BassGuyJoe

I have been fishing for some time now, mostly surf fishing and some occasional bass fishing. But the past year I have been getting more and more into bass fishing and it has quickly become my favorite hobby. I am in the North East and really only fish on the bank of small lakes, reservoirs, or ponds. Recently I've been looking for the best "all around"/"go to" rod. A casting rod that can be used to fish multiple different baits when I don't feel like carrying multiple rods around. Please give your best recommendations for a good all around casting rod!

I am very interested in buying a new Shimano Antares DC but it has been hard to spend the coin because no one I know fishes with JDM tackle, let alone an Antares DC. Would just like to hear some peoples opinions on this reel. How do you like it? Would you buy it again or recommend it? Anything you wish you knew before buying it that you learned once you owned it?