Baitcasting Rods Under $200 Compared

Everything You Need to Know About Baitcasting Rods

Consider These Baitcasting Rod Features

When you're looking at the features of baitcasting rods, there are many features to consider. From the power, action, and line weight, a baitcasting rod has some spectacular specialties that stand out from the rest. Here's some important information when considering your perfect rod.

Rod Material Composition (Graphite vs. Fiberglass)

Fishing rods have developed dramatically over the past 40,000 years. They were originally composed of bamboo. Now baitcasting rods are commonly composed of either fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass baitcasting rods are cheaper in price and are heavier in weight.

Graphite rods are typically lighter and more sensitive in certain fishing situations. So, for example, if you're fishing for small fish, it's better to go for a rod composed of fiberglass.  It's important to remember that both materials are extremely durable, so depending on your budget and your fishing style, it could be beneficial to purchase a fiberglass rod over a graphite one.

Rod Length

Rod Action

The “action” of a rod describes where a rod flexes when pressure is put on the rod. Faster action rods flex mostly near the tip. Moderate action rods flex more near the middle of the blank, and slower action rods flex down into the bottom section.

Baitcasting rods are fast action and will bend in the upper 25 to 30 percent. They provide more of a fighting strength when fishing for larger fish. This is why baitcasting rods are great for fishing for larger fish.  Rod action is so essential that most baitcasting rods list their action style right on the handle or rod.

Rod Power

A baitcasting rod may differ from brand to brand depending on its' power. The power of a rod refers to the rod's resistance when it's being flexed.  Different rod powers are designed to handle a specific range of bait weights and line sizes.

When selecting a baitcasting rod, its power will help you perform the best for your fishing experience, and it differs on each angler. Try to narrow your choice of rod depending on the weight of the lures and on the size of the line.  It’s also important to focus on which fish you’d like to catch the most.

Braking System

Line Weight & Line Guides

Getting the hang of a baitcasting reel and understanding its power and braking is one thing. Now finding the perfect line and know how to apply it is another. You may feel like it's a daunting task as there are hundreds of fishing lines to choose from, but understanding the factors will cut your research time in half.

When shopping for a high-quality line, use the following as a guide to finding a line that suits you and your fishing style:

The weight of lines varies as well, and depending on the rod and fishing technique, it can make or break your experience. Baitcast reels were not designed for light lines, so it’s recommended to use 10-pound lines or above.

Larger diameter lines come off the spool easier and are less likely to overrun. If you’re learning how to fish with a baitcasting rod, it’s recommended to use a 17-pound monofilament as it handles more naturally. For more experienced anglers, a thinner line could be used.

Handle/Grip

Get a grip on rod handles, and be sure it's comfortable. These days rod handles come with mainly cork, foam, or the Winn polymer material. Some rods have split grips while others have full-length grips.

On a baitcasting rod, it's common to see the full-grip handles as they're the best for casting heavy baits or for long distances where two hands are required. This can increase the weight of the rod, so if you're hoping to reduce the overall weight of the rod, consider customizing your very own split-grip handle.

Ball Bearings

The main purpose of ball bearings is to allow a circular wheel inside the fishing reel to move with as little friction as possible. These balls allow the outer wheel to move, while the inner sections stay stationary. So, the higher the ball bearings, the lower the friction.

Ball bearings are a common topic that many anglers debate whether they make a difference. Some believe they're essential in terms of function but won't necessarily indicate quality. Others see considerable improvement with quality ball bearing with distance casting. Keep this in mind when choosing that perfect rod for your fishing trips in the future.

Price and Warranty Coverage

Depending on where you’ve bought your baitcasting rod, you could have it under warranty for up to three years. If you’re purchasing from online sites, be sure to read through the terms and conditions and see what you’re covered for. You may have a warranty on the rod that’s out of date. If a problem arises, you could still send it to the manufacturer to be repaired for a nominal fee.

Some anglers who customize and invest in their rods and fishing equipment often get insurance coverage in case of theft or breakage. If you’ve invested a lot of your time and money into your equipment, then this cover could be a good option for you!

1. Shimano Trevala

We start our list with our top pick, the stylish Shimano Trevala rods. From grip to tip, these rods feature high-quality material that's hard to compete with. Based on your reel preference, you'll have the choice between a spinning rod or a baitcasting rod. The spinning rods come in sizes ranging from 6'3" to 6'6". The baitcasting rods only come in a 6'3" size, but they have four different models, each with various power and line weight variations. 

