I'd go with Carrot Stix. My most used rod for years has been a ML Carrot Stix . It's perfect for soft plastics, jigs, and topwaters. I have used Carrot Stix forever, with no problems (other than normal wear and tear), but if you're looking for more of a crankbait/swimbait rod I wouldn't go with my beloved Carrot Stix. I honestly think people run into problems with Carrot Stix because they don't let it be what it is, a super sensitive soft plastic rod. I have an 8' heavy Carrot Stix for bigger baits, it's not all that great. I wish I would have gone with Dobyns. But, for what you are looking for Carrot Stix would be a good choice.