What is the best inexpensive utility rod to have with with you that is pretty well all around?

[Bassman27]

I know everyone asks this, but I have two setups right now, a 8:1:1 *** paired with an Okuma worm and jig rod (7 ft medium heavy fast action), I mainly use that for Texas rigs and top water fishing. Then I have a seven ft medium duckett ghost crankin rod with a 5:6:1 tournament mb that I throw pretty much everything else on -- crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits etc. I am looking for another rod and reel that could be used to have an extra lure tied on that could kind of perform with most baits well. I would pair this setup with a speed spool 6:4:1. Any suggestions for what rod to get that is 90 bucks or under? I know about ducketts and all those rods at 99.99 but I want to try something new that is a bit cheaper? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Just now, Bassman27 said:

I know everyone asks this, but I have two setups right now, a 8:1:1 *** paired with an Okuma worm and jig rod (7 ft medium heavy fast action), I mainly use that for Texas rigs and top water fishing. Then I have a seven ft medium duckett ghost crankin rod with a 5:6:1 tournament mb that I throw pretty much everything else on -- crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits etc. I am looking for another rod and reel that could be used to have an extra lure tied on that could kind of perform with most baits well. I would pair this setup with a speed spool 6:4:1. Any suggestions for what rod to get that is 90 bucks or under? I know about ducketts and all those rods at 99.99 but I want to try something new that is a bit cheaper? Any suggestions? Thanks.

Or do you think the setups I have will cover it all?

[ib_of_the_damned]

If you really need another rod, the One T hree def y blacks have decent reviews and are $59.99 at TW. You could go with another MH or go with the Medium/Fast for weightless soft plastics. I've been thinking about picking one of these up as a beater/loaner/backup rod.

[DogBone_384]

Abu Garcia's Veritas spinning or casting gets my vote. They're $79 right now and if you dig around the internet you might still find them @ $69.

[ww2farmer]

It's hard to beat the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock's for $39.99 at Walmart for a good all around general purpose budget rod.

 

For casting the 7' MH is stout enough to use for frogging, flipping, and other heavy cover situations, yet with it's mod. fast action, versatile enough to through almost any reaction bait. Likewise the 7' M spinning in the same line is a good all purpose spinning rod.

[fishnkamp]

Have you thought about adding a good spinning rod. Take a look at a Powell Inferno 6103. It sells for $99.

For a super versatile casting rod, look at the Powell Inferno 683 CEF.  Again it costs $99  Both of these rods are really nice well made rods, well balanced, and have been built with good components,

 

Now lets look at a few good options that cost less than that, since that is what you were asking about.

The Berkley Lightning Shock rod is a good option. My wife and I both fish with a totaL OF 3 of them.  She has 1 6'6 medium mod spinning rod that she throws all her spinnerbaits, crankbaits and traps.

I use two of 6'6" medium mod baitcasters for traps and jerkbaits when fishing for both bass and stripers. In fall striper fishing I need 4 trap rods on the deck and these fish pretty close to how my more expensive rods fish.  The 7 MH may fit your needs as well, depending on what lures you want to throw.

 

Option two is found at Dicks Sporting Goods. They have a "house brand" called Quantum Escalade. They are an IM8 graphite rod with decent guides. They usually sell for $100 but is on sale for $50.  I use one 7' MH Fast baitcaster (1/4 to 1 1/2) and one 6'6"medium spinning rod.

 

Abu Garcia does make the Veritas and Vendetta series both fall in that range as well.

 

[roadwarrior]

 

[Subaqua Adinterim]

45 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

Option two is found at Dicks Sporting Goods. They have a "house brand" called Quantum Escalade. They are an IM* graphite rod with decent guides. They usually sell for $100 but is on sale for $50.  I use one 7' MH Fast baitcaster (1/4 to 1 1/2) and one 6'6"medium spinning rod.

Yes, this is on sale now for $40 at DSG on line, with pick up at the store.  Also, the Lightning Rod Shock is very good.  Make sure to take a look at the tip of the Shock (or any other rod for that matter) at the time of purchase to inspect the ceramic guide to make sure that it is not damaged; as this will fray and cut your line; making the rod worthless from the start.

Good luck with your decision.

[Boomstick]

The Berkley Cherrywood or Shock and Ugly Stik GX2 rods are the first thing that comes to mind to fit the bill...

[buzzed bait]

call sportsmans outfitters and get you a daiwa tatula casting rod for $80 shipped right now.... i just got a 7'1"MH XF last week.  For $80 i'm not sure you'll find a better quality rod right now...

[JustJames]

Check out http://www.presleysoutdoors.com/quantum-response-casting-rod-medium-heavy/

it is pretty good rod for 29.99 pair that with Abu Garcia Piermier from the same site at 149 and you should be good to go.