Below is my current rod selection and what lures I typically use them for. I do kayak fish, so heavier rod and reels take a toll on my shoulder once you factor in paddling all day and carrying/dragging my kayak to the launch sites. I want to get rid of these lesser quality rods and buy better and lighter weight rods in the $150 range. I recently felt how much of a difference a lighter weight(actual weight not strength or action) made on stamina and sensitivity. (New lighters reel will come more slowly)

All Star AST 6'10" MH Fast Action for swim/football jigs, spinner baits, buzzbaits, and chatterbaits.
13 Fishing Black Omen 7'1" Heavy Fast action for frogs and the occasional jig.
Lew's 6'9(ish)" MH Moderate action for cranks (my weakest skillset)
Abu Garcia Vengeance 6'9" MH Fast action for T-Rigs and jigs
All Star AST Spinning 6'9" Medium Fast Action for wacky worms and other finesse techniques.

I am not partial to any one brand, and I am definitely open to all suggestions! The only thing I am picky about is the length of the handle past the reel. Kayak fishing makes me limited for space, so having 2 feet of the rod length being behind the reel is a no-go. I only fish about 2 times a month, so I don't need the most amazing gear out there. Just something to make the trips more enjoyable.

Thanks for any tips folks, I am pretty much looking for 4 casting rods and 1 spinning rod to cover most fishing styles for about $150 (or cheaper) each.

Cabelas tournament zx are the best bang for the buck imo. 99$ and if you snap one the exchange it no questions asked

Look into the Falcon bucoo rods. I just picked one up and have been extremely pleased thus far. Great rod for 99$

If anyone has any input on Manley Rods please speak up. They have adjustable handle lengths which seems like a HUGE advantage.

I've been posting on here about the Daiwa Aird rods...for kayakers it's an excellent rod due to the shorter butt length, lightweight and sensitivity. $45.00 each.

+1 they're really light in my opinion and great rods

So far my choices are either Abu Veritas 2.0 Micros or St. Croix Mojo Bass rods.

I have heard good things about both.

Tatula XT although I have no idea about length on the butt of these rods. Its never been an issue for me even in my little 10ft Ascend sit in.

I'll check them out for sure

Falcon Lowrider 20

Check out the Falcon Lowrider's. For their price point, they can't be beat. They're extremely light and well balanced rods, and you can choose between a split grip or full cork handle. Great rods if you ask me!

You may check with a local rod builder. Not trying to start an argument but custom doesn't have to mean $250+. I'm sure there's plenty who would be willing to work with you on components and find a pricing in your range.

Falcon Bucoo and Lowrider rods are the best rods you can get for $150 or less ...Light and sensitive

Easy to get some custom rods for 150$ Check out reel time rods or some other guys on forum.

+5! I have several of these and they are sweet! Idk where you can get them for $99 but you can definitely find them in the $129 and under range.

Thank you all for the input! Definitely a lot more options than I thought here....