Mitch...
There are many nice rods for 100.00
I'd get a 7 footer..it's a great all purpose bass rod..
has extra leverage to set hooks..
Extra leverage to keep Horny Toads from sinking so fast LOL
Extra leverage to sweep a hook set with Carolina Rig..etc..
Extra leverage for longer cast..
I only buy rods from Walmart so I can't help ya...and they only go up to 50.00....partner..I'd go with Walmart's 40.00 Medium 7 foot ugly stick.
Been using my 3 or 4 with no complaints..I know some who have bought the Carrot sticks and then turned right around and sold them..
A few years ago I would have suggested the Lightining Rods..but these last models..{ I have two 7 footers} I'm not happy with them..rod guides breaking..and too darn heavy and stiff...
If you have money to spare..I'd find somewhere { Ebay} that sold St.Croix...pretty rod...felt nice..but IMHO not nice enough to jump from a pretty nice 40.00 rod to 150.00 rod..just MHO
Summary..I'd get the 40.00 Ugly Stick 7 foot model { - ;