Hi, this is my first post on the site so bear with me. A couple days ago I snapped my pole , i honestly cant remember what brand it was (something cheap) but i figured i may as well get a decent pole that will last me a long time... i've been looking and looking but with so many options it has me confused. i'm looking for a decent all-around bass fishing rod and reel around $200 or less. i mostly fish with soft plastics but occasionally ill throw a crank bait or top water frog. thanks in advance

Hi welcome to Bass Resource. Are you looking for a casting or a spinning rod?

whoops, forgot one of the most important details lol, probably spinning! thats what i've always used.

Look at a Shimano Symetre 3000 reel and a St Croix Premier rod, I'd suggest 6'6" medium power fast action for a good all purpose setup. For a slightly cheaper reel the Pflueger President is well regarded. You could also consider a Shimano Compre rod, and I've had good experience with BPS Extreme rods in the past. In those you may want to consider a medium heavy power though, depends on the weight you want to throw.

Others will have plenty of recommendations I'm sure. If you can get to a store hold and play with everything you can in your price range to see what feels good to you.

I agree with what was said above. Go to the biggest retailer that is closest to you and have at it. Try out the top five rods that you have researched and gets your attention and go check them out. Even better, take your reel with you and see how the weight and balance feels with each rod.  Good luck. Look at carbonlite's, at BPS if one is close to you. They are half the price of your current budget.