The 5 Best Bass Fishing Rods For Under $200?!

Here at The Hook Up Tackle, we have normalized fishing with the highest end gear possible. Of course, the highest end gear is always the most expensive route when it comes to fishing equipment. Today, we are talking about high end, budget friendly rods for under $200. These lines of rods are proven rods that feel great and perform even better!
Products in this video:
Megabass Levante Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Megabass Levante Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Megabass Hyuga Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Megabass Hyuga Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Daiwa Rebellion Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Daiwa Rebellion Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Shimano Zodias Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Shimano Zodias Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St. Croix Victory Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
St Croix Victory Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Evergreen Combat Casting Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
Evergreen Combat Spinning Rods:
thehookuptackle.com/products/...
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[@banned4life857]

Your videos are some of my favorites. You aren't afraid to make some verbal mistakes and you say how you feel. Your videos have a real feel to them that a lot of reviews don't have.

[@rorytaylor4543]

I bought a Levante a few months ago and it has a light high end feel that's awesome. I have loved Megabass tackle and lures for years, it was fun to transition into a Megabass rod. This channel prompted me to take that step. And it has been both fun and productive.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome man! Thank you for watching, and I’m stoked the Levante is working for you!! 🍻

[@lusaeteurn6850]

I really enjoyed this episode. Great review on all of them. I’ve contemplated buying a few of the rods at some point in time. This review really helps to choose a rod in the $200 range.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome! Glad it was useful! Thank you for watching!

[@brianmcclung7550]

Best video you guys ever done!!! We all can’t afford NRXs . Although I wish I could. I agree with you 100% bout the technology closing the gap between high end rods and budget friendly rods these days!!!! Great video and very informative! Brian in SC

[@bigredbass7898]

Geoff killin me with the rod balacing deal. You guys are awesome 👍👍

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! 🍻

[@christiecoopersellshouses5738]

Awesome video! So excited about finding your channel!

[@morganyoder4277]

Just bought a dobyns Xtasy, and boy is it fancy. The boujee life is where it’s at. Great vid guys.

[@realfishingalabama-jaycroc288]

I got the Rebellion 7'3"glass rod and love it, thanks guys for the email recommending this rod.

[@stephenearly9550]

There you go guys! This is a great video! Especially for people on a budget! 😊

[@xxxxxxx3760]

The Levante is such amazing rod for what they cost definitely I was really impressed with it

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed 100%!

[@familybudgetfisherman]

The rod selection represented a great cross section of types and styles to showcase at the $200 price point.

[@JediFish1]

Great video. Would love to hear more on how you started your kids on baitcasters! Maybe an idea for future video🤷🏻‍♂️. I have my 9 year old on spinning now but it’s about time to introduce her to the casting world. Maybe a video on ideal setup for kids? Additionally maybe some detail on casting drills and how you set up the reel with the line due to the fact that some overruns are in the near future! Love the videos as always and keep up the great work

[@kriticalfishing4366]

Thanks Ben for the great info every week

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@aksuited8529]

Havent fished most of these 200$ rods however i have fished the zodias and they are very impressive for the money. You guys are right its essentially expride but sexier...great video!

[@doomsimon6007]

These videos are sooo great. Keep it up!

[@dougmikesell982]

Love your comment on balancing a ride absolutely true the hysterical finger balance

[@outdoorssmith5454]

I absolutely love my rebellion rod that I got from you guys, they are truly a game changer

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Glad you love it! I agree with you - amazing rods!

[@TXHAWGKILLA]

I am glad you mentioned how the Evergreen rods are pretty heavy. I have the Chatterbait Rod but seldom use it because it is s load to fish with all day. The Diawa Tatula glass rod Brett Ehler is a nice rod in this price range too.

[@hunterwhittaker9291]

People who say the Jackhammer rod is heavy, just don't have their wrist strength built up yet lmaooo. I can use it for days on in, 10 hours a day and it feels so right and comfortable. An absolute Rolls Royce of a rod.

[@TXHAWGKILLA]

The Levante rods look so much better than the older ones. They look great!

[@monstblitz]

The Evergreen Combat Stick and Daiwa Rebellion you set me up with last year are still 2 of my favorite rods even though I've added some p5s to the lineup since then!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Good to hear Tony! I hope you’re doing well!

