The Best Bass Casting Rod Under $100: One Go-To Pole That Can Do It All

Written By: John Neporadny

What is the best bass casting rod under $100?, don't worry, we'll get to that but let's start here: While fishing with Rick Clunn a couple times I discovered the Bassmaster superstar relies on only one baitcast rod for most of his bass fishing techniques.

Clunn told me in his early bass club days that he owned only three rods, but as his success grew it opened avenues for him to try every type of rod on the market and the chance to experiment with different sizes and actions of rods for various techniques. After 10 years of fishing with a variety of baitcast rods, Clunn decided to fish only one rod for 95 percent of every technique he used. He learned the most efficient thing he could do was to totally understand that one rod.

Rick Clunn with two hefty largemouth. Photo credit: Bassmaster.com

Clunn’s tackle choice dispels the notion anglers need a different rod for every fishing presentation. He favors a 7-foot heavy power baitcast rod for most of his fishing techniques, except for topwater presentations or flipping for big bass in heavy cover. Through several years of experimentation, Clunn discovered a 7-foot rod allowed him to accurately cast a variety of lures ranging from finesse crankbaits to magnum-sized deep-diving crankbaits.

Clunn’s casting skills allows him to make long and accurate deliveries with a heavy power rod, but for the average bass angler a medium-heavy power casting rod would be a better choice for most bass fishing applications.

Learning the definitions of power and action is the first step in determining which rod to use for various applications.

Rod Action Vs. Rod Power

Fishing 101: Rod Action Vs Rod Power

The “power” of a rod refers to how much pressure it takes to flex the rod. Different rod powers are engineered to efficiently handle a certain range of lure weights and line sizes. The most common powers for baitcasting rods are medium, medium-heavy and heavy.

The “action” of a rod is determined by where a rod flexes along the blank. Faster action rods flex mostly near the tip while slower action rods flex down into the butt section.

The most popular rod lengths for bass fishing used to be 6- and 6 1/2-foot models, but in recent years rod manufacturers have noticed a demand for longer rods. A 7-foot rod is now the standard for a variety of bass fishing tactics.

Throughout my outdoor writing career I have been fortunate to sample numerous baitcast rods in a variety of sizes, actions and powers. I have discovered over the years that a 7-foot, medium-heavy power casting rod with a fast action tip provides the versatility to handle many of the techniques the touring pros employ today.

A 7-foot rod with medium-heavy power provides the longer length and rod stiffness needed to make long casts with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs and topwater lures. The length is also ideal for making underhand pitches with jigs and soft plastics to various targets such as log laydowns, boat docks, stumps and shoreline vegetation or bushes.

The 7-foot rod with a fast action tip combines the right length and rod tip flex to make quick and deep penetrating hooksets on both long and short presentations. Shorter rods with soft tips will hook a bass for an instant but the fish often shake loose before you can land it.

What Is The Best Casting Rod For Under $100?

Explore The Googan Squad Go-To Casting Rod

The Googan Squad Green Series Go-To Casting Rod meets all of these specifications and is the perfect choice for the recreational bass angler looking for a versatile casting rod priced under $100. The cost of the rod is $99 or $79 for Karl’s Club Members and has a three-year limited warranty with a 30-day no-hassle return policy.

Available In Two Premium Options

Explore The Googan Squad Go-To Casting Rod

The Googan Go-To Casting Rod is available in a one- or two piece model featuring ceramic insert guides for long and smooth casts; composite 24/30 ton carbon blanks for strength, sensitivity and durability; an EVA foam/cork handle for durability and comfort; and a measuring tape ruler on the rod to verify your personal best catches. The rod’s butt and blank length provides the proper balance with the addition of a reel so the rod tip isn’t constantly tilting upwards while presenting your lures.

A rod designer once told me sensitivity is a key factor when buying a good bass rod, so he recommended selecting the lightest rod at an affordable price. The Googan Go-To rod’s composite carbon blank is light enough that it allows the rod to transmit vibration (to increase sensitivity) rather than absorb the vibration.

The 7-foot, medium-heavy power rod with the fast tip will allow any bass angler to proficiently fish a wide range of lures. It is effective for pitching or casting jigs and Texas-rigged soft plastics. You will be able to make long and accurate casts with spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, crankbaits and topwater baits. I have used medium-heavy power casting rods for handling line sizes and types ranging from 10-pound monofilament or fluorocarbon to 65-pound braid. The fast action tips on these rods ensure good hooksets for power fishing baits such as jigs, Texas-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits and bladed jigs.

Selecting A Reel For The Best Casting Rod Under $100

Explore The Googan Squad Go-To Casting Rod

Buying an affordable baitcast reel with a moderate retrieval speed will be the perfect match for the Googan Go-To Casting Rod. A casting reel with a 7 or 8-ball bearing system and a gear ratio of 6.4:1 provides durability and the retrieval speed you need for presentations ranging from dragging a Carolina-rigged soft plastic along the bottom to waking a spinnerbait or buzzing a buzz bait on the surface.

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