Choosing the best fishing rods under $100 can be a tough decision with so many options to choose from. But there are some really great choices out there that can help make getting your own rod that much easier.
From spinning and baitcasting rods, to offshore, fly fishing, and ice fishing rods, there are a variety of quality rods available that will fit your budget and help you catch more fish!
Fishing is a beloved pastime for many, and the right gear can make all the difference for your next fishing trip. Whether you’re more of a beginning fisherman or a more experienced angler, having access to top-notch equipment doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg!
If you’re looking for the best fishing rod under $100, then read on! Here we’ll discuss some of the best rods in this price range that offer great value without compromising on quality.
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Best Spinning Rods Under $100
With so many choices, finding the best spinning rod can be a daunting task.
Although there are a lot of great rods available for under $100, it can be difficult to decide which is the best one for you.
Whether you’re looking to go light saltwater fishing or lake bass fishing, there is a great rod to meet your needs.
A quality rod can be used for a variety of fishing tasks, including catching small panfish, as well as bigger fish like stripers and largemouth bass. They also work well for dropshot and other specific techniques.
There are a few key points to keep in mind when buying a spinning rod.
For one, when selecting your new rod, it’s important to consider its length, weight, power and action.
A longer rod may help with casting distance while a lighter one can be easier to maneuver.
As far as power goes, heavier rods are better suited for larger species such as bass or walleye whereas lighter ones are perfect for panfish or trout.
The best spinning rods are made of high-quality materials and are well balanced. The rods we recommend are durable and can easily compete with rods that cost twice as much.
The next thing to know is that spinning rods can be purchased in two-piece or one-piece designs. The advantage of a two-piece rod is that it can be disassembled for storage and transport.
Our recommended spinning rods are the best value and a good choice for beginners and serious anglers alike.
There are many great rods on the market, but our top picks are the best of the best!
Our top choice for the best spinning rod under $100 is the Ugly Stik Elite.
The Ugly Stik Elite rod is a great choice for anglers of all levels of skill and experience. It is designed with extra graphite to make it weigh less and give it greater sensitivity. It also has a cork handle designed for a more comfortable grip.
Its strong and durable construction, superior balance, and overall excellent casting capabilities make it an ideal choice for anglers of all experience levels.
The Ugly Stik Elite is built to last. Its sensitivity allows anglers to feel even the slightest nibble on the line.
As a top-notch feature, they incorporate 35% more graphite than the Ugly Stik GX2, which reduces weight while retaining the balance and sensitivity of the original.
The combination of durability and sensitivity makes the Ugly Stick Elite our top choice for anyone looking for a quality spinning fishing rod at an affordable price.
Grab your rod, hop in a boat, and catch yourself a mess of fish!
The Ugly Stik GX2 is a great value, high quality spinning rod that is a perfect choice for those long days on the water.
The GX2 is a one-to-four-piece rod that is light enough to carry. Its action is fast, and it is durable.
Depending on the specific Ugly Stik GX model, with a fishing line rating of 6 to 14 pounds, you could catch a good-sized fish with that strength line!
It also features a solid locking mechanism and natural split foam grip. This may not be the flashiest spinning rod on the market, but it is a very solid rod and a great option under $100 for anyone on a budget.
The Ugly Stick GX2 spinning rod is our second pick for an affordable spinning rod. It has a great price point and has been consistently well reviewed.
This rod also features a clear tip to provide extra strength in the high stress areas. It is also available as an affordable combo unit with a high-quality spinning reels.
Best Baitcasting Rods Under $100
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a just starting out, you can get a good baitcasting rod for under $100.
The best models for this price range will be well-balanced, allowing you to repetitively cast a good distance without straining your arms.
Abu Garcia Vengeance Series rods are affordable and well-built. They have extra power and sensitivity to cast heavy lures, which makes them one of the best bass rods and a great choice for anglers.
There are four models with different lengths to choose from in the Vengeance Series rod.
