Best Rods $100-$200 Budget 2025
Karizmo reply :
I'm trying to figure out what the most promising rods out there are currently. I'm currently looking into MHF rods. Supposedly those are your "do it all" rods which I want since I'm not exactly what you'd call a season veteran.
The budget is $100-$200 dollars for solely a rod (not a reel combo). I was looking at a St. CROIX bass X but I'm unsure if that is my best option given my budget. If you recommend something slightly over $200, I'd still consider it.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Glaucus reply :
That is a really broad budget with dozens and dozens of fantastic options. From the Fenwick HMG at $100, to the Daiwa Tatula at $150, to the St. Croix Avid at $200. There's a world of difference from $100 to $200.
Khoa Vu reply :
I'm very happy with my Phenix Feather 6'9 MH/XF at $139. 3.2oz and sensitive. they do fish a bit lighter than advertised, think midway between M and MH, and F and XF.
dodgeguy reply :
That's easy .Johnny Morris Patriot rods. Fuji sic guides. Winn grips. Really light sensitive strong blank.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 7:31 AM, dodgeguy said:That's easy .Johnny Morris Patriot rods. Fuji sic guides. Winn grips. Really light sensitive strong blank.
I have handled them in store but have yet to purchase one.
dodgeguy reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 7:41 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I have handled them in store but have yet to purchase one.
Awesome rods. Read the reviews.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 7:43 AM, dodgeguy said:Awesome rods. Read the reviews.
I am also from NY! Did you catch your 7-8 pounder here?
dodgeguy reply :
Yeah .Titicus reservoir North Salem NY
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 7:50 AM, dodgeguy said:Yeah .Titicus reservoir North Salem NY
Never heard of it. What models of patriot do you have?
Dens228 reply :
I recently purchased my first Megabass rod, the Levante 2019. $199 and I absolutely love it.
Most of my existing rods are St. Croix AvidX's and I'd put the Levante right with them.
dodgeguy reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 7:56 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:Never heard of it. What models of patriot do you have?
It's a NYC watershed reservoir. I have a 7 ft. Medium fast baitcaster . Want to get more. Has a Lew's Tournament Pro 7.5 with sufix advance 8lb mono for finesse.I've always liked BPS rods.
CountryboyinDC reply :
I try to fish only made in USA rods. I had thought of getting a BPS Patriot rod, but never did and it looks like they're being discontinued. The SiC inserts seem to me that they're expensive without a gain for bass rods anyway. Alconite is lighter, and I can't imagine that they're not hard enough for a bass rod. At the $200 mark, I'd say a 7' MHF St. Croix Avid. It may take some looking to find one right at that price, but I find I can use mine for a lot of different baits and don't feel like any are a huge compromise. That's a big plus for me fishing from a kayak.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 8:29 AM, dodgeguy said:It's a NYC watershed reservoir. I have a 7 ft. Medium fast baitcaster . Want to get more. Has a Lew's Tournament Pro 7.5 with sufix advance 8lb mono for finesse.I've always liked BPS rods.
I have an old Bionic Blade that is still the best buzzbait rod I have ever used. I can't give it stellar marks for overall weight and balance, but it isn't bad and I don't really care for tip down presentations anyway. It has the perfect action to allow a fish to load up but still a lot of backbone to drive the hook home.
What techniques do you use that model for?
Trappernewt reply :
Megabass Levante in the Diablo Spec R. I have the Orochi Spec R and absolutely love it. I also have the OG Tatula and a few other rods in your price range including the St Croix Avid. IMO the OG tatula is the most sensitive rod that can be bought new for $150 (can be found for less). I’d go without 2019 Levante first and the tatula would be my second choice.
Allen Der reply :
St Croix Premier are great all around rods made in USA.
rangerjockey reply :
The 2019 Levante is hard to beat it the $200 range, heck it fishes more like $300.
Looks like the Patriot has gone away to me as well, I've seen a few spinning rods left.
It uses a NFC blank and they just don't seem to be able to supply the things. I'm surprised it doesn't seem to effect Kistler.
fishballer06 reply :
My recommendations in this price range.
