In the market for a bass jig rod, been a while since I followed new products or bought anything new for fishing so i'm looking for advice on a new rod.

 

Looking for a caster, under $200 (I understand "add a little and get xxxx" but you can just keep adding and adding and it gets out of hand, 200 is pretty close to max), Lure weight range around 1/2 oz + - a little, probaly nothing over 3/4oz, fishing up to medium cover.

 

Curently using a abu vendetta and not really a fan... I have a spinning model as my backup all purpose rod which did the job fine but I really don't like the caster model I bought.

 

Also wondering what line people would recommend for bass jigging setup?

The rod will be paired with a shimano citica reel.

Abu 8' Villain

I would get at least a 7' rod. I'm getting the *** Black 7'3" MH for what you're using but I'm mostly throwing 3/8 and 1/2 oz so you may want to bump it up to the heavy power.

 

I like using 30-40 lb braid with jigs with a 15-20 lb fluoro leader. Some like straight fluoro, though

What type of jig fishing? Flipping to heavy cover in shallow water is very different from casting in open/deep water. Dragging a football and swimming thru shallow cover are also different from the first two...

I would exclude flipping, since you would just use a regular flipping stick and braid for that most likely.

For everything else, a good all around model would be something around 7' (6'8" to 7'2" or so) with line/lure ratings of 12-20lb and 1/4-1oz. Depending on make and model that could be either a MH or H. 15 or 17 lb flouro.

St Croix and Powell make excellent rods in your price range, can't go wrong with either.

I haven't actually fished with one but I've been hearing excellent things about the fenwick aetos.

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/tournament-rod-reel-okuma.html

I don't own any rods over $200, so I am ignorant and can't speak to the qualities of rods over this price point.  However, last year I got a Fenwick AETOS 7'2" MH and that has become my favorite soft plastic/jig rod.  It can easily handle quarter ounce jig worms and 16 to 21 gram jika rigs (weight before adding plastic)

 

I really like the rubberized cork handle.

B&R Outlaw rod MH. It's a great rod, sensitive, light, and costs around $149.00

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll take a look into those rods.

As for the application, I fish a shallower lake, usually around docks, rock piles, light - medium weed cover nothing too heavy.

I guess for me anyway, I would search for a used like new Loomis Imx or Glx, they pop up here and there, fairly often... In a hurry? I would choose a St. Croix Avid Rod... In whatever length or power you want... They have it...

Don't overlook the Phenix line.

They don't get a lot of play here but the thier M1 line would suit you just fine.

Mike