The rod feels good, Im happy with it. Its not super heavy so I had no issue with multiple casts. I almost tied on a jig at one point. I threw a storm kickin shad and a shell cracker on it today. I didn't have any heavier baits with me than those two but it handled them with ease. Its rated up to 6oz supposedly. I had 2 bites, one came off the shell cracker and I saw another bass chomping the shad but it didn't commit. I cant really speak on how it handled any fish. I bought a fuji hook keeper from BPS when I bought the 25lb cxx I put on the reel, doesn't have one if that matters to you. Once I get back from work travel next week, Ill be able to test it with heavier savage gear lures I bought on clearance a while back. Now I can actually use them.