Looking for opinions on what rods y’all like for inshore in the under $50 range and then over $50.
Will probably combine with reels such as Penn Battle 2000-3000 or similar.
Fishing both artis and live bait.
Additional info on why you like particular make/model will be helpful.
Thanks
best cheap rod I’ve found is a Berkeley Lightning rod, generally under $30, will outcast anything else i own, especially with a light rig or bait. My favorite $50 rod is a Falcon I found on close out at West marine a few years back, it was marked $94, then marked down, then again, then again to $49. Its my favorite all around fishing rod
Shakespeare Ugly Stick InterCoastal. $40 at Walmart. Best deal around, IMO.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
Agree on the Sheakespeare Ugly Stik- they have an online company store you can direct order the rods from, Walmart doesn’t usually keep in stock. As good as my $100 rods.
Ditto on the Berkeley Lightning Rod. I have 2 and those along with a Shimano Voltaeus are actually my favorite rods and none cost more than $40.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Take a look at the new PENN Squadron inshore rods $39.99-$49.99. I think Haddrell’s carries a few of them.
AFFILIATED WITH PENN FISHING TACKLE [http://www.pennreels.com/]
Not a fan of 2 piece rods like the ugly stick intracoastal, and every Penn rod at Chas Angler sville was xtra fast or fast action…hope its not the same at Haddrells
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
quote:
Originally posted by StumpNockerNot a fan of 2 piece rods like the ugly stick intracoastal
I have two 1-piece InterCoastals and one 2-piece. I agree, I don’t like the 2-piece rods either. There’s nothing like casting at a fish in shallow water and having the top half of your rod go flying into the water right behind your lure! 
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Inshore’s come in 1 piece as well. I fish all 1 piece.
Cant go wrong with the intercostal 1 peice rods… for casting corks or bottom fishing with carolina rigs, there is absolutely no need for high dollar rods. They are tough, can stand up to kids and rookie buddys slamming them around…
For over 50 - can’t go wrong with a nice TFO for light jigging and casting, or a StCroix for heavier stuff.
Why do y’all prefer 1 pc over 2? I suppose if the rod is staying on the boat the entire time, it doesn’t matter, but if you have to store your rods or bring them in a car, etc, I prefer the 2 pc.
I think it’s pretty rare that that top half flys off during a cast. Heck, my fly rods are all 3-4 pcs and they rarely if every come apart.
quote:
Originally posted by bonecrusherWhy do y’all prefer 1 pc over 2? I suppose if the rod is staying on the boat the entire time, it doesn’t matter, but if you have to store your rods or bring them in a car, etc, I prefer the 2 pc.
I think it’s pretty rare that that top half flys off during a cast. Heck, my fly rods are all 3-4 pcs and they rarely if every come apart.
I think 1 pieces are supposedly more sensitive, but generally I don’t care. I have a mix. I prefer the 1 piece since I have not separated any of my 2 piece rods in years.
As far as best rod for the money I really don’t have an opinion. If the fish are there and they want to eat your bait you can catch them with some mono tied to a stick. To me a rod’s a rod. I prefer 6 1/2-7’ rods that are durable and I guess you would call them medium/light action. Don’t much care about brand. I have a few penn’s, couple ugly sticks, couple shimano’s etc… I think it’s the Shimano’s that I have that started at 7.5’ and every couple months a tip section breaks off on them - probably closer to 6.5’ by now. Probably wouldn’t buy them again.
quote:
Originally posted by bonecrusherWhy do y’all prefer 1 pc over 2? I think it’s pretty rare that that top half flys off during a cast.
It only happens when I’m on fish and too excited to pay attention. It usually happens when I’m throwing my big topwater spook. I throw it 50+ yards, so that’s a lot of stress and flex on the connection.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
quote:
Originally posted by HoofArdedquote:
Originally posted by bonecrusherWhy do y’all prefer 1 pc over 2? I think it’s pretty rare that that top half flys off during a cast.
It only happens when I’m on fish and too excited to pay attention. It usually happens when I’m throwing my big topwater spook. I throw it 50+ yards, so that’s a lot of stress and flex on the connection.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
X2 …and my 9 ft crappie/shad rod is 2 piece but there will never have a lot of stress on that where a big ray on 50lb braid had broken a 2 piece( on the joint) of mine before…so no more for me lol
“you win some, you lose some…but nothing beats getting some!”
If you dont have a reel yet then just buy a penn battle combo. I love them. The reel cost $99 but the combo is $119 or cheaper at times. Other than that the squadron is a good choice. I also have one of those with a 3000 battle. Shop around. Good luck.
Sundance K16
<$50 I really don’t know.
>$50 custom all the way. There are superior blanks available.
A 2-piece rod should not be breaking at the ferrule…unless you are over lining it and carrying too much drag pressure.
More popular in Florida but a lot of people think the Hurricane Redbones are as good as anything. I love mine but I can’t find any reason the step down model Hurricane Calico Jacks aren’t every bit as good. Unfortunately, local shops don’t sell them so Dick’s or online. The Redbones are $100 at Dick’s but can find for $70s online, the Calicos are $60 at Dicks, $40-50 online. Got a bunch of $30 Shimano Sojourns in all sizes from Haddrells. Kind of heavy and skimp on the # of guides but that’s what you get. If you want something in that range they hold up well and Shimano has stood behind the 1-year warranty on a few that broke.
I picked up a couple of the new Penn squadron rods at Haddrell’s several weeks ago. I’ve had them out every weekend and have been very happy with them. They’re sensitive enough to feel every nibble and bump and have enough backbone to easily handle a large redfish. Worth every penny of the $30-something I paid. I prefer the split grip but they have other choices. X2 on that battle combo if you don’t have a reel to pair with the new rod. That’s a great deal.
SHIMANO RODS</font id=“size3”>
They carry a lifetime warranty!!! I know if you purchase one from the charleston angler if it breaks you pay them $10 and you have to wait like a week and they replace it. Other times they might have the same one in stock and you can get it replaced same day… I’ve broken probably 3 or 4 in my lifetime and have never had a problem getting it replaced for a brand new one!!! They may be a little more expensive but its well worth it!!
2005 1760 Stealth Flats Boat w/115 4 Stroke Yamaha
14ft john boat 25 johnson
“duck boat”
Tight lines!
Redfishn