fishing spot logo
fishing spot font logo



Best $200 or less worm/jig rod 2024


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 

Hi!

I'm just going to be as straight forward as possible: What is your opinion on the best 200 or less, VERSITLE, worm and jig rod? 

Or a rod over 200 that can be had for 200 or less, for example on TW's Black Friday sale is 20% off.

 

Thanks for any input and tight lines! 

Harrison


fishing user avatarjunyer357 reply : 

St croix avid 7' mh-f. 


fishing user avatarTBAG reply : 

I currently use a 68 MHF Avid for Jig/Worm fishing but looking to upgrade to the next level. Why? I don't really know as the Avid has been great, maybe I'm looking for a little more sensitivity?


fishing user avatarFishingmickey reply : 

St Croix makes a great rod. I also have a Denali lithium that I also love.

FM


fishing user avatarMrFrost reply : 

I do not own this rod, but if my budget should ever allow, I would be all over the St. Croix Avid.  I have spent a good amount of time getting familiar with St. Croix's rods, and I really like the Avid.  


fishing user avatarCroakHunter reply : 

What will be the ballpark lure weight you'll be throwing?


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 2:39 AM, CroakHunter said:

What will be the ballpark lure weight you'll be throwing?

nothing more than 1/2 jigs, usually 3/16 0z t rigs with worms ranging from senkos to 10 in worms. I mentioned versatile in the question because I will be throwing a wide variety of baits. I'm often throwing the worms and sometimes jigs around grass and pads. 

  On 11/14/2018 at 10:00 PM, junyer357 said:

St croix avid 7' mh-f. 

 

  On 11/14/2018 at 11:06 PM, TBAG said:

I currently use a 68 MHF Avid for Jig/Worm fishing but looking to upgrade to the next level. Why? I don't really know as the Avid has been great, maybe I'm looking for a little more sensitivity?

 

  On 11/15/2018 at 12:07 AM, Fishingmickey said:

St Croix makes a great rod. I also have a Denali lithium that I also love.

FM

 

  On 11/15/2018 at 2:26 AM, MrFrost said:

I do not own this rod, but if my budget should ever allow, I would be all over the St. Croix Avid.  I have spent a good amount of time getting familiar with St. Croix's rods, and I really like the Avid.  

Thanks for the replies, the Avid definitely seems to be the favorite in this price range. 


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot


fishing user avatarItsHardwick reply : 

I really like my G. Loomis E6x 7’1” MH/XF jig and worm rod. I also have the 7’5” H/F jig and worm rod and love it too but it’s probably a bit heavier than what you’re looking for. 


fishing user avatarGReb reply : 

My favorite t-rig rod is the Falcon Cara. It’s around $230. They just brought the Expert series back at $199. 


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 5:15 AM, ItsHardwick said:

I really like my G. Loomis E6x 7’1” MH/XF jig and worm rod. I also have the 7’5” H/F jig and worm rod and love it too but it’s probably a bit heavier than what you’re looking for. 

I'm not a fan of the G. Loomis rods, but thanks for the input. The 7'5 heavy is definitely too heavy for what I'm looking for. 

  On 11/15/2018 at 6:22 AM, GReb said:

My favorite t-rig rod is the Falcon Cara. It’s around $230. They just brought the Expert series back at $199. 

I have heard great things about the Falcon Cara's. Don't know much about the Expert rods, but at their price point I was interested as soon as I saw them on TW a couple days ago. Thanks for the input

  On 11/15/2018 at 3:53 AM, Choporoz said:

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

I would definitely give that Helium a shot for that price if I were you, I have heard so many great things about them. What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?


fishing user avatarQUAKEnSHAKE reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 3:53 AM, Choporoz said:

I'm still looking for the perfect jig rod.  I've tried a bunch.   I currently rotate between Dobyns DX744C, Fenwick Aetos, St Croix ETSM, and a couple of mediums for light jigs.  None are close to perfect.

 

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

Is the H3 7'6" L/MH/Fast  ever in stock??? thats the one I want

 

http://www.kistlerrods.com/store/fishing-rods/helium-3-fishing-rods/light-medium-heavy/helium-3-light-med-heavy-7-6-fast-fishing-rod.html#.W-0DmehKg2w


fishing user avatarLionHeart reply : 

I use an original Diawa Tatula 7'2" MH "Regular" action for my lighter Trigs and jigs and absolutely love it.  It is very well made and handles lures 3/16 to 1/2 great and 1/4 -3/8 perfectly .  Very sensitive rod.  

