I need to pick up a couple new casting rods and am wondering what direction to go in.  I need both a jig and jerkbait stick.  I was leaning towards Duckett Micro Magics.  I'd like to stay in the Micro Magic price range.  Your thoughts?

Curious what people will be recommending. I am personally thinking of getting a tatula rod, I can get one for CAD$124. Good review on tackle tour.

Ugly Stik best bang for the buck

Ugly Stik best bang for the buck

LMAO  !! Are you joking or being legit?

I think you're gonna get a LOT of different answers to this question. I love me some Micro Magics though. Other solid recommendations you'll hear are Abu Garcia Veritas, *** ***, Cabelas Tournament ZX house rods, Tatula... the list is quite expansive. There seems to be quite a lot of great options for sub $200 these days. 

Your probably going to get a bunch of different answers. I'd say get what feels good. Or what rod offers the best warranty or options.

A phenix maxium

I can only comment on the rods I have.....which is rather limited.  The *** Black is one.  I also feel my Fenwick rods offer an awful lot for their price.  I picked up some Tatula rods after it got too cold to fish.  New for less than $95 with tax.  I have a feeling 2 of them are going to work out very well.  Berkley Lightning rods are well worth the price.

*** Black, Fenwick HMG, Phenix Maxim, Daiwa Tatula. All really solid choices. 

I gotta say I just got a Lew's custom speed stick for 129 and it is very impressive. I hope to do a review of them later if I aquire more

Daiwa has put a lot of good stuff ( guides, reel seat and workmanship) into theTatula rods and a top choice in the $150 price bracket.

Another rod to look at is Aaron Martens Enigma series rods at $170. Aaron had problems with the MicroWave guides freezing during the Classic, if sub freezing weather is a factor where you fish, then not a good choice. Aaron is anal about detail and performance, the rods should be good.

Tom

I've been considering one of these thanks WRB

St.Croix Mojo bass

It's hard to beat a Duckett, but I'd also look into the Dobyns Savvy Series as I tend to prefer them for that price range. 

Considering you can find sub $100 Tatulas, that's certainly some bang and not a lot of bucks. Omens are solid rods and the blank is one of the best you'll find sub $250. However the build quality is inconsistent but that's not unreasonable at $100. The Phenix Maxim has good components but it's new and I have not seen any reviews. I'd probably buy an *** for jigs and a Tatula for jerkbaits, depending on your preferred power, taper, and length. I do a lot with a MH ***.

Fenwick is hard to beat.....a lot of rod for the price.

With the way everything is now, just about any rod in that price range is going to be good. My personal preference is Fenwick, their lengths, powers, actions, and aesthetics work well for the way I fish. I have casting and spinning in their Aetos and Smallmouth series and a casting in the HMG and I can honestly say I'm extremely happy with all of them. If I were you, I'd look at things you specifically need like reel seats, some guys won't use anything but a Fuji ECS, for me, I happen to like the ACS and the new SK2 sjkeleton is even better, but look at those items as well along with guides and pretty soon you'll narrow the field down. Good luck.