Bass fishing in Australia is a popular and challenging pursuit, particularly when targeting the elusive and hard-fighting Australian bass. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, selecting the right rod and pairing it with the correct lure can significantly impact your success. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the Favorite U1 and Favorite X1 rod series, which are designed to handle the unique conditions and challenges of Australian waters.
We will also delve into advanced techniques, including how to choose the right rod for specific fishing environments, the importance of pairing the right lures, and tips for fishing Australian bass in different seasons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to elevate your bass fishing game with the best rods from Favorite24.au.
Understanding Australian Bass Fishing
Before we jump into gear selection, let’s briefly look at what makes Australian bass such a coveted target for anglers. Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) are native freshwater species that inhabit coastal rivers and lakes in Eastern Australia. Known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights, these fish are most active during the warmer months, typically from October to March.
During the fishing season, bass can be found in various environments, from open lakes to river systems and estuaries. Their habitat can vary greatly depending on the time of year and water conditions. Understanding these behaviors is crucial when choosing the right rod and lure.
•Spring (September-November): Bass move towards brackish waters, preparing for spawning. During this time, they’re found in both freshwater and estuarine systems. Targeting them in transitional zones can be highly effective.
•Summer (December-February): In summer, bass are typically in deeper freshwater systems and rivers. This is the peak season for bass fishing, and surface lures or crankbaits are particularly effective during this period.
•Autumn (March-May): As the weather cools, bass move downstream, transitioning into cooler, deeper waters. This is an excellent time for soft plastics and finesse presentations.
•Winter (June-August): Although bass are less active in winter, they can still be caught with patience and the right setup. During colder months, look for bass in deeper pools and use heavier lures that can reach the required depths.
Favorite U1 Series: Versatility and All-Round Performance
The Favorite U1 series is designed for the all-round angler. Whether you’re fishing open lakes or navigating tighter river systems, this series offers the versatility needed for various fishing techniques.
•Favorite U1 702M (2.10 m, 7-28 g)
If you’re looking for a rod that can handle medium to heavy lures while providing excellent casting distance, the U1 702M is your go-to option. The 2.10-meter length gives you a distinct advantage when targeting Australian bass in larger water bodies like dams or lakes. Its moderate action ensures that the treble hooks on your crankbaits or spinnerbaits remain securely in the fish’s mouth during the fight.
This rod excels when fishing crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or swimbaits that require a bit more casting power. The combination of sensitivity and power allows you to feel the subtle movements of your lure while still having the backbone to handle a hard-fighting bass in heavy cover.
Best lures for the U1 702M:
•Deep-diving crankbaits
•Medium-sized spinnerbaits
•Paddle-tail swimbaits
•Favorite U1 662ML (1.98 m, 5-21 g)
The U1 662ML is perfect for anglers who prefer precision over power. Its shorter length makes it highly maneuverable, particularly in tight river systems where casting accuracy is paramount. Whether you’re pitching soft plastics into overhanging trees or working finesse lures around submerged logs, this rod provides the sensitivity needed for subtle bites.
Best lures for the U1 662ML:
•Texas-rigged soft plastics
•Shaky head jigs
•Finesse crankbaits
Favorite X1 Series: Power and Precision for Big Bass
The Favorite X1 series is built for serious anglers who demand high performance from their gear. With rods that offer exceptional sensitivity, strength, and casting distance, the X1 series is perfect for targeting larger, more aggressive bass in tough conditions.
•Favorite X1 732H (2.21 m, 10-35 g)
The X1 732H is the heavy-hitter of the series, designed for throwing larger lures like chatterbaits, heavy jigs, and big soft plastics. Its 2.21-meter length provides excellent casting distance, while its heavy power gives you the leverage needed to muscle bass out of thick cover.
This rod is ideal for fishing in dense aquatic vegetation, rocky outcrops, or submerged timber, where big bass often hide. The extra length also helps in controlling the fish during the fight, allowing you to steer them away from potential snags.
Best lures for the X1 732H:
•Large jigs
•Chatterbaits
•Big swimbaits
•Favorite X1 702M (2.10 m, 7-28 g)
The X1 702M is a highly versatile rod that can handle a wide range of lures and fishing techniques. Its fast action tip provides excellent lure control, while the medium power ensures that it can handle larger fish without compromising on sensitivity.
Best lures for the X1 702M:
•Lipless crankbaits
•Spinnerbaits
•Topwater frogs
Choosing the Right Rod for Different Australian Bass Fishing Scenarios
Depending on where you fish and what conditions you’re facing, your choice of rod can make a big difference in your success rate. Let’s break down some common fishing scenarios for Australian bass and how the Favorite U1 and X1 rods perform in each:
•Open Water (Lakes and Reservoirs)
For open water, you need a rod that can cast long distances and handle larger fish. The U1 702M and X1 702M are both excellent choices for these environments. Their medium power allows for long casts with crankbaits and spinnerbaits, while their fast action helps you react quickly to aggressive strikes.
•River Systems (Tight Spaces and Structure)
When fishing in rivers or creeks with overhanging trees and submerged logs, the shorter U1 662ML shines. This rod’s shorter length and lighter action make it easier to cast accurately in confined spaces, while still providing enough sensitivity to detect light bites.
•Heavy Cover (Weed Beds and Timber)
If you’re targeting bass in heavy cover, you’ll need a rod with the power to pull fish out of thick vegetation. The X1 732H is perfect for these situations, offering the strength and leverage needed to control big bass in tough conditions.
The Importance of Pairing the Right Rod and Lure
Selecting the right rod is only part of the equation. To maximize your success, you need to pair your rod with the correct lure. Here’s a breakdown of the best lure types for the U1 and X1 series and why they work well with these rods.
•Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a staple in any bass angler’s tackle box. Their erratic swimming action mimics baitfish, making them highly effective in open water or around structure. When using deep-diving crankbaits, the U1 702M and X1 702M provide the perfect balance of sensitivity and power. The medium action helps absorb the shock of the bass’s head shakes, keeping the treble hooks securely in place.
•Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are excellent for stained or murky water where bass rely more on vibration to locate their prey. The X1 732H is ideal for casting spinnerbaits into heavy cover, while the U1 702M offers the versatility needed for working spinnerbaits in open water or along weed edges.
•Soft Plastics
When bass are less aggressive, soft plastics can be a game-changer. The U1 662ML excels in finesse presentations, such as Texas-rigged worms or shaky heads. The rod’s sensitivity allows you to feel even the lightest bites, while its fast action ensures quick hook sets.
•Topwater Lures
There’s nothing more exciting than watching a bass explode on a topwater lure. Both the U1 702M and X1 702M are excellent choices for working topwater baits like frogs, poppers, and walk-the-dog lures. Their medium action allows for precise lure control, while their fast tip ensures solid hook sets.
Why Choose Favorite U1 and X1 Rods for Australian Bass Fishing?
Whether you’re fishing for Australian bass in open lakes, navigating tight rivers, or battling through thick cover, the Favorite U1