I'm posting this here to hopefully get more opinions. I need a new rod for crappie & sandbass for some creek and bank fishing. I don't want to spend a lot because the rod will take some punishment. I'm going to call it a "beater" rod.

Here's some things I need. 2pc rod, lightweight, good backbone yet fast tip to cast small jigs. 6 1/2 to 7ft.

What do you guys use? Please no Ugly Sticks. My inital thought was a Lightning Rod spinning medium/light action.

I'm planning on using an older Diawa SS Tournament 1300 spinning reel.

I use a $6 Tournament Choice Green rod and a $6 Zebco 202 from.Academy......hooked a small hybrid one time and it handled him ...............T.C. Black rods run $11 and come.in various actions.....

Edit: Well went to Academy....it seems they redesigned all the T.C. rods and raised the prices.......

i've got a green tc rod that has done double and triple duty. it's caught fish, slapped snakes, removed spiderwebs on the walk to the water.

but why no ugly sticks?

Berkley AMP
7'0" M
Model: AS702M
Length: 7'
Power: Medium
Pieces: 2
Line Weight: 4-12 lb
Lure Weight: 1/8-3/4 oz

$20 on sale. Paired with a Quantum Optix also $20. Have had a couple for 2+ years. Use 4lb line. Caught Crappie, Sandies, 10lb Carp and 7lb Hybrids in Rowlett Creek. Best "cheaper" set I have ever used.

I have a couple Lightning rods, but I like AMPs better. IMO

Tarponfly uses Ugly Sticks in the creeks...

I've had my fair share of Ugly Sticks. I don't mind the weight on shorter rods but the 6 1/2 to 7 ft rods are just too heavy for me. I don't like the way they balance.

The Ugly Sick Lite Pro is a very good rod.

berkely cherry wood or abu garcia conolon for me

+1 All my white bass rods are Ugly Stik Lite rods. Spinning and casting.

Purchased the 7ft model at Dick's Sporting Goods for $19.99, was looking at the 6ft 6in model but that was $29.99. Thanks for the tip!

Your Welcome.

Just saw Quantum 40 combo for $29.99....7* med rod......at Academy......