SMITTY0045

Dang, I didn't know they still have that sale on right now. I'm gonna have to hop over to their site real quick... thanks for letting me know!

Just to throw a rod in closer to the $150 side, the Daiwa Tatula rods are fantastic for their price. They are incredibly sensitive and durable ( not to mention some of the lightest rods I've held). Highly recommend if you are looking to go toward the lower end of your price range

I got one for Christmas (7'1" MH) and I have been fishing for the last couple weeks now that we are seeing more open water. So far I think this is a great rod. It feels lighter than the last generation and they seem to be super sensitive. I can't really compare it to the Avid X, because I've never used one, but for around $120 I think these are easily worth the money

I agree, I typically only throw 50lb on a heavy rod. You may be able to get away with it, but on a MH rod I typically try to keep it around 30lb test if I'm using braid

You could always look at Bass Pro while you wait. Their spring classic is going on right now and they have some decent sales on certain rods (primarily their own)

I have a Pro Series (essentially a carbon steel, TW exclusive). It's a great rod, I wouldn't worry about the line touching the blank. Mine does it sometimes but it hasn't been an issue. It usually only happens when I have a hog on the line anyways

$100-$200 is a pretty big price range. I would look into the Kistler rods, I think they have a few in this price range. I also agree with looking at the Rage rods. They are on sale for $89 last time I looked in the bargain room on their website

Dang, wish my Walmart carried those, that's a great deal. I have had one for a few years now, they are super sensitive, light, and very durable

The gear ratio does not necessarily indicate what did it should be paired with. If you are fairly new to fishing though I would try to find a rod that is a 7' MH. That should make for a good all around set up.

Is this sale just in stores? I couldn't find it online

Definitely fluorocarbon. And probably on the lighter side as well.

I use a Daiwa Tatula 7'2" H and a Revo SX ( check Amazon on the reel, about $30 off)

Good to know, I'll definitely have to start shopping there more

And these guys are reputable?

I still typically get my stuff through Amazon, or at least my reels. I have not ordered a rod from there yet so I cannot really speak to what it is packaged in. TW would be a good place to look for rods, they seem to always have some good rods on sale

It is definitely worth it. I've had one for a while now and they are super sensitive and durable. I would say it's one of the best in its price range at its regular price

I agree, these rods really do fish like $100, but they seem to always be on sale

I like the Daiwa Tatula personally. It's super light, durable, and it makes feeling out a bite incredibly easy.

Obviously everyone is going to have there preference when it comes to reels in this price range. I'm just curious as to why you prefer the reel that you do. I'm not necessarily looking to hear what everyone likes, more to what makes the reel you like better than the rest in the price range

The Revo MGX fits this criteria. It was on sale at the DSG by me for $259

I can't speak for the Diesel, but between the other two I like the Ethos. It's lighter and more sensitive IMO.

Personally I like the Orra Sx or the Speed Spool. Can't go wrong with either

I would say football jigs, light swim baits, and Carolina Rigs

For me it depends on the clarity of the body of water. If it is a clear lake, or it's during the spawn, I will use somewhere between 15-20# fluorocarbon. You want line with less stretch because you need more power in your hook sets. If it is murky or stained water I usually go with 40-50# braid. Over all I prefer using the braid (less stretch and seems to be more sensitive), but you have to play it to the conditions

I think you pretty much have it all covered, the only thing I would recommend is another bait casting set up with a shorter rod, somewhere between 6'6" and 6'9", probably in a medium action rod. I think you could use this rod for top water and jerk baits. Personally I think a rod about this size will more comfortably fish those baits.