I need advise on buying a new ROD!

[Josh Bassman]

I'm getting ready to buy a high end rod for shakyhead fishing, and I need advise on length.

I like using spot remover heads, and fish mostly rocky banks.

There are so many different lengths of rods... I thought I would ask for some opinions/help.

[bandsr4me20]

powell 7' med light or medium spinning rod

[SDoolittle]

6'10" med/XF

[webertime]

I just got a Lamiglas Excel 703 spinning rod and have fished it in one tournament and for 3 other outings. This is a really really impressive rod for the $$$.  Casts amazingly well and you can feel everything.  I know everyone says that... but you can tell when you hit Milfoil as opposed to Coontail.  You can feel the different textures...  Call me crazy if you want but I am super impressed with this rod.  ~$90 depending on the store and coupon/code you use. 

I have multiple $400+ Sage,Scott and Orvis fly rods and this rod is every bit as impressive as those.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I use two, one spinning and one casting, since you didn't specify, I'll list both.  My spinning rod is a 7'M Damiki Dark Angel, my casting is a 7'M Daiwa Zillion.  I want a rod I can hold tip up all day without fatigue but with plenty of backbone to bury the hook and I feel that both of these rods fill my needs.

[BigGame0892]

A 7ft medium rod is a good all around length for what you're looking to use it for.  Good distance casting and enough length for hooksets in deeper water or at long distances. 

I might consider a little bit shorter rod if you'll be skipping docks or in need of really accurate casts in other similar situations.  Maybe 6'8" to 6'10".  Depends on your experience and skill level I guess. 

[roadwarrior]

Spinning: St. Croix ES70MF/ Stella 2500FD/ #8 InvizX

Baitcasting: MBR842C/ Core 50MG7/ #12 AbrazX

My main brands are still Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Hybrid Ultra

Soft, but I am currently testing a few pure fluorocarbon

lines. Next up, #15 Seaguar Tatsu.

8-)

[jignfule]

Might want to wait and look at the new G. Loomis.

[dude loves to fish]

I like the Kistler 7' medium, very light and sensitive.

[BASSclary]

Get a custom Kistler Z-bone ! (:

[Skeet22]

I have a 7' M XF Kistler Carbon Steel I use for throwing wacky rigged finesse worms  with a 1/8 oz weighted  hook with a  casting reel that would be perfect for throwing a shaky heads. They are very light and sensitive and can be had for $109. I plan on buying a spinning model so I can have my wacky and shaky head rigged at all times.

[Josh Bassman]

Thanks for all the great input. Does rod length effect its sensitivity? Rod power why use an "M" instead of "M/H"?

[Nine Miler]

A lighter powered rod will help you to cast lighter weights and protect lighter lines better than a heavier powered rod.