MM VS MF rod

[Randy817]

Hey guys I’m looking to get a new rod for treble hooked top waters, light cranking (shallow to medium depth) and maybe some spinnerbaits/chatterbaits. From what I understand I should look at a medium rod. But I’m wondering if I should go with medium moderate action or medium fast. Also open to other suggestions. Thanks in advance. 

[JLBBass]

If wanting just one rod for both the baits you'll be throwing, I would say definately not a medium power/moderate action rod. It will not make a good spinnerbait/chatterbait rod at all. Waaaaay to whimpy. I'd recommend a medium heavy power/moderate action. Better yet, get 2 different rods. For cranks, a medium heavy power/moderate action, and for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits, either a medium power/fast action, or a medium heavy power/fast action. I personally have never seen a medium power/moderate action rod I like for ANY type of bass fishing. I find them much too moderate, with too little power for any type of bait. And this is coming from a guy who uses lighter than normal line test, and smaller than normal lures. I crank fish with either 6#( for light balsa cranks like the Rapala Shad Raps) , or 8 or 10lb copolymer for a little heavier cranks.

My crankbaits rods over the years, have consisted of Dobyns Champions, Dobyns Furys, St Croix Avid Crankbait rods, and BPS Crankin Sticks. In ALL of those models, the "MM" was too whimpy, and I used the MHM in those models, for throwing anything from lighter shallow runners, to cranks as deep as around 12ft.

[Randy817]

6 minutes ago, JLBBass said:

If wanting just one rod for both the baits you'll be throwing, I would say definately not a medium power/moderate action rod. It will not make a good spinnerbait/chatterbait rod at all. Waaaaay to whimpy. I'd recommend a medium heavy power/moderate action. Better yet, get 2 different rods. For cranks, a medium heavy power/moderate action, and for spinnerbaits/chatterbaits, either a medium power/fast action, or a medium heavy power/fast action. I personally have never seen a medium power/moderate action rod I like for ANY type of bass fishing. I find them much too moderate, with too little power for any type of bait.

My crankbaits rods over the years, have consisted of Dobyns Champions, Dobyns Furys, St Croix Avid Crankbait rods, and BPS Crankin Sticks. In ALL of those models, the "MM" was too whimpy, and I used the MHM in those models, for throwing anything from lighter shallow runners, to cranks as deep as around 12ft.

Thank you for all the info! MH moderate was another action I was looking at as well but somehow slipped my mind when I made the post. 

[MickD]

Best is to pick the power, as in light, medium light, medium, medium heavy, and heavy based on the weights of the lures you will be casting.  Lure weights are listed in the descriptions of all rods and blanks.  The action as in slow, moderate, moderate fast, fast, and extra fast is more open to personal preference, but many anglers using trebles and fishing surface like moderate or close.  It seems to be more forgiving , fewer hooks tearing out, and many think it easier to cast than faster actions.  Many prefer faster actions for spinnerbaits.  I use both fast and moderate actions for chatters, whatever is handy.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

My concern with top water and jerk-baits is imparting the desired action. My preference is a fast action but soft tip. They are not mutually exclusive. A moderate action can work if it’s not too soft. I want bites first, then worry about landing them. 

[A-Jay]

If you're set on doing all that with one stick, I'd go MH  - the fast or moderate is up to you.

If you've not fished a Moderate - make sure you know what you're getting beforehand.

There's a love / hate deal with in the basshead community with them.

I actually prefer the MH Moderate stick for most all cranking, light cover spinnerbaits & vibrating jigs.

However, my preference for topwater is a fast stick - every time.

So in my world, this is at least a two stick deal.

If you're set on doing it with one, I'd go with the MH Fast.

Some of this is line dependant too.

Braid vs Nylon; no stretch vs quite a bit more stretch.  

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

 

[Brad Reid]

Sure, MH would likely be the preferred stick for most. And pairing the MH power with a Moderate action would net you a bit more casting distance. maybe cast a bit lighter lure, too. Moderate will give you a bit more flex as you set the hook, and actually give you more power, not less, over a fish compared to a fast tip since its lifting point is closer to one's hands. A shorter lever.

 

Brad