If you have seen any of my other posts, you know I'm trying to build a casting arsenal (6 rods) on a very little budget. Most of my arsenal will consist of first gen Lightning Rods but they do not have a moderate action rod as a option. This rod will be walking a spook 90% of the time, the other 10% it will be running jr. size Whopper Plopper. Looking to spend around $45-55. Please any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

If I have to go $10-15 dollars over I will, but trying not to... 

The medium power Lightning rod is a moderate fast action, if that's acceptable to you. Personally true moderate and true extra fast actions aren't something I mess with, I dislike them very much. Moderate fast and fast is all I use. But that's just me. 

 

I would recommend getting 3 nice setups rather than 6 ok-ish setups. A M/MF, MH/F, H/F would easily cover most things for you. One of the common things you'll see people talking about later down the line is regret over getting a bunch of decent setups rather than a handful of nice setups. Add more to the arsenal over a period of time as money allows.

A MH Lightning rod shock model

Shop the close out racks at Walmart & Academy & Dicks's and hope for the best.  I've gotten decent rods at all these places out of the close out bins.  Don't get in a hurry, but have your money available to pop when you have find a good deal.  Just last week I found a couple of All Star Rods ( the purple ones) on the close out rack for $50 and they are an upgrade for a couple of rigs, so I bought them.

 

Know anyone in a bass club near you?  No doubt some of those guys have a few extra rigs.  Wish you lived closer - I've got some errands around my farm that need doing and it would be easier for me to pay with a couple of decent spare fishing rigs than money.

15 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

 Wish you lived closer - I've got some errands around my farm that need doing and it would be easier for me to pay with a couple of decent spare fishing rigs than money.

Man, working for fishing gear would be awesome

You cant go wrong with an Ugly Stik Elite at that price range. I would assume they make what you desire. My ML makes me wonder why I pay $300 for rods.