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

[@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.

[@GERMANGUS-n8r]

HIRE THIS KID!!!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!! 🍻

[@exconcurly]

Dude victory tactical spinning rod is 3.5oz that's nrx weight

[@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 🤣

[@mp7175]

love your videos.. But i disagree... Phenix M1 and the Phenix Feather Shit all over all five of those rods. Especially the Evergreen Combat tank. I sell more Phenix rods then any other rod, and they have a lifetime warranty on the blank instead of that 3 year crap warr. Thats embarrassing...

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Well built rods don’t need a lifetime warranty. Is it nice to have? Of course! But these rods would be way more than $199 with a lifetime warranty. You pre pay for it. That said, I do like the Phenix line of rods as well. They’re nice. But the ones you listed are not on par with these. Sorry.

[@brandonsmith606]

I hate that you pay that much and get eva foam I don't like it

[@ETuss713]

This is what a hipster in the fishing world is. Do guys go for $20 avacado toast and latte runs each day?

[@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!

[@RCSTILE]

It's a shame Bret can't figure out how to catch enough bass to qualify for the Elites. Maybe he should switch to one of Meg Bass's $1,000 000 rods and team it up with a $50,000 Shimano reel and a $5000 chatter bait.

[@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

[@xxxxxxx3760]

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

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Agreed 100%!

[@ThomasShue]

The Milliken series of rods from 6th Sense are bad ass rods and ALL of them are under $200

[@familybudgetfisherman]

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

[@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.

[@CoolWhipp-hy1qu]

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

[@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 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@colingrieco6879]

Hey, how do you feel about the dobyns fury line up?

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

I’m not a fan of that brand, but a lot of people like them.

[@cowderymerrill]

Rods under 100 are still expensive for me

[@craigvogler3855]

Have you done the 5 Best Bass Fishing Rods For Under $200 for 2024?

[@carloss7557]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@williamfriggle]

Why do you feel the need to use the language you do? It is not necessary and unprophesional.

[@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.

[@stephenearly9550]

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

[@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

[@beaubellamy2999]

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

[@John-tv5fh]

Personaly I Like Phenix Feather rods

[@bigredbass7898]

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

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching man! 🍻

[@taze8835]

Trying to decide between Zodias and victory for a reaction bait rod that can throw Texas rig well, can’t really decide, any suggestions? Maybe a certain model in either one?

[@taze8835]

I’m running either one with a Curado mgl, I value the lightness

[@rivercityrambler7751]

G Loomis has been a Shimano product for decades now. I would be interested in seeing any of Gary Loomis Edge rods in the same price category against anything you have shown. Gary sells direct to customer so no retail markups. Guess that is why no mention of them as there is no money in it. Bang for the buck your getting a better product when you eliminate the middle man markup.

[@johnmiller5987]

I have couple of rouges. Awesome rods

[@tarpontime7562]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

If a rod company can't impress me for $200 I'll never spend more on their product. Reason #1 of many I'll never buy st.croix. I'm the black sheep of the northern family. I like all the other picks, good vid.

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@stevedixon5318]

Jump right in after 4mins lol

[@GopherHayes]

I’m sorry but any production rod is gross. 500-to-1000 loomis , mega bass don’t care. Find a good custom rod builder and buy sets of rods. All handles will be identical, balance will be the perfect.

[@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 !!

[@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! 🍻👊

[@morganyoder4277]

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

[@nawinchester]

LMAO!!!! Enough of this finger shit!! Still frigging laughing. Best equipment insight on KZbin. Keep em coming.!

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Thank you for watching my friend! 🍻

[@destro1989]

Levante is so many levels up from some of the rods over here in the UK for similar price point. There are very few high end rods over here in the £400-500 range, we have to import them from JDM.

[@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

[@brianshrawder5324]

Easily St Croix Eyecon

[@luckylucky9006]

You only use your finger to balance throwing knives not fishing rods. And you might be able to do it with swords but I doubt it.. so please kids stop using ya finger to balance fishing rods 🤦🏽‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@290shawty]

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

[@johnlieu]

Man, gotta stop watching your videos. I keep end up buying more gear I don't need (even made an order with y'all!). Keep up the great content!

[@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.

[@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.

[@felixliao5801]

The rebellion casting versions r trash. Super tip heavy. It just looks sexy

[@rvfishingyet]

….enough of this finger sh!t…. Lol. In addition to the solid chuckle, I really appreciated this video. I would like to see this kind of sub 250$ videos from you.

[@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.

[@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?

[@travisstuck9231]

What rod for carolina rig? I Throw a 3/4oz tungsten. Right now I am using a abu garcia villain and love it, but they don't make it anymore and I want two identical rods.

[@lovenlife4203]

You can build a nfc blank soft touch grip fuji ecsm reel seat with torzite full guide train for bout 200 dollars

[@FormidableGaming]

i buyed a megabass levante some time ago , with a shimano cronarch 151 hg , never fish with baitcasting combo before , from first cast until now , been a while , i thing i fucked up the wire once . So i think is the best combo i can ever have , catching pike

[@Por2gesDiesel]

Ben saying, “$199” is equal to Griff sayin, “ned.”

[@thehookuptackle_usa]

Hahaha! Cuss words! 😜🍻

[@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.

[@jaysonwarrilow]

Wish you would compare the details of each like guide material. Still good video and gets a like thank you.

[@cespaia]

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

[@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!

[@bittabrutha31]

Megabass are beautiful rods but they’re top heavy and the triggers are to small.

[@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

[@freshandsaltyjohnny]

Bro its all about the finger test though ahahahahaha. Great review.

[@jessegiii6737]

Nomad Designs best Seacore line and the OG 30 ton

[@danielmak3504]

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

[@davidgirgenti5513]

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

[@jonathonborges8023]

You like the st croix victory spinning rod or Lavonte better?

[@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 ?

[@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!

[@Frosted-zg2nz]

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

[@GayleGilbertson]

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

[@TheRealMrSix]

except their 250$ a year later lol (at this point, st croix victory or bust)

[@jobin918]

3 year warranty? Grab a Cara series falcon for $50 more and a lifetime warranty.

[@tomselick6983]

Tip of the day, stop fingering your rod, it just won’t get you anywhere

[@eddieyun796]

It’s too long to control, they should have 6.6ft….

[@jggutierrez9]

Are you guys going to make a new video? Being that the megabass rods increased another $50?

[@joshuabooth4927]

Check out Kistler Custom Rods out of Magnolia Texas and feel the difference. We are high end rods well worth the price.

[@BCBtrucks64]

Great information about these very classy rods

[@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.

[@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!!

[@bestthingsinceslicedrice]

Rods that are good on the $200 price range. Jdm rods!

[@theonlyfinsguy]

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

[@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!

[@chanzk6431]

Punchfishing enough with the finger shit. Lmao. Ben is the shit

[@johnpace1131]

I cant even relate to the lures he's mentioning to use these rods on.

[@CarlosGonzalez-mr5qz]

Me too! I'm just a plastic baits guy.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I remember my first Megabass rod…. Uhhhh $5,000 later 🤯

[@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?

[@dougmikesell982]

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

[@menglee6]

What about the TFO PRO, elite, and tactical?

[@knifeaddict1014]

I have no idea what to go with 😢

[@HudsonHaller-wr5qx]

Try a Googan green series