What am I missing? Decision made..

[Red]

I have recently acquired another baitcasting reel, so I figure I need a new rod! I am not looking for a brand recommendation here, but a size recommendation. First let me tell you what I have, everything is baitcasting.

6'6" HVY-jigs, t-rigs

6'9" MED HVY-t-rigs, senkos, flukes

6'3" MED HVY-spinnerbaits, small swimbaits, topwater, jerkbaits

7'0" HVY Crankin stick-Cranks, lipless cranks, jerkbaits

I fish mostly heavy timber but have been recently moving into deeper water outside the treelines. I was thinking about a MED rod to use with the senko and flukes and dedicate the other one to t-rigs. Not sure if a MED will get the job done if I get into a decent fish in the heavy cover. I have also considered a proper flippin stick, but honestly I have no problems getting big bass out of the timber with my 6'6" HVY. Maybe just another MED HVY all purpose rod would be the right choice. Two things that I never use, but probably should are c-rigs and drop shot, possibly something for these techniques? So what would you recommend?

Thanks!

Cliff

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I've been very happy using a 7'6" "flippin stick" for larger t-rigs and jigs.  Good for pitching, flippin, casting, etc etc.  I think you've got that covered though with a few of your other rods.  You may want to consider something in the medium power for lighter weight lures.  Senkos, smaller t-rigs, small cranks, spinnerbaits, and such.  Not all med powered rods are created equal though.  I like mine a little stiffer than some.  You can get a really whippy medium, or a pretty stout medium.  Just search around for something you like.  I won't toss out any specific rods or brands for you.  What I like may be vastly different than what you like.

[K_Mac]

I have a 7' MXF that is my favorite rod for light plastics and jigs to 3/8 oz. I think a 6'6"-7' Med X-fast would fit in well with your current mix. Just my $.02

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Forgot to add, my 7MXF has become one of my favorite light rods.  It's got goofy sensitivity and enough backbone to pull in larger fish.

[SDoolittle]

I would get something like a 7'6" HVY/Fast to use as a  flipping stick/Carolina rig.

[Jake.]

A medium power, moderate action rod to throw light to medium weight treble hook lures.

[BigGame0892]

I would get something like a 7'6" HVY/Fast to use as a flipping stick/Carolina rig.

I agree.  Looks like you're missing something in that 7 to 7'6" range for a Carolina Rig or for heavier flipping/pitching.  MH or Heavy depending on the brand and the cover you're working. 

[roadwarrior]

I think you would be VERY pleasantly surprised

with the versatility a Medium Power rod offers.

Specifically, the St. Croix Avid AVC68MXF or G.

Loomis GLX MBR842C (my favorite rod).

8-)

[Red]

Maybe I will go for a medium RW, however those two you mentioned are a bit out of my price range.  My only concern is if I hook into a large bass with the medium will it have the power to keep her from running me into some very heavy timber? Currently I am looking at the Vendetta, Lamiglas Excel, or Airrus Co-matrix.  I won't be buying anything too soon though, I have to wait for profit sharing check from work!! 

[Nine Miler]

In the price range you are looking, don't count out the Shimano Compre line.

CPCC70MB 7' Medium Power, Fast Action, 8-17#, 1/4-3/4 oz.

I have this rod in the Moderate Fast action, not the Fast action, and I find it to be excellent. Vibrations are transmitted surprisingly well, much, much better than I expected from a $110 rod.

edit: it's okay to put a Revo on it, just don't tell anyone.

[Red]

Went to Academy tonight to grab some Rage Craws and I checked out the rods while I was there.  Besides the Allstars they had some Carrot Stix and the Skeet Tessera rods.  I looked at the Skeet jig/worm rod and the HVY Carrot.  I liked them both however the Skeet rod felt a bit heavy to me.  Then again it is a much larger rod than I am used to.  There is so many choices from many good name brands it is kinda hard to choose, especially when you don't have a place to go and handle all of them.  Decisions decisions!!!

[IneedAnewScreenName-09854]

Decisions decisions!!!

[flechero]

My only concern is if I hook into a large bass with the medium will it have the power to keep her from running me into some very heavy timber?

That has more to do with your line and drag setting than the rod.  Even a med rod has good backbone in the butt section... just point the rod towards the fish a little more than normal and use the heavy part to apply pressure. 

I see what you are asking and the MXF will allow you more leverage in that case.

[David P]

7'6 flipping stick. You fish heavy timber and stuff, and you don't know what you're missing out on until you start flipping the heaviest stuff out there.

[Red]

Well I decided what I am going to get.  I will get the Lamiglas Excel XL7116C, 7'11" Flippin and pitchin rod.  I figured as much flippin and pitchin I do I should have a proper flippin stick.  Hopefully it will work out good, the rod is as long as my boat!!  It will take a bit of getting used to I am sure.  Thanks for everyones help, I will report back and let you know how I like it.!!

Thanks again

Cliff