in place. Stainless steel guide frames with Titanium Oxide ceramic rings are perfect for use with mono, fluorocarbon and braided fishing lines. Each travel rod also includes a Drop Shot style hook keeper.
- 【Easy to Pack and Travel 】 One piece and even 2-piece rods are difficult and expensive to travel with. The KastKing Compass Travel rod series will pack easily into back packs, luggage, on an airplane, golf bag, motorcycle or just about anywhere you want to go. Never leave home without a fishing rod! You never know when you’re going to come across a great place to go fishing and wish you had a telescopic fishing pole with you. They also reduce fishing rod storage space at home between trips.
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Checkout These Other Texas Rig Fishing Articles...
- What Is a Texas Rig for Fishing? [Ultimate Guide Answering: How Do You Fish A Texas Rig, Best Setup, Hooks, Worm, And Much More]
- How To Fish A Senko Texas Rig (Easy Beginner’s Guide with Pictures)
- [Bait Battle] Texas Rig vs. Carolina Rig – What’s the Difference & When To Use
- REVEALED! Texas Rig Rod Specs You Need To Know – Length, Power, Weight, And Reel
-- Featured Article Of The Month --
Why You Should Trust Us
Selecting the best rod for jig fishing is like choosing a replacement for your arm. Okay, maybe that’s a bit over the top, but having a quality jig fishing rod will allow you to feel the smallest of nibbles while also having enough strength to fight in the largest of lunkers.
Before you commit to a jig fishing rod, you need to get to know what options are out there. This article will provide you with the information you need to know in order to make a decision that you will be satisfied with for years to come.
We used our experiences with the products and looked over hundreds of customer reviews, watched tons of video reviews, and analyzed what the professionals and experts had to say from popular sources like BassMaster Magazine.
We scrutinized the data from the product catalog pages of nearly a dozen manufacturers, and we even tried to interview some of the company representatives to talk shop and get their take.