I am looking for a short 5'6" or 6' baitcasting rod with a regular grip (not a pistol grip) that could be used to fish a variety of different lures.  It will be paired with a Daiwa Advantage reel.  I would like to stay under $100.

I normally use 6'6" rods but I have found I like the shorter rod when casting to tight spaces from the banks.

Thanks.

Check out the Allstar rods if you have not. Also if there is an Academy near you they are on sale for less than 60.00.

St. Croix Premier has several 6 foot rods with straight trigger handles.

If I am going to be using this for multiple lures do you think I would be better off getting a M or MH?  Mostly I would be fishing cranks and traps but also the occassional jog or plastic.

For my short rods, I use both a G.Loomis GL2 and a St.Croix Premier. Both of them are 6' MH, the St.Croix seems to be more of a true MH though. If you are going for one all-purpose short rod, I would look at the St.Croix Premier 6 M'(PC60MF).

I fish mostly ponds so I use short rods too. I have a 6' St. Croix Premier. From what I hear you'd be better off to go with the St. Croix Avid though.

Avid's are well over $100.  St.Croix Premier PC60MH/F is a decent choice.