I have used spinning rods for my entire life and have gotten very comfortable with them. However, I would like to upgrade and start to use baitcasting rods. Any suggestions for quality baitcasting rods for beginners?

Edited November 26, 20169 yr by derekoz22
Typo

First welcome to the forum.  Second a budget is always appreciated.  Third, what techniques do you prefer?  Some good reading.

 

Personally my first pick for an all-around baitcast rod is a 7'-7'3" MHF.  Preferably one rated 1/4-1 oz. rather than a 1/4-3/4 oz. rod, but that wouldn't be a deal breaker.  The Fury and new Mojo have been getting recommended a lot lately.  I prefer to buy closeouts...or big sales...when buying new.  A rod I like a lot is the original Tatula series.  Look to Sportsman's Outfitters for some of the best prices.  In this case either the 6'10" MHF or 7'1" MH-XF.  I also am a fan of Fenwick rods.  The HMG is a nice place to start although with the HMG the 7' MF...1/4-3/4 oz. would be my first choice over the 7' MHF because of its 3/8-1 oz. rating as I like to occasionally throw a lighter lure than 3/8 oz.

Some store brands such as Carbonlite, Tournament ZX and Ethos get very good reviews.  Getting a very nice rod for $100 is a lot better possibility than it was just a few short years ago.

I would recommend a st croix avid 70mhf.  This is not your first fishing rod and you get a taste of quality without braking the bank.  Its a great rod and not one that you will want to replace as soon as you figure out what is going on.  A great work horse rod sensitive enough for bottom contact and strong enough to frog in a pinch.