Next Rod Decisions

[Shifty06]

So I am thinking of my next Rod an looking at 2 options right now, an will be open to other options as well. I think I have a decent idea of where this will go but I am asking anyway. I am looking for more of a multi purpose rod, or something that will cover more fishing techniques then just a dedicated purpose.  I have little experience in dedicated bass fishing.  Mostly pan/trout fished, but I am learning an building my inventory. I guess it would help to let you know what I have so you could better recommend what I need.

Current inventory:
7'-0" MH/F Casting 7.1:1 15#fluoro.
6'-9" M/M  Casting Cranking stick 5.4:1 Braid backing to 90yds. 8# Fluoro.
7'-0" M/MF Casting 5.4:1 (thinking of upgrading reel to 7.1:1 or similar an using for topwater/jerkbaits) Lesser quality rod

I have a slew of 6'-0" an under M to ML rods. Mostly in the 5'-6" region AVG. Dang Pan fish.

Next Rod:
7'-0" ML/F Spinning OR Maybe a 6'-6" M/F Spinning.  For finesse Setup Drop shot, smaller shakey heads, Ned rig, wacky rig, Smaller Neko Rig, Maybe throw a floating trick worm? (This might be better suited to the M/MF Baitcaster.)


7'-9" to 8'-0" heavy/XHeavy  (Punching, Flipping, Pitching.)
Seen 2 1 was 7'-9" rated 6 power. 15-30lb line, 3/4~2oz. lure, Weight of rod 3.5oz... Other rod was 8'-0" Musky MH (which would be a xtra heavy in a bass rod it seems) 15lb~40lb line rating 3/4~3oz. Lure. Weight of Rod 6.5oz. (Only reason mentioning is Rod is about $50 cheaper, which don't matter right now since I haven't made it to that bridge yet. Still deciding if that bridge is where I'm headed.

Anyway, I think the general consensus is going to be for the ML or the Med. Since it will be a more versatile rod. Remember MY GOAL is to cover as many techniques as possible with 1 Rod. Yes it won't be the best but will get the job done all year long, An I don't know what style I really like fishing, Judging by just my personality I will say I will like finesse/Slower fishing better, Since I will always be thinking in the back of my mind there was fish I could have caught out of the area but didn't give them the right presentation lol. Then again I may like to set the like on fire blazing all over it I honestly don't know yet.

Since my collection is smaller, I will always be able to add more Specific rods as time an money allows. Same with baits I am buying things that will pull double duty soft plastics.

I have gave about all the info I can think of an maybe too much in some areas IDK. Just wanting to make sure my train of thought is on track.

Thanks for your time!
Shifty!

[Heartland]

In my opinion, you already own one of the most versatile classes of rod and reel combo's available.  A 7' MH/F with a 7.1:1 reel will cover as many techniques as just about anything available.    If you would like the finesse equivalent of that combo, then I would say get yourself a 6'10"  - 7'2" ML / F spinning rod.  It will pull a lot of duty for you  as well.

[MN Fisher]

+1 on the ML Spinning rig...it really does have a lot of uses.

[LionHeart]

So you already own a few ML and Med spinning rods?  Why not just use one of them?  Serious question.

[Shifty06]

Mainly light to ultra light stuff an short. I do have upon looking a 6’-0” ML Idk what action tho cheap Diawa shock rod/reel combo. I bought a case of them for literally nothing about 4 years ago or so. An have Gave them out to people over the years. 

[LxVE Bassin]

I say get medium powered spinning rod over medium light 

[Glaucus]

I'd get the heavy casting setup since you already have light spinning stuff. While they might not be ideal lengths, they will still work.

[Shifty06]

Just went out to the garage to double check rods I had an literally found another case of these mystery rods. I’d say they are on the medium side of action curve. Says It’s a fiberglass rod 6’-0” ML rod with Stainless Steel guides. 

I guess my only concern would be with hook set on some of the non exposed hook riggings. Since it’s a softer action or would that matter at all? 

[NittyGrittyBoy]

@Shifty06, I think I boils down to your personal preference. 

 

For me, the way and area I fish, a 6'6 or 7' MH/F would be just about as all around as it gets. I could fish about any of my go to baits with that stick. 

 

I don't even own a Medium rod! But from your post it sounds like your really looking for a M/F rod. Go to to closet store and pick up several rods, regardless of brand and see what you think! 

 

BTW, I sure love some panfishing myself!

[Shifty06]

@NittyGrittyBoy Thanks I think my most versatile rod will be my MH that I already own, I guess i"m just looking for the next most versatile rod. An I believe that it will be a M or ML as there are more presentations to be offered VS the Heavy Rod. I am trying to stay away from more specific type stuff right now an get a feel for what I like style wise.

I guess my thought was yes a ML to M rod is very versatile but its only used every other trip or something like that, where the Heavy rod comes out every trip.

 

An as I sit an type this I don't think there is a straight answer this forum can provide. From what I have been learning it seems fishing is all based on personal preference an structures of fisheries. I guess its really not what I want to hear, I am use to absolute's at work an last hobby.

Thanks Again!
 

[ResoKP]

M spinning will be far more versatile than a ML spinning. You can still do most of what you'd want to do with a ML on a M but less so the other way around. But if you are still hesitant between the two, check out a Medium/Extra Fast if you get a chance. Something like a Daiwa Tatula 6'10" M/XF (TTU610MXS) you get that thin taper tip section for the finesser dropshot & ned but still have the backbone for shakey & wacky rigs.

 

For the heavy powered rod, if you don't think you'll be punching with more than a 1 oz tungsten, you can downsize the rod to a 7'3" - 7'6" Heavy and be plenty versatile. I use mine for pitching 1/2 oz jigs all the way to punching with 1 oz tungsten + heavy flipping hook + beavers/craws. It also doubles as a frog rod as well.

[Matt_3479]

i would probably sway towards a medium or medium light depending on the brand. Example would be a st.croix I think a medium light would be perfect. 6’10”-7’2” will cover 90% of the more finesse side. St. Croix naturally fished a touch heavier then rated. Other then that I would probably lean on the medium side of things. Allows you to throw jerks, small cranks, flukes, senko’s (nonexposed hooks), yet still double down for drop shop and shaky heads.  Would even make for a decent little topwater stick, smaller jitterbugs, poppers and such