Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Spinning rod recommendation

Buddies wife asked me what to get her husband for his birthday. I know he is lacking a nice rod and reel. Had her order a Diawa BG 2500 but I see that BP has discontinued their Extreme rod line which was a good value IMO.

So much to choose from and curious what you guys would recommend?

6’6” MH/fast 1 piece, sub $100 budget

At that budget point, it is hard to beat an Ugly Stik.

Fenwick Eagle or if she shops around she might find a HMG in that price range.

The warrenty on Ugly Stik is worthless.

Try a Whuppin Stick from Cabelas and you won't go wrong.

You're right about the old Bass Pro "Extreme" series. They were a good rod for the money. I've got a few I've been using over 20 years with no problems.

You can find St Croix "Triumph" rods for a little under $100 on Amazon. I bought one last year, 6 ft one piece med. and it's been a good rod. A little heavier medium than other brands I've used but it will set a hook. Shimano makes some decent rods for under a hundred, the Shimano Clarus is a good one.

You don't need a warranty on an Ugly Stik. They're bulletproof.

A rod that needs a good warranty isn't a good rod, is it?

I have 2 and 4 piece St Croix rods that I really like, haven’t tried a one piece rod.

The new Ugly Stiks are made in China! UGH!

Everything is made in China. Get over it.

I'm very happy with my $90 St Croix "Triumph"

Another vote for the St Croix Triumph. By one power lighter than you want as they're a little stout.

Yes, they are hard to beat for the $$$$.

Thanks. I was afraid their 6’6” triumph being maxed at medium would be a issue. If what you said holds true? That likely is a lock.

Guy needs something for flounder, bass, catfish, perch, and rock fish? Do all setup.

Last year I broke the tip of one of my Ugly sticks by accidentally closing the tailgate of my Expedition
on it. I called their costumer service to see if I could buy just the upper part of the rod. The guy said they
do not have those for sale, but offered a coupon for 50% off another Ugly stick of my choice.
That is after I told them how the rod broke. Whats not to like about that?

I've used nothing but Fenwick HMG spinning rods for around 40 years. They'll $99 most places.

For a made in USA option, look at St. Croix rods. If you're ever in the area, visit their facility in Wisconsin for deals on factory seconds.

Temple fork.

Yep. I've got four of them. An ultra light "GX2", medium original, medium "Light Pro" and medium heavy "Elite". They're all I use anymore. Course I ain't trying to impress anybody either. These rods get a workout, take a lickin' and keep on tickin' and we catch plenty of fish. The Light Pro and Elite in particular are a big improvement over the Ugly Stik of old and I doubt they can be beat for the price.

I used a 7' Medium Triumph and Penn Fierce 3000 for everything from catfish and specks ( crappie) to saltwater trout, redfish and snapper until I started having custom rods built. Caught a few giant Gar and a decent Snook or two on it also. Their medium has a great tip it just transitions a little faster than a lot of other rod makers in my opinion....

For the record, the Triumph and Mojo models are made in Mexico of US components. Still great rods though.

Thanks for the input guys. Gonna try one of these Triumphs.