Development of Baitcasting Rods:
Baitcasting rods, or casting rods are constantly becoming more expensive and upgrading in key areas in order to improve one’s experience out on the water. Some areas where brands are constantly looking to improve are:
- Sensitivity: How much you as the angler feel from the end of your line. This can relate to bites or bottom contact
- Weight: Brands are constantly trying to reduce the weight of their rods in order to make it more comfortable to fish with for hours. Baitcasting, and spinning rods are lighter but also stronger than ever
- Durability: This is simply how tough the rod is. Is it going to last you years of targeting big bass in heavy vegetation? The materials and craftsmanship are the key components of how durable a rod will be
- Design: This is a modern trend in fishing rods but many anglers have a preference for how they want their rod to look and this is becoming a serious consideration when brands are planning their projects/builds
Brands are continuing to develop new ways to achieve these attributes and baitcasting rods are more advanced than ever. However, there is a price to pay, and the amount us anglers are paying for these impressive rods is rising by the year.
However, one mustn't feel like they have to pay huge amounts in order to obtain a fishing rod that'll catch bucket loads of bass. Often, these higher priced rods have very minor benefits and some may not even notice the advantages of the more expensive rods.
Popular brands are also starting to release rods that have a modest price tag but have performance that matches those of a much higher price. For this reason, the $100 price tag has become one of the most competitive price regions in the world of fishing rods.
We’d like to help you in your decision when purchasing a rod in this price region and point out what to look for when considering your options. There are some seriously impressive rods to look out for and we’ve recommended a few at the top of this article.
What To Look For in a Baitcasting Rod Under 100 Dollars:
Although they may not have the latest in technology or the most insane sensitivity, rods in this price region are improving all the time and staying at around this price tag, in order for brands to try to gain a larger share of this incredibly flooded and competitive market. We’re going to point out a few key things to look out for when considering your next rod under $100:
- Length
- Action and Power
- Weight
- Guides
- Reel Seat
- Grip/Handle
If interested, we've written a complete buyer's guide which will help your rod selection process.
Length
Most baitcasting rods on today’s market will have a wide variety of lengths to choose from and each height is better suited to different techniques and applications.
Shorter Rods (6’6”-6’11”)
- Fishing cover where better casting accuracy is necessary. Shorter rods are easier to control for those shorter, more accuracy-dependent casts
- Shorter rods are better for techniques such as throwing jerkbaits or spinnerbaits
- These rods will also have more pulling power which is better when trying to get fish out of vegetation/cover
Medium/Long Rods (7’+)
Your all purpose casting rod will most probably have a length at 7 foot, which works fine for all techniques and has various benefits when it comes to hook setting and fighting. Some other benefits of longer rods include:
- Longer casting which is ideal for fishing reaction baits when looking to cover a lot of water
- Longer rods also give anglers a better chance of clearing obstacles when fighting a fish or retrieving a lure, as you’re able to change your angle of retrieval more
- Hooksetting will also improve with a longer rod. One can take up more line and set faster with lengthier blanks
Action and Power
Again, most baitcasting rods will have a wide variety of actions to choose from, with each action being more effective for specific techniques. Action simply means how much a rod will bend from the tip. We’ve written a complete rod selection guide if you want to read more on rod performance.
Medium-Light Action:
This action is great for finesse techniques, as it has more flex for throwing those weightless or light presentations. Presentations such as a weightless wacky, dropshot, or shaky heads are just a few that work great with this rod action.
Medium/Moderate Action:
This action is a favorite when it comes to throwing crankbaits, as it provides just enough give to ensure a crisp hookset while retrieving. Most crankbait rods will have a medium or moderate action as setting a treble hook works better with a more parabolic action.
Medium-Heavy:
This is your all purpose action which can be used for every technique. Whether it's flipping in heavy cover or dragging a Carolina rig along a rock bottom, this action will give you the necessary backbone to get a crisp hookset.
Heavy:
This action is ideal for casting heavier lures but also the best option for flipping and pitching in heavy cover. It’ll give you a very fast and crisp hookset, and get any fish out of any hazardous area quickly.
Weight
As mentioned earlier, weight is one of the key areas where brands are constantly looking to improve on. A lighter rod is always more comfortable to cast/fish with, so be sure to look for a rod that has a light feel.
In our rod reviews, we try to give an idea on how light the rod is through feedback from anglers who have used the rod.
