Most Versatile Rod Under $100 To Pair With Lew's Ts1H

[skeletor6]

Okay, I know what you guys are thinking. There are many threads asking this very same question and I should look at those to find my answer. I have read through those threads and found out many things.

1) Not one rod can do everything. Some are good for flipping and pitching, while others are good for cranking.

2) Quality Rods are not Cheap!

3) Most importantly, its pathetic that I have my brand new Lew's TS1H on a $17 Shakespeare Excursion EXC661MH

So I am in dire need of a casting rod to pair with my Lew's. Reading through the many threads I will name some that I seen mentioned often to people who are asking this question.

Previously Recommended Rods

1) St.Croix Mojo Bass (find one used and it will be around $100)

2) Berkley Lightning Rod (some argue that this is a decent enough rod and if you aren't spending more you mind as well save up and this will due for now)

3) Abu Vendetta or Veritas (Especially the Veritas, this one I've seen pointed out the most)

4) Cabela's Prodigy (There is not a cabela's close to me though)

5) Powell Diesel

6) ????????????????

Background info and my equipment and what I want to use the rod for

I have three baitcasters, an old 2000 model Quantum PF 400Cx that has no spool tensioner anymore so it is always in free spool. A H2O Express Mettle and the previously mentioned Lew's TS1H. I only have two rods at the moment and they both are the same one listed earlier, that being the Shakespeare Excursion EXC661MH. So I need a third rod and I figure since I have two 6'6 rods it is time to step up the length to at least 7 foot. Also, from reading it seems that a rod around 7 feet seems to be the most versatile. Also, I must buy this rod either online, at Gander Mountain or at Walmart......these are the only places around me that I have reasonable access to.

So what I want most in the rod that I am buying is versatility and sensitivity (I want to feel the terrain I'm fishing and the bites). The Shakespeare's that I am using now have terrible feel to them and just feel cheap when I use them, but that is to be expected with how much I paid. Right now, the Lew's is my pride and Joy and I want to throw this the most. I will most likely dedicate the H2O Mettle for cranking and spinnerbaits and have the my Lew's handle everything else.

RIght now I am using Trilene XL 8lb Mono for my Quantum and on my H2O Mettle and Lew's I've been using yo-zuri hybrid 12#. It has done a good job for me so far, but I am seriously considering switching to something else, just because of some of the reviews I've read about Seaguar Fluorocarbon and 2 of the 3 lakes I fish are very clear.

To summarize, I am looking for a Casting Rod under $100. I am going to use this rod for fishing just about everything, but mainly for soft plastics, jigs, and swimbaits. (Types of lures where sensitivity is key). Any and all comments, suggestions, and advice from personal experience are welcomed. I want to know what you guys think of my situation and what you would do if it were you and you had to make this decision. Also, if you name a certain type of rod, could you please let me know your reasoning behind its selection. You've guys have helped me fill my tackle box up with goodies, pick out a sweet reel, and the only thing left is this rod! Thank you.

-Skel

[rangerjockey]

A couple years ago I was looking for a crankbait rod just to leave a wiggle wart on. I happened on the Denali sb843 in the jadewood and was really impressed. Then I tried the 783 worm and jig rod, I use it for pitchin war eagle spoons and jigs in boat stalls here on table rock. It's a solid jig/plastics rod. you could also throw spinnerbaits and spooks with it.

The rods are really well made and sensitive and this is coming from a guy with IMX, GLX and NRX in the boat. As a bonus they are also super folks to deal with.

In that price range I don't think you can do any better than the jadewood.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

Do yourself a favor and pick up a Shimano Sellus 7'2" MH XF (Worm & Jig) and call it a day. This is my do-it-all rod, and it does everything well. I fish everything from weightless worms to hollow body frogs in heavy cover. Cost $59.00 and you won't find a better rod under $100.00 you will not be disappointed.

