Best Baitcasting Rods Under $100

Whether you’re on the lake, river, or ocean, there are few things better than getting out on the water with a rod and a line and catching your dinner as nature intended.

However, “a man is only as good as his tools,” and so it goes with fishermen as well.

While there are plenty of different “tools” to consider, the rod is one of the two most important (with the reel tying for first).

If you’re here, then you probably went online to look at fishing rods and realized that you’re in way over your head when it comes to choosing one.

Unfortunately, the fishing market is stuffed to the gills with so many options to choose from the rod itself might need to be chosen based on the kind of bait you use.

That’s why this list brings you the 6 best baitcasting rods under $100, scoured from across the internet to appeal to different types of fishermen.

These reviews break down the different fishing rods, examining what each one does best and who each one is for, so you can make an informed decision.

Contents

What Is The Best Baitcasting Rod For Under $100?

KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods – Fuji O-Ring Line Guides, 24 Ton Carbon Fiber Baitcasting and Spinning Rods – Two Pieces, Twin-Tip Rods, and One Piece Rods

The KastKing Perigee II walks that fine line and lands right in the sweet spot of performance, craftsmanship, and price, providing an almost effortless experience for almost every freshwater fishing situation.

Aside from its versatility, it performs exceptionally well within each given category as well– and there are a lot of them.

In fact, one of the KastKing Perigee II’s biggest strengths is the sheer volume of different configurations to choose from with a rod perfect for almost every situation.

Even with the models that offer solid variety, most options stick within a somewhat narrow range with one or more of the performance-based specs.

But this baitcasting rod gives you nearly the full suite up and down the list.

From ultra-light to heavy power, the KastKing Perigee II offers options for even some of the less common, niche grades of power.

That said, this model doesn’t have everything with the action offering moderate to fast speeds, but the absence of slow action doesn’t mean you lose out on many of that action speed’s benefits.

For instance, with the moderate speed action rods, this entry comes in smaller, ultra-light chassis that still afford fishing in smaller waters with a reasonable amount of control and accuracy.

The KastKing Perigee II also comes in a longer, heavy-powered rod with a fast action for pulling in heavy fish through debris and underwater vegetation.

Beyond the sheer myriad of choices, the KastKing Perigee II also provides plenty of creature comforts and high-end components to further enhance your experience.

The Fuji o-line rings help prevent your line from tangling and even helps keep it intact when reeling in a large fish fighting tooth and nail.

Finally the KastFlex blank may only be rated for 24-tons, but it’s an honest rating, unlike so many inexpensive competitors that “claim” one strength but rarely live up to that claim.

This is achieved through four wrappings at strategic angles, creating the KastKing PTS (Power Transition System) which more smoothly transfers the power of your cast.

Top Baitcasting Rods Under 100 Reviews

Picking the best baitcasting rod is no easy task as this product category comes in such a dizzying assortment of different classes, grades, and types that it’d make your head spin.

Thankfully, all of the hard work’s been done, but it’s still important to understand what was looked at, so you can make a better, more informed decision.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this list focuses exclusively on the rods, and one rod can often be used with a wide assortment of different reels and other components and accessories to significantly increase its versatility and designed use.

That said, rods may be able to catch a wide range of different fish, but they’ll usually all be around the same size.

That’s because a rod’s balance of action and power are paramount, and balancing the two limits on the upper end of the weight category.

These two qualities ultimately inform every other feature of a baitcasting rod from the action to the materials to the line test.

This review also considers the handle as well as the reel seat, but those factors generally don’t determine how well the actual fishing pole performs.

KastKing Royale Select Fishing Rods, Casting Models Designed for Bass Fishing Techniques,1 & 2-pc Fishing Rods for Fresh & Saltwater, Tournament Quality & Performance, Premium Fuji Components

The KingKast Royale Select was so close in the running for the top spot, but a lack of options limited the number of fishermen that could find the perfect match.

That said, this rod still has plenty to offer, providing many of the same benefits that accompany KingKast’s baitcasting rods.

Basically, this is the rod you choose if you need to generate some serious power and aren’t nearly as concerned with accuracy or control.

As a KingKast, this fishing rod still offers a solid range, though there are far fewer variations of different combinations.

That said, every rod configuration uses a fast action, so smaller water isn’t ideal.

