opinions for best big game rod, i dont want a huge setup, just a smaller reel and like 7' rod..

What are you calling big game?

like to where i could catch channel catfish, and carp, and gar

Uglystik

4000 series Shimano Sienna and a big ugly stik.

I don't know anything about gar, but the other two species are often caught using worms. I would think a spinning rod with a very soft tip would be best for nightwalkers.  I have an old...very old.....Fenwick 9' rod called Nightcrawler Secret (fiberglass) for use with................wait for it..................live nightcrawlers.    Lots of flex, but will still land a pretty big fish.

Now if you are going to be using baits that aren't easily thrown off the hook, then a rod with more power should work fine.  All 3 species can get pretty big so I'd be looking for a MH rod.  One thing you should always mention is how much you are willing to spend.  There are guys here where $50 is all they can afford while others have no problem buying rods for $500.

 

Or you could look at something like the St. Croix Legend Elite for $400    Or a  Megabass Orochi XX for less.  Or a ARMS Super Legerra starting at about $999.  This is why a budget is always a good thing to mention.

What is your definition of a big game fishing rod and what's the maximum size fish you plan on fishing for?

On 11/19/2016 at 7:20 PM, Undergroundbassin said:

opinions for best big game rod, i dont want a huge setup, just a smaller reel and like 7' rod..

 

Bud I picked up a Shakespeare "tiger" spinning rod and reel combo at walmart in a discount section for 17.99!!! I believe the reel only has one bearing.. but how I fish for catfish it does just fine.  It's a bigger rod and reel and it was exactly what I was looking for.. I spooled it with 30lb braid and have landed 2 catfish on it between 25-28" . Got them in no problem and I liked it so much I went and bought another one. I'm not sure how long they'll last but for the price dude it could not be beat! The rod is nice and stout and i couldn't be more happy with the purchase. 

 

I'd say an Ugly Stick and an Abu Garcia round baitcaster with the bait clicker would make a great combo for that kind of fishing! 

Ugly stik catfish rod with a Swedish made Abu ambassador

18 hours ago, Yeajray231 said:

Bud I picked up a Shakespeare "tiger" spinning rod and reel combo at walmart in a discount section for 17.99!!! I believe the reel only has one bearing.. but how I fish for catfish it does just fine.  It's a bigger rod and reel and it was exactly what I was looking for.. I spooled it with 30lb braid and have landed 2 catfish on it between 25-28" . Got them in no problem and I liked it so much I went and bought another one. I'm not sure how long they'll last but for the price dude it could not be beat! The rod is nice and stout and i couldn't be more happy with the purchase. 

 

ive had this combo myself, except the older model. i used it for everything and it had success. i still have the rod, i gave the reel to my uncle when i stripped the handle threads on one side, i moved the handle to the other side but since i cant/dont reel with my right hand i gave it to my uncle who does, still going strong too...for 20 bucks its not a bad combo at all, it will handle the above fish. the rod is a 7ft medium but its thicker around than a 7ft ugly stick would be...

Going to depend a lot on the size of the fish you're targeting. I fish for those species mostly with a 7' MH Ugly Stick lite, Okuma Avenger 30 baitfeeder, and 20lb braid. I've landed blue cats up to 30 pounds with it so it will handle any channel, carp, or gar you're going to encounter.