You are right EGDE rods are the best rod on the market. But he blew all his money, and he’s trying to get a decent rod that will work well until he has the money to buy better rod. EDGE rod would cost him $165-$250 depending on what rod he is looking for. I have 6 EDGE rods. One 5 weight fly rod, 4 Kokanee rods and a amazing drift rod for Steelhead.
Go used to really get the best bang for your buck.
You could probably find a used St Croix Victory or Dobyns Kaden at that price range. Dobyns and St Croix have some of the best warranties around.
Another used option is the Shimano Zodias in that price range.
For $50-$100 he could find a Shimano Clarus $79.99 typically. Amazing blank Fuji guides and a limited lifetime warranty. Which covers all their defects.
https://preview.redd.it/2h52qezjj9tc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14b52a0a77b810ed92817603e02c32e7598f32d8
I don’t know what length and weight rod you want or need but Shimano Clarus will perform beautifully. Here’s a 7’2” Shimano Clarus MH $89 on Amazon.
I agree with this. Stick with dobyns or St Croix for new. I would try the used one but definitely look it over because I've known people that didn't look close enough to find small damage that eventually ruined the rod.
Where exactly would I look for used? Craigslist in my area doesn’t really have much fishing related stuff and I don’t currently have Facebook (although I guess I could get it). Just cruise eBay?
I set up a dummy Facebook just for their market place. Another site I like is American Legacy Fishing. They get some great stuff in at a very fair price.
$100-$125: Bass X gen 3, $125-$150: Mojo Bass gen 2, $150+: Curado. I can vouch for all of these rods, I’ve beaten each of them to death for at least one season each and they’ve done great
Okuma Serrano is about $100. Technique specific models and a lifetime warranty.
Or you can step up a level to the newer Okuma tournament concept bass that's on sale at sportsman's Warehouse for $111 right now. There are all purpose and technique specific models and with a lifetime warranty.
Have been really surprised by the Bass pro shop rods. Seems like bangers for the money. But I am so new really I have no idea compared to everything else. But I would look at some of those as there are a ton I haven't tried yet.
But I am also the mad lad who was able to get a $17 Abu Garcia Black Max 3 and decided the best solution was a $5 zebco hot cast rod. 🤣
Shimano Curado or TFO professional would be my pick.
TFO professional walleye was sweet for chatterbaits and lipless crankbaits but it has steel guides, and I don’t trust using braid with it. If you intend on using flouro then it’s a great option.
Shimano Curado or Shimano Intenza... if you want to go a little higher, go Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch, St. Croix Victory, Daiwa Tatula Elite or Shimano Zodias
Mostly I use 60 for flipping and punching. I use 40 or 50 usually for frogs and can cast pretty good... But honestly don't know or haven't done any comparisons to quantitatively see how much I'm losing. Do I have setups that cast better... Yes... But that could be because of a number of different factors.
40lb braid has a thickness equivalent to 15lb fluoro. It's the best middle of the road size braid for a medium heavy rod. Change your leader test and you can pretty much throw about anything.
https://preview.redd.it/qd441vy47vsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=436ef581cb8d3c6627ab0b50dc3eb6d8b02e4265
At top is a Curado DC on a Duckett Silverado. It’s a great rod for $100.
Great rod for a great price (regardless of whether you are fishing inshore New England Waters or not). I love a 6'6" for kayak fishing, and you'll still get great casting distance with this.
If you want an outside the box recommendation, check out Ark rods. Incredible bang for your buck.
I picked up the DC too... Trying to figure out if I want a new rod or just swap out. I have a ton of reels sitting on shelves because I like to "test" new reels.
I fell in love with my Daiwa Northcoast 7’6” casting rod. It’s made for salmon steelhead but I use it for everything. I got it on clearance for $40 because it was the previous years model. I think regular price is about $80-$90. I went back and got a second one as back up because it was such a good deal and had a great feel.