[@hector24g1]

Which of the two is a casting rod? And what's the model/length on that casting rod?

[@DarthVader-td2uh]

I got the emtf and the perfect pitch after watching your video during Christmas I believe and man I love em.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome! So glad you love them! 🍻

[@bashslash1971]

You guys are my heroes lol great vids !!!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! 🍻

[@lakiraly]

Once again nice job :-)!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@rhinusbreedt9772]

Loved the video guys!! Have never had a 200 dollar rod, but this video made me wana get every rod brand in this video. And i will! Keep it up! Man that levante is sexy as hell.

[@209brandonb]

I needed this video I love the bass fish I just got started two years ago and I’m at the point now Where I’m trying to get a few quality rods that aren’t $600 because I know I like doing this and I’m not gonna stop so it’s worth investing into better gear instead of breaking three $60 rods buy a $200 rod and hopefully it holds up

[@lilhito9498]

I have an Evoluzion Diablo and a JDM Levante 7’0 2P, the Levante is pretty sweet too!

[@parkersutton6422]

Love my P5s but I still enjoy using my Levantes and Combat Sticks!

[@Bluejspey]

This is a great video!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Jim!

[@tonyspangler1201]

Should also look at favorite fishing rods. Their a great company with a vast array of rods and price. I own a couple defender, a big sexy and a summit rods from them. I believe you'd enjoy these rods too. Thank you for your insight and passion for the sport.

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

Great job! For 180 bucks I think the Daiwa Elite Rods are really good, and they have a sweet lineup.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching! Those rods have some great actions.

[@ILLUMINATHAN79]

@@thehookuptackle_usa Thanks for all the sweet videos!

[@tarpontime7562]

Falcon Cara is off the hook good!! So are the Experts!!!

[@chadtindell4388]

Lmmfao the end of this video is epic!!! Love it

[@FishGOD]

Finally, someone’s said it! The finger balance thingy 🤣🤣🤣

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

👉🤦‍♂️😜

[@xxxxxxx3760]

I have a dobyns xtasy an I was telling my buddy that I feel like my 110 Levante is just as good Quality as my xtasy a called me dumb an put it on his finger an was like look this rod isn’t even balance right it’s to tip heavy I asked him when do you use your jerk bait rod with the tip up in the air anyways an him an my other friend said that it’s not even close to as nice as the xtasy 🤣

[@drunknnirish]

This is generally my price point so this was super helpful. The last minute of this video is pure genius and made my Thursday suck less so thank you for that.

[@youtubzkoz]

I love Ben for the Rod Balance portion of this video.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Cheers my friend! 🍻

[@benjaminyang5872]

Ben, ya got me at the balancing with the finga part hahahaha

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Someone’s got to say it! 🤣👉🍻

[@adammitchell3462]

I'm an avid angler,got a lot of equipment and the most expensive rod/reel combo that I own is a Lew's speed stick that was like $165...and it's absolutely killer.

[@andrewwolf4963]

When I first heard about Victory they said they were lighter than NRX and I was kinda confused lol I have two and I’m very impressed. Def more sensitive than a Zodias. I’ve caught 10lb striper on mine in current and mine is the 7’3 MH Fast I believe with a Exsense DC and my other is a shorter M for bank fishing threw a Ci4 Chronarch on it for now But the weight comparison to the zodias is more accurate and I’ll say the victory seems to balance really well with any reel I own I’ve tried 3 Exsense dc , Chronarch mgl and a met 13 have all been on it and felt wonderful

[@bdaquatics7584]

I wasn't catching ANYTHING yesterday. I even threw a finesse worm on a dropshot... NOTHING. Then I tied on my megabass vision 110 and it was LIGHTS OUT. I swear by it and I've got a total of 30 with 5 backups of each color. Megabass for life💯

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Dope! Glad you jacked them yesterday! 🍻👊

[@davidbennett1709]

Tough shit is right, I picked up the combat stick 7’ 1” topwater recently and the camo looks bad ass, and she fish’s bad ass as well. While My Otomat is my Favorite top water rod, love at first cast, til death do us part after first catch, the combat stick is my new favorite for baits larger then a half ounce. Great video.

