my turn to ask for a rod suggestion (updated )

[Mike Z]

I picked up a baitcast reel yesterday and now need suggestions for a rod to purchase. Being a noob I don't have any given style that I like or dislike, though I have been trying Senkos lately because they are fairly inexpensive compared with $5 a pop for a spinner.

I have a budget of between $75 and $100, maybe $120 max. I shore fish and really don't know anyone with a boat, so that may help in a recommendation. I also own a pickup and can put the rod in the back, so it doesn't need to be two piece. Also looking for something that will stand the test of time as I really don't ever see myself buying a $150 or $200 rod in the near future (5 years or so)

Some of the rods I have seen people talk about here are

Tek Spec at Dick's for $60

St Croix (thought the Mojo Bass I have read isn't that sensitive)

Okuma

Thanks!

<update>

I'm torn now.

I have been to a half dozen different places and nobody carries the Okuma rod for me to check out. I was able to handle the Vandetta rod last night and wasn't really impressed.

As usual, the places all have tried to tell me that their stuff is the best and one guy at one chain type store tried to sell me a $30 rod and tell me how great it was. I am sure it is capable but not what I am looking for in terms of quality.

There is one local place that has a few that I need opinions on.

Powell Max casting rods $139 702, 703, or 704 numbers.

Carrot Stix $149

St Croix Mojo Bass or Premier. The Mojo Bass feels good in my hand but comments raised here said the rods had less feel than others. $99 for that one or $130 for the Premier.

They also have a Skeet Reese yellow rod for $90 but I am not sure about the name line though as it seems I could get more for less.

Leaning toward the Powell or the St Croix as I have been able to hold those. (update also posted below)

[Bronzefly]

I'd pick up a shimano in one of these series.  A 6'6" Medium Heavy is a very good "all around" rod and the shorter length may help fishing from shore.  If you fish lighter stuff most often, a 6'6" Medium may be a better bet, but I'd tend to go with the MH.  These shimanos have a lifetime exchange warranty as well.

Shimano Clarus $60-70

Shimano Compre $90-100

Shimano Crucial $130-$160

OR

Powell Max - $140

[zerofivenismo]

A Falcon Buccoo $100-$110 or BPS Carbonlite $80-$110 would fit the bill nicely.   

[ghost_207]

get the powell rod it is 95 bucks and free shipping.

http://www.histackleboxshop.com/Powell-Casting-Rods-p/sale-powell-rods.htm

[Big Bait Fishing]

if you are looking for the best rod under a $100 , get an Okuma evx ....

[bandsr4me20]

abu garcia vendetta in that price range

[okiefisher8]

x2 on the buccoo, falcon makes some great rods

[Mike Z]

Thanks all so far for the suggestions.

So far I am looking now at the

Vendetta

Buccoo

Okuma EVX

BPS Carbonlite

I'm not a big fan of cork, so I really pushed the shimano away so far. I have a Gander Mountain close and they carry the Okuma rods so I am hoping to see maybe 3 of 4 of these rods this weekend. Wish I had a BPS close to me but the nearest one is 2+ hours away.

I've also never used a rod with the forearm grip so I'm kinda looking forward to trying out some of these.

[mctech]

check out denali jadewood rods thier right at a 100 dollars and are a very good rod at that price i just got a couple and could not belive how light they are. check them out before to buy.

[Mike Z]

I'm torn now.

I have been to a half dozen different places and nobody carries the Okuma rod for me to check out. I was able to handle the Vandetta rod last night and wasn't really impressed.

As usual, the places all have tried to tell me that their stuff is the best and one guy at one chain type store tried to sell me a $30 rod and tell me how great it was. I am sure it is capable but not what I am looking for in terms of quality.

There is one local place that has a few that I need opinions on.

Powell Max casting rods $139 702, 703, or 704 numbers.

Carrot Stix $149

St Croix Mojo Bass or Premier. The Mojo Bass feels good in my hand but comments raised here said the rods had less feel than others. $99 for that one or $130 for the Premier.

They also have a Skeet Reese yellow rod for $90 but I am not sure about the name line though as it seems I could get more for less.

Leaning toward the Powell or the St Croix as I have been able to hold those.

[bilgerat]

Consider the Falcon Lowrider XG. Go on www.***.com and search the Falcon lineup for model # LFC - 5 - 168.

It's a 6' 8" MH stick built for a variety of applications - jigs, worms, spinnerbaits, etc.

Being that you are shorebound most of the time, this rod would be perfect for you.

It goes for $109.99, but you may catch a Memorial Day discount. Free shipping too

It's built in the USA, has Fuji guides and reel seat, and also has a five year warranty. I bought one for myself and it's a fabulous rod for $110

[Mike Z]

Just got back from the store. They didn't have the Powell 703 that I was looking for but had the 702 and the 704.

I was thinking about the Carrot Stix rod but the handle section where you grip felt about a half inch shorter than the Powell rod and with my hands that 1/2" made a big difference in feel. In the end I wound up buying the Powell 702C in Medium with the extra fast tip. Figure down the road I will get the heavier action rod.

I am glad I didn't order a rod on line as I found that the grips felt a lot different between lines and even a small difference in size made a big difference in grip and feel.

Thanks guys

[dmat]

I think you will be happy with the Powell...I bought one a while back (683C) sight unseen...based on user reviews on another site.  It is a really good rod especially for the money.

Congrats!

[Beastie Bass]

I love my St. Croix's! I have 6 Avids and 2 Mojos. I have the 6'6"MHF in Avid and Mojo. The mojo feels a lil' tip heavy but I like the split grip and it's got great backbone. I do not give such great reviews to the mojo crankbait rod MBC70MHM. I use it for shallow cranks cause I cant feel 'em after 5-6 feet deep > I do use it for topwater too and recently landed a 15lb channel cat with no problems with a jitterbug! The rod handled great. I would buy another mojo any day, just not the crankbait rod!