 

If I ever decide to change, it will likely be a custom ALX Deputy, but honestly I'm pretty content with the Tatula and not sure the Deputy would be much of an upgrade.

 

Nothing is perfect though.  I'm not crazy about the reel seat, and would prefer the handle to be a smidge longer.  Other than that I think it is the perfect light jig and Texas rod.

 

If you can still find one, they usually go for around $100 these days which is a crazy good deal IMO.


fishing user avatarCatt reply : 

There are probably more quality rods at this price point than any!

 

One could go to Tackle Warehouse, open the casting rod menu, select any brand & have very sensitive rod.

 

It ultimately comes down to who is holding the rod!


fishing user avatarGReb reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 1:06 PM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm not a fan of the G. Loomis rods, but thanks for the input. The 7'5 heavy is definitely too heavy for what I'm looking for. 

I have heard great things about the Falcon Cara's. Don't know much about the Expert rods, but at their price point I was interested as soon as I saw them on TW a couple days ago. Thanks for the input

I would definitely give that Helium a shot for that price if I were you, I have heard so many great things about them. What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 7:53 PM, LionHeart said:

I use an original Diawa Tatula 7'2" MH "Regular" action for my lighter Trigs and jigs and absolutely love it.  It is very well made and handles lures 3/16 to 1/2 great and 1/4 -3/8 perfectly .  Very sensitive rod.  

 

If I ever decide to change, it will likely be a custom ALX Deputy, but honestly I'm pretty content with the Tatula and not sure the Deputy would be much of an upgrade.

 

Nothing is perfect though.  I'm not crazy about the reel seat, and would prefer the handle to be a smidge longer.  Other than that I think it is the perfect light jig and Texas rod.

 

If you can still find one, they usually go for around $100 these days which is a crazy good deal IMO.

The Original Tat rods always get a lot of praise, never tried one myself. I'll definitely consider them, especially at that low price point. 

  On 11/15/2018 at 10:34 PM, GReb said:

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199

That's hard to pass up. The extra fast actions of those rods make them a tad less versatile imo and I just prefer a little bit slower tips any way.


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 1:06 PM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

 What are your thoughts on the Fenwick Aetos rod?

Truly cannot say enough good about it.  Mine (7MHF) is, I believe, previous generation.  Not sure what changed, except maybe better guides.  It is light, sensitive, and comfortable.  If I don't get a new rod this winter, it will probably be my primary jig rod next season.  The last couple/few months, I've used it mostly as a chatterbait (and spinnerbait) rod.  It certainly excels at both moving and bottom baits.


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 12:09 AM, Choporoz said:

Truly cannot say enough good about it.  Mine (7MHF) is, I believe, previous generation.  Not sure what changed, except maybe better guides.  It is light, sensitive, and comfortable.  If I don't get a new rod this winter, it will probably be my primary jig rod next season.  The last couple/few months, I've used it mostly as a chatterbait (and spinnerbait) rod.  It certainly excels at both moving and bottom baits.

Great to know, sounds extremely versatile and that's what I like. I would probably get the 7'5", I just prefer a longer rod; more feel imo. Thanks for the input


fishing user avatarChoporoz reply : 
  On 11/15/2018 at 10:34 PM, GReb said:

Code “MY10PERCENT” will bring the helium down to $199

Is @BaitMonkey1984 giving you a cut?....its getting hot in here....


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 


fishing user avatarjunyer357 reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 1:23 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

If you dont want micros eyes, look at the standard avids. They discontinued the 7'4", but the 7' is still available and very versitile. I like it for jigs, but my folks use it for spinner/chatter baits and many other lures. 

Look around and you may can find a standard avid used at times in the 7'4", it was only discontinued about a year or two ago now. 


fishing user avatarCrankin4Bass reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 1:23 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere. 


fishing user avatarDogBone_384 reply : 

 

  On 11/16/2018 at 2:36 AM, Crankin4Bass said:

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere.

Cabela's has Dobyns rods listed on their website but none in stock in Berlin, MA.

