Lily pads- rod, reel, line question

[NYNewbie]

Hi all.  Just started fishing this summer in the Hudson Valley of NY.  Been fishing local ponds and lakes from the shore.  

 

There's a spot where there are lots of bass in and around lily pads.  My Light rod set up with 6# mono doesn't work to keep them from diving into the weeds/lilies and I can't wrestle them out.  Fishing with Texas rigged worms.  Been doing research online but need help with combo.  Have a ton of questions - will try to be brief.  Thanks in advance for your help!!!

Thinking of MH/F rod, probably 6';  i'm 5'7 and there's lots of trees, etc on shore to get snagged on. 

Will switch to braided line.  Is 30# enough?  Too much? Many suggest 50# for fishing in lilies.  Any specific (brand) recommendations?

Biggest dilemma - what spinning reel??  Thinking of Pflueger President or President XT.  Worried the 30 size might be too small for the heavier line, but the 35 might be too big for the smallish rod.  Maybe a 35 in the XT, since it's lighter?  I like that the XT is "braid ready".  Should I go with the 6'6" rod to accommodate the bigger reel?  Will even the 35 be big enough??

Any and all advice appreciated.  I know so little, I'm sure there are other things I should be asking.  Or maybe I'm overthinking it... THANK YOU!!

 

[CroakHunter]

I wouldn't suggest fishing vegetation with anything less than 30lb, a 6'6 Or 7' mh fast action is as light as I would go. As for reels I'd looks for whichever has the best/most drag. Hope these tips help. Also comfort play somewhat of a role to me when picking out a new combo

[Attila]

If you can switch over to a baitcaster it'll make your life a lot easier. It might take a winter of practice to get used to it, but you'll be able to fish heavier cover a lot better with it.

 

That being said, the Quantum Throttle size 40 comes in with 13lbs of drag which will help get the fish up and out of the cover that you're fishing. I'd also suggest investing in a rod with a great parabolic bend. There's a thread on that pinned to this section I believe, so read up on it to see what I mean.  Late edit - here's the thread on parabolic bends.

 

In the circumstances you described above I went with a Quantum Smoke MH/F action rod and a Team KVD reel with 16lbs of drag loaded with 65lbs test braid. I've had no problems horsing big fish out of very heavy cover with this combo and feel that it'll get the job done for you. I usually use Daiwa products but found that the Quantum setup works just as efficiently for me when I'm frogging, pitching, or flipping the heavy cover I fish.

Cheers, hope that this helps.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Definitely a job better done by bait casting gear. I wouldn't even think of going under a 7' 2" H/F and 50lb braid. Especially in lily pads. They will wrap you up and break 30lb braid off easier then you might think.