Best $200 or less worm/jig rod

[WRB]

Moderate price point rods usually use a generation older blank with a generation older components then off the shelf top rods from each manufacturer, unless the $200 price point is near the top end for a manufacture.

St Croix and Dobyns offer excellent customer but their mid range rods aren't using high end components.

You might want to consider Irod and ALX, both use high end blanks and components with good customer service in you price range.

Tom

[GReb]

4 hours ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

 

Good to know, I don't mind the clang unless it greatly effects casting distance. Do you think it does? 

 

 

I think it would depend on the size of braid and leader. I had 30 lb braid and 12 lb mono leaders. I never noticed any issues with distance. But I ultimately ended up ditching the braid. The guides aren’t what I consider true micro but they are right on the edge of being so. If you were using 50 lb braid I think it would possibly cause some issues. If you are set on braid to leader it may not be the best option. There are just so many great options at that price point

[Catt]

McCain's Tommy Martin Signature Series Rods are built with a proprietary blend of Hi-Performance graphite and S-glass. When these two materials are properly combined, it produces a rod that delivers extraordinary performance.

 

Y'all would be surprised by these rods! ?

[Bassin_Harrison]

19 hours ago, WRB said:

Moderate price point rods usually use a generation older blank with a generation older components then off the shelf top rods from each manufacturer, unless the $200 price point is near the top end for a manufacture.

St Croix and Dobyns offer excellent customer but their mid range rods aren't using high end components.

You might want to consider Irod and ALX, both use high end blanks and components with good customer service in you price range.

Tom

I have heard great things about ALX, haven't heard they are the most sensitive sticks though. I know the opinion on a rods sensitivity varies greatly between each person, but I've seen many people say they aren't the most sensitive. As I'm looking for a jig and worm rod, I would prefer something with highly praised sensitivity. I appreciate you taking time to respond, Tom, as you seem to know a lot and always put good advice in the forums. 

Harrison

15 hours ago, GReb said:

 

I think it would depend on the size of braid and leader. I had 30 lb braid and 12 lb mono leaders. I never noticed any issues with distance. But I ultimately ended up ditching the braid. The guides aren’t what I consider true micro but they are right on the edge of being so. If you were using 50 lb braid I think it would possibly cause some issues. If you are set on braid to leader it may not be the best option. There are just so many great options at that price point

Yeah they probably wouldn't work out for me then, it would 30 or 40 lb braid most likely and with a 12-15 lb mono/fluoro leader. 

 

 

I also have just realized that the Megabass Levante rods have been marked down to $159, that kinda seems like a steal to me. I have read great things about those rods, particularily the Diablo Spec-R and Extreme Mission Type-F models. 

Any input on this? 

[GReb]

29 minutes ago, BigBass'n_Harrison said:

I have heard great things about ALX, haven't heard they are the most sensitive sticks though. I know the opinion on a rods sensitivity varies greatly between each person, but I've seen many people say they aren't the most sensitive. As I'm looking for a jig and worm rod, I would prefer something with highly praised sensitivity. I appreciate you taking time to respond, Tom, as you seem to know a lot and always put good advice in the forums. 

Harrison

Yeah they probably wouldn't work out for me then, it would 30 or 40 lb braid most likely and with a 12-15 lb mono/fluoro leader. 

 

 

I also have just realized that the Megabass Levante rods have been marked down to $159, that kinda seems like a steal to me. I have read great things about those rods, particularily the Diablo Spec-R and Extreme Mission Type-F models. 

Any input on this? 

Have you thought about a custom rod?  

[Bassin_Harrison]

3 minutes ago, GReb said:

Have you thought about a custom rod?  

If only I could afford one lol... I know I have thrown a lot of specifications to get all in one rod and I 100% don't expect to get them all in 1 rod. That's why I have listed all these different rods that I've been looking at, just to give people some clue as to what rods I'm looking at. Anything with micro guides is pretty much out and that seems to take out a lot of rods. 

[WRB]

19 hours ago, Catt said:

McCain's Tommy Martin Signature Series Rods are built with a proprietary blend of Hi-Performance graphite and S-glass. When these two materials are properly combined, it produces a rod that delivers extraordinary performance.

 

Y'all would be surprised by these rods! ?

You were using IROD IRG744C @$149 price point a few years ago and liked it. Not sure what you using today? Iam familiar the IRG744C and consider it a decent bottom contact rod for it's price and the rod I tried had a standard guide train. 

I have no idea why the Op uses mono with FC leader? the knot definately would problem with micro guides. 

Tom

[Catt]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

You were using IROD IRG744C @$149 price point a few years ago and liked it. Not sure what you using today? Iam familiar the IRG744C and consider it a decent bottom contact rod for it's price and the rod I tried had a standard guide train. 

I have no idea why the Op uses mono with FC leader? the knot definately would problem with micro guides. 

Tom

 

I do a few tackle reviews for different websites, companies, & friends.

 

The only knock I have against iRod is their EVA grips... absolutely hate EVA!

[WRB]

Agree with you on EVA, I wrapped the IROD XH swimbait and Freds frog rod with Wynn wraps. Premium cork is what I prefer, it's getting hard to find and don't like cork with fillers that degrade.

Tom

[TxRaider]

On 11/15/2018 at 5:53 AM, LionHeart said:

I use an original Diawa Tatula 7'2" MH "Regular" action for my lighter Trigs and jigs and absolutely love it.  It is very well made and handles lures 3/16 to 1/2 great and 1/4 -3/8 perfectly .  Very sensitive rod.  

 

If I ever decide to change, it will likely be a custom ALX Deputy, but honestly I'm pretty content with the Tatula and not sure the Deputy would be much of an upgrade.

 

Nothing is perfect though.  I'm not crazy about the reel seat, and would prefer the handle to be a smidge longer.  Other than that I think it is the perfect light jig and Texas rod.

 

If you can still find one, they usually go for around $100 these days which is a crazy good deal IMO.

I know this was an older post but I just started bass fishing and currently have a Tatula (not elite) spinning rod for Ned rig, wacky, etc. 

 

I recently started looking for a cranking rod and seen a 7’ Medium Regular that I am thinking about getting as well as a 7’1 MH XF rod for worm and jigs.

 

Do you have any insight on if the 7’ M regular would make a good squarebill and lipless rod? I am looking to throw mainly SK1.5 and/or 6th sense curve and crush size squarebills on up to maybe a 3xd. 
 

If you don’t mind touching on the 7’1 MH also that would be fantastic!

[CrankFate]

I would’ve said the Shimano Carbomax, which was around $80, but these were short lived on the store shelves many years back. I wouldn’t sell mine for $800 today. By far my best worm rod.

[Choporoz]

On 11/14/2018 at 2:53 PM, Choporoz said:

It's going to be hard to pass up the email I just got for Kistler Helium for $219.  I realize that it's over your stated budget....and I've never even held one.....but, way, way, too many guys on here have raved about them for me not to give it a shot

Hard to believe that was only 2 1/2 years ago.  I have four Heliums at the moment.

[ATA]

G. Loomis E6X Casting Rod 7' MH 843C MBR