Rod power choice

[bassheel]

What are the requirements for you to move up or down in power for your rod? Cover over lure weight? Line size? Rod manufacturer that fishes heavy or light gets the call? Im not speaking on using medium to punch with we all know better than that. I find it hard to chose because I fish weights on what some call very light with little or no cover. Most of my added weights on a Texas rig rarely exceeds an 1/8.

[new2BC4bass]

In your case I see no need to move up from a Medium power rod.  I would only move up to a MH if desiring to throw a heavier weight than my Mediums were comfortable with.  A Medium power rod will handle any bass you might catch, and will be lighter than a MH in the same line.  Light is always good.  

In my own case, I normally will switch to a MH rod for 1/2 oz. or more lures even though most of my Mediums will handle a 1/2 oz. weight.  That is the upper limit on my Medium Falcons, and a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait not only weighs more than 1/2 oz., but the blades create extra drag....especially when fishing in my local river.  I also like a MH when fising in lilies and weeds, but this year I have also been fishing a Medium with 12# mono in those situations without a problem so far.  I must admit that I haven't gotten out as much this year as previously on my visit to Florida.  Also the cold fronts are not helping me catch fish.  

[Puggz]

5 hours ago, bassheel said:

What are the requirements for you to move up or down in power for your rod? Cover over lure weight? Line size? Rod manufacturer that fishes heavy or light gets the call? Im not speaking on using medium to punch with we all know better than that. I find it hard to chose because I fish weights on what some call very light with little or no cover. Most of my added weights on a Texas rig rarely exceeds an 1/8.

Based on what you are saying a Medium power rod is what you need.  With that being said, its never a bad idea to have a MH on hand.  For example, lets say you're not into pitching into heavy cover but if you're next to heavy cover a hooked bass will make a bee-line into it. In this case its nice to have a bit more power at your disposal.

Another thought is if you like to fish crankbaits, a MH is nice once you get into the larger/deeper models.

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Put aside the subjective labels for a minute. Disregard line ratings altogether. Once you choose s make and model for consideration, determine the total weight you'll cast and pick a Rod with the lure weight ratings that have a range where your weight falls near the middle. Go with whatever power it's labeled as. If you're fishing heavy cover you may opt to compromise casting for landing power or look in another line for something with a different combo of butt and tip. 

[kingmotorboat]

I use a mh *** o man for my light t rig even down to an 1/8 of an ounce. I fish a ton of cypress stumps and gladly sacrifice the load up for the extra power as I don't have to usually cast far. Just pitch a few feet

[EvanT123]

I fish open water 99.9% of the time. Lure weight and rod tip dictate what I use. Many times I will go over the suggested rating. 

[aprilbass101]

Most M/F rods are rated 1/8" to 1/2"-5/8" (weight) depending on the rod company some go up to 3/4". Obviously, if you wanted to throw large spinnerbaits, deep-diver cranks, or flipping-pitching you probably would want M/H moderate to fast with a little more backbone along with a little heavier line! If your not going over 5/8" no need to go up on power or line specially in open waters!