 

Riverview Bait and Tackle in South Yarmouth is also listed as a dealer on Dobyn's website.  Give them a call and see what they stock.


fishing user avatarGReb reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 1:23 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I'm having an extremely hard time deciding what rod to get. I'm stuck on the Falcon Cara 7'2 MH/F, St Croix Avid X 7'4 MH/F, Dobyns Sierra 734, and Fenwick Aetos 7'5 MH/F.

 

My only problem with the Falcon and St. Croix is micro guides and I'm not sure how well a braid to leader knot would go throw them, otherwise they seem to be some of the best rods at the price point. I would be ordering this on the black Friday sale from TW so the Cara would be about $208. My biggest problem is the only rods that I can go and hold locally in MA are the Dobyns and St. Croix. 

 

From my experience with the Cara it will pass most leader knots but it’s certainly not “smooth” doing so. You get a noticeable glide clank and it will hang up some when pitching.


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 2:36 AM, Crankin4Bass said:

Where have you found Dobyns rods in MA? I haven't seen them anywhere. 

They are down the cape in South Yarmouth, place called Riverview Bait and tackle. Very nice store and has a lot of rods and reels that you can only usually find at a place like BPS and even some that BPS doesn't carry. They didn't have any sierra rods, but they had Fury's and Champion XP's. 

  On 11/16/2018 at 3:08 AM, GReb said:

 

From my experience with the Cara it will pass most leader knots but it’s certainly not “smooth” doing so. You get a noticeable glide clank and it will hang up some when pitching.

Good to know, I don't mind the clang unless it greatly effects casting distance. Do you think it does? 

  On 11/16/2018 at 2:33 AM, junyer357 said:

If you dont want micros eyes, look at the standard avids. They discontinued the 7'4", but the 7' is still available and very versitile. I like it for jigs, but my folks use it for spinner/chatter baits and many other lures. 

Look around and you may can find a standard avid used at times in the 7'4", it was only discontinued about a year or two ago now. 

Oh good to know thanks, I'll look around for one. I just prefer something with a bit more length and I already have a 7' MH/F but its not great quality. Trying to upgrade from that and I'd like to get a longer rod. Thanks for the info


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

Moderate price point rods usually use a generation older blank with a generation older components then off the shelf top rods from each manufacturer, unless the $200 price point is near the top end for a manufacture.

St Croix and Dobyns offer excellent customer but their mid range rods aren't using high end components.

You might want to consider Irod and ALX, both use high end blanks and components with good customer service in you price range.

Tom


fishing user avatarGReb reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 7:31 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

 

Good to know, I don't mind the clang unless it greatly effects casting distance. Do you think it does? 

 

 

I think it would depend on the size of braid and leader. I had 30 lb braid and 12 lb mono leaders. I never noticed any issues with distance. But I ultimately ended up ditching the braid. The guides aren’t what I consider true micro but they are right on the edge of being so. If you were using 50 lb braid I think it would possibly cause some issues. If you are set on braid to leader it may not be the best option. There are just so many great options at that price point


fishing user avatarCatt reply : 

McCain's Tommy Martin Signature Series Rods are built with a proprietary blend of Hi-Performance graphite and S-glass. When these two materials are properly combined, it produces a rod that delivers extraordinary performance.

 

Y'all would be surprised by these rods! ????


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 7:50 AM, WRB said:

Moderate price point rods usually use a generation older blank with a generation older components then off the shelf top rods from each manufacturer, unless the $200 price point is near the top end for a manufacture.

St Croix and Dobyns offer excellent customer but their mid range rods aren't using high end components.

You might want to consider Irod and ALX, both use high end blanks and components with good customer service in you price range.

Tom

I have heard great things about ALX, haven't heard they are the most sensitive sticks though. I know the opinion on a rods sensitivity varies greatly between each person, but I've seen many people say they aren't the most sensitive. As I'm looking for a jig and worm rod, I would prefer something with highly praised sensitivity. I appreciate you taking time to respond, Tom, as you seem to know a lot and always put good advice in the forums. 

