NEED A GREAT ALL-AROUND CASTING ROD UNDER $150

[caleb_anderson1]

I am looking for a really good bang for buck rod that is anywhere from 7’ to 7’3. Medium Heavy if possible but Heavy would work too probably. Any and all help is super appreciated!

[Fishes in trees]

Just so you know, there isn't, IMO any such thing as a  "great all-around casting rod".   By definition, any rod that is "great" at any given technique, will probably be some sort of compromise at some different technique.  There is some overlap, so you could in theory use any rod for any given technique if you want to.  No one is going to "tattle."

 

Unless you're really rich, fishing rod arsenals are acquired over time.  MY advice - take it or leave it - decide what & how you like to fish for most.   Then buy a good rig for that.   Then later on, as you acquire additional disposable income, get a good rod for another favored technique.  And so on . . .  I've found that rods that are marketed for one purpose, to me, are better suited for a different purpose.  Case in point, years ago BPS marketed a Woo Davis Special, a 7'4" rod in their Extreme line.   I attended a seminar where Woo himself bragged about this rod, claimed it was his favorite pitching rod ever,  better, in his opinion, than the classic All Star WR1, which he thought previously was the best pitching rod ever.  OK, I bought one ( on sale, didn't want to pay list ) and I disagreed.   Not in any way, shape or form the best pitching rod ever, IMO I owned several rods already that were better pitching rods.   My issue with the rod was too much tip.   A couple of years later, the rod has been "benched" for a while and it occurs to me, " I wonder how that rod works on reaction baits?"   Turns out it works great, the little bit of extra tip, which I didn't like for a pitching rod, worked great for throwing square bills, Buzz baits, Timber Tiger DC 16 & 13's - lots of different reaction baits.   I bought a couple more of that model when it went on sale.

 

That's all - end of rant - I really don't think that there is any such thing as a "great" all around casting rod.  Good luck looking for one.

[Deleted account]

Agreed. But I think when looking for a good all around rod compromise is implied. As such rods that avoid extremes in all characteristics will lend themselves to the task. Of course this assumes that the lures to be used are of the normal size and weight used for bass. This is why a 7' MH Fast or Mod Fast is often mentioned, and a good choice. I would argue that if speaking of a single rod, a 6'9" or 6'10" would be a better choice. 

[frogflogger]

Carbon lite from bps is a real decent rod for a reasonable price.

[BassKicker42]

If you wait for a sale you could find a Dobyns Sierra 734 around $150. The 734 in any Dobyns line is like a Swiss Army knife for bass fishing. My other choice would be the Daiwa Tatula Elite Brent Ehler multipurpose rod. You can find them around $150 if u shop around also. If you want to go a little lower, the Dobyns Fury 734 is excellent and the regular Tatula Rods can be had for $100 on sportsman’s outfitters. I think that rod is the best bang for your buck.

[dodgeguy]

Johnny Morris signature series is the best choice in that range.

[haggard]

When I started out 3 seasons ago I was looking for the same. I realize there's no one rod that does it all but for general purpose bass fishing I chose the St. Croix PC66MF, rated at 10-17 # line and 1/4 to 3/4 oz lures.

 

Since then I've acquired a few more rods but to this day still consider that the go-to general purpose baitcasting rod at your $150 price point.

 

The 7'0 version (PC70MF) has the same specs. MH or H gets less general purpose in my opinion, especially in a St. Croix.

 

$150 MSRP, and you can probably find it for less.

 

[RichF]

I just picked up a 7 ft medium heavy Ark Sniper on closeout from TackleWarehouse.  They're $99.  I used it yesterday and was pleasantly surprised with it's performance.  Most of my other rods are the upper end offerings from St. Croix, Kistler, and Shimano but I would totally buy more of the Snipers.

[Tizi]

very happy with Shimano Exage I purchased from Tacklewarehouse.  I have the 6'10" MH.

[BassThumb]

I'd grab a Dobyns Sienna 734c off Amazon for about $160. Or wait until the next run of online sales (Labor Day) and save $15 more since you just missed the Fourth of July deals.

[Dreveal]

I have a couple of the Ark Sniper rods and they have been great rods. I think they are $100 on Tackle Warehouse right now (in the clearance section). Don't think you would be disappointed with one of them

[Fishingmickey]

7' St Croix Mojo bass mh/fast. about a buck thirty.

FM

[ike8120]

Check out a KK Speed Demon Pro, Extra 15% off use code JUSTPLAY this is on Ebay. good until 7/9 Also free shipping.

 

Also check out the Dobyns Fury and Sierra series.

 

 

[FishTank]

I know it's over your budget....

 

I would save a few bucks and go for a St.Croix Avid 7' MH Fast.  This rod will do just about everything.  I have no complaints.  It's sensitive, well made, and dependable. 

[Bassin_Harrison]

19 hours ago, caleb_anderson1 said:

I am looking for a really good bang for buck rod that is anywhere from 7’ to 7’3. Medium Heavy if possible but Heavy would work too probably. Any and all help is super appreciated!

I believe that Kistler is having a sale right now and so I would recommend the Magnesium 2 in any MH/F model. Might be like $160 but it’s worth $10 more. I have the 6’9” and it’s paired with a Tatula SV and I throw everything on that rod. That particular model is also great for skipping. 

[Matt_3479]

I would say dobyns fury or Sierra 734c. It’s labeled as a heavy but is 100% a medium heavy rod! It will work for most every application minus true finesse stuff. You could still throw a senko’s on it though!