Looking for a new rod

[I/MBasser]

So I’m new to fishing this year and love it.  Originally bought a 6’6” Pflueger Trion with 8# mono and usually fish anything 1/4oz or less on it.   Then bought a 7’ Fox River MHF with 12# fluoro with a Diawa baitcaster and use that for anything heavier. 

 

I’ve read countless threads on appropriate rods which have only caused more confusion     I’ve decided I’m not at the point where I’m going to buy a rod for every application but more interested in buying another rod with braided line for heavier cover.  This may be a backwards approach but I just don’t have the experience to know what rod to use for jigs versus crankbaits.   Therefore, I’m looking for an all around rod that can work.   Jack of all trades, master of none.   I really like Fox River rods as it’s local and need some advice on length, power and action.  

 

I always fish from shore in local ponds or lakes.  I’ve found I really like soft plastics, jigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft swimbaits and buzzbaits.  

 

Maybe braided line doesn’t have an impact on rod choice?   Not sure.  Regardless, what length, power and action would you recommend as an all purpose rod?    Thanks!

[WRB]

What is your price point? Now is a good time to buy a rod with all the sales availble.

Tom

[Yudo1]

To keep it simple, you could get 2 rods: a mh/f for jigs/plastics and a mh/moderate-fast for all of your reaction baits. As far as length, if you want longer casts from shore then go longer (7'+) If you are around trees then go shorter (6'6"). I like braid with leaders but to simplify things 12lb mono or copoly works.

[MickD]

Fishing from shore would lead me to a 7' 3" to 7' 6" length to maximize casting distance.  Action would be medium fast to fast, not Xfast since you'll want to use it for cranks, which usually calls for moderate action. Power would be matched to the weight of the lures.  For example, if I were planning to cast lures to 5/8, I would buy a rod with about that for the high end of its lure recommended weight.  It will then cast from about 1/4 to 3/4 fairly well.

 

This recommendation is predicated on having single rod that will do most things well, as you stated in your question.

[I/MBasser]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

What is your price point? Now is a good time to buy a rod with all the sales availble.

Tom

Don’t have one.   Don’t mind spending good money on something I’ll use for the next 30 years.  

[I/MBasser]

1 hour ago, Yudo1 said:

To keep it simple, you could get 2 rods: a mh/f for jigs/plastics and a mh/moderate-fast for all of your reaction baits. As far as length, if you want longer casts from shore then go longer (7'+) If you are around trees then go shorter (6'6"). I like braid with leaders but to simplify things 12lb mono or copoly works.

Thanks for info, but that's what I'm trying to avoid.  I'm not experienced enough to know when to use a specific rod for certain baits.  I just want a 'jack of all trades' with braid to complement my 'jack of all trades' with fluoro (MHF).  We get some pretty heavy cover in summer and braid would be helpful.  Maybe I just need another MHF rod?  Appreciate the info though.

1 hour ago, MickD said:

Fishing from shore would lead me to a 7' 3" to 7' 6" length to maximize casting distance.  Action would be medium fast to fast, not Xfast since you'll want to use it for cranks, which usually calls for moderate action. Power would be matched to the weight of the lures.  For example, if I were planning to cast lures to 5/8, I would buy a rod with about that for the high end of its lure recommended weight.  It will then cast from about 1/4 to 3/4 fairly well.

 

This recommendation is predicated on having single rod that will do most things well, as you stated in your question.

My current rod is MH and says 1/4 to 1 oz.  I never throw anything heavier, even with trailers.  Combine that with MF to F, just like my current rod.  Sounds like maybe I need to get the same setup... just add braid?

[WRB]

OK, took a look at Fox River rods and your MH casting rod to get an idea of what you like and price range. 

My advance is look at both Dobyns and St. Crox rods, they off a wide range of bass casting rods that will meet your needs. In the Dobyns line 734 is considered all round length and power, several models i.e.; SA 734C in standard or split grip and standard guide train or micro guides, very good customer and service and warranty.

Question, have tried braid on the rod you currently use?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom

 

[I/MBasser]

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

OK, took a look at Fox River rods and your MH casting rod to get an idea of what you like and price range. 

My advance is look at both Dobyns and St. Crox rods, they off a wide range of bass casting rods that will meet your needs. In the Dobyns line 734 is considered all round length and power, several models i.e.; SA 734C in standard or split grip and standard guide train or micro guides, very good customer and service and warranty.

Question, have tried braid on the rod you currently use?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom

 

Bought the Fox River rod on the recommendation of a local shop.  I knew next to nothing prior to purchase.  Very happy with it but haven’t tried any other to really know if it’s good.  Fox River is local and I love supporting local, small businesses.  I have not tried braid on it as it still has the original spool of fluoro that we put on it at the time of purchase. I’ll check out the ones you recommended.   You think MHF would be sufficient for what I like to fish?   Thanks for time and input.   Happy Thanksgiving to everyone as well!

[MickD]

Most who use braid on a baitcaster find that 50 pound braid is about right for best casting performance.  The biggest difference between braid and mono is that braid has no stretch, so it makes the system much stiffer, much more sensitive.  You may find it too stiff for cranks.  Since I have individual setups for most techniques, I have mono on my crank rods.  I like braid for all other techniques.  One way to soften it up a little is to use mono or floro leaders, just shorter than the length of the rod.  Then you have a leader to line knot to consider, and with 50 braid and a 20 or so leader, a double uni will most likely not go through the micro guides well, if you have a rod with micros.  Your normal terminal knots may not work well for braids, too, but there are knots that work.