New Baitcasting Rod

[JickleFish]

Hey guys I am looking into getting a new "all-around-ish" bait casting rod for 100-150, and I think I have borrowed my options down to three, but will listen to other ideas.

This is not a specific order

1.Fenwick Smallmouth Elite Tech

2. St. Croix Rage

3. Daiwa Tatula

Thanks guys.

[hooah212002]

*** *** Black

[WIGuide]

I'd say go to a local tackle store and get your hands on those rods and if you can even bring with the reel you plan to put on them. See how they feel to you. If you end up with the Rage I'd think their 7'1" M/F or 7'1" MH/F would be the best all around option. 

[Christian M]

I cant speak for the Fenwick or Diawa, but I know my 7'1" MH/F Rage is the one rod that goes everywhere with me.

[buzzed bait]

Just picked up a Tatula last night.  Can't say anything for the Fenwick, but I was actually debating between the rage and the tatula.  Once in your hand, there seemed to be little comparison in terms of feel, balance and weight.  I walked out with the Tatula....

[JickleFish]

Ok, I think the Tatula is out of the running, down to two, but some more Tat influence might persuade me.

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/tournament-rod-reel-okuma.html

[GADawgs]

Powell Endurance, they can be had for $150

[smalljaw67]

Out of all those I'd say the Tatula, the least likely one would be the Fenwick and while it is a favorite rod of mine, the OP is looking for an "all purpose" set up. The one thing with the Fenwick casting rods is they are great at certain things but there really isn't an all purpose type set up. Ideally anything from 6'6" to 7' in a medium heavy with a fast action, that is what will work for any single hook technique out there, the only problem is with cranks, then you are better served with a medium power, fast action but they have a smaller range of lure weights to work with and aren't strong enough for heavy cover.

[Tywithay]

Tatula is far and away the better rod out of those choices, in my opinion. The Rage has as nice a blank as the Tatula, but the guides suck, the handles are kind of funky because they're so short and skinny, and they're tip heavy.

[Mr Swim Jig]

I am really enjoying my Tatula rods. I have not fished that Fenwick, but I have fished the Aetos and they are amazing rods as well. I have looked at the Rage rods and just don't like the grip at all and they are tip heavy.

*** *** Black is also another great rod.

[TNBassin']

The *** is a nice rod for $100.

[JickleFish]

Couldn't pass up the Cabela's sale, got the Fenwick or 30 bucks off. Now just looking into a new reel.

[ww2farmer]

I have or have had both the St Croix Rage, and the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth. My Rage was the 7'1" MH/F and I have the Fenwick in two different rods, the 6'9" M/XF and the 6'9" MH/F. Of all three rods the 6'9" MH/F would be the closet to a "GP" "Do-all" type rod, with the 7'1" MH/F Rage the next best........of the three . The 6'9" M/XF casting Fenwick is more of a niche rod (it's excellent for top waters and jerkbaits) but not really all-purpose IMHO.