[@TheMass33]

That Rebellion looks sharp and that Victory rod is so nice.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! 🍻

[@Roboworm99]

Great breakdown. Love the finger balance lol. I just laugh every time I see that and people whipping the rod to check the flex

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching Ray!

[@DROPTINE]

Your so cool ray............................

[@DROPTINE]

First time watching your video great content!! Just curious How would you compare the Powell Rods to the Diawa, shimano etc..... Thanks for your time and Info!

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Got a Levante a couple months ago it’s the 7’ Shakeyhead model it’s become my all time favorite spinning rod in my arsenal. I have lots of St Croix and the only St Croix that I like better than the Levante are my Legend Elites. I just ordered a second one yesterday since you finally got some. This model Levante is an awesome Sparkshad swim bait rod for me.

[@teamlary]

How do you thin the shakeyhead model would do on crankbaits and jerkbaits? Should I go one model higher?

[@glenndaugherity6187]

@@teamlary personally I think it would work great

[@eckharttolle-nq7qu]

I think the St Croix LE are the most sensitive rods, years ago people said the GLX was sensitive, I have the 842 2 piece it's not sensitive at all, I also have a steeze compile X 4-12 spinning - it is light and feels hollow. I dont trust these rod reviews. The emperor wears no clothes. I cant believe how easily anglers will agree on rods

[@CoolWhipp-hy1qu]

From this list what would you pick for finesse, drop shot and Ned rig?

[@hunterbull7804]

Y’all should continue with $300 rods - Orochis, Exprides, and the like.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Ok 👍

[@hunterbull7804]

@@thehookuptackle_usa also what’s the deal with me seeing so many people say they use the Madbull for some bottom bouncing stuff.

[@Plee92]

I like how down to earth u guys are. Always keeping it reel

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching my friend! 🍻

[@brianlee9074]

MB Levante and the Daiwa Rebellion. Can't go wrong with either one. ✌️🎣

[@cespaia]

Last minute of this video is the truest thing I’ve ever heard 😅😅😅 down here in Italy we got professors of rod balancing 😂😂😂

[@user-zp6sd5xs2m]

Great video! Now, what about the reel? Can, or do you have a video on matching a reel to any of these rods?

[@Bacnow]

Dobyns Champion XP rods or St Croix Victory rods are also great rods for ~$200! They also enjoy some of the best manufacturer’s warranties in the business!

[@tikitak1155]

I'm a St. Croix kind of guy, but let's be honest for a minute....It ain't the rods, it's the effing fisherman that truly makes the difference. The rod's just a bonus.

[@DROPTINE]

EXACTLEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lightsoutlitch6278]

He couldn’t resist it and stuck a metanium in the last few seconds, almost a budget conscious video😂

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

All those rods deserve a Metanium 😜

[@beaubellamy2999]

All good rods do, but sometimes you only have Curado money lol

[@Bacnow]

@@beaubellamy2999 - Curado money will buy you a JDM Metanium all day long!

Sensitivity wise and in order, wich one is better between Rebellion, Victory and Combat Stick? Thank you!

[@eatamango71]

Great video! Any thoughts on St. croix Victory Rip N Chatter for heavier Jack hammers and cranks? I'm assuming that St. Croix's moderate action would work well for the chatterbait.

[@josephmurphy4451]

I use that rod exclusively for my Jackhammers. I've put major miles on it and love it. Paired it with a Daiwa 150 6.3

[@samhartwig4640]

I know u are talking 200 and down but I’m very impressed with the poison adrena series. I think they great at 350

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

They’re amazing at $350! Great rods!

[@fishncoach8699]

I was going to buy that last rod until I saw where it balanced on your finger.. That def changed my mind, will be buying something else now

[@seanhung14982]

Between the zodias and the rebellion, what models would you pick to throw a chatterbait, lipless, and a jig? Looking to get two to cover these techniques.

[@gstixfishing9746]

So many good choices

[@Braunschweiger89]

Awesome info. As a guy who has been fishing for 25 plus years off and on but have really ramped it up over the last year. I’m obsessed. Videos like this help me make informed decisions on what gear to buy so I thank you.

[@littledevile420]

Love the levante and really love the evergreens. But going say evergreen for the win for comfort and action

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Evergreen rods are legit!!

