I'm retired and getting back into fishing, need some advice. I cast 1/4 oz lures a lot, and the rod I bought isn't the best for the purpose. I bought a Fenwick 

Aetos, 6'6" Medium, Fast action. I'm looking for something with a little more action for casting 1/4 oz lures. I love the sensitivity of the rod that I have and don't want to give it up, so I'm wondering if graphite is required. For $100 or less, what would you recommend? Any help appreciated.

I have found that fenwick, and some other companies, Rate the power of their rods differently. 

 

I had a fenwick hmg 6'6" medium that just wouldn't load up for 1/4 Oz lures, sold it and bought a fenwick hmg 6'9 ml-f that does a much better job, but the tip is soft, good for finnese / drop shotting. 

 

I also highly recommend the st Croix mojo spinning rod, 6'8" m-xf. I have no problems at all with 1/4 Oz lures and the action of the rod is perfect. I use it for everything from soft plastics to hard lures with trebles. 

Lews Mach Speed Stick fits exactly what you are looking for and its only $80

7 foot ML HMG or a Dobyns Fury 702 would be great. I think the Dobyns is around $110 though.

 

 

2 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

7 foot ML HMG or a Dobyns Fury 702 would be great. I think the Dobyns is around $110 though.

 

 

 

Black Friday is coming up. That Dobyns Fury will be under $100 on tacklewarehouse. For under $100, it's an amazing deal.

Welcome to the forum.  I see you are nearly as old as I am.    Definitely keep the Aetos.  Graphite rods will (should) be more sensitive than glass or composite.  I seldom use a spinning rod anymore, but when I do it is for the lighter stuff.  You may want to consider a ML if heavy cover is not a problem.  I like my HMG rods, and the MLs seem to run 1/8-5/8 oz. so 1/4 oz. should be fine.

 

I have an old (very old) Berkley Lightning spinning rod that would fit the bill.  Has caught more fish than any other rod I own even though it seldom gets used nowadays.

 

I've only got one St. Croix and it is a casting rod.  Their spinning rods get great reviews.  The model Luke suggested is highly regarded.

 

Wish I could be of more help, but I went to casting rods almost exclusively when I got back into fishing in '09.

Thanks for the help so far guys, I'm doing my research. One thing to add, two piece would sure be handier. 

Heavy weed cover, as mentioned, isn't a problem, so medium-light may be a good option.

I'm keeping the Fenwick that I have, it's a good rod, just won't cast as far as I need. My Dad had Fenwicks way back when, and I still remember the feeling of trout bites in streams when I was a kid. 

I just got an old Shimano Bullwhip, 6'6", and that thing's a casting fool. I wish the tip were a little less whippy though, but it's a fun graphite rod. 

Dobyns Colts series CL692SF 6'9" medium light fast 1/8-1/2 oz lures should be right in your ball park at $80.

Tom