Best Rod For Under $100

[abkeenan]

OK. Since I got such great feedback and responses with my question about the best $100 reel.....how bout the best rod for $100 or less? I like rods in the 7'-7.6' range myself. I bought a BPS Extreme Woo Davis 7'4" medium power last year and like it but other than that I haven't bought a rod in quite some time so I really don't know what is good out there on the market. I know the question "what presentation/lure/application/etc" will you be using it for but I am just looking for an overall good brand/model here. Then I can get specific from there I guess. I can say it will never be used for topwater as I have a short 6 foot quantum rod for that. Thanks again for your guys awesome reviews/comments/info/opinions/experiences/etc.

[Stoneroller]

the ugly stick lite series make great crankbait/swimbait rods with their moderate tip. I like the berkely amp series, shimano voltaeus, and bass pro's carbonlite rods. (just got a couple of these on sale after using them fishing with my uncle). the ugly stick and voltaeus are good crankbait rods. the carbonlite you could throw just about anything on. I got a MH for fishing jig n pig, worms, etc and a M XF for dropshot/shakeyhead/grubs.

[Quillback]

Temple Fork Outfitters makes a good rod for $99 at Tacklewarehouse.

[Champ188]

Shimano Compre is right at $100 and has an over-the-counter free replacement warranty. If you break it, take it to any Shimano dealer and they hand you a new one, no charge. They come in all lengths and power/action ratings. If you want a good all-around rod, the 7-0 medium heavy/fast would serve you well.

[Stoneroller]

i think all the shimano rods have that warranty, the voltaeus has the same deal as the compre, just half the price.

[steveearle]

I really like the Compre. The 6'6" M spinning reel is very good for the money. I dont like their casting rods quite as much but oh well. Also, take a look at the new Abu Garcia Veritas. I think this is the best casting rod I've seen in the $100 range. The downside is they only have a one year warranty. I compared a lot of these $100 rods looking for a gift for my brother in law and settled on these (Veritas). $80 during the Tackle Warehouse and Bass Tackle Depot Black Friday Sales. Also look at the Falcon Bucoo. I would rate it 2nd behind the Veritas and the Temple Fork behind it. The Temple Fork is relatively heavy compared to these others, even though it has Gary Loomis' name on it.

[rps]

Bang for the buck comparisons on rods always draw many opinions. In the last 15 years, I have purchased 12 or 15 rods and made 5. Other than for trolling (where you would be foolish to spend more money than an Ugly Stick), I have found the highest quality for the money in Falcon.

BTW - I almost posted a heads up in your reel query. My Curado went belly up last Spring, and I bought an Okuma Serrano. I fished it hard all summer. I love it. The comparable reel to the Citica would be the Okuma Cayenne and it's on sale several places for $70 to 90.

[Gary Lange]

I just bought a Carbonlite Rod at BPS for $80.00 and they had others on sale for $90.00. Great rods for the money.

[stock jockey]

I will add something here.

I think that it is important to have a few rods for your lure:

jig rod (Falcon LFC-5-1610 Lowrider Casting 6'10" Eakins Jig special 10-20Lb). This is by far the best jig rod for the money.

It is about $120.00

Crank bait rod (Wright & McGill Skeet Reese Signature Series Tri-Gressive™ S-Glass Crankbait Trigger Rods). This rod has the right parabolic action for cranking. It is about $80.00

Top Water (Cabela's Fish Eagle® XML Casting Rod). This is a graphite rod with great sensitivity for the money. In there bargain cave right now for $69.99-normal price is $130.

Hope this helps.

David

[haleconst]

After reading both of your topics, best reel under $100 and best rod under $100, i am assuming you have around $200 for a set up. If I was you I would spend at least $150 of it on a good rod like a Falcon Cara and spend less on the reel. After all if you can't feel the fish bite I don't care if you have a $350 Shimano Core it's not going to do you any good. A reel is only a tool to hold extra line. I have set up my boys with bait casting outfits they all have good Falcon rods and cheap Shakespear reels from Walmart ($25 to $30) and they out fish me quite a bit. Just my outlook on the topic.

David Hale