Harrison

  On 11/16/2018 at 11:43 AM, GReb said:

 

I think it would depend on the size of braid and leader. I had 30 lb braid and 12 lb mono leaders. I never noticed any issues with distance. But I ultimately ended up ditching the braid. The guides aren’t what I consider true micro but they are right on the edge of being so. If you were using 50 lb braid I think it would possibly cause some issues. If you are set on braid to leader it may not be the best option. There are just so many great options at that price point

Yeah they probably wouldn't work out for me then, it would 30 or 40 lb braid most likely and with a 12-15 lb mono/fluoro leader. 

 

 

I also have just realized that the Megabass Levante rods have been marked down to $159, that kinda seems like a steal to me. I have read great things about those rods, particularily the Diablo Spec-R and Extreme Mission Type-F models. 

Any input on this? 


fishing user avatarGReb reply : 
  On 11/17/2018 at 3:26 AM, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I have heard great things about ALX, haven't heard they are the most sensitive sticks though. I know the opinion on a rods sensitivity varies greatly between each person, but I've seen many people say they aren't the most sensitive. As I'm looking for a jig and worm rod, I would prefer something with highly praised sensitivity. I appreciate you taking time to respond, Tom, as you seem to know a lot and always put good advice in the forums. 

Harrison

Yeah they probably wouldn't work out for me then, it would 30 or 40 lb braid most likely and with a 12-15 lb mono/fluoro leader. 

 

 

I also have just realized that the Megabass Levante rods have been marked down to $159, that kinda seems like a steal to me. I have read great things about those rods, particularily the Diablo Spec-R and Extreme Mission Type-F models. 

Any input on this? 

Have you thought about a custom rod?  


fishing user avatarBigBass'n_Harrison reply : 
  On 11/17/2018 at 3:56 AM, GReb said:

Have you thought about a custom rod?  

If only I could afford one lol... I know I have thrown a lot of specifications to get all in one rod and I 100% don't expect to get them all in 1 rod. That's why I have listed all these different rods that I've been looking at, just to give people some clue as to what rods I'm looking at. Anything with micro guides is pretty much out and that seems to take out a lot of rods. 


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 
  On 11/16/2018 at 11:48 AM, Catt said:

McCain's Tommy Martin Signature Series Rods are built with a proprietary blend of Hi-Performance graphite and S-glass. When these two materials are properly combined, it produces a rod that delivers extraordinary performance.

 

Y'all would be surprised by these rods! ????

You were using IROD IRG744C @$149 price point a few years ago and liked it. Not sure what you using today? Iam familiar the IRG744C and consider it a decent bottom contact rod for it's price and the rod I tried had a standard guide train. 

I have no idea why the Op uses mono with FC leader? the knot definately would problem with micro guides. 

Tom


fishing user avatarCatt reply : 
  On 11/17/2018 at 7:00 AM, WRB said:

You were using IROD IRG744C @$149 price point a few years ago and liked it. Not sure what you using today? Iam familiar the IRG744C and consider it a decent bottom contact rod for it's price and the rod I tried had a standard guide train. 

I have no idea why the Op uses mono with FC leader? the knot definately would problem with micro guides. 

Tom

 

I do a few tackle reviews for different websites, companies, & friends.

 

The only knock I have against iRod is their EVA grips... absolutely hate EVA!


fishing user avatarWRB reply : 

Agree with you on EVA, I wrapped the IROD XH swimbait and Freds frog rod with Wynn wraps. Premium cork is what I prefer, it's getting hard to find and don't like cork with fillers that degrade.

Tom




3774

related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic

Rod For Crankin', And Jigs?
After a year and a half wait, Frogzilla is complete.
quantum reels
Seaguar Fans - check this out!
Need Help Abu Garcia Black Max!!!
Bfs Experts
Frog Rod
If You Were Going To Buy Yourself A Baitcaster And Rod Pretend Money Is No Object
Need Reccomendations for Heavy braid Frog, topwater combo
Browning Maxus baitcasting reel, new at Bass Pro Shops
Yo Zuri Hybrid
Reels Made In Japan V China V Korea V Malaysia V Usa
FINALLY I GOT MY DREAM REEL
Rick Clunn's Rod setups
Quality spinning reel
Which Low End Rod?
Longer Handle On Baitcaster?
STATE OF CONFUSION
Fluoro For Spinning Outfit
Hybrid Line Vs Floro



previous topic
Need your input -- Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots
next topic
Rod For Crankin', And Jigs? -- Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots