Fishermen ready to get a jump on bass this summer have a line of Shimano baitcasting rods to choose from that carry the usual Shimano quality with a reasonable price tag.
The Exage line of casting rods includes nine models between 6-foot-10 and 7-foot-6, three of them specifically for fishing crankbaits, a popular summer weapon for anglers around the southeast. Those rods are 7-foot, 7-foot-4 and 7-foot-6. The 7-foot model is perfect for casting small- and medium-sized crankbaits; go longer for the big, deep-diving baits that are required as bass move into their deeper, summer patterns.
Exage rods are made from 30-ton carbon for light weight, sensitivity and durability, with split gribs of EVA and cork. The rods are outfitted with Fuji Alconite guides.
MSRP for Shimano’s Exage rods is $99.99.
They are available at www.academy.com/shop/pdp/shimano-exage-baitcast-rod#repChildCatSku=113767081