St. Croix Bass X

For a rod around the similar price, St. Croix Bass X, Lew's TP1, Abu Garcia Veritas I've fished with and liked. Lot of folks recommend a Daiwa AirdX rod as well at only $50, and the Dobyns branded rods in the $100-120 range. My first baitcasting combo was an Abu Garcia Ultramax combo from Dicks Sporting Goods. Great starter combo, both rod and reel still working great.

Looking at reels, I suggest the 60-80 (US) dollar range. Rods to check out include St. Croix Bass X, Daiwa Aird X, Dobyns Fury, and the Fenwick HMG or Eagle.

I second stepping up to the SLX XT... as for the rod, you can't go wrong with a St Croix Mojo Bass rod. Unless you just throw small crankbaits, I would definitely go with at least the 7'1 medium heavy rod moderate rod (this is for primarily crankbaits) and if you throw deep divers at all I would go with 7'6 medium heavy moderate fast rod.

I know many people who have fished all their lives and never spent more than $50 on a rod. If you do want to invest a little more, Dobyns Colt and Fury rods are great as well as St. Croix Bass X rods. The medium action rod will be good for bass, crappie and drum.

I own Dobyn Furys $110, St Croix Bass X $110, and Mojo Bass $130. The St. Croixs feel more sensitive for plastics while I absolutely love Dobyns for reaction baits. For your price range, I'd get either the 7' Fenwick HMG MH/F or 7' St Croix Mojo Bass MH/MF and pair it with 30lb braid to leader. You'll get some nice sensitivity with just the right amount of power.

I used the St. Croix Bass X 7'1" MH for a couple months last summer and I hated it. The short handle bothered me and it felt very tip heavy. Lots of people recommend it, but I personally wasn't a fan.