Affordable Versatile Casting Rod? 2025
smallieking reply :
Hi, im currently looking for a new rod. while fishing it seems like im always in the need of one more rod whether itd be casting a different color crankbait. or depth. or a back up rod for pitching and flipping... I have two cranking rods. a flipping stick, a jerkbait/ topwater rod, a spinnerbait rod, a swimbait rod and a jig rod. even with all these rods I am always thinking id be nice to have one more rod that I can use just about any lure on. does anyone have any suggestions of a very nice and versatile rod for less than 130 dollars? any comments or suggestions would be very appreciated. thanks
new2BC4bass reply :
They didn't have technique specific rods back in my youth. Or else I was ignorant of them. It is often suggested that a 6'6"-7' MH or Medium Fast is the best all-around rod. I bought the Fenwick Elite Tech 6'10" MF Smallmouth rod last year. I threw whatever I felt like on this rod. My 7'2" MHF Cumara is listed as a Senko/Fat Ika rod. More often than not it has a spinnerbait on it, but I have thrown the occasional jig and crankbait on it.
Rod manufacturers would have you believe you need a specific rod for every technique. Why not? More money in their pockets.
EDIT: I have more rods than I need because I don't like changing lures while on the water. I would much rather grab another rod and start casting.
smallieking reply :
thanks for the advice. im looking for a cheaper rod tho. I really like those cumara rods but I don't wanna invest 260 dollars in a rod that will more often than not will be riding around the lake in my rod box. I just want an affordable rod that is versatile enough to handle just about anything I wanna throw for bass.... I was looking at the duckett micromagic rods. but I don't know the quality of them and they are more expensive than what I wanna pay
retiredbosn reply :
When it comes to suggesting a do it all rod my recommendation is MH MF, that's a medium heavy power moderate fast action. Its not ideal for anything but top water. Its the most versatile power, the action will allow u to do just about anything, not so fast that it pulls treble hooks free, not so slow that it impedes regular soft plastics. Brand I would consider would be Shimano, anything above the Convergence line has lifetime over the counter warranty. No shipping it back to the factory, just walk into a store and walk out with new rod.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 8:51 AM, smallieking said:thanks for the advice. im looking for a cheaper rod tho. I really like those cumara rods but I don't wanna invest 260 dollars in a rod that will more often than not will be riding around the lake in my rod box. I just want an affordable rod that is versatile enough to handle just about anything I wanna throw for bass.... I was looking at the duckett micromagic rods. but I don't know the quality of them and they are more expensive than what I wanna pay
I have that same Fenwick Elite Tech Rod M/F - awesome all around rod, which can be found for around 100. So he did give you a recommendation within your budget. Also, you can find the Gen1 Cumaras for around 150.
Tiller reply :
7' medium veritas is my do it all rod. It's slightly heavier than most medium rods but not quite a MH. Light weight and only $100.
Joe
loganw316 reply :
the 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock is a great and versatile rod for only $55
*Hootie reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 12:43 PM, loganw316 said:the 7' MH Berkley Lightning Rod Shock is a great and versatile rod for only $55
X2
Hootie
Arv reply :
What is your price range? You'll get a lot of suggestions from all sorts of price points unless we get a range you are looking at.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 7:10 PM, Arv said:What is your price range? You'll get a lot of suggestions from all sorts of price points unless we get a range you are looking at.
OP's post states $130 or less.
BronzeChaser reply :
I'd say a ***. 7'1 med or mh should do whatever you need it to and they're sweet rods for the price
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 8:51 AM, smallieking said:thanks for the advice. im looking for a cheaper rod tho. I really like those cumara rods but I don't wanna invest 260 dollars in a rod that will more often than not will be riding around the lake in my rod box. I just want an affordable rod that is versatile enough to handle just about anything I wanna throw for bass.... I was looking at the duckett micromagic rods. but I don't know the quality of them and they are more expensive than what I wanna pay
The Fenwick rod I suggested has an MSRP of $129.95 and as mgfisherman stated can be found for less. I got my 2 Smallmouth rods in the spring of 2012. Paid about $71 shipped for each. You won't find that kind of deal anymore. I wasn't really suggesting the Cumara, but was using it as an example of using a technique specific rod for various other lures.
A Falcon Bucoo might fit the bill, but I have no personal experience with one other than making a few casts with one in the parking lot at Walmart. I have a Daiwa Jupiter 7' MHF that is sold exclusively by Walmart. I like it. It stays in Florida where I don't throw a lot of different lures. I have used it with a 3/4 oz. spoon in tidal water, and with 10" unweighted worms. spinnetbaits, Brush Hogs and a couple other lures bassfishing in freshwater.
I know nothing about the Powell Diesel. I do have a couple Falcon Originals. The MH caught my PB last year while in Florida, Dick's Sporting Goods carries Field & Stream Tec Spec and Elite Tec Spec rods. I have one of the older Tec Spec rods in Medium Fast. It is a good rod for the money.
