Choosing A Spinning Rod

[TheToxicGamer97]

I am a new fisherman (16 yrs old) and am looking to buy a new spinning rod. Right now I have some Ugly Stick from Walmart, which is decent and a reel that I can't remember the make or model of but is brand new and works great. I want to get a rod where I can actually feel the brush and cover and rocks on the bottom, which my rod does not do well. I would like to know a little bit about action, speed, etc. Thanks in advance to any input

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/35514-rods-power-and-action-%C2%A0defined/

[masterbass]

What is your budget? 

[TheToxicGamer97]

What is your budget? 

$100 is my max, but preferably under $80

[TheToxicGamer97]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/35514-rods-power-and-action-%C2%A0defined/

That's perfect thank you

[TheToxicGamer97]

On tackle warehouse the Carrot Stix Wild Spinning Rod is on sale from $100 to $70. Is this a good rod because I would want to jump on it before it's not on sale anymore. Also what about the Shimano Convergence Spinning Rod 6'8" Medium (Fast Action)

[TheToxicGamer97]

Are there any brands that are superior to others?

[timsford]

Since you already have an ugly stick which has a softer action because its fiberglass, i'd go with a medium action rod with a fast tip for bottom contact baits. You can use your ugly stick for treble hooked baits like cranks and the new rod for worms, jigs, and anything else with single hooks like spinnerbaits. As far as brands go there are a lot of good rods in that price range but some have better warranties than others. Carrot sticks are light and sensitive but have poor customer service from what i hear. I use a powell deisel spinning rod i got from tackle warehouse and its a very nice rod for the 54 bucks i paid for it but it has no warranty. Abu garcia vendetta and veritas can be found for those prices as well if you really want to keep it under 80. The shimano convergence and clarus lines are also in your price range and so are the daiwa t rods. Do some research on warranties from whatever rod interests you is the best advice i can give. If you decide to spend 100 id probably go with the *** *** black as there are tons of happy users out there and about the only thing i heard bad about them is some people dont like the reel seat. Good luck in your search for a new rod

[TheToxicGamer97]

Since you already have an ugly stick which has a softer action because its fiberglass, i'd go with a medium action rod with a fast tip for bottom contact baits. You can use your ugly stick for treble hooked baits like cranks and the new rod for worms, jigs, and anything else with single hooks like spinnerbaits. As far as brands go there are a lot of good rods in that price range but some have better warranties than others. Carrot sticks are light and sensitive but have poor customer service from what i hear. I use a powell deisel spinning rod i got from tackle warehouse and its a very nice rod for the 54 bucks i paid for it but it has no warranty. Abu garcia vendetta and veritas can be found for those prices as well if you really want to keep it under 80. The shimano convergence and clarus lines are also in your price range and so are the daiwa t rods. Do some research on warranties from whatever rod interests you is the best advice i can give. If you decide to spend 100 id probably go with the *** *** black as there are tons of happy users out there and about the only thing i heard bad about them is some people dont like the reel seat. Good luck in your search for a new rod

If I got a new rod I wouldn't use the ugly stick because I don't have another reel to put on it, and I don't want to buy another. I just want one rod/reel combo

[NathanW]

I have never owned a carrot stick but have heard more rod breakage stories about them than probably any other brand....

 

You are 16, so this is probably a big investment for you so you may want to get something with a Warranty. Tim mentioned the Powel Diesel which at that price even if it does break you are only out $80. Problem there is I doubt its a good idea to step right into a Medium XF rod as your only rod. Its not really a versatile choice, his info regarding running two rods is pretty accurate.

 

13 brand *** rods have been an outstanding deal on everyone I own. To be honest, the guides on those rods are flimsy and cheap, it seems like every time I inspect my rods one of my 13 rods has a bent or twisted guide. But the blanks make them worth every penny. Here is what I am thinking, you will probably take better care of your one rod, and wont have it banging around in a rod locker with 15 other rods like I do most the time. So this would be a pretty good option for you. You cannot beat the performance for bottom contact baits (at any price range IMO). Only thing I would say is to go with a Medium Light if you want the XF rod or Medium rod if you go with the "fast" action.

