Rod recommendation

[Chino_kc]

Hi everyone,

I am in the market for a rod and there are so many rods that I am absolutely mystified by it. I'm 5'8 and I'm not sure how long a rod I should be getting.

I recently got more serious into fishing and purchased a new reel and now I am looking for a good rod to match it.

The rod I have now is a Daiwa Triforce MH fast action rod (This was my first rod, it isn't very nice, I had a Shakespear reel on it.).

The spinning reel I recently purchased was a Team Daiwa Pro 3000 6bi that was on sale at Bass Pro, and I am looking for a rod to match it. The 6bi on the Daiwa Triforce, I couldn't cast a 3/8oz lure with 10lb lines more than 10-12yards.

I had my eyes on a few rod:

Abu Vendetta, Veritas

St. Croix Mojo Bass

Bass Pro Johnny Morris Signature series

Shimano Crucial

I'm all for recommendations, I'm not trying to break bank on it, but I know I'm not going to cheap out on it.

Thanks everyone for looking

[deep]

I'll not make any recommendation on power, action, brands, etc; but allow me to chime in on the rod length.

I'm 5'8" (as well), and I have absolutely no problems wielding a 7'8" rod, my cranking stick.

However, I do have 5'6" and 6' rods too, which are for close quarters shallow water hard cover situations, where even a slightly inaccurate cast will probably mean a lost lure. These rods haven't seen much action though once summer kicked in, and may not be fished with again before next spring.

EDIT: There's something seriously wrong if you can't throw a 3/8 oz lure, even if it's a buzzbait, more than 10 yards. Also, figure out what you want to fish, i.e. which lures, with your new rod, and choose the power, action, length accordingly. Choose a well-known brand and store-fish with your new rod/reel if you can.

It might be more helpful if you let us know what lures you plan to fish with your new set-up.

[SirSnookalot]

I agree with deep, plenty of nice rods in all price ranges.  If you a relative newcomer to fishing imo you just need to practice and get comfortable, the rod length should match the fishing conditions as well the style being implemented.  I'm 5'5 and I toss 7'6 and 8' rods the majority of the time, I go shorter when it's very windy, gives me a bit more control.

[FishinTN]

Add the Lamiglass Excel to your list. It's on sale at TW right now for $79.00 Darn nice rod all the way around, even at the regular $110.00 mark.

[BASSclary]

The crucial IMO doesn't belong in that category, judging by the price points of the other rods I think you may be confusing it with the Compre.

But if you meant that rod to be there I have a Crucial and I couldn't be happier with it

The Crucial is far superior to the other rods you listed  8-)

[Hammer 4]

The crucial IMO doesn't belong in that category, judging by the price points of the other rods I think you may be confusing it with the Compre.

But if you meant that rod to be there I have a Crucial and I couldn't be happier with it

I agree, plus the Crucial is much better than those listed.. 8-)

[Ima Bass Ninja]

You seem to have a pattern with the Daiwa stuff..why not look at some higher end Daiwa rods?? I personally have 3 Daiwa rods(not expensive ones) and i love 'em..

[oteymc]

As far as the length of the rod goes - I'm 5' 8" and I understand what you are saying, but it is more about the length of the handle than the overall length of the rod. I have several 7' rods, but they have the medium length handles. With the really long handles, it feels like I am holding them out on the end of my arm all the time to keep them off my belly.

On the other hand I know some short armed guys like the long handles when using them for jigs and plastics, and they hook the handle up under their arm.

I will agree with a previous statement, and figure out what you will use it for and then buy accordingly. There are a couple of good posts on the best of that will help you fit the type of rod to the technique.

[Chino_kc]

Thank you very much everyone for your input. It is much appreciated. I am thinking about the crucial. Is there a good all around rod. I will be using jigs, worms, crank baits, spinners, topwater. Haha I use mostly senkos and topwater right now. I haven't really got into crankbaits as of now, and don't really have much experience with spinners. I will occasionally cast out the jig&pig.

I know there really isn't a all around rod for all those different types of fishing, I am just starting out bassing, so I am looking for a rod that would be good for a beginner but nice as well.

Thanks for the tips on the handle, I will pay more attention to it as well. I was thinking about a 7 foot, fast action MH rod. I don't know if that would be a good start.

[Bass_Fanatic]

I think a 7ft. MHF is the most versitale rod around.  IMO, I would buy a 7ft. MHF Crucial.  You can throw t-Rigs, Jigs, Spinnerbaits, Topwater, ect. on that!