At this point I think the BPS Prolite Finesse rod may be the best option under $100 to meet my Father-in-Law's needs. He has a cabin on a small lake that is populated mostly with perch and bass. The water is fairly clear and does not have much structure. The lake is shallow and casting distance is important so we can reach some of the deeper areas. We may eventually do some fishing from a canoe. He uses smaller spoons & lures and will probably spend some time with a bobber (fishing with my daughter).

My goal is a light, fun all purpose rod. It will be matched to a Daiwa Exceler 2500.

I'm leaning towards either the 6'6 M or the 6'8 ML. I think the Medium power may be a better all purpose rod, whereas the ML would be more fun with perch, but sacrifice some backbone in the event he does hook into a big one.

Does the ML have the backbone to land a decent sized bass or pickerel?

I've checked out the St. Croix Triumph & Premier and find the ML slightly whippy and the Medium to be overkill for perch and 1/8 oz. lures. I have not found a Shimano Clarus in my area to compare and evaluate. Rod selection in my area is limited (mostly just Dicks), so I have to look on-line to have any type of selection.

I'm an analyst by trade, so I can never enough information Any information, advice, data etc would be welcome. Thanks!

Leon

I've only held the Prolite finesse rods, but they do feel nice...especially for the cash.  With BPS backing their rods, I wouldn't hesitate to snag one.  I bet they would take it back just because you didn't like the performance (if that was the case).

Thanks, glad to hear they are a nice as they seem.  Were you able to compare the ML vs M power?

Leon

i would look into this combo before you put it on a exceller

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90837_100003002_100000000_100003000_100-3-2

Thanks, definately nice looking combo. He's already got the Exceller though.

Thanks for suggesting the ProLite / Symetre combo . I just ordered it. I'll put the Exceller on my BPS Extreme. Cheers