Truth be told, I hadn’t fished with a Fenwick rod for more than a decade. Then, this summer, I was tasked with finding and testing the most innovative, reliable, and affordable bass rods on the market. So I asked many of the top rod manufacturers to send their latest and very best rods across a wide range of budgets. Naturally, Fenwick was on that list, and they sent over their World Class casting rod for me to put through the wringer.
To my surprise, the World Class rose to the top of the ranks very quickly and outperformed other models in multiple categories. It was even the runner-up in our best baitcasting rods test. And when I shifted my criteria and attention to the best jigging rods, the World Class took home the title for Best Overall. Here's the scoop on one of the best all-around bass rods on the market today.
Fenwick World Class Casting Rod Overview
Fenwick sent me three different rods from three different series for testing: the Eagle ($100), the Elite ($230-$270), and the World Class ($420-$480). The premium price tag of the World Class was the first thing I noticed. Since I'm a budget-minded angler, it's hard to convince me that any rod is worth $450, but I was set on putting the World Class through its paces to see if it lives up to the premium label.
When I picked up the rod, I immediately noticed how light it was. I was also impressed with the it’s balance, in hand feel, and overall aesthetics. The quality components that make up this rod were apparent out of the gate, and it was clear the World Class was built with high-end materials just by looking at it. Fenwick offers 16 models, and I chose the 7’3” medium heavy, extra fast for testing. Here are the rest of the specs for my test rod.
Specs
Rod Type: Casting
Pieces: 1
Length: 7-foot, 3-inches
Power: Medium-heavy
Action: Extra-fast
Line Rating: 12-17 pound test
Lure Rating: 3/16-5/8 ounce
Other Noticeable Features
Large exposed section of the rod blank in the reel seat for added sensitivity
40/36-Ton graphite blend
Contoured rod butt
Titanium guide frames with super thin zirconia inserts
Limited lifetime warranty
On the Water Performance
I paired the World Class with a lightweight Abu Garcia Zenon MG-X reel and 40-pound Sufix 832 braided line. Throughout most of my testing, I kept the World Class rigged with a swim jig. This rod has plenty of length to keep the jig high in the water column and a soft enough tip to feel the fish before it feels me. The medium-heavy power rating is accurate, but the extra-fast action is a little overstated. This rod performs more like a medium-heavy with a fast action, which I prefer anyway. It is also sensitive and strong, able to detect subtle bites and wrangle fish out of thick cover.
Even though this is a great "all-around" power fishing rod, if I were to test it with a half dozen different baits, I'd have a hard time dialing in my casting. By keeping the jig rigged on it, I was able to get a better feel for the rod and reach the point where I could make precise roll casts and skip the bait quickly and consistently.
As with most components on the World Class, the guide system is top-notch. It features more traditionally sized eyes compared to many modern guides that are on the micro side of the spectrum. Though they aren't large and bulky, either. They are a good size, durable, and come paired with super-thin zirconia inserts.
At the bottom end of the rod is my favorite style of bait keeper—an open design on the front of the rod above the foregrip. The open style allows you to store treble hook baits as well as weedless rigged soft plastics without having to expose the hook point. This also prevents it from hanging on your line when you inevitably need to pop a hung bait undone.
The World Class has twice as much of the blank exposed and available for contact with your hand as compared to other models, which makes it much more sensitive. My most memorable catch with the World Class rod came on a swim jig. A largemouth close to 4 pounds blew out of a grass patch and ate my jig in less than 2 feet of fairly clear water. The fight was short-lived but exhilarating, with the fish peeling drag and executing a full summersault before I could boat flip it into the Triton.
Should You Buy the Fenwick World Class Rod?
The rod's no-nonsense design from the grip up combines top-quality components with state-of-the-art blank construction. From the foregrip down, you have a beautifully designed rod that is as comfortable to fish with as it is sensitive. At roughly $450, depending on the model, it’ll take a significant chunk of change to pick one of these up for yourself. So is it worth it? If you have the money and are in the market for a premium rod, then yes–this one is a great option.
For me, I’m more likely to buy a couple of lower priced rods for around the same price. But one thing is for sure: the World Class is a premium fishing rod and one that has changed my opinion of Fenwick rods forever.
