Big Bang for the Buck Bass Rod: Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Rod Review

There are hundreds of rod companies for bass anglers to select from. Most are great, and it can be tough to stand out in the crowd. But let’s be real: a store-brand rod lacks the same sexiness you get from a boutique manufacturer. Yet time and time again, I find myself reaching for the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Rod on my boat deck.

I picked this rod up a year ago and didn’t have high expectations. But I’ll be darned, after using it to chuck jigs and stick pigs, I can no longer ignore its impressive performance. In reality, Bass Pro’s top-tier bass fishing equipment is quite good. It can easily compete with products from more niche manufacturers at higher price points.

After a day on the water this winter, I found myself thinking, “You know what? This is one awesome rod for the money. More people should be buying this.” So here it is, my unfiltered thoughts after a season of fishing.

In short: For those looking for a solid all-around bass rod, the 7’1″ Medium Heavy Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Rod ($200) is one of the best bang-for-the-buck options available. Thanks to quality graphite, the rod blank is lightweight, thin, and highly sensitive. It’s great for throwing a variety of baits. Further improving the value, this U.S.-made rod is backed by a 10-year warranty against accidental fishing-related breakage.

See how it stacks up to the Best Bass Fishing Rods of 2025.

Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Rod Review

Why the Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting Rod Is Such a Good Deal

So why do I have such an infatuation with this rod, made from outdoor giant Bass Pro? It all comes down to the value the rod delivers, much like the Bass Pro spinning reel I’ve become fond of. Don’t let the name fool you. It really is a steal of a rod.

Made in the USA

The Platinum Signature rods are manufactured right here in the U.S.A. and retail for $200. There are very few rods in that price range that can make that claim. In fact, Cashion has been getting a lot of love lately for releasing new budget rods manufactured in the U.S., as if it were some new concept. But Bass Pro has silently stood from afar, doing that exact same thing for years.

When you buy this rod, you’re supporting American manufacturing. It also likely makes the rods tariff-proof, and the prices have remained steady over the years.

Warranty of the Platinum Signature Casting Rod

As a premium product in the realm of Bass Pro, you get a stellar warranty when you pick one of these rods up. According to Bass Pro Shops, these rods are covered under warranty “10 years from the date of purchase against defects in materials, workmanship, and against breakage under normal fishing conditions, to the original purchaser. A dated proof of purchase is required for warranty validation.”

That, in itself, is pretty awesome, since there’s no mention of repair or replacement fees. Almost every rod manufacturer charges you something to repair a rod that you broke.

I’ve personally never had to warranty any of my BPS rods, but I have a buddy who did. He walked into his nearest Bass Pro Shops with the broken rod, and came out of the store with a new one.

That means if there’s a Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s near you, the Platinum Signature has a case for the best warranty in the fishing industry. You’ll never be out a rod when disaster strikes. Despite what you may have heard about the corporate giant after the Cabela’s buyout, everything I’ve heard firsthand about warranty claims has been good.

Weight and Feel in Hand

When you pick the Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting rod up, it becomes evident that it’s not typical store-brand junk. The rod is very light and feels like other higher-end rods on my boat deck. The rod balances well, and the weight isn’t unevenly distributed near the tip.

That’s because of the “RT5” graphite that makes up the rod. It’s the highest-quality graphite blend BPS offers. RT5, as opposed to RT4 and lower graphite BPS uses (manufactured overseas), allows the rod to be lighter, thinner, and more sensitive. It’s not just marketing talk; it does make a difference when compared side by side.

The Winn grip stands out the most. It’s basically texturized rubber. In my hand, it’s very grippy and feels new-age, unlike the classic look of cork. In rain or snow, my hand stays glued to it, and even in wet conditions, I have a sure grip when hammering home hook sets. It’s a pro in my book.

There are some reports online of the handle delaminating, but after a year of consistent use, mine shows no signs of wear. If it ends up delaminating, I’ll use the warranty at my local Bass Pro.

On-the-Water Performance

Where the Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Excels

Sensitivity for Bottom Contact Baits

When it comes time to drag jigs, the Johnny Morris Platinum Signature 7’1″ Medium Heavy rod is one of my favorites. It is so ridiculously sensitive for a rod in the $200 price point.

Just a few weeks ago, I was fishing jigs in 25 feet of water against bluff walls on a channel swing. The fishing was tougher, and the bass were eating very subtly. Yet, I was able to quickly detect every bite with the Platinum Signature. You really can feel structure, rock ledges, and everything while fishing this rod.

At one point, I broke off and switched to a different rod from another brand at a similar price point. It felt heavy and clunky in comparison. So I took the time to tie a new jig on the BPS rod and switched back to it.

It also excels at throwing Texas rigs and any other bottom contact baits you’d throw on a bait caster. When it comes to sensitivity, it’s a lot of rod for the money.

Rod Action Allows for Decent Versatility

Every rod manufacturer means something different when they rate a rod’s power and action. There’s no standard measurement, and all of them differ. Some medium-heavy rods are more like a heavy, and some fast-actioned rods are more moderate than others.

I’d place this rod’s “medium-heavy, fast action” right in the middle of industry-wide ratings. Which is to say, I think the rating is spot on, though it may be leaning a touch toward the heavy rather than the medium rating. Barely though.

That makes it quite a versatile rod. Outside of jig fishing, I really enjoy this rod for fishing chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. It has enough backbone to throw heavier versions of those baits, but has just the right amount of give to allow bass to swallow a moving bait before driving the hook home.

Where the Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Struggles

Since the rod is a touch on the heavier side, I’ve found it tends to struggle with casting lighter lures. It can be tough to get long casts on the lower end of the rating (3/8-1 ounce). I wouldn’t say it’s awful by any stretch, but it is noticeable. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though, because the rod excels on the heavier end of its rating. It’s a tradeoff.

While I do love the rod’s lightweight, sensitive performance, you shouldn’t have unrealistic expectations. This rod can’t compete with more premium options like the G-Loomis NRX+. It’s not as light, sensitive, or versatile. Of course, it is $450 cheaper.

And on that note, some of the components do feel cheap, namely the real seat. It’s plastic and is just meh. But, it is a $200 rod, and I’ll take a cheap reel seat for the excellent rod performance.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy One

Unless you are a dedicated angler who demands the absolute best and has the bank account to pay for it, this is an excellent bass fishing rod. It’s enough rod for 99% of anglers out there.

Heck, I had the opportunity to fish with Edwin Evers this past spring. You know what his rod deck was littered with? That’s right, Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Casting rods. Now, he is sponsored by Bass Pro, so that doesn’t really say much. But the guy did win a Redcrest championship with them, so I’m pretty sure the Platinum Signature will get it done at your local weekend tournaments.

For the price, it’s hard to beat. If you’re looking to add rods to your bass fishing arsenal, these rods are a great way to do it without breaking the bank and giving up performance. Or, if you just need a quality rod that you can rely on while pond hopping, it’ll do the trick.

Basically, if you’re shopping in the world of $200 bass rods, this is one of the better rods I’ve used with a phenomenal warranty. Pick one up, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.

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