Ketafol

Thanks for the input so far. Any more advice? Does it make sense to add a heavy power rod to my arsenal? Or would I be better off getting a second MH setup?

Hey guys, help me upgrade/add to my arsenal! This will be the first time I've really put much thought into a rod/reel, and the first time I've not just walked into the store and bought whatever combo seemed decent quality. I currently have: Lew's American Hero casting combo MH 6.4:1 Abu Blue Max spinning combo Med I fish mostly from the bank, mostly in ponds in Alabama and Texas, often in and around thick slop. I am most confident throwing T-rigged craws, lizards, worms. I'll also throw a buzzbait pretty regularly. I've thrown a frog and spinnerbaits a few times. In fact, I had what would have been by PB fish (5-6 pounds) on a frog, but lost her 5 feet from the boat. I would like to keep working on my spinnerbaits and start throwing a chatterbait. I really also want to learn to fish jigs and to become a more effective frog guy too. I haven't really thrown a crankbait, and have a hard time throwing anything with treble hooks in the typically cover that I currently fish. So, I guess my question is, which rod setup would you add next? I'm not sure whether to just upgrade my "all-around" MH-F setup, or to add something that's a little more technique specific--either heavier or lighter in the backbone. I guess in other words, do you think I gain more versatility by going to a Heavy casting rod or down to Medium? I'm looking at roughly $180 budget for rod and reel...thinking a *** and probably a Tatula reel. Thanks for the help!!