Looking for a casting rod to purchase. Nothing to expensive , what are inexpensive options? I am currently using a old Berkley reflex 8' medium heavy, 2 piece. Using up to a 4 ounce weight . Would like to maybe get a little more distance.

Not any authority here but I have pretty much switched all my reels to matching Ugly Sticks. I don't think they are the best rods around but I do think they are the best value rods. Good luck with what ever you choose.

Man with fishing tackle being the way it is right now I don’t know if you can even get them .. but I bought several of the South Bend Mudville cat master rods and I really have had some awesome luck with them! I boated a flathead that was almost 40lbs and many many 20+ blues and flatheads on them. Paired with a Shakespeare tidewater reel. They have served me very well. I know there are some folks who only buy the “good” stuff but these get it done. But like I said I haven’t looked and with tackle like it is.. you will just have to look. The ugly stick cat rods are ok but the tip bends to easy. The south bends are heavier duty rods. The south bend rods were like 12.00 a piece when I bought 12. I sold some to friends. I think retail was like 24$.

Ugly stick or pro anglers are great rods and inexpensive. Not sure what length you are wanting but ugly stick catfish series are available up to 8’ and the pro anglers are all the way up to 12’. I have 11 pro angler medium action and they are great rods. Have fished up to 5 ounce weights on them when fishing for bull reds in current. 2-3 ounce in ideal on them

1+ on ugly stiks

I have a decent variety of them, and my favorite at the moment is the Rippin' Lips Super Cat, with the B/M Silver Cat Elite neck and neck with it. And believe it or not, the 7 and a half foot Academy Medium Heavy casting rod also works great. I wouldn't want to horse in a 50 plus cat on it, but 20's and 30's no problem at all. And it's only 14.99.

I would recommend the Shakespeare Wild Cat. Medium Heavy. Less than $20 and I used to catch a lot of fish on those, including big fish...

I can huuuummmm a 2oz no roll and rig on a Pro Angler and a 6500C3 with 25lb Offshore Angler. Especially if you make your C3's not street legal

Pro Angler all the way for me! Got them in 10 and 12 feet.

Pro Angler hold and edge to me because of no ceramic eye insert like Ugly Sticks and Whippin' Stix. If you get one of those with the ceramic eye bent or mashed there is no putting it back in. Pro Angler have a stainless eye . I'm no expert but have been using Pro Angler MH Doug Tex Elliott signature brand exclusive for the past dozen years+ and as of yet to have a problem except for some paint fading. Great product from a great guy.