However, when you combine that fast action with a medium to extra heavy power, you get one of the longest casting rods that can also handle some of the worst, most obstructed waters around.

If your local fishing hole is full of brambles and debris and vegetation, the KingKast Royale Select is your best choice.

Of course, this entry also includes the common KingKast features like the KingKast Flex blank that angles the four different layers to allow the rod more flexibility during the cast.

This design allows this model to also share the KastKing PTS (Power Transition System) which more effectively transfers the power of your cast through the rod to your lure.

This KastKing also comes with Fuji o-ring guides, so you don’t have to worry about your line breaking or tangling up on you as much.

The high-strength nylon reel seat, high-density EVA grips, and Saf-T-Hook keeper all give this option those finishing touches that make using it that much easier.

Pros

  • Every power from medium to extra heavy
  • Made of graphite and carbon fiber
  • Has a power transition system

Cons

  • Only comes in a fast action

Verdict
The KingKast Royale Select baitcasting rod could easily have been the top choice, but its limited action options mean it won’t be the best for medium or slow action casting.

That said, this option still brings the KingKast level of quality you generally expect from the variety, otherwise speaking, to the overall build, materials, and components.

Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod – Durable Lightweight Sensitive Fishing Rod, Tournament Quality Casting Fishing Rod, One Piece & Two Pieces Baitcast Rods

The Piscifun Torrent probably isn’t going to be seen landing the tournament-winning catch on the professional circuit, but it is probably one of the most comfortable and easiest to use rods reviewed.

Even better, it didn’t have to sacrifice on general performance to do it– though there are some limitations.

Specifically, this baitcasting pole doesn’t come in nearly as many configurations as some of its top competition which limits how many people it can be the “best” for.

Granted, this rod hews to a particular specialization that leans towards the heavier end of the power spectrum and the faster end of the action spectrum.

As such, this puts the Piscifun Torrent in direct competition for both the first and second spots coming up just short both times.

That said, this is definitely more of a “casual” fishing rod with plenty of attention paid to features that improve your experience but may not necessarily improve the performance.

For instance, the Piscifun O-Seat is likely one of the more comfortable arrangements on the market with a sculpted handle that allows the rod to sit flush in your hand.

This design also features a shorter trigger for a stronger pull and better control as well as a tapered neck that fits better between the thumb and forefinger.

As if that weren’t enough, the Piscifun Torrent also features one of the strongest carbon blanks reviewed at an advertised 30-tons and a solid reputation to back that claim up.

As if that wasn’t enough, this bait rod also comes with an anti-line twist tip, high-density EVA foam handle, and a hook keeper.

Pros

  • Has a 30-ton carbon blank
  • Is more ergonomic
  • Has QOL features

Cons

  • Not as many options

Verdict
While a lack of two-piece options definitely limits the Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod for some, it’s still one of the most durable options reviewed with a 30-ton carbon blank. It also doesn’t hurt that this rod pays careful attention to the caster with numerous quality of life features and an exceptionally ergonomic design.

Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod

The Ugly Stik GX2 casting fishing rod is another model that could easily be in the top spot with some tweaks to make it more appealing to a larger range of fishermen but specializes a bit.

While that means it can’t be our best casting rod, it can still be an excellent option for the right person.

In this regard, the Ugly Stik GX2 is good for most people who want to cast long distance and are fishing for a bit of a fight.

This is most notable in the singular casting action of medium-fast and a power range that doesn’t go below medium– though, it does at least get all the way up to a proper “heavy” power rating.

While some brands may advertise that their rods provide a heavy or stronger rating, they’re usually only dealing with a maximum test of 30 lbs on the line, more than making sure that you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

However, this model has a maximum line rating of up to 50 lbs which not only allows you to fish for larger fishes but is a testament to its power ratings.

Another thing that distinguishes the Ugly Stik GX2 from its competition is its composition, specifically, the materials, because this is the only traditionally “composite” bait rod on the list.

With the combination of graphite and fiberglass, this casting rod gets the best of both worlds as a flexible rod that’s also strong.

Pros

  • Can accept up to 50-lb line
  • Has Ugly Tuff guides
  • Is a composite rod

Cons

  • Only comes in medium-fast action

Verdict
Probably the most durable model reviewed, the Ugly Stik GX2 casting fishing rod combines the durability of fiberglass with the flexibility of graphite to get the best of both worlds.

