The Abu Garcia Beast casting rod, measuring an impressive 7’ 9” with heavy power and a moderate fast action, arrived at my home last fall, and I wasted no time putting it to the test. Designed for serious anglers, this rod was utilized for targeting large species like largemouth bass, striper, hybrids, and the occasional catfish in various Oklahoma waters, including ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers.
"With a name like Beast, it’s no surprise this isn’t a finesse setup, but if you target big fish, using big baits, then you need to continue reading this review," said Wesley Littlefield, the reviewer.
Build Quality & Components
The construction and components of the Beast rod are impressive, featuring a salt and freshwater design complemented by stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts. The carbon cross-wrapped butt section enhances durability, while the 2-piece ferrule locking mechanism ensures stability during casting. The rod is made from 30-ton graphite combined with the Powerlux 200 resin system, providing the necessary strength for handling large catches.
"The Beast series rods use 30-ton graphite and a Powerlux 200 resin system that gives anglers plenty of power to set the hook and handle big fish," noted Littlefield.
Action & Sensitivity
In terms of action, this moderate-fast, medium-heavy rod pairs beautifully with the Abu Garcia Beast 200 casting reel. "They cast and retrieve like a dream," Littlefield stated. From his experience, the rod efficiently managed big lures and fish, matching the power and action characteristics expected from such a setup.
However, sensitivity is slightly limited compared to other specialized jig rods in his arsenal. "Though I wouldn’t say this rod is as sensitive as some of my jig rods, it’s still plenty sensitive to feel those light bites in cold water on a glidebait," he explained.
Casting Distance & Accuracy
The versatility of the rod comes into play when casting heavy lures. "I won’t be using it to cast light lures, since it was designed to handle big baits and big fish," he clarified. Nevertheless, accuracy remains intact, allowing for precise landings whether casting overhead or sidearm.
Power & Hook Setting
This rod showcases its strength effectively, boasting significant backbone ideal for hook-setting on sizeable catches, as described by Littlefield: "This is the beefiest bass fishing rod I own; it’s got plenty of backbone to get a good hookset on the biggest fish around, even on a long cast." He found the rod dependable for dragging big bass through grass and targeting trophy-sized striper or catfish without hesitation.
Versatility & Technique Suitability
While the Abu Garcia Beast casting rod excels in certain conditions, it is not the most versatile choice on the market. "This rod was designed for a few specific uses (primarily throwing big lures), so it’s not the most versatile bass rod in my lineup, but I wouldn’t hesitate to chase a couple of other big species with it," Littlefield noted, considering its application for musky fishing as well.
Value & Comparison
Available at varying price points, with the rod I tested retailing at $180 and longer versions up to $230, the Beast series may seem niche—for the average angler.
"As much as I’ve enjoyed using this rod, I don’t fish with giant lures enough to justify spending that kind of money on a bass rod," Littlefield remarked, though he maintains that its multi-species adaptability adds to its value.
Overall Rating
In conclusion, the Abu Garcia Beast casting rod earned respect for its robust construction and effective performance with heavy lures. Littlefield expressed satisfaction with the rod's reliability while acknowledging its limitations for casual bass anglers. "It’s handled all the big lures I’ve tied on and the fish that bit those lures," he affirmed, indicating that while it may not cater to all, it undoubtedly serves those with a passion for targeting larger game.
Overall Rating: 8.2 / 10
Abu Garcia Beast Casting Rod Ratings: - Casting Distance & Accuracy: 8/10 - Action & Sensitivity: 8/10 - Build Quality & Components: 9/10 - Value & Comparison: 8/10
In the realm of lake fishing tackle, the Abu Garcia Beast casting rod stands out for those focused on targeting larger species, making it an investment worth considering for dedicated anglers.