These rods come with stainless steel guides with titanium oxide inserts. This provides better corrosion resistance than cheaper types of guides.
The Abu Garcia rod is a good choice for casting crankbaits, jerkbaits, and worms. It has a medium output and a 24-ton graphite construction, which makes the rod extremely sensitive
Depending on the model, some of the best baitcasting rods under $100 will be made with an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) grip handle. You can also find rods with cork handles, but cork may not provide the best grip. This is mostly a matter of personal preferences as some anglers prefer one grip over the other.
If you don’t like cork, you can choose the Vengeance model with an EVA grip handle, which provides a comfortable grip.
Abu Garcia Vengeance Rods feature an incredibly sensitive tip, making it great for casting. It’s also light enough to cast 1/4-ounce jigs. It’s also very easy to move around, making it an excellent choice for anglers who aren’t accustomed to casting rods.
Berkley Cherrywood HD is our second choice in baitcasting rods. This rod is perfect for baitcasting and a very good choice for leisure anglers as well as professionals.
The rod is a composite of several different strands of graphite with a fiberglass core. which makes it a good quality investment. It’s also available in different weights to accommodate the varying needs of anglers.
The Berkley Cherrywood HD‘s sensitivity response is very good. It comes with a cork handle for those who prefer that feel.
KastKing Perigee II is another baitcasting rod that has several great features.
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods are the perfect choice for anglers who enjoy a baitcasting more than spinning approach.
The rod has both one and two-piece design, which makes it easier to transport. It also has an on-point power transition system that balances power and sensitivity.
The KastKing Perigee II comes in about 15 different options for baitcasting and some for spinning as well. You can choose from multiple length and strength options to suit your specific need.
These rods are made of Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex blank technology, which makes them durable and sensitive.
With a variety of lengths and weights available, there is a baitcasting KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rod that is perfect for every angler.
Best Fly-Fishing Rods Under $100
Fly fishing can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but doing it successfully requires the right equipment.
Even if you are new to fly fishing, there are some quality fly rods under $100 that can fit your needs.
These rods be found in a variety of affordable price ranges, with the features you want to make the most of your time in the water.
The first thing to consider is what you will use your fly rod for. If you will be fishing for smaller, more touchy fish like bluegills, you’ll want a more sensitive rod. You might also want a rod that has a medium-fast action.
On the other hand, if you want to catch bass, you’ll want a fly rod that provides accurate feedback during a cast. You should also look for a rod that has a lightweight graphite construction.
The DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12′ Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod is a great example of a quality lightweight rod.
This rod is a breakthrough product for the avid fly-fishing enthusiast. It is not only lightweight but also designed to be easy to use, making it perfect for beginners as well as experienced anglers alike.
With its state-of-the-art construction and design, the rod provides a smooth and effortless cast that will take your fly-fishing experience to the next level.
Designed with a flexible carbon fiber in order to minimize line drag and deliver accuracy, the DRAGONtail Shadowfire 365 12′ Tenkara Fly Fishing Rod also allows for increased precision when it comes to casting technique.
For only a few more dollars, you can upgrade to the DRAGONtail complete starter kit including line, flies and tippet.
The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece 9 ft graphite rod comes from another company that makes some great fly rods for under $100.
Fly rods comes in a range of weights. The rod weight refers to the size and strength of the rod. As you might expect, the higher the number, the stronger the rod.
The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Rod is available in a lighter 4wt 8’6″ slow action size all the way up to a 9wt 9′ fast action option.
For smaller fish, stay with a lower weight rod, while you should get a stronger rod if you’re going for bigger fish.
This graphite rod is an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable fly rod.
It’s constructed from carbon fiber blanks that offer superior strength and sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect even the lightest bites. Additionally, its four piece design makes it easy to transport and travel with, meaning you can take your favorite rod wherever you go.
