Bass Rod For A Beginner Bass Angler?

[CJIII]

I order me a Abu 4600C4 baitcaster, for largemouth bass. I need to pick a rod for it, I am looking the St Croix premier line of rods I think a 6' med or med heavy will work for me, I fish from the bank I mostly a soft plastic fisherman but I am looking in using crank baits and spinnerbaits as well.

[Penguino]

At the hundred dollar range, don't limit yourself to just one rod. I know that St. Croix makes a great product, but where they really hit their forte is at the Avid or Rage line +. At the hundred price point there are much better options than the St Croix Premier. The Okuma C3-40X on clearance at TW for 90$ is a no-brainer, as it will definitely outshine almost all other rods under 120$.

 

Good Luck, Vince

[Catch and Grease]

If you have an academy nearby or are willing to order one the H20 Express Ethos rods they have are great rods for only 60 bucks.

[The Great Blue Heron]

The St Croix Premier MF or MHF is fine, and I'd go 6'6" long.

...but if I had a new Abu 4600 reel, I probably would try and find an Abu Veritas to slap it on. The Okuma that's on sale likely is better components though.

[CRANKENSTIEN]

Go 6'6. As you increase your techniques you will be glad you did. You can pick up the line quicker with a longer rod and it will play the fish better. For one rod I would go mh. I like the dukett ghost. Go out and feel the rods don't go to stiff or to light for an all purpose rod.

[wuchr20]

That's a nice rod.  Also a nice size if you are sure that your fishing from shore.  Otherwise, i would get a longer one.  

[WIGuide]

If there's a lot of brush/trees on the bank where you fish the 6' might be a good option, but if there's not I'd go with a 6'6". For an all purpose rod, you'll have to look at the weight of the baits you throw the most frequently and pick the rod who's recommended lure weight matches up the best. I'd probably pick up a medium/fast but I throw lighter stuff in general.

[HoosierHawgs]

If you are just getting one go for a 6'6" MH like said above. BPS is having some of their older model rods on sale and I've heard nice things about em. I would personally not buy a Veritas as I do not like the look. The Berkley Lightning Rod series is also a good decent option especially at its price point. Good luck!

[CJIII]

I would like to try to stick with a made in usa rod.

[offsidewing]

I would like to try to stick with a made in usa rod.

There's a like new St Croix Premier 6'6" MH Fast posted in the flea market. Rated for 3/8 to 1 once. *wink wink*

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/156548-fs-e6x-rod-st-croix-premier-rod-quantum-smoke-reel/

[CJIII]

Thanks will check it out.

[zell_pop1]

I'd look for a used 6'8" Falcon Lowrider on ebay, it's mh/mf so you could fish just about any type of lure plus get decent accuracy and distance.

[DogBone_384]

My favorite $99 rod is Abu Garcia's Veritas, followed VERY closely by ***'s *** Black.  They're both light as a feather, sensitive, and  the Veritas loads up nicely.  I own 3 Veritas and 2 ***.  If you search around this forum some, you'll find most rods in that price range are well liked.  Neither is made here in the US.

 

My advice to you is make a short list of recommendations from members here and go handle as many as you can.  Bring your reel with you and mount it, if the store lets you.  The one that feels the best is the right one...

 

Best of luck.

[fisherrw]

Is go for a Phenix maxim ggreat rod for around 100

[FishTank]

If you have a Gander Mountain near you this would be a great choice for around $100.  I would go with he 6'6'' MH

 

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Gander-Mountain-Elite-Series-Baitcaster-Rod-66-Medium-Heavy&i=724927

[ivanbrawer]

My first ever bass rod was a Berkely Cherrywood. Its only 25 bucks and it was well worth it for only 25 bucks. If your looking for a spinning rod then I suggest the Shimano Stimulus rod, again cheap and worth the money at around 30 bucks

[aprilbass101]

I agree with Dog Bone on the *** Black! Don't own any Veritas rods but I would like to throw in another suggestion Fenwick HMG ($100) - Little heavier than most rods but pretty good overall

[the reel ess]

I'd look for a used 6'8" Falcon Lowrider on ebay, it's mh/mf so you could fish just about any type of lure plus get decent accuracy and distance.

+1 that! I have a 7' MH Lowrider that I bought for $50 from someone who sold their boat and got out of fishing altogether. I have a Johnny Morris reel on it loaded with 17# floro so it's even more sensitive. You could feel a tadpole fart on your lure from a mile away. I have been pitching with it but not using it nearly enough because I like reaction baits.

 

On the cheaper front, I have three Lightning Rods that get the job done just fine at $40.