[@carlossKick]

Hey, I am new to fishing and I am looking to buy a rod. From these three fishing rods which would you recommend? Megabass levante casting rods jerkbait special, Daiwa Rebellion Casting rod or Shimano Zodias Casting rod? Thanks for the help.

[@grunion721]

I bought the Rebellion 7-4" composite after watching your best chatterbait rod vid. Couldn't be happier, chatterbait/dd crankbait rod for me. I do feel a little dirty though running a Shimano on it. And I throw my 5" bullshads on it.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Haha! I have this discussion with myself a lot about the Shimano/Daiwa pairings 😜🍻

[@Jigflippinmaster96]

The top of the Fishing sins being committed😂😂

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Most of my combos are blasphemy. Good thing I'm atheist.

[@tomselick6983]

Nice, looking forward to the reels you would put on these. What spin reel do you like on that mh combat stick, that could be a good rod for my lineup

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’m a sucker for a 3000 size reel - whatever you like.

[@jelmo1057]

Loved the rod review, great job. Being away from fishing for a while and not current on new reels, suggestions of what reels to pair with each of these rods in the same relative budget price ($200 +/-), would be really helpful.

[@chrishaynes2282]

I also just bought the zodias in 72 bfs for my bfs set up. They look and feel just like the expride. And love the price.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I like my zodias bfs more than my expride bfs. Although, I don't think either are true bfs.

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

I had my heart set on a mojo bass rod. Now I'll have to look into these.

[@burb353]

yeah, mojos are a little too tip heavy.

[@davidgirgenti5513]

Y’all should do this but for reels! Sincerely-A college kid with a tackle addiction

[@rogercoggins9075]

Which one is the lightest? Also less likely to break or have issues?

[@andrewwolf4963]

I think of a 7ft to 7’3 MH when I think of versatile My Dobyns XP, St Croix Avid X, Expride. They can do it all

[@Bacnow]

Dude! You have good taste in practical fishing gear!

[@seanodell5133]

Keep up the great work.... I did notice your use of "Dope" wasn't as high as normal... 😎 I am not drunk yet🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’m trying to lay off the “Dope” 😜🍻

[@dant8213]

I've noticed that around $200 the quality is more than double what a $100 rod is...I love my new Zodias rods! 6'10" medium mod fast is a great jerkbait rod!..and they added a hook keeper!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed! HUGE difference from $100 to $200!

[@kerryschallon8879]

A few years back I was hit by a train and I cant afford half the gear you guys show. So this was a refreshing video. Maybe one day I can afford some of this cool shit.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

A train?! Holy crap!

[@catchofthedave8681]

The rebellion glass rods are the best crankbait rods ive ever used. I use the medium for all my frittside and those type baits, i use the medium hvy for everything, squarebills, spinnerbaits, magdrafts, whatever. I throw so much with those rods. Only downside is theres no hook keepers, but a lot of rods put keepers in wrong places for me anyways.

[@MrPhoenix1800]

Glad you made this after losing my P5 Destoyer in the lake I don’t think I’m going to dish out 500.00 on a rod anymore. Although I did love that rod, I kayak fish and I beat my rods to hell.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

This is so sad! It will sting less day by day 🍻

[@twiggsherman3641]

Using a Tatula Elite 7'3 Brent Ehler right now as a jig rod. Finding the sensitivity isn't quite up to snuff. Which of these rods would you suggest as a replacement? I fish mostly lighter jigs for smallmouth. 5/16 to about 3/8th, sometimes a 1/2, and I fish dark sleepers like a jig too, bottom bouncing.

[@solaydbak]

Get a Brailist, zodias, or Victory.

[@s.allison7406]

Can you make a reel recommendation to pair with the Levante Shaky Head for use as a drop shot rod?

[@290shawty]

Castaway invtica 2 and the skeleton rod they have are hard to beat

[@travisnorton7194]

Would you say the rebellion or zodias spinning rod for medium power which has a softer tip. In your opinion which would be more sensitive?

[@bones2854]

I think the ALX Ikos line up is an excellent all around rod for $150

[@SuaSponte75]

St. Croix pros are using the victory rods on tour. Shimano pros are using zodias on tour as well. Zaldain was even using a levante at texasfest 2021. So the evergreen arent the only rods used on tour.

[@Rekmeyata]

Halo is being used now on tour too.