These innovative rods by Shimano are incredibly strong, yet they have a level of sensitivity that many anglers find essential. It's great for catching fish ranging from 30 to 80 Lbs (depending on the size of rod that you choose). If you’re all about fishing structure and spotting fish, you’ll love this rod that’s made specifically for butterfly or vertical jigging. They are a part of Shimano’s Butterfly range of jig rods, but are very versatile and can be used for a number of jobs.

The construction of the rods consists of a high carbon butt section and with a graphite material. It’s fused together with a TC4 tip section. This design gives you the pulling power of TC4 but with less weight. You will also notice a much faster recovery rate. This increases the jigging action to make your fishing experience go smoother and with ease.

2. Abu Garcia Veracity & Villain 2.0

The Abu Garcia Veracity & Villain 2.0 is the most renowned rod series focusing on increased comfort, weight, and balance. Veritas Rods have a 30-ton graphite construction for uncompromising strength. It still has a huge focus on the sensitivity so you can feel even the smallest bite. Abu designed a locking micro click reel seat, which offers a secure connection between the rod and reel. This gives each angler the ultimate in comfort when they're by the water.

This series from Abu has proven to be flat out amazing, with many anglers leaving dozens of positive reviews. Their soft tip is great to cast light lures but has enough backbone and flexibility to set the hook in large lures. The line weight can hold up to 50 lbs so you could catch an impressive sea bass at ease. It is well-balanced, making it easy to carry and feels light enough to hold for an extended period of time.

Not only will you want to buy this rod after you see its beautiful and elegant design, but you'll also want it once you know of its warranty. Abu Garcia offers a 3-year warranty of their products to give you peace of mind. If you're looking for an exceptional, high-quality tool this baitcasting rod, For the price, this runner up rod may be one of the best deals we have seen yet from Abu Garcia.

3. Abu Garcia IKE Signature

4. KastKing Speed Demon Pro Tournament

The Speed Demon Pro gets high marks for its superior portability and it's the best baitcasting rod under $200 for bass fishing. This baitcasting rod is perfect for any weather conditions and seasons. It features a lot of high-end components, including Fuji Alconite guides, custom Fuji reel seats and foregrips, and a proprietary carbon blank.

These features help the construction reduce its weight while increasing durability and lifting power. Yet it's made from standard graphite, so the exterior may not be as durable as our top pick and runner up. They also feature custom Winn Grips on the handles, which are made from a cork material. As a material, cork transmits vibrations very well and provides anglers with an improved level of sensitivity to fish bites. It also gives the rod a complete and high-end look.

When you're bass fishing, the recommended size would be from 7- to 8-feet long. Depending on where you're fishing, a longer rod can cover more water and casting distance. The Speed Demon Pro fits perfectly for bass fishing as they range in size from 7' to 7'11". They also range from medium action to medium-heavy and fast action levels.

So, whether you focus on just one or two techniques, there's a KastKing Speed Demon Pro rod that is sure to meet your needs.

5. Enigma Fishing IPPON Pro

Enigma Fishing's IPPON Series were designed exclusively for anglers who truly appreciate dominating on the water, and freshwater fishing is one that cannot be deceived. Catching fish in freshwater differs from saltwater as the species differ from the ocean to lakes and rivers. You may be closer to a lake than an ocean, and if that's the case, purchasing this baitcasting rod could help you catch some catfish, crappie, bass, perch, northern pike, and many more.

The Enigma Fishing IPPON Series Casting Rods offer a top of the line products at a reasonable price. The rod is built on high-quality 30-ton Japanese Toray graphite blanks. This gives an exceptional level of perfection against all types of weather and environments. The Enigma Fishing IPPON Series Casting Rods offer a tough, agile, and all-around powerful construction that outperforms other rods in its class, especially for freshwater fishing.

It comes in ten models varying in size and power- from medium to heavy. It has a beautiful titanium coated frame with Zirconium rings to secure longer casts, too. This helps balance out the weight perfectly! If you are an angler who likes to have peace of mind when buying their rod, then fear no more. Enigma offers a lifetime warranty on their reels. All you need to do is take it out and enjoy the experience.

6. St Croix Mojo Inshore

7. Daiwa Tatula

If you’re a beginner and you’re hoping to buy a trustworthy rod, then this will be a perfect fit for you. It’s constructed of Exclusive X45 Bias Graphite with SVF (Super High Volume Fiber) Carbon Technology. This increases the strength and durability of the rod. The Zero-G design reduces the weight on the Tatula rods to a surprisingly new low, so beginners will feel comfortable yet confident in their fishing experience.

