I would go with either the Quantum Energy PT or the Team Daiwa -S rods.  Both cost around $110.00 and you will have some money left over to spend on line and lures.

The Revo SX is a fine reel.  You made a good choice.

You didn't say what length, power or action you are looking for.  Nevertheless, I'd recommend the Fenwick HMG line.  They run about $120 on average.  That are light, extremely sensitive and very tough.  Very comparable in to the St. Croix Avid line of rods, but less expensive.   They have a lifetime warranty.

Get a Powell 683C rod, the best all purpose rod for the money.

Ok, thanks!  Looks as if I have some nice choices.  BTW...I'm partial to 6'6" length if that makes any difference.  Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Take a look at the St.Croix MOJO line of rods.. Good middle of the line rod and they make then technique specific

Good reel, i love mine. look into Falcon original, or American Rodsmith Team series.

agreed! Bump for the Powell 683c!

My choices in that price range would be the St. Croix Mojo (already mentioned), Johnny Morris Signature Series BPS rod (which is on sale right now), Rick Clunn Signature Series, or a Shimano Compre.

I can remember when I switched from spinning gear to baitcasting and I know one thing that helped me out when I first started was using a Medium action rod. It allowed me to throw crankbaits and spinnerbaits a bit easier than a MH, but once I got decent with it I bought a MH rod and fish mostly with that now b/c my style of fishing has also changed. I use to fish more open water, and now I fish a lot of structure. Don't know if that will help, just my $.02  ;D

For $139 the powell's are hard to beat. 8-)

Big Country, your input was very helpful, as have been all responses. Thanks so much. One final question. Since I'm initially looking for a general purpose rod, would you recommend a 6'6" or 7' and as Big County suggested, M or MH? I was leaning toward the MH unless it will significantly increase the learning curve.  I see where Cabela's has their XML Ti casting rods that list for $189.99 on sale for $109.99.  Thoughts?

A 6'6" or 7' MH power, fast action rods make excellant "all purpose"  casting rods. I prefer one of each length for differant applications, but only you can decide which one you would feel more comfortable with. The 6'6" length offers better casting accuracy, and the ability to work in tight spots a little better, the 7' will give you longer casts, and move more line  for better hook sets on long casts.

Personaly for $100 you can't beat a Fenwick HMX, and for less than $150, like Micro said the HMG is a steal. I am a big fan of both Fenwick and St Croix rods, but Fenwicks offerings, IMHO, at those price points beat out the St Croix's

Powell Max all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know this thread is old but I thought I would throw my two cents in here anyways. I stumbled onto some great rods at a decent price the other day. I got a brand new 6' 9" Carrot stick for $110 and, upon looking closer, a 7' Carrot stick 'gold' for $149. They are quite possibly the best rods I have ever used. Bass Pro has the plain Carrot Stick listed @ $149 and the 'gold' listed @ $250. I went back to grab a couple more and they were on to my find... they have upped their prices to just below Bass Pro's price. So... now I have two... both with Revo's on 'em. I doubt I will ever go back to G. Loomis, Castaway or Allstar again... I like 'em that much.

Kistler Carbon Steel 99.99 at tackle warehouse no shipping...Great Company very tough rod.

I just purchased a Revo Sx and paired it with a carrot 7'3" Stick.  I cant wait for it to come in.  I feel more comfortable with a longer rod for some reason.

I know this thread is old but I thought I would throw my two cents in here anyways. I stumbled onto some great rods at a decent price the other day. I got a brand new 6' 9" Carrot stick for $110 and, upon looking closer, a 7' Carrot stick 'gold' for $149. They are quite possibly the best rods I have ever used. Bass Pro has the plain Carrot Stick listed @ $149 and the 'gold' listed @ $250. I went back to grab a couple more and they were on to my find... they have upped their prices to just below Bass Pro's price. So... now I have two... both with Revo's on 'em. I doubt I will ever go back to G. Loomis, Castaway or Allstar again... I like 'em that much.

Ditto on the Carrot Stix.  I just purchased a 7' 3" MH fast action stick and I am blown away by its incredible sensitivity.

I love it!

i have my sx paired with a 7' xh carrot stick , and i must say I LOVE IT !!!!!

AVOID a quantum rod...id say a st.croix avid or mojo i personaly got mine on a 7'mh fast carrot stick also love it cant beat it for its sensativity lightness and strength...for 150 those rods are a true steal bigtime most ppl think its called a carrot stick due to the orange color,do some reasearch and youll find out just why its called a carrot stick