Guides
Guides are a prerequisite for any quality rod. Brands are starting to use advanced, lightweight guides in their more affordable rod options, so even if you’re looking for a more price friendly rod - if you’re going with a well-known brand you’re likely to have resilient and tough guides.
Reel Seat
This is where your baitcasting reel is locked in, and this is another prerequisite of any quality rod. You’ll want a reel seat which is sturdy and sets your reel in tightly, without any looseness.
Skeletal reel seats are a more modern design where the reel is in direct contact with the blank. This aids sensitivity, which is always a nice bonus. Blank-contact reel seats are being used more and more often and you’ll definitely be able to find a rod under $100 with a skeletal reel seat.
Grip/Handle
The grip is another important facet that one should consider when purchasing a rod. This often comes down to personal preference as there are many different kinds of grips that one can consider.
- Cork is the most commonly used material for rod handles when it comes to freshwater fishing. Cork is often mounted onto a metal frame with a trigger to improve control and enhance comfort. This gives the rod a classic, stylish look while being extremely comfortable. Cork adds little weight to the rod, giving the rod a comfortable and lightweight feel
- EVA foam is another favorite material used for rod handles and provides a dense but lightweight feel. This is a soft, shock-absorbent material that also provides water and slip resistance. This material can also be easily shaped with sandpaper, giving you the chance to create an even more ergonomic feel. This material is more resistant to stains and changes in temperature, while providing the most durability over time. Many say that EVA foam is better for sensitivity
Split grips and full handle grips are also different grip styles, which suit different techniques. Split grips are often preferred for the longer casts, while full handle grips are more comfortable for some.
Lew's Team Pro Ti Speed Stick Casting Rod
The Pro Ti includes some of Lew's most popular and unique features. This rods action is seriously highly-rated and anglers seem to love the all-purpose performance it offers.
To our surprise, we found very few reviews on this rod. This is definitely something we expect to change, as everyone who has reviewed it seems to love it. A classy looking build from one of the best in the business.
Do consider the price!
Daiwa Steez AGS Casting Rod
The Steez AGS casting rod is built to take lightweight rods as well as sensitivity to the next level. Every feature on the Steez AGS is used with weight in mind, and this is where Daiwa's Air Guide System shines.
The AGS system is lighter, stronger, and more sensitive than ever, and it's hard to beat. This system alongside some classic Steez components makes for a rod that is a pleasure to fish with.
Dobyns Champion XP Split Grip Casting Rod
The Champion XP is an all-purpose rod that has received mostly positive reviews. This rod can be used for all techniques and there are many options available - so you should be able to find a model that suits your style.
Gary Dobyns has built up a special reputation for his rods, using his vast experience on the water to design a rod line that everyone seems to love.
G. Loomis NRX Casting Rod
The NRX is simply one of the best casting rods you can buy when it comes to bass fishing. The sensitivity on this rod is second to none, and many say that you'll "feel the breath of the bass". The price tag on this rod is quite something, but if you're serious about your bass fishing, you'll know that this rod is built with the highest quality - and you'll be using it for many years to come.
G Loomis GCX Casting Rod
The GCX is a newer model from G. Loomis. With almost every technique covered with various models, Loomis have created an incredibly versatile line of rods. They've also featured classic elements with their hand-crafted quality.
The GCX looks like a great rod if you're looking to acquire your first Loomis.
St. Croix Avid X Casting Rod
The Avid X casting rod has become a serious success for St. Croix. Just like the spinning rod, this rod is loved by its users. It can be used for various techniques and the sensitivity it provides is considered world class.
If you're looking for a high quality, versatile casting rod, this one should definitely be considered.
St. Croix Legend Tournament Series Casting Rod
The Legend Tournament Series turned many heads at iCast 2022, ultimately claiming the prize as the best freshwater rod for the event. St. Croix has combined some of their finest exclusive technology for this build - resulting an actions that are crisp.
As this rod is new, factors such as longevity are yet to be tested, but knowing St. Croix, they've taken this into consideration.
Dobyns Champion Extreme HP Split Grip Casting Rod
The Champion Extreme HP Split Grip is one of the most impressive rods we've read about. This unique brand, Dobyns, has produced a rod that many consider as the best they've used. There's a model for all kinds of techniques, and you probably won't find a more sensitive rod - at least in this price region.
This rod is slightly more expensive, but many feel it's worth every penny.