Megabass Levante
St Croix Avid (or Avid X)
Shimano Zodias
Gloomis E6X
Dobyns Sierra
Kidflex reply :
The best rod under $200 imo is a hammer. You won’t regret it. If your willing to spend a little bit more, for $219 monster tackle has the lamiglas infinity rod 724c. It is an amazing stick!!!! Sensitivity is unbelievable.
dodgeguy reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 10:00 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:I have an old Bionic Blade that is still the best buzzbait rod I have ever used. I can't give it stellar marks for overall weight and balance, but it isn't bad and I don't really care for tip down presentations anyway. It has the perfect action to allow a fish to load up but still a lot of backbone to drive the hook home.
What techniques do you use that model for?
Ned rigs . Wacky rigs. T rig work in light cover.
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 10:05 PM, dodgeguy said:Ned rigs . Wacky rigs. T rig work in light cover.
They seem to be out of the Patriot rods in the last couple BPS I have been to.
LionHeart reply :
Diawa Tatula rods. Have been a fanboy of them for a while now. Just an excellent product for the money.
FrankN209 reply :
Powell makes excellent rods in that price range.
dodgeguy reply :
On 6/24/2019 at 7:25 AM, newyorktoiowa57 said:They seem to be out of the Patriot rods in the last couple BPS I have been to.
Hoping they restock. Great rods.
waymont reply :
Daiwa Tatula
G Loomis E6x
Dobyns Sierra
Shimano Curado
all solid rods in your price range.
Fishin Dad reply :
On 6/24/2019 at 9:28 AM, LionHeart said:Diawa Tatula rods. Have been a fanboy of them for a while now. Just an excellent product for the money.
LionHeart, I have an OG 6’10 mh Tatula that I really like. I am looking at the 7’0 M but it has a regular action. I wanted to use it for light bottom contact baits. If you have used this one, is it too soft for this type of presentation? Thanks
BassKicker42 reply :
Daiwa Tatula Elites are excellent rods right in the middle of your price range. For $100 on sportsman’s outfitters it’s hard to beat the new 2018 Tatula bass rods too. Dobyns Sierra would be my other choice hands down.
Crankin4Bass reply :
Shimano Zodias
new2BC4bass reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 10:44 AM, Trappernewt said:Megabass Levante in the Diablo Spec R. I have the Orochi Spec R and absolutely love it. I also have the OG Tatula and a few other rods in your price range including the St Croix Avid. IMO the OG tatula is the most sensitive rod that can be bought new for $150 (can be found for less). I’d go without 2019 Levante first and the tatula would be my second choice.
Great minds think alike. 
I have the Orochi Diablo Spec R and a few OG Tatulas. I am a big fan of the Tatulas. Never used a Levante.
EWREX reply :
I will vouch for the Daiwa Tatula Elite rods. I picked up the 7'3 MH Erhler edition about a month ago and it has been the best rod i've owned. Absolute workhorse and you can throw so much on it
LionHeart reply :
On 6/24/2019 at 8:46 PM, Fishin Dad said:LionHeart, I have an OG 6’10 mh Tatula that I really like. I am looking at the 7’0 M but it has a regular action. I wanted to use it for light bottom contact baits. If you have used this one, is it too soft for this type of presentation? Thanks
In my opinion, the Tatula "Regular" is basically a fast action rod. I owned and loved the 7'2" MH Regular for quite a while and it was a dedicated bottom contact rod. I think a medium power would make an outstanding 3/16-3/8 oz bottom contact rod.
Mikeltee reply :
I have the tatula elite ags finesse. Its more sensitive than the dobyns champion series. I love it. You may be able to get it for a little over $200. Its a great looking rod and the sv reel pairs well. I have no need for spinning gear with it. It chucks ned rigs and weightless worms fine. That is the extent of my bank finesse presentations.
Chief250 reply :
Helium 3 7'1 MH
newyorktoiowa57 reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 8:08 AM, Dens228 said:I recently purchased my first Megabass rod, the Levante 2019. $199 and I absolutely love it.
Most of my existing rods are St. Croix AvidX's and I'd put the Levante right with them.