If you're hoping to use this rod for a full day of catching heavy sea bass or trout, then think again. The line weight is surprisingly low, with a maximum line weight of 14 lbs. Mid-sized species like tench, bream, and barbel are all great species to catch with this rod as the line is strong enough to make sure you have enough backbone to land them.

Another great feature is the new tension knob. The tension knob is a small dial on the side plate, near the reel. It is the precast adjustment that makes casting smooth and easy.  It's tight and compact on the frame, so it still has an elegant design with an added bonus for beginners.

With a five-year warranty, you will love your new fishing equipment and will be proud to haul it around the States for all of your future fishing trips.

Baitcasting Rods Under $200: Advantages & Drawbacks

Pros

Baitcasting reels allow you the highest level of casting accuracy. They enable you to aim for a particular spot and hit it with ease. If you realize you've made a lousy cast, then you can stop the baitcaster and avoid more significant issues with the reel.  Another advantage is its construction. Baitcasting rods are built more complexly, and they should be sturdier and more durable than their competitors, like a spinning rod.

However, the durability also depends on the maintenance, as well as what happens when you're out on the water. Overall, baitcasting rods can handle much larger fish than other rods, so the chances of it breaking due to line weight are incredibly lower.

Cons

Baitcasting Rod Sizing Guide

Size does matter when it comes to choosing your perfect baitcasting rod. A few inches longer or shorter can impact your fishing capabilities immensely. Baitcasting rods range from as short as 5 feet in length and go way beyond the 8 feet mark. It's important to realize that subtle differences in lengths help anglers specialize in whatever fishing environment they're in. A specific size of a rod can even improve the chances of catching particular species.

The most common baitcasting rod being used by anglers is 6'1" in length. This sized rod has quickly gained popularity with anglers, especially as baitcasting fishing has diversified to finesse style fishing for species such as bream and bass. This size baitcasting rod allows for a lot more flexibility and is a good middle of the road sized rod in this market. Its action can be a little light, especially when you compare it with longer rods. However, most have plenty of power with the development of newer and better composites.

If you’re an experienced angler tackling large fish, then a rod larger than 6’6” will be better suited for your needs as it has all that’s mentioned above with the added benefits of long-winded casts and higher levels of accuracy.

Baitcasting Guide for Beginners

Baitcasting fishing may seem complicated for first-time anglers that are new to the game, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With the right baitcasting rod, you’ll be able to get on the water and try your hand at catching some of the larger fishes by this weekend.

The most important thing to remember if you’re new to baitcasting fishing is if you have the desire to learn and want to invest time and effort into improving your fishing skills, go with a baitcasting rod that’s in your budget and within your needs. These reels are more durable and accurate, which gives you an impressive level of control. They require tougher lines and lures, but they are suitable for catching large fish, too.

Once you’ve chosen your perfect rod, it’s time to focus on your preferred lures and baits. Live worms or PowerBait are always an option, but whereas many anglers use lures, which are decoys designed to attract a fish's attention. Like any outdoor pursuit, your fishing needs will only continue to expand as you gain more experience. You'll likely want to upgrade your lures and baits once you know where you're fishing and what works in that environment.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is baitcasting better than spinning?

There are pros and cons for both baitcasting and spinning rods. Overall, baitcasting reels are better for long casts and can handle a heavier line. If you don't mind maintaining your rod with some extra TLC, then a baitcasting rod could be better for your style of fishing.

Can a baitcaster go on any rod?

Technically, yes. But it's not usually done because a spinning rod typically uses a spinning reel, which is the exact opposite of a baitcaster. You can bring your equipment to a professional to make the swap, but this could end up costing you more than buying a new baitcasting rod long term.

Does a longer rod cast further?

Longer rods will typically give you a more extended cast, but the weight of your bait and lure could set you back a couple of feet. If you stick to a light lure, then a longer cast is possible with a longer rod. Several other factors affect distance when casting your lines, such as wind, lure shape and size, and rod action.

What is the difference between a spinning rod and a baitcasting rod?

The biggest difference between baitcasting rods and spinning rods are the reels. The reel gives the rod its name, so for example, a baitcasting rod uses a baitcaster reel, and the same goes for spinning rods. The reels work completely oppositely - literally. A spinning wheel is located on the bottom of a rod, whereas a baitcasting reel is located on the top of the rod. 

How long should the grip be on my baitcasting rod?

This simply depends on the preferred length for the angler. Generally, baitcasting rods come with a handle size of 1.6" inside diameter x 6" in length. Many anglers upgrade or add to their handles as they may be at the water all day and require more for comfort.

Conclusion