thunderblack

I have this exact rod and fish it often. I honestly love it. I fish for everything with it and its a two piece model so I take it everywhere. Quality blank, great handle design, and covered threads make it super comfortable. I would highly recommend in your budget. The 7-3 ML Legend would be worth a look too in ML XF.

Steez. The Antares will blind fish. 

grubs, 1/2 oz jerkbaits, worms, larger poppers, wacky, cranks, 3" swim baits would all be in that rods wheelhouse I would think. 

I would go with 843C all day long. I like 7' plus rods for longer casts and I don't think this will affect your dock fishing. If you want versatility this rod is what you are looking for. 

842S hands down.