Using the right rod for your target species is the key to more fish, fewer missed bites, and an all-around better experience on the water. Whether you’re flicking soft plastics for bream, casting jigs for squid, or twitching vibes for bass, a purpose-matched rod can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose the perfect spinning rod for the species you’re chasing — with practical tips and proven rod recommendations from the Favorite X1 and U1 series.
🎯 Why Matching Your Rod to the Species Matters
Different species have different behaviours, strike styles, and preferred lure presentations. Choosing the wrong rod often results in:
•Poor lure control
•Missed strikes and dropped fish
•Premature fatigue from unbalanced setups
•Underpowered or overpowered casts
That’s why it’s important to match rod length, power, and action to the fish you’re targeting.
🐟 Rod Recommendations by Species
🔹 Bream
•Finicky feeders, often around structure
•Ideal specs: 6’10”–7’6”, Medium-Light, Fast action
•✅ Recommended rod: Favorite X1 7’6” ML
Perfect for soft plastics, cranks, and surface lures in pressured estuaries.
🔹 Australian Bass
•Aggressive freshwater predator, hard strikes
•Ideal specs: 6’8”–7’2”, Medium, Fast action
•✅ Recommended rod: Favorite U1 7’0” M
Handles spinnerbaits, vibes, and topwater lures with ease.
🔹 Squid (Eging)
•Soft, subtle feeders — requires finesse
•Ideal specs: 7’0”–7’6”, Medium-Light, Fast action
•✅ Recommended rod: Favorite X1 7’6” ML
Excellent casting distance and a sensitive tip for jigs from 2.5–3.0.
🔹 Flathead
•Aggressive ambush feeders on the drop
•Ideal specs: 7’0”, Medium, Moderate-Fast action
•✅ Recommended rod: Favorite U1 7’0” M
Great for slow-rolling soft plastics or bouncing blades over sandbanks.
🧠 Quick Comparison Table
Species Ideal Rod Specs Recommended Model
Bream 7’0–7’6”, ML, Fast Favorite X1 7’6” ML
Aussie Bass 6’8–7’2”, M, Fast Favorite U1 7’0” M
Squid 7’0–7’6”, ML, Fast Favorite X1 7’6” ML
Flathead 7’0”, M, Moderate-Fast Favorite U1 7’0” M
❌ Mistakes to Avoid
1.Using one rod for everything
A do-it-all rod might work, but you’ll miss subtle bites or overpower light lures.
2.Ignoring rod action
Action affects how the rod bends. Fast action = better bite detection and hooksets.
3.Too heavy for finesse fish
A Medium rod is too stiff for bream or squid.
4.Too light for big flathead or bass
Medium-Light rods can be overpowered in tough fights or snaggy areas.
❓ FAQ – Choosing Rods by Species
Q: Can I use one rod for bream and squid?
✅ Yes — the Favorite X1 7’6” ML works beautifully for both.
Q: Which is better for all-round fishing?
🎯 The Favorite U1 7’0” M — it’s more forgiving and covers more lure styles.
Q: Best rod for beginners?
🟠 The U1 — it’s easy to use and well balanced for general estuary fishing.
Q: Can I use the X1 for freshwater bass?
✅ Definitely. It’s great for soft plastics and light hardbaits in lakes and creeks.
💬 What Other Anglers Are Saying
“Switched to the X1 for squid and light bream fishing — it’s insanely responsive. Feels like I’m fishing on a different level.”
— Lachlan R., Sydney
“I was new to lure fishing, and the U1 helped me catch my first bass on a surface lure. Love how smooth and easy it feels.”
— Kylie T., Sunshine Coast
“Didn’t expect this much quality under $140. Using the X1 for both eging and light cranks — haven’t looked back.”
— David W., NSW South Coast
🧭 Still Not Sure Which Rod to Choose?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Your Situation Recommended Rod
Just getting started with lures ✅ Favorite U1
You fish soft plastics or squid jigs ✅ Favorite X1
You mainly use crankbaits and vibes ✅ Favorite U1
You want sensitivity and casting control ✅ Favorite X1
You need a rod for multiple species ✅ Favorite U1
💬 Still have questions? Contact us — we’ll help you make the perfect choice.
🔗 Related Guides
•Favorite X1 vs U1: Which One Should You Choose?
•Matching Rod, Reel & Line: Complete Setup Guide
🛒 Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about catching more fish — and enjoying your time on the water — you need gear that matches your target.
🎯 The Favorite X1 and U1 rods are designed with real-world Aussie conditions in mind. Whether you’re flicking grubs near mangroves or dropping jigs over weed beds, you’ll feel the difference.
Choose smarter. Fish Favorite.