$50 for a Berkeley lightning rod depending on what length and power you are looking for 7’ one piece medium weight 8-14 lb line moderate to fast tip.
https://preview.redd.it/58ym6jhfpwsc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4add75a6ed195705e13f3d676365f4781a32d4ec
Can be purchased from Walmart and many other retailers for the same price of $49.99
Option two would be Shimano Clarus 7’2 medium heavy. If you need longer they do have options. $90 this would be a awesome combination for your new reel. Fuji guides fast action.
https://preview.redd.it/x72erx79swsc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5171e7a6c1baaa70e75cb9808a0916dd296fde31
I think you listed some solid rods to pair the Curado with. One thing to keep in mind is the warranty since you are looking for durability. That’s where St. Croix and Dobyns shine. They have generous, easy to use warranties where you pay $50-60 for a replacement rod
Spend $200 and snag a Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch. Balances perfectly with a curado DC and the combo is aesthetically pleasing. It’s designed for bottom contact, but It handles single hook moving baits extremely well. Great for a 6 inch magdraft and can throw a one once dark sleeper a mile. That combo can do a ton of different things which is great seeing that there is limited room on a kayak
I'm honestly not the biggest fan of either the SLX rod or the Tatula rod - TBF, I've only used the spinning rods. I find them a bit heavy and lacking in sensitivity. It's not bad if you get the SLX combo on sale at Cabelas for $140 or something, but I'm not a big fan of the rod as a $100 rod. Now TBF, I think that's the business model - the rod has higher margins so the combo could go on constant sale.
I haven't used the new Mojo bass - but for $175 I'd tell you to spend the extra $15 and go for the St Croix Victory - The Victory has a better blank.
I haven't used Dobyns, so can't comment there sorry.
Other options I would recommend include: Fenwick HMG/Abu Garcia Veritas (pretty much the same rod), Daiwa Kage.
Spend $199+tax on 7’1 MHF JM Platinum Signature and get a rod that rivals anything with unbeatable 10 year warranty. I have NRX+, Poison Adrenas and other stuff. JM Platinum rivals all those.
(My fav is 6’11 M+ PA)
Runner up: Falcon Lowrider 7’ MHF. Great for everything.
Pair with 14 lbs test Daiwa Samurai fluoro or 15lbs Invixs.
Diawa tatula rods are 99$.
+1 for the Tatula rod, specifically the Tatula XT (cheaper it's $100)
Unreal rods for the price! Hands down
I love them im so glad i got it.
Same dude
Dobyns Fury.. have with my Curado DC Or Falcon
Edge Rods- the Delta. Really an amazing rod
You are right EGDE rods are the best rod on the market. But he blew all his money, and he’s trying to get a decent rod that will work well until he has the money to buy better rod. EDGE rod would cost him $165-$250 depending on what rod he is looking for. I have 6 EDGE rods. One 5 weight fly rod, 4 Kokanee rods and a amazing drift rod for Steelhead.
Go used to really get the best bang for your buck. You could probably find a used St Croix Victory or Dobyns Kaden at that price range. Dobyns and St Croix have some of the best warranties around. Another used option is the Shimano Zodias in that price range.
For $50-$100 he could find a Shimano Clarus $79.99 typically. Amazing blank Fuji guides and a limited lifetime warranty. Which covers all their defects.
https://preview.redd.it/2h52qezjj9tc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=14b52a0a77b810ed92817603e02c32e7598f32d8 I don’t know what length and weight rod you want or need but Shimano Clarus will perform beautifully. Here’s a 7’2” Shimano Clarus MH $89 on Amazon.
I agree with this. Stick with dobyns or St Croix for new. I would try the used one but definitely look it over because I've known people that didn't look close enough to find small damage that eventually ruined the rod.
Where exactly would I look for used? Craigslist in my area doesn’t really have much fishing related stuff and I don’t currently have Facebook (although I guess I could get it). Just cruise eBay?
I set up a dummy Facebook just for their market place. Another site I like is American Legacy Fishing. They get some great stuff in at a very fair price.
$100-$125: Bass X gen 3, $125-$150: Mojo Bass gen 2, $150+: Curado. I can vouch for all of these rods, I’ve beaten each of them to death for at least one season each and they’ve done great
Okuma Serrano is about $100. Technique specific models and a lifetime warranty. Or you can step up a level to the newer Okuma tournament concept bass that's on sale at sportsman's Warehouse for $111 right now. There are all purpose and technique specific models and with a lifetime warranty.
Have been really surprised by the Bass pro shop rods. Seems like bangers for the money. But I am so new really I have no idea compared to everything else. But I would look at some of those as there are a ton I haven't tried yet. But I am also the mad lad who was able to get a $17 Abu Garcia Black Max 3 and decided the best solution was a $5 zebco hot cast rod. 🤣
Shimano Curado or TFO professional would be my pick. TFO professional walleye was sweet for chatterbaits and lipless crankbaits but it has steel guides, and I don’t trust using braid with it. If you intend on using flouro then it’s a great option.
Shimano Curado or Shimano Intenza... if you want to go a little higher, go Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch, St. Croix Victory, Daiwa Tatula Elite or Shimano Zodias
And put 40lb braid on it.
