Out of the dozen different models and blanks in our baitcasting rod test, the Okuma X-Series came out on top. It is everything a high-end bass rod should be—light, strong, and capable—without the $500 ...

With a slider, the mainline runs through the float’s eye once it hits the water, checked by a stop knot that can be moved up and down the line to adjust the depth. If a swim is 15ft deep, the knot ...