Medium Or Medium Heavy

[Fishinthefish]

I'm big into throwing plastics weightless or with a split shot. I also like throwing spinners buzz and top waters though so I'm hoping this rod can accomplish both things. If not I'll be getting the medium for throwing my soft plastics and sticking to my other setup for the heavier stuff. So what is more important in casting light lures? The reel or the rod? And will this rod still work for my soft plastics? Link below. I would like to know quickly because I have an opportunity to buy a second hand one for relatively cheap.

http://www.tackledirect.com/st-croix-tbc71mhxf-legend-tournament-bass-casting-rod.html

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The rod is by far the most important part of casting. Don't worry so much about power rating (M vs. MH) and look at the lure weight range keeping in mind that the sweet spot usually lies near the mid-range. So called weightless plastics are anything but in a lot of cases. Check some of your favorites and pick a rod accordingly.

[Sam]

Fishin, have you noted the rod's parameters regarding line test and bait weight?

 

These two figures will tell you what the rod can handle and you then can tell if the rod parallels your type of fishing.

 

And is the rod glass or graphite? Check out what it says on the rod. If the type of construction is not mentioned then Google the rod to find out more about it if you can.

 

What motion is the rod tip? Fast action? Try to find out.

 

As for what is more important when throwing light weight baits, the rod and line test plus the baits' weight. All play a role in your presentation.

 

When using the rod if your line test and bait weight fall within the rod's parameters then you will obtain the maximum performance from the rod.

[smalljaw67]

What kind of spinners, buzzbaits, and topwaters are we talking about? The same thing for weightless plastics, there is a big difference between a weightless Senko versus a weightless 3" grub and if the topwaters you want to throw have a treble hook, well that is one thing you aren't going to do with that rod.

[HookdUP]

Med will cover that just have to use finess versions of hose lures you mentioned .. From what it sounds like that may be precisely what you're looking to do

[Big Bait Fishing]

For soft plastics, I like an extra fast action and good backbone.

[Bankbeater]

When I am fishing plastics around a lot of thick weeds, I like a heavy rod with a fast tip.  You never know when you are going to pull in a 2 lb bass with 20 lbs of weeds.

[WIGuide]

I think you can make it work for what you need. I don't think it'll be perfect for both, but it'll do each adequately. Depending on the plastics it might be a little tougher to throw but you'll still be able to without too much trouble. I'd say buy the second hand one as long as it's in good shape, and it'll work for now until you can afford the second setup that's better for the weightless plastics. 

[J Francho]

Both.