Lightning Rod Casting
Entry/mid-level 24-ton graphite casting series for general freshwater bass fishing.
Berkley Lightning Rod Casting is an entry-to-mid-level bass casting rod series built for general freshwater applications, bass fishing with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, and medium swimbaits. The price point and construction tier are positioned for recreational anglers instead of tournament-level use. The range of powers and actions across the lineup makes it a generalist casting selection. Blanks use 24-ton multi-modulus graphite, which is on the lower end of the modulus scale compared to 30T or 40T premium blanks, the tradeoff is increased durability at a reduced price.
A double-locking reel seat keeps the reel secure under hard hooksets. Rubberized cork handles provide grip in wet conditions. Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts resist corrosion and allow smooth line flow. Construction and components are functional without notable differentiation; build quality is consistent with the Berkley brand's mid-market positioning. Seven models, all casting, spanning 6'6" to 7'6". Powers include M, MH, and H. Actions range from MF to F.
The two 6'6" models (M and MH) cover general bass work in moderate cover. Five 7' and one 7'6" model extend reach for flipping, pitching, and heavier applications. The 7'6" H model (1540384) is the stoutest, suited to punching or big-bait work. The SKU naming (numeric instead of descriptive) provides limited lineup-navigation cues.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 7 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 7 casting
- Length
- 6'6"–7'6" 1.98–2.29 m
- Power
- M–H 3 classes
- Action
- F–MF
- List price
- $64.99
- Released
- 2018
Rods in this series
7 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1429000 | 6'6" | M | Buy on Amazon | |
| 1429002 | 6'6" | MH | Buy on Amazon | |
| 1429003 | 7' | M | Buy from Berkley | |
| 1429004 | 7' | M | Buy from Berkley | |
| 1429009 | 7' | MH | Buy from Berkley | |
| 1429010 | 7' | MH | Buy from Berkley | |
| 1540384 | 7'6" | H | Buy from Berkley |
Model notes
2 of 7 modelsMH power with fast action at 7' covers a wide range of bass techniques, flipping light jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, and medium spinnerbaits, where a fast-action tip provides quicker hookset response than the MF-action sibling.
Stoutest and longest model in the series. H power at 7'6" fits punching matted vegetation, heavy jig fishing, or large swimbait presentations where backbone and leverage are more important than sensitivity.