Which Levante do you have?
hwright38 reply :
At the absolute top end of your budget, I like the Shimano Zodias / Abu Garcia Villain 2.0 much more than the E6X or Avid X. Better balance than the Avid X, and I just flat out don't like the E6X. I'm sure MegaBass makes an excellent rod, but good luck finding one in a store to try out first.
To save a bit, I'd go with one of the Phenix Feathers. INSANELY lightweight rods. They make my Villains (which are supposed to be pretty light themselves) feel hefty. Not as sensitive as the Villains though, imo. The feathers do fish a bit light (a MH is closer to a M), so go with one power higher. The 7'1 H is a perfect all around rod, and is lighter than anything you'll find in a store, and lighter than most period until you're spending absurd amounts. For reference, my 802s GLX (which retails for $419.99) isn't as feathery light as the $150 Phenix in a 7'1 MH (that's a full power and 5 extra inches). Only flaw is if you have bigger hands you may have a problem, the handle is super small.
Also, I've beat the crap out of both my Villains, and both my Feathers, and neither has shown any signs of breaking (well... Besides the time I stepped on my Villain and crushed the eyelets. But we don't talk about that). I've heard of durability issues with both of these rods, but I've been flipping bass and tearing up trees with both and never had an issue after 3 seasons on the Villain, and now into my second with the Feather.
Stephen B reply :
I love the MB Levantes. Other great options are Phenix Feather, St Croix Avid X, and Shimano Zodias.
Dens228 reply :
On 6/25/2019 at 12:08 PM, newyorktoiowa57 said:Which Levante do you have?
The Braillist and the Perfect Pitch.
KP Duty reply :
On 6/5/2019 at 6:32 PM, rangerjockey said:The 2019 Levante is hard to beat it the $200 range, heck it fishes more like $300.
Looks like the Patriot has gone away to me as well, I've seen a few spinning rods left.
It uses a NFC blank and they just don't seem to be able to supply the things. I'm surprised it doesn't seem to effect Kistler.
I like my edge rods, but seeing how gary runs a company makes me wonder how loomis ever made it big.
rangerjockey reply :
On 6/27/2019 at 10:15 PM, KP Duty said:I like my edge rods, but seeing how gary runs a company makes me wonder how loomis ever made it big.
Steve Rajeff had something to do with the success I'd bet.
BassThumb reply :
Dobyns Champion from American Legacy Fishing Company selling on Amazon or eBay.
Right around that $200 mark.
https://www.amazon.com/s?me=ANPC7UORF9UP5&rh=p_4%3ADobyns+Rods&dc&fst=as%3Aoff&qid=1561679276&ref=sr_in_-2_p_4_11
LongJohn87 reply :
dobyns fury or sierra you won't regret it. both are better than the avid, avid x, tatula, levante, e6x...
haggard reply :
Supposedly StC runs a little on the heavier side, so your do-all MH/F rod in other brands might be a M/F in StC.
St. Croix Premiere M/F, spinning or baitcasting, around $140-150 (I found the baitcaster as low as $120 at a local shop). Definitely a "do all".
If you want to step it up a notch (more sensitive blank) check out the Avid but let's just say if I was told I could have only do-all one rod for bass fishing and it was a Premiere M/F, I'd be very pleased.
rangerjockey reply :
On 6/28/2019 at 7:51 AM, adnan123 said:dobyns fury or sierra you won't regret it. both are better than the avid, avid x, tatula, levante, e6x...
Which model Levante have you fished ?
dodgeguy reply :
Any off bass pro shops rods from the carbonlite to the Patriot are in your price range. They are all outstanding in there price ranges.
superkamikazee reply :
I have a Lews Speed Stick TP-1, 7' MH, really like that rod. Light, sensitive, nice guides, and strong enough to pull decent fish out of the thick stuff. $100 rod.
GReb reply :
I own rods all over the $100-$275 spectrum and if I had to pick the most versatile it would be the Dobyns Fury 734c. You can get one for under $90 at academy right now. However if you are going to be using it for mainly bottom contact or cranks there are better option.
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