Hey everybody. I'm kinda new to the forum and am just starting to bass fish somewhat seriously, and this place looks like a great place for advice.

So, I have a pflueger president 35model spinning reel that needs a new rod. I really only want to pay up to $80, so I'm kinda limited there.  Right now I am considering a st croix triumph in med or even ml, or else one of the cabelas xml rods that are on sale.  But I am definitely open to other suggestions.

This is probably going to be a general purpose rod; I'll probably end up using it for everything from drop shotting to cranking.  It'll probably see a lot of time just throwing spinners or rapalas for bass or pike or whatever wants to bite ;D

Another thing I can't decide if I want a 6'6" or 7" or in between length (All i've been spinning with is a 6' or less but I know I want more).  Not too picky about the grip or anything.

well that's it.  suggestions/advice anyone? Thanks ahead of time

If the the price is similar, the xml is a better rod. 

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0053032122638a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH_all_NYR&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&nyr=1&Ne=46&Ntt=xml&Ntk=Products&sort=all&Go.y=0&N=3354+6263+56&Nty=1&hasJS=true&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fsearch%2Fsearch-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0

XCLS704-2A

XCLS705-2A

If you find the 704, I would go with that, but the web says sold out.  The 705 would would be okay too, but not ideal for lightweight baits < or = 1/4 oz. 

Welcome to bass fishing...

Cabela's has a lot of rods on sale; and even better bargains are available via Cabela's Club, but membership is required.

I recommend that you stretch your budget and buy two rods, one M and one ML.  The M is for the heavier stuff, while the ML is for finesse worms, drops shots, etc.

Cabela's has the Quantum Superlite on sale in Cabela's Club for $49.99, and this was a $229 rod that is apparently on clearance so maybe they are phasing them out.

The Cabela's Prodigy rods are also $49.99 in Cabela's Club.  I have four Prodigy rods, and they are a good value at $49.99.  A solid rod that looks good.

You will nee a second reel, and should consider an Daiwa Exceler, or Cabela's Prodigy, say a 3000-sized reel.

Since your budget is limited, I suggest that you follow Craig's List for used gear in your local area; and try to hit a few fishing flea markets in your area.  These are usually held in the winter when fishing slows down.

Good luck. 

I have several of the XML spinning models and would go with the XML that best suits what you are thinking of fishing. I don't have a Prodigy spinning but do have one MH/MF casting rods that I use for cranking and its a good rod and even better at the sale price.

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

x2. or wait for something used to come by..

Go with the Triumph. A good solid rod with a five year warranty. A bit heavier than their higher end rods (of course) but suprisingly well balanced and sensitive. It's not a 'bling' stick if that's what you're looking for.

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

x2. or wait for something used to come by..

x3

x3

looks like i'll have to check it out and try to decide which i like best.

do you think any of these models in 7' will be too tip heavy?

x3

looks like i'll have to check it out and try to decide which i like best.

do you think any of these models in 7' will be too tip heavy?

no. but i would take a reel and store fish the rod.

no. but i would take a reel and store fish the rod.

Good suggestion. I'll have to go to cabelas sometime when its not busy and get some help.  I'm sure they have a president in there somewhere, or like 50

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

x2. or wait for something used to come by..

Clarus without doubt, for $80 is doesn't pay to buy used, a lifetime warranty may not be honored without a purchase receipt.

I have 2 xml spinning rods and 1 casting.  My other rods are a dobyns champion,  kistler mag. ts, kistler hel. ltx.  I paid a lot more for the dobyns and kistlers.

   At there reg. price of $139.99 I think the xml's are a good value.  At $69.99 I wouldn't buy anything else if I was in need of a rod right now.  Also,  like said earlier,  the prodigy is on sale for $59.99 from $99.99.  IMO cosmetically they look cooler than the xml's,  but I would go for performance 1st if it was me.

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

x2. or wait for something used to come by..

Clarus without doubt, for $80 is doesn't pay to buy used, a lifetime warranty may not be honored without a purchase receipt.

iirc , shimano doesnt require a sales receipt when going through them. you may want to double check on that though.

For that money ---> Shimano Clarus

x2. or wait for something used to come by..

Comment wasn't meant specifically regarding Shimano warranty but in  general it's a good idea to have one.  Warranty or not I don't care to buy anything used.

Clarus without doubt, for $80 is doesn't pay to buy used, a lifetime warranty may not be honored without a purchase receipt.

iirc , shimano doesnt require a sales receipt when going through them. you may want to double check on that though.

Shimano Clarus rods are hard to beat for the price.  I have a the 7 ft MF rod and it is great.  I have a symetre 2500 on it and it is a little tip heavy but probably not any more so than any other 7 ft rod in that price range.

I 've got a 6 '6" MH paired to a Sahara 2500, man what a great budget combo, the day I broke it in I fished with it all day long and I swear I didn 't miss fishing with my other much more expensive set-ups even a little bit, actually I din 't use any of them at all.