Best Rods For Under $75?

[cdaggett]

Looking to buy a rod when I go down to Florida this April. I am flying express, so I cant take my 7' rods because they are all one piece. Shipping them Via UPS or FedX is too expensive for both ways. I figured I could save money by buying a rod in Florida and leaving it there with my cousin when I leave. I am looking for:

-Casting Rod

-under $75

-6'6" to 7'

-Micro guides

 

Thats all the basics that I need. I will be pairing up the rod with a Daiwa Viento.

I will be throwing:

 

-Plastics

-Small/Medium Cranks

-Small/Medium Jerks

-Spooks

 

I am wondering what action I should get... MH or H

I want to be able to cast fairly large baits, so any help would be great.

-Ill also be doing some salt fishing as well....

[Teal]

I dont know of any micro guide rods for under 75. You may want to look very hard online and see what you can find on clearance or on E bay.

I would go with MH unless you plan going with 3/4 - 1.5oz all the time.

MH will cover most of your needs.

[ChiCityBasser]

Check out the Field & Stream Tec Spec Elite rods at Dicks. The are $80.00 but go on sale regularly and have the micro guides you are looking for as well. They have a 7' model I believe and a 7'3" model which I have that might should work well.

[skeletor6]

You can get a veritas with micro-guides for $80.

 

Also, I would go 7' and MH. This will give you the most versatility.

[OkobojiEagle]

Research Berkley Lightning Rod Shock... should be readily available... +/- $50.00 ea... budget for 2 rods.

 

oe

[Zeeso]

I believe the new bionic plus rod on bass pro has a microguide version for under 75. Can't comment on quality though I haven't used one. Its the new one with the white color scheme.

[PondBoss]

H2O Xpress Ethos rods, the newer version have micro guides, the older models have semi micro guides.  Newer versions are $80 but when on sale $60.  THe older versions $60 on sale $40.  It's a great rod plus I like the blue color.

[new2BC4bass]

Check out the Field & Stream Tec Spec Elite rods at Dicks. The are $80.00 but go on sale regularly and have the micro guides you are looking for as well. They have a 7' model I believe and a 7'3" model which I have that might should work well.

 

That price is for the newer model blue rods.  The older model black rods are $60.  I think they are called Elite (old) and Elite II (new), but don't quote me on that..

[bassh8er]

You can get a veritas with micro-guides for $80.

 

Also, I would go 7' and MH. This will give you the most versatility.

Is that on eBay?

[nocluefisher]

I bought a 6'9" mh veritas off of ebay last year for $79 shipped, but not with micro guides.

[Trailer]

H2O Xpress Ethos rods, the newer version have micro guides, the older models have semi micro guides.  Newer versions are $80 but when on sale $60.  THe older versions $60 on sale $40.  It's a great rod plus I like the blue color.

I looked at one of those at Academy. Almost bought one.

[Darren.]

Check out the Field & Stream Tec Spec Elite rods at Dicks. The are $80.00 but go on sale regularly and have the micro guides you are looking for as well. They have a 7' model I believe and a 7'3" model which I have that might should work well.

 

Agreed. Picked up one of these at DSG yesterday and saw the micro guides. Decent feeling rod for the money.

[Shoalamfishin]

I cant speak with any experience on Field and Stream rods, I have, handled and used a Veritas they feel really good and handle fish well; my fishing buddy has one that he really likes. The H20 express rods also seem pretty good the power ratings seem a little funky on some of their rods though. I have a Lightnin Rod Shock, its sensitive, and handles fish well for the price overall really good rod.  

[Capt.Bob]

Bass Pro Bionic Blade, best rod I ever used or seen under 100 bucks! thank me when you get it!

[Flukeman]

I stopped at a DSG last night and noticed the had their Quantum combo's on sale from $59 to $89. I did not have time to handle any of them and do not own any of them, you would have to do your homework their. Abu makes combo's like the Silver Max and Black Max that some people on here have said they had good luck with. I think they are $89 to $109 combos. I was at the BPS Classic and they had the Bionic casting combo for $79. I did handle this combo and was surprised at how nice it was for that price point.

If you are young or just getting started and cash is an issue I am sure these combo's would serve you well until your situation changes. Do a search on this site for some of the above combo's and see what others experiences are.

[moguy1973]

You just missed a great sale at Academy Sporting Goods that had some really nice Falcon BuCoo's and St. Croix Mojo's for $70.

[cdaggett]

Really appreciate all the suggestions guys! 

 

I have narrowed it down to:

New Bionic Rods from BPS

Berkeley Shock Rods ( maybe buy 2 of em ) 

Abu Vendetta or Veritas

 

Thanks!

[Dave P]

Quantum Response $45

 

- QX48 IM8 graphite construction
- MicroTrac line guide system
- Pro-style split-grip EVA handles
- PacBay reel seats
- Aluminum oxide guides

 

Pretty good stick I have the 7 foot MH.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I have no input from the bionic but the lighting rod is a very good rod for the money. The vendetta and veritas are also good rods. I would Polly lean towards the veritas for $20 over the vendetta.

The original h2o ethos rod is the only rod I would pay full retail for anymore. It just can't be beat for $60

The above mentioned quantum response is a good choice also. I have the 2 piece model which might be a good choice for traveling. After you are done you would have a good rod for the car or truck.