 

Another good choice would be the Veritas rod. Very durable and reliable rod. Not as sensitive as the 13 rods but the load up on casts a little easier and might be a touch more versatile. And without a doubt are more comfortable. The 6'9" medium light is one of my favorites and quit honestly would make a great stick for a beginner... (whether you want to admit it or not (: )

 

Its difficult to tell someone which rod they should buy unless they ask the question "what rod for __________ technique fishing ______ type or cover" 

[TheToxicGamer97]

I have never owned a carrot stick but have heard more rod breakage stories about them than probably any other brand....

 

You are 16, so this is probably a big investment for you so you may want to get something with a Warranty. Tim mentioned the Powel Diesel which at that price even if it does break you are only out $80. Problem there is I doubt its a good idea to step right into a Medium XF rod as your only rod. Its not really a versatile choice, his info regarding running two rods is pretty accurate.

 

13 brand *** rods have been an outstanding deal on everyone I own. To be honest, the guides on those rods are flimsy and cheap, it seems like every time I inspect my rods one of my 13 rods has a bent or twisted guide. But the blanks make them worth every penny. Here is what I am thinking, you will probably take better care of your one rod, and wont have it banging around in a rod locker with 15 other rods like I do most the time. So this would be a pretty good option for you. You cannot beat the performance for bottom contact baits (at any price range IMO). Only thing I would say is to go with a Medium Light if you want the XF rod or Medium rod if you go with the "fast" action.

 

Another good choice would be the Veritas rod. Very durable and reliable rod. Not as sensitive as the 13 rods but the load up on casts a little easier and might be a touch more versatile. And without a doubt are more comfortable. The 6'9" medium light is one of my favorites and quit honestly would make a great stick for a beginner... (whether you want to admit it or not (: )

 

Its difficult to tell someone which rod they should buy unless they ask the question "what rod for __________ technique fishing ______ type or cover" 

That was very helpful, thank you It's not a big investment. I have my own job and bought a $1500 custom gaming PC But I was going to buy a medium fast action rod

[new2BC4bass]

What weights do you normally use?  The Fenwick HMX 7' MF should make an excellent choice if you use weights between 1/8-34 oz.  Another good choice would be a Berkley Lightning of the same specs, but a less expensive price.  I liked the looks of the Fenwick Eagle GT rods.  Cabela's currently is selling the $129.99 Elite Tech Smallmouth for $99.88 on sale.  Only 2 models left.

 

I am sure there are plenty of others within your budget you could research.  The Ethos sold by Academy Sports gets good reviews.

[TheToxicGamer97]

How does this rod (6'6" Medium Fast action) look? http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tourney-Special-Spinning-Rods/product/12041105005515/

or this one with the same configuration http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Extreme-Spinning-Rods/product/11092205011617/

[Mr. BattleArmor]

I'd get a Carbonlite, extremely sensitive and really will communicate the bottom of where you are fishing  like you want it to. 

[JTP]

Are there any brands that are superior to others?

St. Croix Mojo bass

*** *** Black

BPS CarbonLite (My Favorite)

Abu Garcia Veritas or Vendetta 

Falcon Bucoo

Lews laser SL rods

[slainempire]

i just picked up a st croix triumph the other day and its awesome for the price. its $80 retail and seems well worth it so far. lightweight, strong, and very well balanced with my shimano symetre 3000fj. seriously take a look at them, especially since its within your budget.

[SirSnookalot]

I might look at something in the Shimano line up, some should have a lifetime over the counter warranty.

[pnoonan21]

I have the *** *** Black 6'7'' M and it is a great all around rod. The handle is comfortable. The rod is sensitive. The backbone is strong which is good for setting the hook. Overall a great rod for $100.

[FrogFreak]

i just picked up a st croix triumph the other day and its awesome for the price. its $80 retail and seems well worth it so far. lightweight, strong, and very well balanced with my shimano symetre 3000fj. seriously take a look at them, especially since its within your budget.

 

X2 I own 2 of these rods, one BC and one spinning and for the money, they are very nice. Sensitive and strong. You really can't go wrong with St. Croix. They many not be as "sexy" as other choices but they do the job and do it very well.