Suggestions for Next Rod Upgrade

[FishOnPNW]

I have been a long time lurker on bass resource but I am torn on which direction to go. I started really getting into bass fishing the past 2 years and now I am wanting to start adding to my arsenal. Hoping to get some guidance on which rod I should get next. I am currently fishing spinning gear, and my main rod is the Shimano Expride 6'10" ML/F with a Stradic CI4+ 3000 reel. I use 15 lb braid to 6-8 lb fluoro and mainly throw drop shot, ned rig, finesse tubes <1/4 oz, shakey heads <1/4, weightless senkos and light jerkbaits (rapala original, x-rap, etc.). I understand the ML spinning rod is not ideal for tubes, shakey heads, wacky rigged senkos, jerkbaits and so on.

 

Mostly fish from the bank or docks, and the lakes here in WA are pretty clear.

 

What rod should I get next? I don't have any experience with topwater, poppers, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, jigs or frogs. I wish to learn these techniques in the future, but don't know if I should get something more specific to tubes, shakey head, senkos and jerkbaits first?

 

What would you do? The options I am considering are:

 

1. M/F spinning rod for shakey head, tubes, wacky rigged senkos, light jerkbaits

2. M/F casting rod for jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and light jigs

3. MH/F casting rod for bigger baits >1/2 oz?

 

Thanks!

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ 

 

 M/F spinning rod for shakey head, tubes, wacky rigged senkos, light jerkbaits - 

 Good choice especially if you're not familiar yet with casting gear and want to wait a bit before you try.

 

 M/F casting rod for jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and light jigs

 Another good choice - especially if you're familiar with casting gear or you want to try -btw start with 15 lb mono line

 

 MH/F casting rod for bigger baits >1/2 oz?

 Again another fine choice - with the exception of the jerkbaits - you can easily fish the same baits as on the M/F stick but with a little heavier line.  Texas rigged plastics on this one are a good choice from shore too.

Good Luck

A-Jay

 

[FishTank]

It sounds like you are trying to hit a lot of techniques with the next set up so I am going to suggest a kind of bullet proof casting set up that will do just about anything.  

 

There are several other options out there but if I had to start over and pick one that would end that starter frustration, I would go with.....  A St. Croix Avid 7'  MH Fast (or a M if you don't plan on using a bait over 5/8oz) and a Shimano Curado with a 6.X retrieve.  I found this setup to be a good go to if I just want to carry one rod and reel to do some bank fishing or hike and fish.  I have thrown topwater, jerkbaits, jigs, T-Rigged soft plastic, some medium size crankbaits, and 3/8-1/2oz spinnerbaits.  I have caught fish with all of these techniques but I think a Moderate rod, in my case, would be best for crankbaits and a M or ML spinning set up for spinnerbaits.  

 

One thing with this rod, it is sort of stiff but this does translate into some good hook sets.  

[bayvalle]

Based on what you are using now it doesn't appear that you need a Heavy rod. IMHO, on that basis the M/F. casting rod will move you into the next phase nicely. The baitcaster gives you different options than your spinning reel plus you may find it more versatile over time. Also you can always tie on a light leader for fishing finesse baits. The medium power rod checks off a lot of techniques unless you need to throw heavy bait or pull fish from dense cover. At lot of guys are now finding that fighting fish on a lighter pole adds to the experience of fishing. There are really no wrong choices. Tightlines.

[FishOnPNW]

Thanks for your inputs, I really appreciate it. Honestly, I'm really wanting to make the jump into a casting reel/rod setup. Whether it be M or MH with a fast or moderate fast action, not entirely sure yet, but I do see the benefits mentioned in overall versatility.

 

I've been looking hard at the Shimano Curado K.. hmm..

[new2BC4bass]

Take a look at the 7' MF Villain 2.0 rod.  Read Tackletour's reviews on this new line.  Sensitivity is said to be excellent.  They do fish a bit heavy....so I've been told.  I will know more about that this coming year as I bought a ML and MH (although I wanted the Medium).  I know the original Villains fish heavy.