Randall Tharp prefers a rod with a parabolic bend for landing Florida bass. (Photo by Grant Moxley/BASS)
October 29, 2025
By Steve Wayne
With the overabundance of vegetation that is often teeming with big bass, Florida offers a challenging playing field for bass anglers. Hooking (and landing) Florida bass in a jungle can often be an exercise in frustration. Professional angler Randall Tharp routinely fishes for bass across Florida, from his home waters of the Apalachicola River down to Lake Okeechobee.
“Without a doubt, Florida fishing is different than fishing in other parts of the U.S.,” explains Tharp. “Our waterways have more vegetation than anywhere else, and we have really big fish.” Tharp feels that an angler can “get by” with a general assortment of rods and reels in other parts of the country, but not so in Florida.
Tharp prefers using braided lines for many Florida techniques and matches a powerful rod blank with a fast action and flexible tip to offer balance that easily transfers power from a fighting fish. “It’s not so stiff, that you rip a hole in a fish’s mouth,” he explains. He has partnered with Florida company Ark Fishing to develop rods that excel throughout his home state. “Ark Fishing is in Florida and they understand Florida fishing,” explains Tharp. “The owner and everyone in the company fishes in Florida.” Tharp designed his Tharp Series of Ark Rods strictly for the way that he likes to fish in Florida. Tharp recommends three “must have” rods for Florida. And while his model picks reflect his relationship with Ark, the specifications are worth noting for anglers looking at the selections of any rodbuilder.
Tharp series rods from Ark Fishing. Lengths and actions recommended in main story may be found in lineups of other builders, as well. 1. Swimbaits, Toads and Other Moving Baits For fishing with moving baits and casting long distances, Tharp prefers a soft, parabolic, medium-heavy rod in a 7’3” to 7’6” length as the perfect rod for fishing a Big EZ Swimbait, Horny Toad, or Zoom Ultravibe Speed Worm. Tharp’s Ark Signature Series 7’3” Money Maker model gets his nod for an all-purpose moving bait Florida rod.
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2. Punching Rod Tharp’s second “must have” rod for Florida fishing is a heavy punching rod for penetrating thick vegetation with a heavy weight. “It’s a rod built for that specific technique. For me, that’s a 7’6” to 7’11” rod with 65-pound braided line with a 1 ½-ounce weight as a starting point,” explains Tharp.
The rod needs to be parabolic but also extremely powerful for getting the biggest bass in the lake out of heavy cover. Tharp’s rod of choice is an Ark Tharp Series King Cobra, Guntersville Special, or Okeechobee Special rod.
The Ark Signature Series Money Maker model is a great choice as an all-purpose moving bait rod. 3. Bladed Jig and Crankbait Rod Tharp’s third “must have” rod for Florida fishing is a bladed jig rod that can serve double duty as a lipless crankbait rod. “I never go fishing in Florida without a bladed jig tied on,” explains Tharp. “It just catches them year-round.” Tharp prefers a composite rod that is a blend of graphite and glass providing a sensitive but forgiving tip with 20-pound fluorocarbon line. Tharp’s choice is the Ark B-Hittay model that he designed together with his friend, professional angler Brett Hite.
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“Brett is known for Chatterbait fishing like I am at punching mats, and I wanted to get the advice from someone who is the best at that technique.” The 7’4” rod is a medium heavy action that provides an excellent parabolic bend that helps at reducing lost fish.
Bass fishing in Florida is uniquely special. Try out one of Randall Tharp’s recommended rod types for increased success. Or, consult with a builder or develop a relationship with a local tackle shop that stocks many brands. As Tharp explains, “Don’t go out and buy 20 rods for Florida fishing. Buy one and try it out. See how you like it and go from there.”
This article was featured in the October issue of Florida Sportsman magazine. Click to subscribe .
