My next casting rod

[Ketafol]

Hey guys, help me upgrade/add to my arsenal!  This will be the first time I've really put much thought into a rod/reel, and the first time I've not just walked into the store and bought whatever combo seemed decent quality.  I currently have:

Lew's American Hero casting combo MH 6.4:1

Abu Blue Max spinning combo Med

I fish mostly from the bank, mostly in ponds in Alabama and Texas, often in and around thick slop.  I am most confident throwing T-rigged craws, lizards, worms.  I'll also throw a buzzbait pretty regularly.  I've thrown a frog and spinnerbaits a few times.  In fact, I had what would have been by PB fish (5-6 pounds) on a frog, but lost her 5 feet from the boat.  I would like to keep working on my spinnerbaits and start throwing a chatterbait.  I really also want to learn to fish jigs and to become a more effective frog guy too.  I haven't really thrown a crankbait, and have a hard time throwing anything with treble hooks in the typically cover that I currently fish.  

So, I guess my question is, which rod setup would you add next?  I'm not sure whether to just upgrade my "all-around" MH-F setup, or to add something that's a little more technique specific--either heavier or lighter in the backbone.  I guess in other words, do you think I gain more versatility by going to a Heavy casting rod or down to Medium? I'm looking at roughly $180 budget for rod and reel...thinking a *** and probably a Tatula reel.  

Thanks for the help!!  

[Dylan.747]

A Medium/Medium-Heavy rod with a softer tip would cover lots of treble hook lures. Plus you could throw spooks with this, the best lure in the world. 

[new2BC4bass]

The Tatula is a good choice.  Something of a Daiwa fan myself, although I like reels from just about every company.  Lew's Tournament MB is on my radar for my next Lew's.  Great reviews.  About $110 on fleabay.  Well, just ordered the MB while checking out the price. 

If manventureoutpost ever gets in more Primmus reels, and keeps the same $104.10 price, I personally don't think you will find a better reel anywhere near that price.  Sells on TW for about $225 and is an extremely nice reel.  Bought my first for around $150 or so shipped.  Feel like I got a bargain at that price.

[Ketafol]

Thanks for the input so far. Any more advice? Does it make sense to add a heavy power rod to my arsenal? Or would I be better off getting a second MH setup? 

[trick worms]

If you fish a lot of cover, definitely get a heavy, if not, get a medium