Dobyns Fury Casting Rod
The Dobyns Fury is a top seller on most bass fishing stores and it has been for a while. This rod comes at an epic price, and the performance is what you'd expect from a rod that costs over $200. A sharp backbone, impressive sensitivity, and the durability we expect from Dobyns - what else do you need for an all-purpose rod?
One thing we can assure is that Dobyns rod very seldom disappoint - the craftmanship is second to none.
Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier Casting Rod
The Fantasista Premier looks like an absolute masterpiece from Abu Garcia. This is an all purpose casting rod, and there's a model for various techniques. Anglers have compared this rod to the likes of the NRX, implying that this rod competes with the a best. A little on the pricey side, but if you're looking for some serious overall performance, this one might be worth it.
Lew's KVD Crankbait Casting Rod
The KVD Crankbait rod features classic crankbait features, and many say this rod competes with others well above its price point. We have read some impressive reviews on this rod and apart from a few minor issues, we feel that this may be the best crankbait rod you'll find in the $100 price region. That is, if you enjoy composite blanks.
Definitely worth a look if you're looking to widen your collection of technique-specific casting rods.
13 Fishing Fate Black 3 Casting Rod
The Fate Black 3 from 13 Fishing is one of those rods you can't ignore if you're looking to snag a rod under the $100 price point. The team at 13 Fishing has introduced very modern features that contribute to sensitivity as well as overall comfortability of the rod.
We're a big fan of the Fate Black 3 as well as everything that 13 Fishing is doing with their new rods.
Daiwa Tatula XT Crankbait Casting Rod
The Tatula XT Crankbait would be a great option if you're looking to add a crankbait rod to your collection. This casting rod is affordable, and has all the required components to catch a lot of bass on cranks, which is always a lot of fun. Note some users have found this rod slightly heavier, but that is expected if you're getting a glass option. Competes with the likes of the Veritas Winch and KVD.
Shimano Clarus E Casting Rod
You simply can't go wrong with the Clarus from Shimano. This rod provides all-round performance and will last you years on the water. The addition of the G-Alpha grip gives this rod a bit of added flare, while the improved guide system gives the Clarus enhanced performance for casting.
If you're lurking under the $100 region, the Clarus is a potential no brainer!
Shimano SLX Casting Rod
The SLX is a newer model by Shimano that provides anglers with classic all-purpose casting rod performance. This rod can be used for virtually all techniques and it's very sensitive.
It also has the necessary backbone for fishing heavy cover, making it a solid flipping rod option. Overall, this would make a great option if you're hunting the $100 price region.
Abu Garcia Veritas Winch Crankbait Casting Rod
The Veritas Winch Crankbait casting rod offers anglers with impressive all-round performance when it comes to working crankbaits. Abu Garcia have geared this rod to have the ideal parabolic action for leaning into fish after they eat, helping with a clean hookset of that treble hook.
One thing we have seen mentioned is the slight lack of sensitivity. Modern crankers love to feel every knock or vibration of their crankbait and some feel the Winch doesn't quite get that.
This rod loads beautifully, and you'll be able to cast all kinds of crankbaits and cover a lot of water. Overall, this would make a solid option if you're looking for a budget friendly crankbait rod.
Daiwa DX Swimbait Casting Rod
The DX Swimbait is a great casting rod option if you're looking to big swimbait fanatic. This rod is tough, but also offers decent sensitivity.
Some anglers have had issues with casting the really large lures, but overall, this rod has racked up mostly positive reviews. A budget-friendly option for swimbait-specific angling. Combines nicely with the Tatula 300.
Duckett Silverado Casting Rod
Overall, from a performance and value for money point of view, the Silverado is a very solid choice. It offers a lightweight, sensitive feel that is highly favored by both experienced and intermediate anglers.
13 Fishing Fate Green Casting Rod
The Fate Green is a budget-friendly option from 13 Fishing, but this rod still offers impressive all-round performance. Many anglers love to use this rod for crankbaits, thanks to its parabolic action.
Another bonus is the attractiveness of this rod - 13 Fishing have always made classy looking rods, but this one has some serious flare. A worthwhile option if you're looking for a reasonably priced casting rod with all the necessary traits.
13 Fishing Defy Black 2 Casting Rod
The Defy Black 2 makes for an solid rod to add to your arsenal if you're looking for a versatile but affordable rod. This guy will cover most techniques, and there are even cranking, or swimbait specific models if you're looking to get something more technique-specific.
This would make for a great option if you're looking to test the waters with 13 Fishing before investing in one of their higher-end models.