Hey guys,
I fish with a spinning reel (nothing too expensive), but my rod broke about a month ago and I switched to a baitcaster rod for temporary fishing but I think that I've been missing a lot of strikes because of how thick the pole is. I mainly fish in ponds like the ones at Bethany. I'm looking for an inexpensive pole ($20-$40 range) to use for pond fishing. Any suggestions?
Thanks

Go to Academy.. get you the 6'6" med hvy ... green pole with cork handle.. best 12 bucks you will ever spend

For the price you stated a Berkeley lightning rod would be a good start. A 6'6 med/hvy is a good all-purpose setup.

I mainly fish for bass but occasionally I will use two poles and leave one down for catfish, and the pond I fish at has produced fairly large catfish.. will this pole hold up to at least 10 pounds?

Yes.. most med hvy rods will be rated for 12 to 20lb test line. Just because a rod is rated for 12lb line doesn't mean you can only catch 12lb fish. With your drag set properly you can catch fish that weigh much more than you think. The line rating on a rod is just a recommendation. I pay more attention to the lure rating personally.

Can't go wrong with an Ugly stick. They came in various weights/actions.

I actually forgot about an ugly stick. That rod just will not break.

I picked up a Mitchell spinning combo at Dick's a few years ago. (Actually picked up two). Paid $10.00 each. Figured I would use them once and have to toss them. They are 6' light action rods and are a blast to pond fish with!

Thanks everyone. Will be looking for the names provided when I go buy a new rod.

Pm sent

Denali Jadewood (http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Denali_Jadewood_Series_Spinning_Rods/descpage-DJSS.html) or Berkley Lightning rod? Thanks

Unless you're fishing for monster cats, I think a guy is about as well off with the cheaper equipment. I firmly believe that the more you pay for a rod 'n reel, the more likely it is to get pulled in or stolen.

6ft 6in Berkley Lightening rod in medium will suit you better for ponds like Bethany. I throw spinnerbaits, topwaters, and crankbaits as small as 1/8 oz. Soft plastics I will throw baits as small as 1/16 oz on mine. You can't do that with a medium/heavy rod!

I believe what Uncle bagster said, I almost got pulled in to the expensive stuff, watch too many fishing shows, look at BPS or Cabela's too much, and they will have you hook, line & sinker, and most of the time, you will not get the money back that you spent on the expensive stuff. IMO.

The jade wood is a far superior rod to the lightning. If you are ok with the price.