So, I’m going in to my 3rd year of fishing and I’m slowly building up my collection. I got money for Christmas and I want to get a higher end rod and reel. I have  a medium, and a medium heavy combo which pretty well covers most of my lures, but not all of them. I’d like to spend under around $150 on what I guess would be considered a “flipping and pitching” rod and reel. I’ve been looking into a Dobyns Fury 8’ Heavy Fast rod, and a 13 Fishing Inception Sport Z reel. Any advice helps.

Just now, CameronB521 said:

I’ve been looking into a Dobyns Fury 8 ft Heavy Fast rod, and a 13 Fishing Inception sport z reel. Any advice helps.

A Fury 765 will handle almost all your flip/pitch/punch needs an it's $10 less than the 805. Currently on sale at TW for $90

For a reel - you want a fast reel to get them out of the slop quicker. TW has the Diawa Fuego CT for $110...get the 8.1:1. It's a much better reel than the 13 Fishing one.

Tackle Warehouse has the ARK Lancer Pro's on sale right now for $69.97. For that you get a blank that I like better than a Dobyns Champ, with decent quality aluminum oxide guides, and a good eva grip, and reel seat that's similar to the popular fuji that many companies use. That's a steal for a rod this light and sensitive. I'd recommend the 7'6" Heavy. I prefer 7-6 over the longer rods for general fippin and pitchin. I reserve the 7'11" for moving them out of heavy grass for the most part. 7-6 is less fatiguing over the course of a day.

 I'm a fan of the $99 Lew's LFS Speed Spool. Really solid performing, durable reel at that price point. This would get you a combo that performs well above it's price tag for only $20 over what you're looking to spend.

Falcon lowrider super nice rod, guaranteed for life, looks good, fishes great check them out at Tackle Warehouse.

On 12/27/2021 at 9:50 AM, T-Billy said:

ARK Lancer Pro's

The guide I hire on Okeechobee uses these... Though that is my only experience with these rods, they will take a beating.  

 

The Dobyns 735 will frog, flip/pitch.  You may find this to be more versatile in a 3 rod arsenal.  On sale right now on TW for $90.

 

As @Bigassbass mentioned, the Falcon Lowrider is worth a look.  I use the 7'4 Heavy Cover Jig model for the duties you mentioned.  In my area of PA I have little need for a true "flippin stick" and if you get into a 7'11 XH kind of rod you are really limited to that one technique for that rod.  That model is also available in the BuCoo SR.

 

If I were to buy a $100 price point reel I feel I could get more value from a Shimano or Daiwa.

Higher end compared to what?  $150 or less isn't going to buy high end gear.

 

You can find the Fuego CT for $100 several places.  That only leaves $50 or less for the rod.  TW has the 7' HF Aird X for $38.49 on sale.  BUT you may have to pay shipping.  Or look at some combos at places such as Academy Sports.

 

Or you could go used  on the reel to save a few bucks.  Some great deals occasionally pop up, but you need to know what you are looking at.  A few years ago I got one of the older blue colored Pflueger Patriarch XTs for $65 in excellent condition.  It had a $250 MSRP.  I now have three.    Very nice reels.

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

A few years ago I got one of the older blue colored Pflueger Patriarch XTs for $65 in excellent condition.  It had a $250 MSRP.  I now have three.    Very nice reels.

Definitely - I keep my eye out for used Patriarchs since Pflueger seems to have stopped making them. I've gotten two used ones in great condition for under $100 each.

Get the best Dobyns rods you can afford.

St Croix Bass X would be my recommendation.

I would get a 4 power rod for bottom fishing. Texas & Carolina rigs, Jigs. Moving baits i in medium cover like Buzz & spinner baits, Chatter baits, swimbaits. I saw where T/W has this rod on sale that fits your price range. Dobyns Kaden Casting Rod 7'4" Hvy.