[@fish0741]

I still own a Shimano Speed master rods, They are just as lite and sensitive as the rods today. The blank and handle all 1 piece

[@daleporter9162]

I still use mine too...great rods that were ahead of their time.

[@chrisvandermeulen2936]

Hi Ben! Great video. I need your recommendation. I’m in SoCal and I only fish the bank. Pretty much only finesse and 90% drop shot. I currently use a Shimano Ultegra reel and a Dobyns Champion 6’8” ML spinning rod. It’s an OK rod, but my Shimano SLX is more sensitive. Maybe it’s the Extra Fast Tip. I’m looking for something in the $199 to $300 range.

[@richardk1054]

Thank you for a great information! If I can please ask , the hyuga 6.7 ml (fast)or rebellion 7 ml (regular taper) for a bfs style to fight properly small mouth bass which whould you choose?? Thank you.

[@Frosted-zg2nz]

yo i was just watching the video peacefuly and then he just comes out with the f bomb

[@mattryan3241]

I have the Daiwa rebellion and have for about 2 years now, it’s the best rod I’ve ever owned and I personally throw everything on it as I don’t have too many rods for specialty situations. I have the 7’3 medium heavy fast action it is great!

[@menglee6]

I would like to see what the bull bay banshee and assault stand in this list here. Been wanted to get the banshee! But don't know how good they are compared to the market Thank you

[@mdegeorge1]

Kinda funny that not that long ago we were using 5’ pistol grip rods. Now look how much the sport has evolved.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

It’s crazy!

[@TheWoefman]

You guys have my sarcasm about life and that is why i been a recent loyal big spender at your shop. Ok second reason is one guy is quickly becoming a monopoly in tackle business ole johnny and that pisses me off.

[@beaubellamy2999]

Do a video on BFS rods that aren’t crazy expensive!

[@sangsaephan3258]

I’m still rocking my first gen Levante’s! IMO I think it looks better than the second gen..

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I love the first Gen! Heavy but good!

[@solaydbak]

Heard the first gen had breakage issues

[@joemartz7512]

awesome video....

[@bassinbilliards6279]

The Old and new 2020 Zodias are phenomenal for the price. I really enjoy my expride but my everyday rods are Zodias.

[@lumpkinangler3613]

I just bought the evergreen 7ft 3 combat for chatterbaits it’s not the glass rod. But now I’m nervous because I here the handle brake often it seems. What’s y’all’s advice and the warranty was terrible is this common for daiwa/evergreen ?

[@chrishaynes2282]

I've got the megabass levanta Diablo spec r paired with the diawa tatula eleite and its turned out to b my favorite set up. I like it just as good as my metanium dc paired with my expride. The levanta rods are well worth the money and are damn good looking rods and hold up great. I recommend them to everyone.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! 🍻

[@chrishaynes2282]

Anytime. Love yalls online store. I'm a regular customer and appreciate all the good content u guys put out. I watch to find new things from rods to bait and even reels and because of ur channel I bought my first megabass rod and diawa tatula eleite combo and have got started into the bfs side of things, plus I've bought so many Kool baits from u guys it ain't even funny. So thanks to all of u at the hook up tackle. I tell everybody I know to buy from u guys.

[@danielmak3504]

the finger balancing shows that i know kung fu though :) great vid and thanks for the info

[@MadCactusFab]

Are you guys hiring 16 year olds? I live less than a mile away from the store. I'm looking for an entry level job and thought it would be cool to work at a place like this.

[@CT-gc1ck]

Tell'em large marge sentcha

[@mrbigsdaddy]

Go in there and volunteer. They gota let you work.

[@miketurner5760]

Have you guys got the Shimano SLX DC, and if so, what is the cost?

[@FishingWithDamon]

Bass fishing is there anything better and I am addicted too it I am now 14 two years ago I started my channel and I am damn proud of it and I am finally getting close too my 1 k sub goal !!

[@bassngal3314]

TFO tactical elites are awesome for $199 with Winn grips and pac bay guides skeleton seat highly recommend, st croix victory rods while light their cork grips are very small and not comfortable hopefully they will change them, also why buy any rod with Eva foam grips that are the least sensitive grip? Spend less on it “looking sexy” and add a carbon fiber grip like cashion!

[@finelinefishing]

Which of the Rebellion rods would be a good choice for Blade baits?