I have already chosen my reel and it is the h20 mettle reel. I will be using this for a lot of crankbaits and basically just general purpose. What affordable rod should I buy? I don't want to spend any more than around 60 bucks. Thanks!

I think the Berkley lightning rods are a great value. I used their spinning rods and for the price I'm impressed.

That's what I hear. I'm very new to fishing, though. Would I want a medium/heavy or what version of that rod?

I can recommend both the Berkley Lightning Shock rods and the Abu Garcia Vengeance rods.

 

If you're planning on doing mostly cranking, topwater, or jerkbaits, go with a medium. 

 

If you'd rather throw plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits, etc, go with a medium heavy. 

 

If you go with an Abu Garcia, just remember that their ratings are a bit on the stiff side. So if you get an Abu Garcia M, it's more on the side of a MH and is the best of both worlds. In other words, it works for a lot of things, not quite being either a M or a MH. 

I think the Berkley lightning rods are a great value. I used their spinning rods and for the price I'm impressed.

Ive heard that from several people but the three i had all broke reeling in fish under 5lbs and berkley did nothing for me... just sayin..

I have two lightning shock rods. A spinning and a baitcaster. Never had a problem. 

Since you have an h2o reel how about an h2o Composite Cranker? I like mine for squarebills.

Since you have an h2o reel how about an h2o Composite Cranker? I like mine for squarebills.

This. I know at least 4 other local guys that have them along with the one I own. Great rod for squarebills to mid range cranks. If you're going to fish deep cranks a lot they have a bigger cranking rod as well. 

I stand by Abu Garcia. The vengeance rod is a great rod, and about $70. If you want a decent rod I have gotten the Abu Garcia vigilante rod from Wal-Mart for under $40.