what's up. i started getting more serious about fishing last year and had some fun but i am still learning. i started out with a cheap ugly stick combo. right now i still have the ugly stick but upgraded the reel to an abu garcia ambassadeur spinning reel.
i'm still learning how to use different baits but i've been using a lot of plastic worms/lizards (mainly because i can't afford to keep losing crankbaits or spinners every time i fish).
i have a gift certificate to gander mountain and i want to purchase a new rod. i would like to stick with the spinning reel for now unless anyone thinks that i could do much better. budget is around $200 for the rod (unless someone can think of a better combo setup for around 200). I will probably fish mainly plastic baits but would like to throw the occasional crank or spinner bait. i fish from the bank for smallmouths in a small river, but will try to get to some larger lakes for largemouth this summer.
so basically i'm looking for an all around rod for around $200. through a few articles on this site, i've been thinking about a st. croix med/fast about 6.5 foot. also, i would prefer a 2 piece for travel reasons unless a one piece is really better.
thanks for the help. peace.