The Piscifun Sword Fly Rod also features corrosion-resistant chrome guides. Its half wells cork handle offers amazing ergonomics, so you don’t have to worry about arm fatigue during long days of fishing.
Best Offshore Rods Under $100
Some fishing rods will work well for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Use these tips to help you find the best offshore fishing rods under $100 so you can catch more fish!
These rods will provide you with the right amount of features to make fishing a pleasurable, catch-your-limit experience.
You will also find that the best offshore rods are durable, well-balanced, and affordable. There are also longer offshore rods options to for those super-long casts.
Offshore rods are built for specific applications, including trolling and surf casting.
When evaluating rods, look for a rod built from high-quality materials that is durable and backed by a good warranty. This type of rod should be constructed to last a long time.
Our top choice for an offshore trolling rod that is durable and affordable is the Fiblink Fishing Trolling Rod.
This rod is great for both big and medium saltwater fish. It also has durable chrome plated stainless steel guides, and an EVA grip. These rods are covered by a 1-year warranty.
For light saltwater fishing, you should use longer rods such as a spinning rod that is 10 to 12 feet in length. Look for a rod that is durable and easy to cast.
The Fiblink Surf Spinning Rod is a great choice for long-cast surf fishing, but can also be used on a boat.
It comes in different sizes, making it easy for you to find the rod length that will work best for you. You will also find that these rods are fairly lightweight, so you won’t have to worry about lugging around extra weight when carrying it.
These surf rods come in 2 and 4-piece carbon fiber options, and are also backed by a one-year warranty. You will find these to be some of the most well-constructed rods, and they come with great customer service.
These offshore surf fishing rods come with medium to heavy power and moderate-fast action.
The Fiblink Surf Spinning Fishing rods are able to favorably compete with high-grade, more expensive spinning rods.
Best Ice Fishing Spinning Rod Under $100
Ice fishing is a sport that requires some unique equipment to make it a fun and successful activity.
Before setting out into the frozen water, you’ll need to get a quality ice fishing rod. The right rod can make all the difference between catching lots of fish or being left out in the cold with an empty bucket!
When choosing an ice fishing rod, it’s important to consider factors like length, material, action and sensitivity.
Shorter rods will be easier to maneuver while a longer one gives you better reach when you need it.
Graphite rods are lightweight but strong and ideal for beginners since they are more sensitive than other materials like fiberglass.
When it comes to action, there are fast-action rods for larger fish and slower ones for smaller sized fish.
When looking for the best spinning reel to use with an ice fishing rod, those reels that have less bearings and a low gear ratio are the best choice for ice fishing.
Lastly, look for a higher sensitivity rating as this will give you more control when trying to catch a fish.
Our choice for best ice fishing rod is the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2.
This rod is an upgrade to the old Ugly Stik models, and is a good deal for its durability.
In our opinion, Shakespeare products aren’t quite as rugged as they were years ago, but the price is better so it’s likely a fair trade-off.
The rod has a modern look, and a matte finish. This is also an overall impressively durable rod and certainly one of the best ice fishing rods well under $100.
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is a great choice for beginner and intermediate ice fishing anglers. This is often available as an affordable rod and reel combo set.
Another good choice in our line-up of ice fishing rods is the Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Rod.
This rod is made with a carbon fiber blank with fast rod action. This is great because it increases sensitivity to bites.
The Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Rod is available as a reasonably priced combo set with a reel with a 3 to 6 lb line rating.
Final Thoughts on Best Fishing Rods Under $100
When looking for the best fishing rod under $100, don’t waste your time and hard-earned money on low quality-products.
To find a quality fishing rod that won’t break the bank, the models discussed above are all great options. With a variety of features and materials to choose from, there is sure to be something that fits your budget and skill level.
You can trust that any of the options listed in this article will offer you top notch performance and reliability at an unbeatable price.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best when getting a fishing rod. Go ahead and invest in a quality fishing rod today – you won’t regret it!
