I'm spitballing ideas for a 4th rod, 100 bucks is the absolute maximum I'd want to spend. Going to be used mostly for hook-exposed finesse bass applications. Wacky rig, ned rig, nose-hooking weightless flukes, dropshotting if I ever feel like actually trying it out, occasionally also throwing panfish jigs and nightcrawlers under bobbers. I'm wanting something short, like in the 5'8-6'3 range, because it'll be used on a kayak or off a covered dock most of the time and I've learned how annoying longer rods can be to deal with in those situations. 

 

Anyone have any ideas? I haven't done a huge amount of research, but so far I've only found that the St. Croix Triumph and Fenwick HMG have rods that meet most of my parameters. 

I think you meant the Fenwick HMG, and those are great rods.

4 minutes ago, Glaucus said:

I think you meant the Fenwick HMG, and those are great rods.

Yeah, I meant HMG, good catch.

 

I was leaning the Fenwick at first until I snapped the tip off my U/L Eagle and now I'm kinda waffling on the brand and wanting to see what else is available. And depending on how the warranty situation goes with, the M/L I'm wanting to buy might flat-out replace it since I've came to learn that I really never throw anything that light. 

I have the Triumph. Its 6'6", so its 3" longer than your requirements, but its definitely worth a look.

 

It's very versatile. Caught Bluegill, Crappie, Bass and Catfish on it and its handled it all well.

 

I have UL to heavy spinning and casting rods, but if I can only take 1 rod for multiple species it would be the Triumph.

 

 

I had a 5'6" shimano spinning rod that was 2 peice think it was a convergance older generation sold it no clue why wish i kept it now ..i dont see many spinning rods now 5 ft 6 with med heavy action anymore all light and ultra light

I'm almost exclusively a kayak and canoe angler, use a St. Croix 5'6" M powered rod every time I go out.

 

Advantages? 1) short casting accuracy, 2) fishing under overhanging trees/low bridges, 3) Power (short lever) over big bass, 4) no rod butt in the belly while seated.  I could go on and on.

 

Its advantages are just so extreme for the short work we do with finesse applications from kayaks.

 

I am not a home to look, but I think I had to go to a St. Croix 6 footer to get an MH power. It is also a wonderful option.

 

Brad

What kind of taper should I be looking for? Alot of the stuff I'm finding in my price range is moderate-fast. Would I be fine getting hook sets with that? Would the fact that the rod is short give me a little more leverage? 

14 hours ago, Brad Reid said:

I'm almost exclusively a kayak and canoe angler, use a St. Croix 5'6" M powered rod every time I go out.

 

Advantages? 1) short casting accuracy, 2) fishing under overhanging trees/low bridges, 3) Power (short lever) over big bass, 4) no rod butt in the belly while seated.  I could go on and on.

 

Its advantages are just so extreme for the short work we do with finesse applications from kayaks.

 

I am not a home to look, but I think I had to go to a St. Croix 6 footer to get an MH power. It is also a wonderful option.

 

Brad

X2 on this rod. I skip docks with it.  St. Croix has a 5'9" Avid Mxf that has a line/lure rating closer to a ML, go for that one if you can get a used one.

A little more than you want to spend but I do recommend the St Croix eyecon series.  They have short rods 

On 6/5/2019 at 11:30 AM, Brad Reid said:

I'm almost exclusively a kayak and canoe angler, use a St. Croix 5'6" M powered rod every time I go out.

 

Advantages? 1) short casting accuracy, 2) fishing under overhanging trees/low bridges, 3) Power (short lever) over big bass, 4) no rod butt in the belly while seated.  I could go on and on.

 

Its advantages are just so extreme for the short work we do with finesse applications from kayaks.

 

I am not a home to look, but I think I had to go to a St. Croix 6 footer to get an MH power. It is also a wonderful option.

 

Brad

Is that a St Croix Premier?

I like a 6 footer too for the same applications in a kayak. I had trouble finding anything short and wound up getting a Berkley Lighting Shock 6' medium a couple years ago at Walmart for $40. The handle is short and doesn't hit my PFD. I have the previous generation with the cork handle. It's cheaper than what your looking for but it works well. 

Abu Garcia Vendetta in 6’3” ml. $80

A few St Croix Triumph 30% off

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/bargain-cave/fishing/rods/pc/105591780/c/105740280/sc/105742080/st-croix-triumph-spinning-rods/738312.uts?slotId=8

 

On 6/6/2019 at 2:03 PM, Crankin4Bass said:

Is that a St Croix Premier?

Sorry for the delay. Out and about still.

 

Yes, a PS56MF in the Premier series. Just so great for a kayak anger . . . so great!!!

 

Brad