Rod to match my Battle II 2000

[EMSer]

One of the casualties of the CBKF event was I broke my lightest rod and I need a replacement. I am seeking advice. I have the Penn Battle II reel. I would love a new St Croix Avid, but there is no way I can afford it. I might be able to pull off a Tidemaster, but that is a stretch as well..

I want to he rod for perch and light jigging for Rocks so sensitivity with some backbone are desired. Can anyone help me narrow the myriad of choices?

[BassMoore]

i love my Bass Pro extreme rod with my battle reel

i also really like my temple fork outfitters rod for 99$

the st croix premeir are a tad heavier but they are very nice as well

[Cowpokey]

What kind of budget are you looking at for the rod?

On a $40 budget, my picks would be Berkley Lighting Rod for sensitivity, or Ugly Stik GX2 for trolling. Depending on which you anticipate doing more. I mostly troll with 3000 size reels, so the GX2 rods are my pick, I have a Fierce, a pair of Battle II and a Spinfisher on those rods.

[Redfish12]

If you can swing $100 go for the St Croix Mojo Bass 6'8" M Extra Fast. It's a great rod for light jigging and not overkill for specs/perch/lmb.

[EMSer]

What kind of budget are you looking at for the rod?

On a $40 budget, my picks would be Berkley Lighting Rod for sensitivity, or Ugly Stik GX2 for trolling. Depending on which you anticipate doing more. I mostly troll with 3000 size reels, so the GX2 rods are my pick, I have a Fierce, a pair of Battle II and a Spinfisher on those rods.

I am willing to spend $100 (MAYBE a little more) since I anticipate this being a my go to rod. If I could score a great rod for less that wouldn't be a bad thing though. I am already set up on the trolling side with 3000 and 4000 as my primary rigs.

Will the berkley handle some light weight trolling (i.e. 1/8 weighted book / paddle tail). I will defiantly check out the Mojo as well

[Cowpokey]

I have several Lightning Rods; mostly for freshwater light and UL fishing. I do have a medium heavy LR with a baitcasting reel that I use for trolling the bay, but since sensitivity isn't really needed for that, the GX2 are my preferred trolling rod.

Since you have a $100 budget, I'd go with something nice that also has a lifetime replacement warranty. I don't have any of those quality rods in my conventional arsenal, so I'll let other folks guide you down that path.

[daolai]

I broke my Penn Battle II/2000 combo as well on a CNR earlier in the year and replaced it with a Ugly Stik GX2 Elite - really nice rod for the price had a coupon and it was $35 at Sports Authority. Felt very good yesterday.

[Mark]

Bruce,

Nice meeting you yesterday. Congratulations on your catches in trying conditions.

Check Bass Pro. Last week I purchased a 7 foot medium action thin handled Bionic Blade for $80 that has the action and feel I like and is light weight. I carried it yesterday but never touched it so I cannot address its action with a fish on the line. There was a medium light version on the rack that may fit your needs. The one I purchased feels a lot like my favorite St. Croix and Lamiglas rods in my hand. I think we don't always have to buy high end to get a serviceable rod. I hope that is the case with my newest.

I was also impressed with several Browning and Shimano rods at Bass pro that ranged from $50 to $100.

Good luck,

[farleybob]

I've never had any of these rods, but in the "bargain room" at st. Croix's website, they seem to be clearing out last year's Mojo Bass and Rage rods for $89 with free shipping and a free hat. The Mojo (was 109)has SCII graphite and the Rage (was $150) is SCIII. Looks like they're both made in Mexico and have 5 year warranties. The rage has a funky neoprene handle and micro guides. For the Mojo, they have the MBS68MXF and the MB70MF. For the Rage, they have RS610MXF, RS68MXF, and the RS71MF. They're all rated for 6-12 lb line. Don't know if this is heavier than what you're looking for. Good luck.

[EMSer]

I've never had any of these rods, but in the "bargain room" at st. Croix's website, they seem to be clearing out last year's Mojo Bass and Rage rods for $89 with free shipping and a free hat. The Mojo (was 109)has SCII graphite and the Rage (was $150) is SCIII. Looks like they're both made in Mexico and have 5 year warranties. The rage has a funky neoprene handle and micro guides. For the Mojo, they have the MBS68MXF and the MB70MF. For the Rage, they have RS610MXF, RS68MXF, and the RS71MF. They're all rated for 6-12 lb line. Don't know if this is heavier than what you're looking for. Good luck.

Thanks for the tips farleybob and Redfish12 (and everyone else)!! Just placed the order with St Croix. $89 is a great price!

Unfortunately, it won't get here before my trip north, but I can make due in the short term