KastKing Royale Select: The Best Budget 'Frog Rod' for Heavy Cover Bass?

When the bass are buried deep in the slop—under thick lily pads, matted hydrilla, or dense brush—finesse goes out the window. This is the realm of power fishing. Specifically, it’s the domain of the frog rod. Traditionally, a dedicated rod with enough backbone to winch a 5-pound bass (plus 5 pounds of weeds) out of cover commands a premium price. But what if you could get tournament-level power for under $80?

Enter the KastKing Royale Select Fishing Rods, specifically the 7‘0” Heavy Power model. User reviews and specs suggest this might just be the unsung hero of budget-friendly heavy cover fishing. Let’s break down why this rod is punching way above its weight class.

The Anatomy of a Frog Rod

To effectively fish a hollow-body frog or a heavy jig in dense cover, a rod needs three non-negotiable traits: Power, Tip Action, and Line Management. The KastKing Royale Select checks these boxes with surprising competence.

1. Toray 24-Ton Carbon: The Backbone You Need

The “Heavy” power rating isn’t just a label; it’s a promise. The Royale Select uses Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blanks. * Why it matters: While higher modulus carbon (like 30 or 40-ton) is lighter and more sensitive, it can be brittle. The 24-ton graphite strikes a perfect balance for heavy duty work. It’s tough enough to withstand the violent hooksets required to drive heavy gauge hooks through a plastic frog and into a bass’s jaw, yet it retains enough sensitivity to feel a subtle “slurp” under a mat. * User Verdict: As one verified purchaser noted, “7 ft H makes an awesome frog rod for a low price. Wrenches them right out of thick pads.”

2. Fast Action Tip: Walking the Dog

A broomstick is great for pulling, but terrible for casting. You need a rod with a Fast Action tip that flexes just enough to launch a lightweight frog accurately and impart that critical “walk-the-dog” action.
The Royale Select’s tip is responsive. It loads up nicely for casting but shuts off quickly into the sturdy backbone. This allows for precise placement into pockets of open water, which is often the difference between a strike and a snag.

3. Fuji O-Ring Guides: Handling the Braid

Frog fishing demands braided line, usually 50lb or 65lb test. Cheap guides will groove, fray, or even pop out under the heat and friction of heavy braid sawing back and forth.
KastKing equips the Royale Select with Fuji O-ring guides. These are industry-standard for a reason. They dissipate heat efficiently and provide a smooth surface for braid to flow through, increasing casting distance and protecting your line during those high-stress battles in the weeds.

Technique Specificity: More Than Just Frogs

While we are highlighting its prowess as a frog rod, the 7‘0” Heavy or 7‘3” Medium-Heavy models are versatile workhorses for other power techniques: * Flipping and Pitching: The 1-piece design offers seamless power transition, essential for short, accurate pitches into heavy timber. * Texas Rigs & Jigs: The sensitivity of the KastFlex blank allows you to detect the difference between a mud bottom, a rock, and a bite. * Chatterbaits: The rod has enough flex to keep fish pinned on vibrating jigs without ripping the hooks out.

The Verdict: A “Royale” Victory for the Budget Angler

For years, anglers felt they had to choose between a heavy, insensitive “ugly” stick or a fragile, expensive tournament rod. The KastKing Royale Select bridges that gap. It offers the refined feel and component quality (Fuji guides, Nylon reel seats) of a $100+ rod, but with a ruggedness that isn’t afraid of the thickest cover.

If you are looking to add a dedicated heavy cover setup to your arsenal without breaking the bank, the Royale Select is a contender that demands respect. It’s not just a “cheap rod”; it’s a specialized tool that makes advanced techniques like frogging accessible to everyone.

Pro Tip: Pair the 7‘0” Heavy model with a high-speed baitcasting reel (7.1:1 or faster) and 65lb braided line for the ultimate budget frogging combo.