The *** Black is the current hot rod. A friend gave me a good deal on the 7'3" Medium Fast, but I haven't mounted a reel on it yet, much less gone fishing with it. Therefore I have no idea how it compares to the Fenwick Smallmouth rods, but so far I have to say the Fenwicks are my favorite rod at that price point.
EDIT: Can't be sure, but I think the Fenwick is a lighter rod than the *** Black. It does have a smaller diameter than the ***.
Arv reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 9:50 PM, new2BC4bass said:OP's post states $130 or less.
Thanks. Some how I missed that.
For under 130 I'd check out the Powell Endurance or Max. They can be had for 109 right now. Either the 714 or 723 would be great all around choices.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 10:27 PM, Arv said:Thanks. Some how I missed that.
For under 130 I'd check out the Powell Endurance or Max. They can be had for 109 right now. Either the 714 or 723 would be great all around choices.
I had forgotten that these rods were on sale. I don't think all models are available.
Many suggest the Berkley Lightning Shock. I bought a 6' MH Lightning (not the Shock) for my grandson. He prefers spinning so I guess it will be mine until he changes his preference. Rod is shorter than I like, but I did take it down to the river for a little casting practice. A 1/2 oz. spinnetbait makes the whole rod and reel vibrate.
Blues19 reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 10:51 AM, Tiller said:7' medium veritas is my do it all rod. It's slightly heavier than most medium rods but not quite a MH. Light weight and only $100.
Joe
This is actually what I was going to suggest. I have the MH and its pretty stiff. The Medium seems like it would be perfect for a rod that can do darn near anything. If you were looking to use it more for jigs and plastics, I would probably go with the MH, but a Medium would be better for spinnerbaits and the more versitile rod all around.
TNBassin' reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 10:04 PM, BronzeChaser said:I'd say a ***. 7'1 med or mh should do whatever you need it to and they're sweet rods for the price
This. Best $100 you'll ever spend.
Hogsticker reply :
The 6'10 MH Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rod many have already mentioned is the MOST versatile rod I have found for around 100 bucks. You can throw pretty much a little bit of everything on it. I don't know if it's any lighter than the 13 Omens, but it feels better balanced and feels more comfy in my hands.
tracker01 reply :
On 6/17/2013 at 9:03 AM, retiredbosn said:When it comes to suggesting a do it all rod my recommendation is MH MF, that's a medium heavy power moderate fast action. Its not ideal for anything but top water. Its the most versatile power, the action will allow u to do just about anything, not so fast that it pulls treble hooks free, not so slow that it impedes regular soft plastics. Brand I would consider would be Shimano, anything above the Convergence line has lifetime over the counter warranty. No shipping it back to the factory, just walk into a store and walk out with new rod.
Not to fast on there "over the counter" policy. My Cabelas (Hamburg Pa.) will not do a over the counter. Just their standard 90 day return policy. They told me that they do not "Participate" in the return program.
zell_pop1 reply :
Might try Wal Mart-my local one has Abu Vendettas for $29.95.
OkeechobeeAngler reply :
Denali Jadewood.
lmbfisherman reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 2:12 AM, tracker01 said:Not to fast on there "over the counter" policy. My Cabelas (Hamburg Pa.) will not do a over the counter. Just their standard 90 day return policy. They told me that they do not "Participate" in the return program.
Yeah even the BPS ones don't honor it either. That is why you stay local and do business with the local guy. They will take care of your better imho.
Boogey Man reply :
BPS Carbonlite is pretty good for the price.
Capt.Bob reply :
For $130.00 and a new rod,,,,,,St Croix Premier 7' MHF if you fish around much cover,,,,,,in open water Maybe the same rod in MF. If you want better quality and don't mind used,,,,,, St. Croix Avid same length and actions,,,,,,Good Luck but that would be my only choices in your price range.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 7:38 AM, Boogey Man said:BPS Carbonlite is pretty good for the price.
X2
wngan9447 reply :
If you don't need to buy new, you can get a Crucial for that price. Great feel and probably the most sensitive rod I've felt.
I like the mojo bass a close second.
I've tried the vendettas (1st and 2nd gen), veritas, f&s tech spec, premiers and triumphs... All in your price range. Go with the crucial if you can find a deal. You won't regret it.
sarcazmo reply :
I'd look for a rod with a lure weight rating between 1/4-1oz. That covers A LOT of techniques. Back up jig, texas rig, spinner baits, etc.
Rods that I've been big on lately are Kistler KLX. They routinely go on sale and there are various discount codes out there that make them an even better value.
stratoliner92 reply :
On 9/4/2013 at 9:34 AM, DogBone_384 said:X2
make that X3 i picked up a couple last year and love them.BPS runs sales a few times a year on them.
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