Decided on the Daiwa Tatula CT reel. Need to pair it with the best rod between $50-100. 

They are on the high end of the price scale, but the St Croix Bass X line are decent rods for $100. They have a handful of choices for length, power and actions. 

Dobyns Colt rods are very good for the price, they are around $80.  

What do you intend to throw?

 

For $50 the Daiwa Aird-X rods are very good. For $100 there are lots of good options.

Berkley Vengeance, best $50 rod out there IMO.  

35 minutes ago, Junger said:

What do you intend to throw?

 

For $50 the Daiwa Aird-X rods are very good. For $100 there are lots of good options.

x2 on the Aird-X rods...I have 3 and have been pleased by all.

Since its a daiwa reel pair it up with a daiwa rod.

Check out the Daiwa Procyon castings rods.

Around $80.

24 ton graphite rating.

They seem pretty light and sensitive for the price.

Why not a Daiwa Tatula XT?  Great match

My brother has a CT paired with the Aird-X 7'3" MHF. He loves that combo even though he has far more expensive setups. Thinks it's just a great match. When we fish together he wants me to fish with it cause he can't believe how good it is. It's a fine general purpose setup.

Berkeley lightning rod at $40 is surprisingly good. The regular one, not the shock series. 

Dobyns colt is nice as well. 

Falcon HD.  Blown away with the rod you get for $70.

You can usually find a Dobyn's Fury for around $100.  I have only handled it in stores but I would say it is definitely a quality rod for the money.

Tatula (if you shop you can get for around $100) or Tatula XT.  Another option is Shimano SLX.  Great rods for the money.

21 minutes ago, Tizi said:

Tatula (if you shop you can get for around $100) or Tatula XT.  Another option is Shimano SLX.  Great rods for the money.

I have a few of the tatula xt rods, very nice. I also have a slx same size and power as one of my xt rods, I prefer the xt.

Get the Ark Sniper from TW while it's on closeout.  They only have 1 model (7'6' mh extra fast) but it makes for a pretty good all purpose rod.  $64 right now with the Labor Day discount. Can't be beat.

I need to try an Aird.

 

I bought a Berkley E Motion and it is on its way.  They are $37 on closeout.  They were $90 when in production.

Falcon Bucoo SR for my $100

The E motions are buy one get one 1/2 off now....of course they do this RIGHT after I order!

Honestly, if Daiwa made the Aird in 6' with the same power, taper, etc as the 6'6" M, I'd be using it for creek work. The Aird is, quite possibly, the best $55 rod available. I've used and abused a 6'6" M. 

12 hours ago, LionHeart said:

Falcon Bucoo SR for my $100

I agree, they are a great rod for $100. Right now, get it for $85 at TW.