Need Some Rod Advice

[Bronzeback117]

Back again for some advice on equipment. I currently have a 6' M power, spinning, Ugly Stick. I fish mostly with plastics, some crank baits, and the occasional spinner. I guess I need something that can do it all. How do you decide what length, action, power, brand? I have been fishing for a long time, but now I am just getting more serious. Any help would be appreciated.

[Jake.]

A good versitile rod would be a 6' 6" Medium power Fast action. Now as far as what brand, how much are you willing to spend?

[Bronzeback117]

I dunno, lets say $180. Fishing season around here is a ways away, so I can save.

[Jake.]

For that price it's a no brainer IMO:

http://www.stcroixrods.com/rods/default2.asp?rodname=7&section=spin

(Asuming you want a spinning rod)

AVS66MF: $170

[Bronzeback117]

hmmm, thats what I kind of got an idea from reading other posts. I know I said 180 but is there any other quality rods for a cheaper price?

[Jake.]

I personally have never fished one, but I have heard nothing but good things about these rods:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74448?cm_mmc=froogle-_-100-2-2-_--1-_-38-152-752-00&hvarAID=46KY&mr:trackingCode=EF65D5FB-3EB6-DC11-BE2A-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA

For $130 they sure do look like a sweet rod for the money.

Or for $100 you could get one of these:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_51845_100002002_100000000_100002000_100-2-2

I have fished a Team All Star, and I was really impressed with it, especially the fairly cheap price for the quality you are getting.

[Micro]

Fenwick HMG 7' medium heavy rated for 8-20 lb line and 1/4-1 oz baits. You won't find a rod a whole lot more sensitive than an HMG. Awesome rods. MSRP is $129 but I've found them at a local tackle store for $109.

Team All Star IM10 or All Star American Classic in 6'6" medium/fast. The Team All Star will run about $100 and the American Classic about $90. These are fantastic rods, very sensitive and brute tough.

[Chad.]

Dobyns champion 703 http://www.***.com/descpageDCASTROD-DCCR.html#

[Branuss04]

I would go with a 7' MH with whatever rod you choose.  My first was a BPS Extreme 7' MH.  I had no complaints, It did what I wanted it to.

[Bronzeback117]

What are the advantages of going 6'6" to 7' and M to MH?

[Tokyo Tony]

Well you'll notice a big difference going from 6'6" to 7' in casting ability - you'll be able to cast farther more easily with the longer rod, and you'll be able to set the hook better when your bait's way out there.

M to MH, others can answer better, but the stronger rod has more power.  You'll be able to horse a bass out of the cover and not feel like the rod's gonna snap, and you can use heavier line.