Considering getting a relatively cheap light power rod—and when I want to research them, I find that algorithms repeatedly bring up results for *ultra*light rods, instead. ?

 

What combos have you done well with? I’m inclined toward getting something with a sale price clocking in under $50, and replacing the reel down the road if necessary with a Revros-class 1000-2000 size.

 

I love fishing 1/16oz jigs with my ML—just want to be able to toss 1/32oz jigs with reasonable distance, too—with the ML I have to snap my wrist pretty good to get a 1/16oz to fly far enough, but it gets there. I know I need something “whippier” for those smaller jigs.

its not cheap but I have owned a G. Loomis SJR700 GL3  for 18 years which is 'mag light' and paired with a 1000 size shimano reel and 6 pound suffix siege it is amazing. it has a very light tip 

 

I'm actually looking around for a replacement in the next few years as the reel seat is basically worn out. One of the models I was looking at was the SJR IMX Pro light models (again not cheap but probably awesome)

 

they make a 6 foot Light power and a 7'6 light power. I'm leaning towards the 7'6 as I love long rods. 

 

 

A quick search produced this: 

https://www.fishusa.com/Shimano-Sensilite-Spinning-Rod/?sku=163294&gclid=Cj0KCQiArsefBhCbARIsAP98hXTcT3d7IuQI59mcvbFdRDxeB4oRC8V7BzaL4fb9-4YMRBSg2YjfUEYaAqsqEALw_wcB

 

I have an old Cabela's fish eagle II IM6 spinning rod rated as medium-light | 4-10lb test | 1/8-5/8 oz lures. 

 

Spooled with 10lb PowerPro yellow braid, and 8lb fluoro leader. I'll throw NED's, power grubs, and will even set up a light drop shot rig. It is a blast to fish with. 

2 hours ago, Drawdown said:

Considering getting a relatively cheap light power rod—and when I want to research them, I find that algorithms repeatedly bring up results for *ultra*light rods, instead. ?

 

What combos have you done well with? I’m inclined toward getting something with a sale price clocking in under $50, and replacing the reel down the road if necessary with a Revros-class 1000-2000 size.

 

I love fishing 1/16oz jigs with my ML—just want to be able to toss 1/32oz jigs with reasonable distance, too—with the ML I have to snap my wrist pretty good to get a 1/16oz to fly far enough, but it gets there. I know I need something “whippier” for those smaller jigs.

So couple questions: are you talking combo under $50? What baits will you throw and what fish are you targeting?

Around 20 yrs ago, I bought a 6'6 St CROIX PREMIER rod at a sport show in Kansas City.        It's been a fun rod. I've never intentionally used it for bass, but have caught bass on the rod while fishing for crappie. Mine is light action. Lines 4 to 8lb, lure weight 1/8 to 3/8.                                           If you can find a light rod, try to get one with some backbone in the butt section.  A tip with a little flex can help with playing fish too. 

the best rod under $50 is: Shakespeare Micro Series Spinning Rod

 

 

it is $20 and get the light power or medium light.

If you’re hell bent on staying around $50.00 for the combo bps has one available. Although I would choose something better, you’re definitely looking at a pre matched combo which are mostly from your bigger retailers i:e bass pro shop, dicks sporting goods or academy.

Kuying Teton 6'6" light is an amazing rod for under $80 that can do exactly what you're wanting to do.

1 hour ago, DitchPanda said:

So couple questions: are you talking combo under $50? What baits will you throw and what fish are you targeting?

Panfish, warmouth, and Coosa bass on little creeks. May see some yellow + white bass and crappie action next winter.

 

I saw that BPS and others have panfish-oriented combos around this price point, so I thought it may be a decent route for this, especially if something nicer goes on sale for $60 or less.

50 minutes ago, ATA said:

the best rod under $50 is: Shakespeare Micro Series Spinning Rod

 

 

it is $20 and get the light power or medium light

1 minute ago, Drawdown said:

Panfish, warmouth, and Coosa bass on little creeks. May see some yellow + white bass and crappie action next winter.

 

I saw that BPS and others have panfish-oriented combos around this price point, so I thought it may be a decent route for this, especially if something nicer goes on sale for $60 or less.

 

I was going to recommend the Shakespeare micro series...they are solid for $20. I've actually got 3 of the 7ft light power model and they would work great for what your looking for. Throw a 1000 size shimano sienna on there..the sienna comes in at $30. Pretty decent little combo for under $55 after tax. Best part is you can usually find both at Wal-Mart- so easy to obtain.

13 minutes ago, DitchPanda said:

I was going to recommend the Shakespeare micro series...they are solid for $20. I've actually got 3 of the 7ft light power model and they would work great for what your looking for. Throw a 1000 size shimano sienna on there..the sienna comes in at $30. Pretty decent little combo for under $55 after tax. Best part is you can usually find both at Wal-Mart- so easy to obtain.

I'll agree on the Sienna. I have two 1000 size. Great reel.for the money.

Fenwick EAG60L, 6’ ,1 pc, power Light, 1/16-3/8 oz lures, 2-8 lb line.

Tom

3 hours ago, ATA said:

the best rod under $50 is: Shakespeare Micro Series Spinning Rod

 

 

it is $20 and get the light power or medium light.

Yes absolutley this, 

Budget has since gone up. I’m strongly considering the BPS Panfish Elite for sale at $60. Just not sure what length to get—I can get 6’2”, 6’8”, or 7’2” in Light power.

 

Probably go with a small Daiwa Regal for the reel or BPS Micro Elite. Guess 10lb braid to 4lb fluoro leader? Or should I do straight 4lb mono?

I have several light powered rods including a 6’-4”, 6’-6” and the bps panfish elite in 7’-2” light power. The common theme among them is a soft tip that goes into a decent but not too powerful mid section. My opinion is you’re only limited by your surroundings for cast ability, I fish retention ponds with not a lot of trees or obstacles in my way so length isn’t an issue. As far as reels if you’re not bothered by Chinese made reels I’ve had great luck with my Piscifun Carbon X reels or I’d pick the Daiwa Regal, I say that because for the past couple seasons I’ve been using a BPS carbonlite 2.0 in 1500 size which I’m 99% sure is made by Daiwa on my 6’-4” rod with 4 lb mono and it will launch a 1/16 oz roadrunner head with a crappie tube as far as needed.

On 2/19/2023 at 7:50 AM, Hulkster said:

G. Loomis SJR700

I feel the same about my old SJR 720 GL2. Extra fast Light power. Great stream SMB rod.