Best, affordable 6'6-6'9" ML casting rod

[Drew03cmc]

I'm looking to pair a good, affordable (sub-$70) ML casting rod with a casting reel loaded with 15/4 braid for weightless plastics or small poppers. Any recommendations? 

[jbrew73]

Slightly out of your price range but the bps carbon lite ml rod is great.

[greentrout]

KastKing ... 

[WRB]

ML casting rods are rare and not within your budget.

If you broaden the discription to Medium moderate action casting rods you can find those at discount stores that carry Berkley Lightning rods in Medium 6'6" rods and possibly bargin barrels close out sales at the stores like Dicks Sporting goods. The vast majority of ML rods are spinning.

What reel are you using?

Tom

[MBB Nate]

It's a med/fast, but I just ordered a 6'9 berkley e motion for $37.  I love my shocks and these were $80-90 retail.  I don't know if they are any good but I was willing to gamble $37.

[JediAmoeba]

I have a St Croix premier that is medium power and moderate action that is 7' that seems like a ML to me.  Other than this rod I have never seen one that fits the bill you are looking for.  I use this one for casting Ned rigs and small cranks.  

[Shimano_1]

Check tacklewarehouse they have some good deals goin on right now on their clearance rods. Think the omens black 6'7 is 70 and they're great especially for that money 

[mrpao]

The majorcraft nanoace is also a good rod. They are super light and pretty sensitive for the money.

I have the med 6'9" jig/ worm and two 7' cranking models. 

Wait for TW sales and they can be had for cheaper.

[Drew03cmc]

Thanks guys. I'm not wedded to that budget. The goal is to have a rod for my Pop-X collection that can also toss weightless Trick Worms, Dog X Jr, etc. It'll have a new Haibo Smart 150 on it with 15/4 braid.

[Big Rick]

M/L will not be heavy enough to set hooks in soft plastics and will not have enough backbone to handle poppers. Medium with a moderate fast tip is your answer here. You'll save money and frustration from fish jumping and throwing your poppers. I fish a Pop-X with mine and it works like a dream. One main difference is I use 14lb mono for the desired stretch when working the popper. It also is very forgiving on hook sets and jumping fish. I have used many brands hunting the perfect popper rod and have settled on the Mojo rod in medium with a moderate action. I realize this will stretch your budget so my next in line is a Abu Veritas. The Veritas is a great rod that you can often find for $70. 

[Drew03cmc]

Yes, the Smart comes with a shallower spool. It's currently spooled with light braid. I'm pretty thrilled with Haibo products as I currently have the Smart, 2 Piscifun SAEX Premiers and an Ardent Apex Tournament. All are aluminum framed baitcasters and pretty nice reels, especially for the dollar.

 

Anyone who says a ML won't set the hooks on any Texas rigged bait, hasn't used much spinning gear I presume. I have used a ML to fish 3" cigars, Trick Worms and light jighead baits. The key is the hook. It needs to be a lighter wire hook. 

[WRB]

.007 dia braid on any bait casting reel is going to be problematic.

I am not familiar with Kuying rods can only recommend Iovino Major Craft Splash-It rod for your application.

Tom

[Drew03cmc]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

.008 dia braid on any bait casting reel is going to be problematic.

I am not familiar with Kuying rods can only recommend Iovino Major Craft Splash-It rod for your application.

Tom

Not when everything is set up properly. I've used 20lb PP without a single issue on casting reels. The drag is a big issue, if it's cranked down, it will dig. Without that, it'll work just fine. 

[MN Fisher]

31 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

Not when everything is set up properly. I've used 20lb PP without a single issue on casting reels. The drag is a big issue, if it's cranked down, it will dig. Without that, it'll work just fine. 

I've got 20# PP on my President BC - no issues with dig-in.

[WRB]

I see 15 lb PP braid is .007 dia, .002 orx25% smaller the 20 lb PP.

Diigging into it's self isn't the major problem on a braid casting reel if the level wind is fast enough. Kiting, wind knots and backlash removal are the issues.

It's your outfit, enjoy it.

Tom

[zell_pop1]

Look for an old 6'6" TWS All Star rod. Perfect 1/4-3/8 popper rod . They show up on ebay and other sites regularly.

[Drew03cmc]

1 hour ago, zell_pop1 said:

Look for an old 6'6" TWS All Star rod. Perfect 1/4-3/8 popper rod . They show up on ebay and other sites regularly.

May have to do that. Thank you!