A good fishing rod doesn't have to cost a lot. Under $100 you can get a rod built for the fish you actually chase, whether that's crappie off a dock, bass in the grass, catfish on the bank or perch through the ice. The trick is matching the rod to the job instead of buying a generic "do-everything" stick.
Below are our picks under $100 from what we carry, grouped by what you fish for. A note on how we chose: Venator has not field-tested these rods. Each pick is matched on its length, power, action and the maker's stated use, and every rod here comes in the specific sizes listed.
How to choose a rod under $100
- Pick the species first. Crappie want light, long or short rods. Bass want medium-heavy power. Catfish want length and backbone. One rod can't do all three well.
- Spinning is easier for most people. If the rod is a gift or for a newer angler, choose spinning. Casting (baitcaster) rods handle heavier line and lures better, but the reels take practice.
- Power and action matter more than brand. Power is how much it takes to bend the rod (ultralight to extra heavy). Action is where it bends (fast bends near the tip, moderate further down).
- Don't forget the reel. Rods are sold without one. Add a spinning reel or baitcast reel, or buy a rod and reel combo if you want it ready to fish.
Best all-around rod under $100
Favorite Fishing White Bird Spinning Rod (from $79.99)
If you want one spinning rod for bass, crappie and general freshwater, start here. It comes in models from 6' to 7'3", including medium-heavy moderate models for bass and slow medium-light models that suit crappie. For a gift when you don't know exactly what someone fishes for, a 7' medium spinning rod is the safest choice.
Denali Myriad Series (from $79.99)
A wide range of spinning and casting models, from 5' ultralight panfish rods to bass casting rods. Useful if you want a specific length and power without moving up in price.
Best bass rods under $100
Favorite Fishing Absolute Casting Rod (from $89.99)
Comes in 6'6" and 7' medium-heavy, 7'2" heavy, 7'3" extra-heavy and 7'6" heavy. The 7' medium-heavy is the classic first bass casting rod: jigs, Texas rigs, spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. The heavier models are for frogs and thick cover.
Andy Morgan Pro Battle Flipping Rod ($89.99)
A 7'6" heavy, one-piece casting rod built for one job: flipping and pitching into heavy cover. If someone already has a do-everything bass rod, this is a smart second one.
More options: Bass Rods.
Best crappie rods under $100
Crappie rods are where cheap and good overlap most. The right length depends on how you fish (our guide to where crappie go in the fall covers docks and brush piles).
Favorite Fishing Do Dock Crappie Rod ($39.99)
Short 5'8" and 6'2" rods in light and medium-light, for shooting jigs under docks. There's also a 5'3" Do Dock Snub Nose for the tightest spots.
Favorite Fishing Brush Dobber (from $39.99)
Runs from 6'8" jigging rods to 9' and 10' two-piece rods for dipping brush piles.
Favorite Fishing Big Dipper Jig Pole (from $59.99)
11' to 13' two-piece jig poles for vertical dipping and spider rigging.
More options: Crappie & Panfish Rods.
Best catfish rod under $100
Denali Bottom Feeder Series ($35)
Built for catfish in 7'6" medium and medium-heavy and 7'10" heavy, in both spinning and casting. At this price, it's easy to buy two for rod holders on the bank. More options: Catfish Rods.
Best ice fishing rods under $100
Ice season is starting across the north (see what this year's El Niño winter could mean for ice fishing).
Denali Myriad Ice Rod ($35)
24" and 27" ultralight rods for jigging panfish.
Wasatch The Joker 25" Ice Rod ($70)
A 25" rod for panfish and perch. For more leverage on walleye, the 28" Wasatch Winterhawk ($75) is the longer option. More: Ice Fishing Rods & Combos.
Best kids' fishing rod (right at $100)
Kistler Grasshopper ($100)
It sits right at the $100 line rather than under it, but it earns the exception: a 4'6" medium casting rod sized for small hands, from a company that otherwise builds tournament rods.
Buying it as a gift?
If you don't know what they fish for, a 7' medium spinning rod is the safest bet. If you know they fish crappie, catfish or ice, the species picks above are specific enough to feel thoughtful. For more ideas, see our value-first hunting and fishing gift guide. If they fish the Texas coast, our guide to fishing rods for Texas covers saltwater picks. And once the rod collection grows, a simple tackle system keeps it all usable.
See every rod under $100: Fishing Rods Under $100.
