Hello,

 

I’m looking for a new rod for my Shimano Bantum Curado reel. I rarely fish anymore, so it’ll only get used a couple times a year. I’m currently using a hand-be-down 5’6” rod that’s likely as old as me (yes, it’s terrible). I’m looking for a universal rod that can be used with rubber worms (used with a small weight), medium weight jugs, small to medium crankbaits and medium sized spinners/buzz baits. I’m hoping I can find a decent rod in the $50-$70 price range, that can be a universal rod. My initial thought was a rod that was a MH and 6’6,” but I’m open to suggestions, and I’m clueless on the action that I need. I’d like it to be able to cast the lighter worms/cranks/spinners ok, but also be able to handle the medium weight ones too. I mainly fish farm ponds without heavy brush, using 8-12 pound test line, from a boat or from the bank. Any suggestions on a decent, entry level rod that would work okay in these circumstances?  Once again, I’m not looking to buy multiple rods as I’m looking for a decent do-it-all, entry level rod. Thanks for any help!

I'd go to Walmart and get an Ugly Stik GX2 $40 

I've been very happy with my 7' MH/F Diawa Aird-X - retail is $55. Should handle everything you stated. It does come in a 6'6" as well.

Berkley lightning rod, 6'6" MH-F. About $35 and a pretty decent rod. 

All good options above, and the Dobyns Colt 703 & 734 can be had for $48+$25 shipping right now.

Would there be any rod that is significantly better if I spent $90-100?

On 3/28/2020 at 1:51 PM, cals400ex said:

Would there be any rod that is significantly better if I spent $90-100?

 

Yes, imho there would be. As an example...  https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-DAIWAROD.html?from=basres

I recommend the Lew’s Laser SG1 for $49.99 or the Lew’s Hank Parker Speed Stick (Walmart exclusive) for $39.74

These are my favorite rods under $50 They are really nice underrated rods. 

 

 Falcon HD 6'8" . Should be ModFast so can cast anything and lure rating 1/4 to 3/4. $70 free shipping on Amazon. 

1 hour ago, kayaking_kev said:

All good options above, and the Dobyns Colt 703 & 734 can be had for $48+$25 shipping right now.

Dobyns Fury FR734C also on sale.

Tom

3 hours ago, cals400ex said:

Would there be any rod that is significantly better if I spent $90-100?

Yes. Normally I recommend buying the best you can afford, but if it's only being used a few times a year, I don't see the point in spending that much. 

3 hours ago, NYWayfarer said:

I recommend the Lew’s Laser SG1 for $49.99 or the Lew’s Hank Parker Speed Stick (Walmart exclusive) for $39.74

These are my favorite rods under $50 They are really nice underrated rods. 

 

The SG1 is a good suggestion. If you aren’t fishing but a few times a year (really the SG1 is good for more) then it is a decent rod.

23 minutes ago, Smalls said:

Yes. Normally I recommend buying the best you can afford, but if it's only being used a few times a year, I don't see the point in spending that much. 

Emphasis on this. I get out once a week during season (May-Oct) if I'm lucky...so I don't have expensive rods. The most expensive ones I have are a pair of Dobyns Furys...out of ten rigs...both of which I got on sale.

 

Don't need expensive rigs to catch fish.

if you're open to a 2pc. rod ... Kastking Perigee II 7' (amazon best seller) gives you 2 pieces that cover medium and medium heavy action ... i own this rod and it gives up no sensitivity ... personally, believe you need a medium heavy rod to set the hook on the bigger bass you may encounter ...

 

if the 2 pc. is a no go ... Kastking has 7 ft options in the medium category ... if you need to go to 8lb test ... spinning is the way to go ...

 

50 to 60 bucks ...

 

good fishing ...

I think our Abu Garcia vengeance rod is really nice and also happens to be cheap so under $50. Much better than other cheap rods I have tried. My son uses it (but I have thought about stealing it back)

 

On sportsman’s outfitters they are having a sale on all Dobyns rods use code “DOBYNSFORTY” and you can get free shipping. Should get a fury 734c 

10 hours ago, Steve S said:

On sportsman’s outfitters they are having a sale on all Dobyns rods use code “DOBYNSFORTY” and you can get free shipping. Should get a fury 734c 

This!  With the discount code mentioned above, the Dobyns Fury ends up being $72 with free shipping. That’s a steal!

 

I would either call Dobyns to see which rod they recommend for your situation, or you can check out the Dobyns website.

The St.Croix Mojo rods are now the same SC-III graphite as used in the $200+ Avid series rods and should perform as well. These are a bit more than your price point, but I believe it will be money well spent. These are good solid rods that retain a good resale value compared to other brands with a decent warranty.

On 3/28/2020 at 7:36 PM, MN Fisher said:

Emphasis on this. I get out once a week during season (May-Oct) if I'm lucky...so I don't have expensive rods. The most expensive ones I have are a pair of Dobyns Furys...out of ten rigs...both of which I got on sale.

 

Don't need expensive rigs to catch fish.

You dont need expensive gear to catch fish....absolutely true. Is fishing about need? I began fishing with my wife's friend's husband a year ago. He rarely fished, or did anything other than work and sleep. His only rig was a Walmart spin combo. I began letting him use my gear....Highest quality Daiwa and Garcia reels matched with high end custom rods. The guy caught his PB largemouth, smallmouth, pike and musky in one season and just today bought his third new baitcast reel this winter. This guy LOVES to fish now,he lives for it, and has went from being miserable to a man with a mission. His wife and kids couldnt be happier that he is excited about something and his young son talks about nothing but going fishing with Dad. This is what fishing should be about, and anything that makes it more enjoyable will add years to your life.

Here you go: https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Aird-X-Braiding-X-Casting-Rod/dp/B01N42JE9V

I would spend another ten dollars and grab a Daiwa Tatula XT from sportsmanoutfitters.com.  I own the 7' medium fast spinning rod, and can't wait to add a 7'6" heavy for my jigs and worms packing a 4/0 or higher hook.  After that it'll be a 7'1" medium heavy fast with a Tatula SV to skip some docks.

 

I can feel slack line bites with my XT, my previous spinning rods weren't capable of that and for 80 dollars I think it's a steal of a deal.  They also look great.

lews carbon rods are always on sale at dicks sporting goods. right now they are $60 with free shipping. for the price you cannot beat those rods and they have the winn grips

BPS MH 7' Carbonlite 2.0 down now from $120 to 99.99.  The handles are incredible and the line guides are tapered down in size.  Very light.

On 3/28/2020 at 3:51 PM, cals400ex said:

Would there be any rod that is significantly better if I spent $90-100?

Absolutely.  The $100 range is where things start to happen

If you have access to an Academy Sports, they sell the All Star line of rods, both casting and spinning. Good rods for around 50 dollars