That quality combined with the proprietary Ugly Tuff guides allows this baitcasting fishing pole to support 50-lb line which significantly increases your choice of fishing.

Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod

Abu Garcia has long been known as a solid brand for fishermen shopping on a budget, and the Abu Garcia Vengeance is a perfect example of that.

Granted, you only have three different models to choose from, but they all perform well and meet industry standards– often at a lower price than most of the competition.

That said, when it comes to the Abu Garcia Vengeance, what you see is what you get and it’s an adequate, if unexciting, sight.

For starters, this fishing rod jumps right out into the middle with a graphite blank rated for 24-tons and, for the most part, it seems as if that claim is genuine.

It might also go a bit ways in explaining why the Abu Garcia Vengeance only comes in medium-heavy to heavy power with moderate-fast to fast actions.

This is great if you want to cast long into treacherous waters– which is where a lot of the biggest fish like to congregate– but severely limits your options.

If you’re not a fairly accurate caster at the moment, this may not be the best casting rod for you to learn on.

Still, with stainless steel guides, you don’t have to worry about this fishing rod’s durability all along its length.

Despite this, it still comes in at a fairly light 4 ⅘ oz, so you can generate as much speed as possible when casting across the lake.

Pros

  • Is a great value
  • Good for small fighters
  • Is more durable

Cons

  • Only comes in three types

Verdict
The Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod is not the best performing option on the list, but for the type of fishing most people do, most often, it’s a great value.

If you need a baitcasting pole to take out on your average freshwater river or lake and catch some feisty fish, this entry not only holds up to the pressure but will do so for years to come.

Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rods Fast Action Fishing Rods Super Lightweight Sensitive Portable Casting Rods 40 Ton Carbon Fuji Reel Seat Stainless Steel Guides with SiC Inserts Baitcast Rods

The Cadence CR7B is so close to being in the conversation it can taste it, but the still-young company needs to work some kinks out of its manufacturing process before then.

On top of that, Cadence hurts its reputation by making claims that aren’t always representative of the product– though, when they are, they are impressive.

A perfect example of this is the blank which Cadence advertises at 40-tons and may even be rated that for some people, but it’s not consistent enough to be trusted.

That said, when it comes to baitcasting rods that specialize in casting long distances, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Cadence CR7B.

Aside from the fact that the company makes a rod with an extra fast action, all of the options provide at least a moderate action with most leaning on the fast side.

Likewise, you can find a model with medium power, but most of the options will lean towards the heavy side– though this is not necessarily indicative.

Still, this baitcasting rod comes with a Fuji reel seat as well as stainless steel SiC Guides, the latter of which is one of the better designs reviewed.

Pros

  • Has a 40-ton carbon blank
  • Has stainless steel SiC guides
  • Has a Fuji reel seat

Cons

  • Has questionable QC

Verdict
If the Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod was more consistent, it’d definitely have a good shot at topping this list, especially when you consider its durability.

Unfortunately, even high-end components for the reel and line aren’t enough to save this option from missing the mark.

Conclusion

In the end, the type of fishing you tend to do should inform your choice of rod more than anything else, though the rod seat will almost certainly play a vital role as well.

Depending on whether you want graphite or a composite of graphite and fiberglass, this list has something that will take your baitcasting to the next level.

That said, the KastKing Perigee II still takes the top spot with few to no flaws, an outrageously large selection, and all the bells and whistles you expect to come with a premium model.

Just behind, the KingKast Royale Select would easily be in the top spot if it came in more models to appeal to a wider variety of different types of fishermen.

The Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Rod is a bit of a no-brainer for those just looking to pass the time and relax thanks to the inclusion of multiple extra features that may not help the performance of the rod all that much but make it nicer for you to use.

If you plan on fishing for something not found in a small lake or river, the Ugly Stik GX2 Casting Fishing Rod has you covered with a max line weight of 50 lbs.

The Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Fishing Rod is a great option for someone shopping on a budget who plans to do a lot of the most common types of fishing.

Finally, the Cadence CR7B Baitcasting Rod is likely to rise on this, and many other lists…eventually, but it has a ways to go in consistency before that day comes.