I've been a casual saltwater guy and decided it's time to get at some largemouths. I've been using my 2500 spinner but have upgraded to a Tatula SV casting reel and need a matching rod. I prefer 2 piece rods (car situation) and have a $200 in gift cards from Cabela's. I'm thinking of getting in the 7ft range (in case I want to use it for saltwater surf fishing). Any suggestions? I believe Cabela's and BPS gift cards are interchangeable. 

Dobyns Furry!

Then look at Cabelas house rods that are 2-piece in either M or MH. I have a 2-piece mag touch Cabelas rod which I love to death and is a trunk rod. 

 

It has landed trout, blue gill, largies, smallies, and salmon. 

 

Plenty sensitive and everything is excellent. Now, they no longer carry this line, but if I were to buy another 2-piece rod it would be from one of their upper end lines or a Shimano or Fenwick. I have very sensitive hands so I don’t need a Loomis or similar rod in my hands. Even an ugly stik is sensitive in my hands without even using braid. However, many of those higher end rods are one piece and it therefore dont meet my needs. 

 

To others that might take umbrage about my comments about higher end rods, please note it’s got a little tongue and cheek. I wouldnt mind using one, I’m just not willing to spend $ on such rods. Too clumsy is the primary reason and secondary reason is my two piece rods get more  use. It would be a crime to have high end rods become glorified dust collectors in the garage lol. 

Try looking at an Abu Garcia Veritas 2.0 2 piece. Absolutely love mine!!

Welcome aboard!

 

Was gonna say to check Cabela's house rods, as @islandbass

recommended, so yeah, good idea!  Though I've only put

hands on them in-store, they were nice feeling, balanced rods.

 

As for Bass Pro, their Carbonlite lineup is quite nice and super

light....

Nice. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

I gotta catch me my first largie soon! I've been skunked the past several sessions but I think I'm progressing by at least getting bites (on the drop-shot). Now the fishing bug has got a hold of me! Now I just want to get nice comfortable rod(s) that I can get around with.

Carbonlites are on sale, looks like a leading option at a good price point too: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-carbonlite-20-casting-rod

 

There are a few other rods on sale over on BPS but this looks like the leader in the clubhouse. Thoughts?

St croix makes a good two peice.

your back seat doesnt come down?

 

id also look at st croix.

Back seat does come down but I like having my rods in the trunk at all times. I'll check out the St. Croixs.  

4 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard!

 

Was gonna say to check Cabela's house rods, as @islandbass

recommended, so yeah, good idea!  Though I've only put

hands on them in-store, they were nice feeling, balanced rods.

Indeed. They don’t only feel good they perform well too. 

 

With $200 from Cabelas, it’s almost like getting whatever recommendations given as a gift. Free, if Cabelas carries it lol!

I have $150 credit now. I bought the Cabela's Advanced Angler's Backpack. Looks like I'll be able to lug around lots of stuff https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-ADVANCED-ANGLER-BACKPACK/2398196.uts?slotId=2. 

 

Still trying to find a nice all around casting 2 piece rod for $150....

I would really take a look at the st croix mojo bass 2 piece rods.  I have been trying to find one to get my hands on for a while now, but the one piece ones feel great for the price.  

 

I have been looking at the MJC68MHF2 to use as a hike-in frog rod. 

I'm leaning towards the Carbonlite 2.0 rod. It has some good reviews and under $100. The Mojo has a few complaints of it breaking easily and about $40 more. Thanks, everyone! I'll try to post a quick take on it once I get it. 

The tourney trail rods are great, you could probably buy 2

As others have said, I would look at the Cabelas or Bass Pro rods. Both make great rods for the money and I think they both have two piece rods in there rods that are around $100

St Croix mojo, Bass Pro carbonlite, and fenwick hmg would be my short list.