I'm looking for a good casting rod for weighted texas rigs (1/4oz-1/2oz) and small jigs (no larger than 3/8oz).  Rod must be sensitive enough for bottom contact.  Looking to spend no more than 250.  Might could go a small amount over 250, but not much.  No microguides please.  What would everyone recommend?

A med sc avid blank custom built to 7'6" 

I’m lovin’ my Falcon Lowrider All ‘Round Fast for just such applications. 

I personally use a 7'2" MH/XF for those applications. The Shimano Zodias would be a great choice in your budget. Expride if you're willing to spend ~30 more.

1 hour ago, Deephaven said:

A med sc avid blank custom built to 7'6" 

When did they start selling their blanks again? I thought they stopped doing that a while back.

You might contact a local rod builder and see about getting a custom built just the way you want it.

A Daiwa Rebellion 7'3" MHF makes an awesome bottom contact rod for the baits you're looking to throw.  I really like mine, it is a feather, an absolute cannon, and it looks great.  You can get them on TW for two bills.

Love mine and it is only 15.00 over budget

 

https://www.alphaangler.com/collections/bait-casting-rods/products/clutch-power-finesse

Diawa Tatula 

Dobyns Kaden 

 

Both are a little less than your maximum 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

ALX Deputy ?

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

ALX Deputy ?

Another vote for the ALX ZOLO Deputy. It's what I use for all of my texas rig/jig fishing (1/4-1/2oz) and it is easily my favorite rod in my arsenal. 

St. Croix Avid 7' M Fast. 

7 hours ago, Hook2Jaw said:

A Daiwa Rebellion 7'3" MHF makes an awesome bottom contact rod for the baits you're looking to throw.  I really like mine, it is a feather, an absolute cannon, and it looks great.  You can get them on TW for two bills.

Ive been looking at that rod for a while but cant find much info on it.  Is it a true fast, slower or faster?

Kistler KLX and Daiwa Tatula Elite are worth looking into as well.

56 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said:

Kistler KLX and Daiwa Tatula Elite are worth looking into as well.

Yeah I have a couple tatula elite rods but wanting to stay away from them for this rod since I'll likely be using braid with a flouro leader and most braid to leader knots suck with microguides.

 

Contact Alex at ALX, tell him what Braid size and knot you use to determine if the Zolo rods accommodate the line.

 5.5mm upper and tip guides work good, nothing smaller.

Tom

 

Haven’t held a lot of rods but in love with my dobyns Sierra. 

6 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Ive been looking at that rod for a while but cant find much info on it.  Is it a true fast, slower or faster?

Yeah looks like a nice rod, but hardly any reviews on them.

 

2 hours ago, Chris at Tech said:

Kistler KLX

Ditto.

7 hours ago, GetFishorDieTryin said:

Ive been looking at that rod for a while but cant find much info on it.  Is it a true fast, slower or faster?

I consider is a true fast.  Upper third, maybe a little less bends under good pressure. 

The St Croix Victory The Marshal should do nicely.

Diawia Tatula TTU711MHXB 

Interested in a 7'2 MH Shimano Expride? I have one that I could sell you for $230 shipped. Mint condition

Falcon Expert or Cara Amistad 

https://stcroixrods.com/collections/freshwater/products/avid-series-casting

 

AVC70MF   $210