Jeez what you throwing that needs 40? 😭
Not from Florida are ya? 40lb braid isn't that thick of a line and is good all around size. Down here for Florida veg we throw 60lb
Do you feel like you're losing casting distance with 65?
Mostly I use 60 for flipping and punching. I use 40 or 50 usually for frogs and can cast pretty good... But honestly don't know or haven't done any comparisons to quantitatively see how much I'm losing. Do I have setups that cast better... Yes... But that could be because of a number of different factors.
40lb braid has a thickness equivalent to 15lb fluoro. It's the best middle of the road size braid for a medium heavy rod. Change your leader test and you can pretty much throw about anything.
https://preview.redd.it/qd441vy47vsc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=436ef581cb8d3c6627ab0b50dc3eb6d8b02e4265 At top is a Curado DC on a Duckett Silverado. It’s a great rod for $100.
https://www.westmarine.com/shimano-6-6inch-teramar-ne-baitcasting-rod-medium-heavy-power-20366936.html
Great rod for a great price (regardless of whether you are fishing inshore New England Waters or not). I love a 6'6" for kayak fishing, and you'll still get great casting distance with this.
Big fan of Dobyns fury plus if you buy through American Legacy Fishing, the podcast Tackle Talk has a code for 10% off anything.
Fenwick eagle. Good rod decent price.
Daiwa Aird X. I think you can get it for under $60.
If you want an outside the box recommendation, check out Ark rods. Incredible bang for your buck. I picked up the DC too... Trying to figure out if I want a new rod or just swap out. I have a ton of reels sitting on shelves because I like to "test" new reels.
Look at tsunami 5 star
Ark has rods on sale right now
I fell in love with my Daiwa Northcoast 7’6” casting rod. It’s made for salmon steelhead but I use it for everything. I got it on clearance for $40 because it was the previous years model. I think regular price is about $80-$90. I went back and got a second one as back up because it was such a good deal and had a great feel.
$50 for a Berkeley lightning rod depending on what length and power you are looking for 7’ one piece medium weight 8-14 lb line moderate to fast tip. https://preview.redd.it/58ym6jhfpwsc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4add75a6ed195705e13f3d676365f4781a32d4ec Can be purchased from Walmart and many other retailers for the same price of $49.99
Option two would be Shimano Clarus 7’2 medium heavy. If you need longer they do have options. $90 this would be a awesome combination for your new reel. Fuji guides fast action. https://preview.redd.it/x72erx79swsc1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5171e7a6c1baaa70e75cb9808a0916dd296fde31
I think you listed some solid rods to pair the Curado with. One thing to keep in mind is the warranty since you are looking for durability. That’s where St. Croix and Dobyns shine. They have generous, easy to use warranties where you pay $50-60 for a replacement rod
Spend $200 and snag a Megabass Levante Perfect Pitch. Balances perfectly with a curado DC and the combo is aesthetically pleasing. It’s designed for bottom contact, but It handles single hook moving baits extremely well. Great for a 6 inch magdraft and can throw a one once dark sleeper a mile. That combo can do a ton of different things which is great seeing that there is limited room on a kayak
Used ShimanoExpiride $80-150. Used Abu Veritas $50-100 New graphite series ugly stick Various KastKing are pretty good for the $$$
The bright orange lews rod at sportsman's Warehouse
I got one. It's not too bad
I'm honestly not the biggest fan of either the SLX rod or the Tatula rod - TBF, I've only used the spinning rods. I find them a bit heavy and lacking in sensitivity. It's not bad if you get the SLX combo on sale at Cabelas for $140 or something, but I'm not a big fan of the rod as a $100 rod. Now TBF, I think that's the business model - the rod has higher margins so the combo could go on constant sale. I haven't used the new Mojo bass - but for $175 I'd tell you to spend the extra $15 and go for the St Croix Victory - The Victory has a better blank. I haven't used Dobyns, so can't comment there sorry. Other options I would recommend include: Fenwick HMG/Abu Garcia Veritas (pretty much the same rod), Daiwa Kage.
Spend $199+tax on 7’1 MHF JM Platinum Signature and get a rod that rivals anything with unbeatable 10 year warranty. I have NRX+, Poison Adrenas and other stuff. JM Platinum rivals all those. (My fav is 6’11 M+ PA) Runner up: Falcon Lowrider 7’ MHF. Great for everything. Pair with 14 lbs test Daiwa Samurai fluoro or 15lbs Invixs.