Hi guys, this is my first post! I have a nice Shakespear Deceiver 1040 spinning reel and I want to pair it with a rod. I was wondering if anyone knew a good rod that is cheap, (under $50). I need a versatile rod because I want to do a variety of bass fishing and pike fishing with it. I prefer a lighter more bendable rod that doenst feel like overkill for the small/medium sized fish but I need something that can handle the occasional decent sized pike. Does anyone have any recommendation? Also what kind of line do you recommend for bass pike fishing? Thanks alot!

I think the lightning rods are a great option in that price range. I accidently caught a 36" pike on the spinning model I have a couple weeks ago.

Pike and Bass Rods are mutually exclusive lol. Unless you catch huge bass and small pike it would be better for you to save 100$ and split it. A good 50$ rod would be the H20 Ethos.

unless you're fishing in large pike waters (upper Canada), most conventional bass rods will be fine for pike fishing. anything in the 7'-8' mh or h will suit fine for pike fishing.

I can't think of anything better than a Lightning Rod Shock for the intended use you desire, or for the $$.

Lightning rod x2

To me a bass rod and pike rod are two different setups. I picked up a 8' inshore rod for the great northern pike. It's borderline light salt water rod. These can be found affordable.

I agree about inshore rods, which I use for bass fishing.  I have a Calico Jack Med that I like a lot.  Both the fore and rear grip is ample and have the backbone to handle snook and jacks, about 60 bucks

I tried a Berkley Shock on the advice of a friend. It worked well with fluoro and EWG hooks. Pair one with a Revo, it's so light, my old combo was twice as heavy. Cant beat em for the money.

Ugly Stik!

Shimano sojorn mh, about$30., plenty of backbone.  I had a HVY  I was using for 40" fish, too much rod for me, I gave it away and he loves it.