[LgMouthGambler]

Agree with the above poster about the Sellus, it is good, and a strong backbone. I had no problem muscling out big bass out of heavy Kissimmee grass on my last tourney to help me win. The only other rod I would suggest would be the Veritas if you want to go more toward the $100 range.

[rockchalk06]

Do yourself a favor and pick up a Shimano Sellus 7'2" MH XF (Worm & Jig) and call it a day. This is my do-it-all rod, and it does everything well. I fish everything from weightless worms to hollow body frogs in heavy cover. Cost $59.00 and you won't find a better rod under $100.00 you will not be disappointed.

Where did you find it for 60?

[Bass_Fanatic]

I would consider both the Veritas and the Powell Deisal rods. I have one Veritas and it is nice, Im just not a big fan of the reel seat. I dont own a Powell Deisal, but I do own some Max and Endurance series rods and for the price...you just cannot beat a Powell. The 723 should serve you well.

[NitroZ9]

In my opinion, a 7 ft. MH Worm/Jig rod is about as versatile a rod as you can buy. You can use it for just about any technique, from lightweight lures to heavier lures. If I could only have one rod, that's what I would have. That being said, I agree with the previous comment on the Denali Jadewood rods. The Jadewoods look and fish like much more expensive rods and are a big seller for Denali. You can get the 7' MH Worm/Jig for $99.

[dale.m]

I am a fan of the Veritas. I have a 6ft 6 medium heavy fast tip that I enjoy. It's light and sensitive. What it all comes down to is how the rod feels to you. Go check out a few and see what feels best to you.

[jerzeeD]

Find a used St croix premier in 6'6"-7' MH/F power. All around good u.s.a built rod. You can get one new for 130 dollars even.

[skeletor6]

Do yourself a favor and pick up a Shimano Sellus 7'2" MH XF (Worm & Jig) and call it a day. This is my do-it-all rod, and it does everything well. I fish everything from weightless worms to hollow body frogs in heavy cover. Cost $59.00 and you won't find a better rod under $100.00 you will not be disappointed.

Where can I find this for $59? EDIT:Nevermind I found where.

It seems that the Veritas, Jadewood, and Shimano Sellus are what I should be looking at. What are the differences between these three, that would make one better than the other?

Should any of these be considered? I can buy any or all 6 of these locally and can probably haggle the price a little bit.

1. Quantum superlite 6'6 medium heavy casting rod. 1/4-3/4 8-17lbs..retail 199.99 price 70.00 like new

2. Quantum KVD Tour red crankbait casting rod 7'0 medium. 1/4-1/2.. retail 159.99 price 80.00 like new

3. Quantum energy 7'0 medium casting rod.1/4-3/4. retail 100.00 price 50.00 like new

4. Quantum energy 6'6 medium casting crankbait rod. 1/4-1. retail 100.00 50.oo price like new

5. Quantum kvd signature rod 7'0 casting all fiberglass crankbait rod. retail 79.00 price 30.00 good condition

6. Kistler custom rod 7'0 heavy casting magnesium jig/from rod. 1/4-11/2.. retail 159.99 price 90.00 like new.

[BASSclary]

IMO, any SHIMANO rod under the compre just isn't up to snuff with the competition. They just feel heavy, and sort of unrefined. There are much better choices out there, like the Powell Diesel, St.Croix Triumph, Daiwa T-Series, Abu Veritas, and the Shimano Compre.

Also, since you mentioned ordering online, I only order from Tackle Warehouse. No sales tax outside of Cali, and free shipping over $50 all day everyday.

Also, the Kistler looks like a good deal, but it might be too heavy for what you want. I would pass on all the rest

[skeletor6]

IMO, any SHIMANO rod under the compre just isn't up to snuff with the competition. They just feel heavy, and sort of unrefined. There are much better choices out there, like the Powell Diesel, St.Croix Triumph, Daiwa T-Series, Abu Veritas, and the Shimano Compre.

