ROD SELECTION? *HELP*

[Luke_Boz]

I am trying to get back into bass fishing, and need some help and advice with rod selection. I am looking to get 2 rods, one for a multipurpose type rod, and one for heavier lures, such as jigs, frogs, heavy spinners, etc. here are the 2 options I was considering. * I typically fish lighter lures, rarely using or exceeding 1/2 ounce *

#1- 7' Medium, moderate action for multi purpose (soft plastics, crank baits, top water poppers, etc)

       7' Medium Heavy, Fast action for heavier jigs, spinners, frogs, etc. (remember I don't use really heavy lures often)

OR

#2- 7' Medium Heavy Fast action for multi purpose (soft plastics, crank baits, top water poppers, etc)

       7'6 Heavy Fast action for frogs, jigs, etc.

 

I have a 6'10 Medium light spinning rod for weightless senkos, and lighter lures. Any Help or advice to my rod selection would be Wonderful! 

    

[MDbassin]

First off welcome to bass resource.

Second what's your price range?

[NYBasser]

Depends on of you are fishing from boat or bank. I'd go with option 1 if you are solely bank fishing, as you might need the shorter rod for tight casting spots. Otherwise, the longer rods from option 2 will help with better control over the fish.

[fishnkamp]

Let's look at this a bit differently, because I think you have some of  the wrong lures linked up to which rod.

 

You already have a m/l spinning rod. That should allow you to fish drop shots, Sencos, tubes, grubs and light texas rigs (1/16 to hopefully 3/8).

 

Now the next rod I would suggest would be a 6'9" to 7'3" mh fast action rod.  This rod would have a 1/4 to 3/4 or 1/4 to 1 1/4 lure rating. You would be able to fish jigs, 1/4 to 3/4 ounce texas rigs as well as some spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and chatterbaits. I really like the Dobyns 703, 704, 733 and 734 rods in a Fury, Sierra or Champion series depending on your budget.  Powell Rods offers a rod that I love, it is a 683 MH CEF. I own it in the old Max series but they offer it in a Max3D and Inferno series now.  Read the old Tackletour review of that rod. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpowell683cxfast.html

I throw 1/4 to 5/8 swim jigs, texas rigs chatterbaits, and I have even thrown a few spinnerbaits on mine. I usually have at least 12 rods in my rod boxes, so I use my tackle differently than you. You would find either the 683 or their 703 to be very versatile.

 

Here is where I differ in what your medium moderate rod is used for.  To me, all plastics would be fished on the MH fast rod. The faster tip is required for a proper hook set with those baits.  Medium mod rods are designed to aid the angler in  gettin better delayed hooksets and protect the treble hooked baits from being torn out of  fishes mouth.  

 

 I would get a medium moderate rod as the second rod, but I would look for a rod that will throw rattle traps, small to mid sized cranks, 1/4 to 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits, and even jerkbaits.  My suggestions  would be a Dobyns Fury 705CB, or a rod like the Powell 6104 in either Inferno or Max 3Ds. Another good one is the Irod Genesis II 703CC. It is called the Gabe's Rip Rap Special. I fish one of those too.   

 

 

[flechero]

11 hours ago, Luke_Boz said:

#1- 7' Medium, FAST action for multi purpose (soft plastics, crank baits, top water poppers, etc)

       7' Medium Heavy, Fast action for heavier jigs, spinners, frogs, etc. (remember I don't use really heavy lures often)

 

    

Personal preference, but unless you fish a lot of crankbaits, I wouldn't buy a mod.  (I fish all my soft plastics on a fast or xfast.  I also use xfast for buzzbaits, which is my most common topwater.  When I fish treble hooked lures on a fast rod, I just back the drag off slightly.  You can absorb plenty of energy with your arms.  (I do own a mod but rarely use it.)

 

If I were in your shoes, I'd buy 1 rod right now- either a Med or MedHvy whichever fits your water and conditions better and you think you'd use the most- then in a few weeks or whenever it becomes obvious, buy another rod to fill the gap(s) you have identified by actually fishing. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Luke!

 

I fish MF and MXF for most soft plastics.

Heavier soft plastics + weight will be MH, but

I'm mostly a light lure/line guy, as well.

 

You didn't specify whether you're looking at

spinning or casting. Assuming a mixture of 

both? Also, cost range?

[GreenGhostMan]

I highly suggest the 7'2" MH-Regular Daiwa Tatula rod.  It may be listed as regular, but its more mod-fast, leaning closer to fast compared to other brands.  It would be a fantastic all purpose rod.  This rod, along with my other 6'10" Tatula are my favorite rods.  Light, incredibly sensitive and great backbone.  Amazing rods for under $150.  You can normally find them anywhere from $109 to $130 if you search online.

[Finnz922]

I would go with the IROD Genesis 2 Stone Cold Swim & Vibrating Jig and Fred's Magic Stick. These will cover all your bases.