New rod suggestions

[devinrhall006]

I know this isn't an easy question at all and might be considered dumb to some of you.  I'm a budget bass angler, it's somerhing I love but I have a VERY tight budget.  Do any of you know of a good versatile rod from a walmart or amazon that would be good for most lures and soft baits.  A rod that I can use with all baits even though it wouldn't be the best rod to use but kind of versatile.  I probably have a 50-60 dollar limit on a new rod.  I don't mean a rod and reel combo, I have reels, just a new rod.  I know it's a hard question to answer but if you know of a good versatile rod for a lot of situations in that price range i'd really appreciate it.  Thanks.

[swandog]

For a Walmart Rod, I would suggest the Berkley Shock. Probably as quality as it going to get there. 

[moguy1973]

Look up the Diawa Aird X on Amazon.  I almost bought one at Academy last night but I went with a more expensive Lew's just because it felt better for the reel I'm using I'm with it and still within my price range and I was wanting micro guides. The Aird felt like a great rod though. $50-55 on Amazon. 

[AC870]

I bought a Shimano Sojourn last year. Really enjoyed fishing with it. Got it set up now as a rod for the wife. I actually got 2 of them, a Spinning and a casting, both 6-6 mediums. That spinning rod has been a workhorse in my arsenal. I bream fish and do finesse fishing for bass with it. I think I paid $29.99 apiece at Walmart for them. I haven't looked at the medium heavy Sojourn. I'm sure you know this but I reckon the 7-0 medium heavy is kind of the do it all rod in the bass fishing world. 

[devinrhall006]

thanks guys for all your comments, Ill check all those out so far and see what will fit me best, I do agree a 7 foot medium heavy is pretty versatile.  My rod used to be 7 foot until about a foot of it broke off and I used a tip repair kit.  It just isn't the same and I'm not catching fish like I was.  I think I will go with probably a 7 footer or close to 7.  I'm also wanting a new baitcaster reel because right now i'm limited to spinning.  I'm on a real tight budget, my tackle consists of one small tackle box of hooks and hard plastics, and several bags of soft plastics.  I'm very limited.  I've just noticed since my rod broke i'm getting less fish so no matter what people say I believe the rod matters. I didn't believe that until now.

[WRB]

What type of reel, bait casting or spinning? This will help to answer your question.

Tom

[lmbfisherman]

Goto FFO Fishermans Factory, 60 dollars for Veritas M/F.  They fish between a M and MH.  Would be a good all around rod.

[fishnkamp]

Here is a heads up on the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. That rod is very versatile.

I fish 2 of them in 6'6 Medium baitcasting. I use it to catch bass and stripers. In the area we fish there are plenty of cats so it is not unusual to catch a big blue or channel cat too. My wife fishes one 6'6 medium Shock spinning rod. Both handle well.

If you go into your local Wal Mart you should find these rods marked $49.  Take it to the register for a price check. That rod has been found to be on an unmarked clearance by a few of our members. They got them for $15.  Juts wanted to make you aware. It is a good rod for $49 but a great buy at $15.

There is nothing wrong with the MH versions either, I only have experience with the medium model.

[devinrhall006]

14 hours ago, WRB said:

What type of reel, bait casting or spinning? This will help to answer your question.

Tom

spinning, i am thinking about getting an okay baitcasting reel maybe in the 50 to 60 dollar range also. for now it's spinning.

6 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Here is a heads up on the Berkley Lightning Rod Shock. That rod is very versatile.

I fish 2 of them in 6'6 Medium baitcasting. I use it to catch bass and stripers. In the area we fish there are plenty of cats so it is not unusual to catch a big blue or channel cat too. My wife fishes one 6'6 medium Shock spinning rod. Both handle well.

If you go into your local Wal Mart you should find these rods marked $49.  Take it to the register for a price check. That rod has been found to be on an unmarked clearance by a few of our members. They got them for $15.  Juts wanted to make you aware. It is a good rod for $49 but a great buy at $15.

There is nothing wrong with the MH versions either, I only have experience with the medium model.

thanks ill check that out, i know my walmart has rods from 3 dollars all the way to 100 dollars.  i'm not sure what brand the 100 dollar ones are but id assume it must be a big brand name.

[sully420]

As far as for a low priced but solid baitcasting reel you should look at the Abu Garcia silver Max it can be found for 40 bucks if you look

If you have access to Amazon Prime or know someone who does you can find some great deals there

[WRB]

TW has the new Shimano Convergence 7' Medium fast action spinning rod for under $60.

Full cork handle, Fuji guides and reel seat. This rod meets your needs.

Tom

[LCG]

You could also look at getting something used. $50 would probably go a lot further with a quality used rod that is in good condition. 

[devinrhall006]

5 hours ago, sully420 said:

As far as for a low priced but solid baitcasting reel you should look at the Abu Garcia silver Max it can be found for 40 bucks if you look

If you have access to Amazon Prime or know someone who does you can find some great deals there

i do have amazon prime and i've heard good things  about abu garcia...they have some decent looking reels from them at my walmart for 40-50 but amazon usually has a better deal so thanks for that.

5 hours ago, WRB said:

TW has the new Shimano Convergence 7' Medium fast action spinning rod for under $60.

Full cork handle, Fuji guides and reel seat. This rod meets your needs.

Tom

thanks a lot i'll look and i've heard shimano is a pretty good manufacturer.  thank all you guys really.  when i get a new rod and reel ill personally thank all of you even if what u suggested isn't what i got...it means a lot that u took the time.

[fishnkamp]

That is what the members here do for each other. And we are glad you joined us. 

[Pikeman12]

I actually was looking for a cheaper rod myself in a 7 foot medium heavy 2 days ago and  I ended up going with a bass pro tournament series for 50$. Used it a few times and its a great cheap rod.  The Berkeley Lightning Rod is one of the best you can get in that price range as well. As far as cheap baitcasters go, my buddy got an abu garcia black maxx reel for like 40$ at walmart and he loves it and still uses it for other setups now. I would also check out the pfluegers. 

[devinrhall006]

i ended up getting an abu garcia black maxx after all the good reviews i saw about it and the price is fair, and i got an abu garcia vengeance medium heavy to go with it.  i don't think it was a terrible choice but i haven't tried it out yet.  seems pretty solid to me.