Also, since you mentioned ordering online, I only order from Tackle Warehouse. No sales tax outside of Cali, and free shipping over $50 all day everyday.

Also, the Kistler looks like a good deal, but it might be too heavy for what you want. I would pass on all the rest

Thank you for putting things into perspective and narrowing down my selections. So which one should I go with?....

1.) Abu Veritas $80 shipped

2.)Shimano Compre 7' MH XFAST Casting Rod $80 shipped (it would also be used)

3.) Powell Diesel $70 shipped

4.) Daiwa T-Series 7' MH $75 Shipped

I can get them all for around the same price....which one should I go with? Which one would offer me the best sensitivity and will likely cast the furthest. I do not know how to choose rods and I do not have a chance to try each one out to see how they feel. So which is the best out of those 4?

Thank you!

[smalljaw67]

I think I can help you, the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth, 6'9" MH/F, it has enough length to let you get distance on your cast and is still easily managed and makes for accurate casts as well. This rod can be had for under $100 dollars, it has plenty of backbone and is a ton more sensitive than the Sellus or Powell Diesel and a lot lighter, 3.6oz if I recall correctly. It is rated for 3/8oz to 1oz but it can easily handle a 1/4oz bait, I think it fits what your looking for and believe me, it is a quality rod that could easliy have sold for $200.

[trevor]

Another rod to consider is the Falcon Bucoo.

[11justin22]

What about the carbon lite? How has no one mentioned it. I have one and love it. I also just received a veritas but have yet to fish with it so I am going to hold judgment in it but it does feel great iin the hand. The carbonlite might be just a tad lighter but that is nit picking

[kylek]

I have a 6'9" MH veritas for my lews reel and love it. I mainly use it to throw t-rig plastics, but will use it for shallow crankbaits and spinnerbaits. I have mine spooled with 14lb stren.

[skeletor6]

Wow. There seems to be a ton of options. There seems to be no clear cut favorite. Is there a Lear cut favorite if the budget is under $150? Lol

[BASSclary]

Wow. There seems to be a ton of options. There seems to be no clear cut favorite. Is there a Lear cut favorite if the budget is under $150? Lol

150 you say?

There is absolutely NO better rod than a Powell Max. I own 3, and plan on buying more. They're just simply amazing for only 139.

Check out my review I did here on them, http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/104608-powell-max-review/

[skeletor6]

Thank you Mr. Clary that was an excellent write up and I enjoyed reading it. With there being so many options under 100 and a clear favorite if I spend a little more then it appears I should step up.

What size and action should I get of the powell Max that fits my previously mentioned desires?

[pondassasin]

+1 on the Powell Max. For the uses you mentioned I would go with the 704. It has a great tip to throw plastics and plenty of backbone for fishing jigs and swim baits. I agree there is no rod close in sensitivity and versatility at that price point.

[central.PA.bass]

I agree. For 139.99 you cannot beat a Powell Max. If you are looking for a great, all around rod I woul recommend the Powell Ma 704c. It is 7' medium heavy action with an extra fast tip... I have used this rod for the last 3 years and it has never failed me... So light, sensitive and had plenty of backbone.... You will NOT be disappointed with a Powell Max.. I promise

[hike4steel]

An other vote Powell if your willing to spend a little more. 7' MH. Very versetile, will balance well and has good sensitivity. Now go get it.

[skeletor6]

On tackle warehouse the it says the powell Max 704c is heavy not MH. I see the 703c is considered MH. Which one should I get?

I see you guys are recommending MH but saying I should get the 704c.

[BASSclary]

On tackle warehouse the it says the powell Max 704c is heavy not MH. I see the 703c is considered MH. Which one should I get?

I see you guys are recommending MH but saying I should get the 704c.

You want the MH (703C)

It gets confusing sometimes when every rod manufacturer uses different numbers

[xttrapshooter]

i have a powell max 683 and love it, very versatile.