Help Picking My Next Rod - Power Rating

[GADawgs]

I am saving up to get another rod and am looking for some input on what power to look at getting.  I currently carry a 6" medium light spinning setup for weightless and finesse fishing and a 6'6" medium power BPS carbonlite for pretty much everything else.  I think I have settled on trying one of the *** Black *** rods but I am unsure whether to get a medium heavy or heavy power rod.  I am also undecided on the 6'7" length versus the 7'1" length.

 

I fish lakes from the shore but I am looking at getting a kayak in the next year hopefully.  I don't want to get a setup for a specific type of fishing since I am limited with space and would like to be able to use the rod for multiple applications.  Thanks for the input.

 

Chris

[00 mod]

I have always said a 7' mh/f rod is one of the best rods for all around applications.  I would lean towards the 7'1'' mh/f of your choices!

 

Jeff

[BrianinMD]

I 2nd the MH/F, nice all around setup. My preference is for longer rods but with a kayak, space or casting may be an issue. Hopefully someone who fishes out out a kayak will reply.

[Arv]

I'd go with the 7'1 MH. I also fish a lot form a kayak and I personally don't have any trouble using 7'+ rods. Only rods I carry that are shorter are a 6'9 mh/m and a 6'10m/f, and I can't really tell a difference there.

[lmbfisherman]

I have always said a 7' mh/f rod is one of the best rods for all around applications.  I would lean towards the 7'1'' mh/f of your choices!

 

Jeff

What he said.  I'd add that next. 

[motodmast]

i would go 7'1 MH are you getting the *** ($100) rod or the *** ($250) rod? there two different rods... 

[Capt.Bob]

xxxxxx no doubt MH/F

[SirSnookalot]

I have always said a 7' mh/f rod is one of the best rods for all around applications.  I would lean towards the 7'1'' mh/f of your choices!

 

Jeff

It's going to depend on what company is making the rod, not all mh are identical.  For much of my bass fishing I use a 7' 8/17 medium spinning, with a reel weighting 8.8 oz, very well balanced and I can fish all day without ever being tired.  I have handled mh's that pretty much fish the same as my medium, it boiled down to trial and error to get what liked. 

[Bankbeater]

For a good all around rod you can't beat a mh/f.  If you are looking for something to use in the weeds, or lilypads, I would up the mh to a heavy.

[martintheduck]

I 2nd the MH/F, nice all around setup. My preference is for longer rods but with a kayak, space or casting may be an issue. Hopefully someone who fishes out out a kayak will reply.

 

 

7' plus MH is a great "all around rod."  When you get into the realm of heavy power rods, you're looking at broomstick type rods that are only good for a minimal number of applications. I can use a MH for jigs, t-rig, cranks, spinners, c-rig, shaky head, frogs, swims.... everything. I'd only feel comfortable using a heavy for c-rig, jigging, and frogs.

 

Having fished out a kayak or Jon boat for sometime, I'll say that space can get tight sometimes and the max # of rods you'll want to be carrying is 3. Casting from a yak with a 7'2" was never a problem. I could see problems arising if you were using, say, a 7'11" because it would be cumbersome to mess around with on the boat - IE: tying, or just laying it down when not in use.

 

Summary: 7' - 7'3" MH fast or Xfast taper is a solid move for a lot of techniques. Only look to a heavy for technique specifics.

[Hogsticker]

Fishing from a Yak or the bank I really prefer 6'6 - 6'9. You can cast in any motion and not have to worry about banging the tip against a tree or other rods...etc. I also prefer that shorter rod to have more of a moderate fast, parabolic tip/bend. It helps me with distance and targets. I found the M/H *** much to stiff for my taste, and the Med. didn't have quite enough power. Different strokes for different folks I suppose. Shorter rods are becoming obsolete anymore.