Which is better for an all-around finesse rod, medium or medium-light?

[JFlynn97]

Something that I could throw mostly things like senkos, shaky heads, light texas rigs, some ned and neko rigs, etc. Any suggestions on length too?

 

Thanks!

[bassguytom]

I’m partial to ML rods for light finesse stuff like senkos, neko rigs, Ned rigs and light weigh & weightless t-rigs. My rods are 6”8 to 7 feet for both large and smallmouth. I use medium rods in the same length when fishing shakey heads and tubes. If you can only get 1 rod I would get the ML for light finesse. Make sure to check the action of the rod also. If you get a ML extra fast action you could use it for all of the above. Good luck and have fun!

[Log Catcher]

I am currently using 6'6" spinning rods. I use a medium action for shaky heads, Ned rigs and drop shots. I use a medium heavy for senkos and light weight Texas rigs. I like a rod to have a lot more backbone than a medium light for these.

[LCG]

Ml is good for open water drop shot, Ned, neko. 

 

M is good for light cover Shakey head, senko, light Texas rig. 

 

Have both, mainly use 6'8" m-xf st Croix mojo for all the techniques mentioned above. Works very well. 

[JFlynn97]

thanks guys, maybe i'll look into a medium over a medium-light

[WRB]

Very hard to determine how each different rod maker rates rod power, no standard exists! Action is a little more consistant like fast and you want a fast action rod with bottom contact lures. The recommended lure weight range is helpful and based on your lure use I would say 3/8 oz is you mid range so 1/8 to 1/2 oz or 3/16 to 5/8 oz rated rods should work for you.

Tom

[BobP]

I like a medium power fast action tip rod for most of those presentations. A Shimano Crucial Med power 6’8” dropshot rod does it for me.  It has a fast but very soft sensitive tip and enough backbone to play large bass.

[JFlynn97]

If it helps, the rod will be a dobyns sierra. Just not sure if I should get the 6'9" med-light or medium

 

Thanks for all the tips guys!

@WRB @BobP @LCG 

[Team9nine]

While I'm partial to MLs for a lot of finesse stuff, given the baits you mentioned, I'd definitely lean toward the M in your case. Sounds a bit more appropriate. 

[WRB]

1 hour ago, JFlynn97 said:

If it helps, the rod will be a dobyns sierra. Just not sure if I should get the 6'9" med-light or medium

 

Thanks for all the tips guys!

@WRB @BobP @LCG 

If you fish 5" & 6" Senko's and 1/4 oz shaky heads with 6"-7" worms then the 3 power is a good choice, mostly drop shot and 1/8 oz darts or Ned's then the 2 power maybe slightly better. I prefer going up in power when undecided, each to his own likes.

Tom 

[The Fisher]

If it’s a Dobyns I’d go Med. The ML is real whippy and their rods IMO are over rated so a Med is like a ML elsewhere 

[je1946]

I just purchased a Dobyns Champion Extreme HP 702 ML fast, when the rod arrived I thought it was too whippy and didn't think I'd like it.  I couldn't have been more wrong.  I paired it with a Shimano Stradic 2500 filled with 10 lb braid and a 6ft 6lb Seagar Invizx leader, my first use of it was with Neko rig, 1/16th oz head and small TRD, sensitivity was all I could hope for, hooked up with a 4lb smallie and it was game on.  It is now my favorite finesse rod.

[bigfruits]

light dropshot and light ned rigs are the only baits i would use medium light for when largemouth bass fishing. great fun when a fish is on! 

[Mobasser]

I use a Fenwick HMG medium for most light line fishing.

[ww2farmer]

On 9/23/2018 at 2:44 PM, The Fisher said:

If it’s a Dobyns I’d go Med. The ML is real whippy and their rods IMO are over rated so a Med is like a ML elsewhere 

This ^^^^ Being a recent owner/user of a Dobyns rods myself (Fury line) I have found to bump UP one power from the St Croix, Abu, Daiwa, and Fenwick rods I am used to.

 

I own a 735C, and have been using borrowed to try out a 704C, 703S, and 702S. The 702S is a very limber in the tip rod....perfect for small ned rigs,  open water, exposed hook drop shotting, small flick shake worms etc...with 6lb + 8lb line. I wouldn't want to use that rod for anything else. The 703S gets the nod for me for the things you mentioned, and it's not too power full that you have to worry about breaking 6 and 8lb line, or bending light wire hooks. I am going to buy all the models I am trying, but I am glad I had the luxury of trying them first instead of going in blind based on MFG. ratings